UNICAMERAL UPDATE Stories published daily at Update.Legislature.ne.gov Vol. 37, Issue 3 / Jan. 21 - 24, 2014 Safety requirement for Online voter novelty lighters advances registration igarette light- ers sold in Ne- proposed Cbraska that re- ebraskans could register to semble children’s toys vote online under a bill heard would require a safety Nby the Government, Military feature under a measure and Veterans Affairs Committee dur- advanced by senators ing a hearing Jan. 23. Jan. 23. Under LB661, introduced by LB403, as intro- Omaha Sen. Bob Krist, individuals duced by Hastings Sen. with a valid driver’s license or state Les Seiler, would have identification card could complete banned the sale of nov- voter registration through a secure elty lighters in Nebras- secretary of state website. The state ka. Violation of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) proposed law would be a would provide the applicant’s signa- Class IV misdemeanor, ture from their records to complete punishable by a fine up the online voter registration. to $500. Krist said the new process would Adopted 31-3 on the provide more convenience to voters. third day of debate, an “The technical side of this has amendment brought by finally caught up to the forward think- Ogallala Sen. Ken Schilz ing,” he said. “This will do nothing changed the bill to out- Sen. Les Seiler explains the dangers of novelty lighters during but increase the number of people floor debate on LB403. law only lighters sold who want to participate in the demo- without a child-proof safety feature. The law would not apply to lighters: cratic process.” The amendment “keeps in mind the • manufactured prior to Jan. 1, LB661 also would require the de- safety of children,” he said, “and keeps 1980; velopment of a paperless registration the option to sell these items where • incapable of being fueled or system, which would allow the DMV appropriate.” lacking a device necessary to to electronically transmit completed The bill defines a novelty lighter as produce combustion or flame; registrations to the proper county elec- a mechanical or electrical device typi- and tion officials. Further, the bill would au- cally used for lighting cigarettes, cigars • that are disposable and printed thorize the DMV to provide applicants’ or pipes and designed to resemble a or decorated with a logo, label, social security numbers to the secretary cartoon character, toy, gun, watch, decal, artwork or heat shrink- of state for voter registration purposes. musical instrument, vehicle, animal, able sleeve. Jack Gould, issues chairman for food or beverage container or a simi- Novelty lighters being transported Common Cause Nebraska, testified lar item that plays musical notes, has through Nebraska or stored in nonre- in support of the bill. He said the flashing lights or has more than one tail facilities in the state also would be technology is finally in line with the button or function. exempt from the ban. desire for online voter registration. (continued page 2) (continued page 3)
INSIDE: Ag machinery tax exemption advances • New bills • Committee hearing schedule January 21 - 24, 2014
Safety requirement for novelty lighters advances (continued from front page) A Judiciary Committee amend- chants who sell the lighters. Passing dangerous things children are drawn ment, adopted 35-0, added refillable LB403 “would create another reason to, such as swimming pools. A ban on standard lighters to the proposed list that makes Nebraska retail struggle,” novelty lighters is no different from a of exempted devices. he said. law requiring pools to be surrounded Seiler said the bill would protect Lincoln Sen. Colby Coash, who by fences, he said. children from injury who might mis- opposed the bill, introduced an Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers take a novelty lighter for a toy. The amendment that would have delayed agreed. senator recounted his inspection of a the bill’s enactment date until Jan. 1, “Children need protection of soci- tractor-shaped lighter that likely would 2015. Coash said he was concerned ety,” he said. send flames “right in the chest” of a that a ban on novelty lighters would Senators advanced the amended child who played with it. burden retailers with products they bill to select file on a 33-5 vote. g Malcolm Sen. Ken Haar supported could no longer sell. the bill, saying children have no way Moving the operative of telling the difference between a date of the law would toy and a dangerous item such as a give them a chance to novelty lighter. exhaust their supply, “Common sense tells us that light- he added. ers that look like toys will cause harm,” The amendment he said. “They’re dangerous and not failed on a 17-29 vote. necessary.” Bancroft Sen. Lyd- Papillion Sen. Bill Kintner opposed ia Brasch brought an LB403, saying the responsibility of amendment that would protecting children should be left to have prevented the sale parents. He brought several technical of novelty lighters to amendments that either failed or were those younger than 18. withdrawn. Her amendment failed “At what point do we stop regulat- 10-25. ing parents?” Kintner asked. Calling them “at- Hoskins Sen. Dave Bloomfield said tractive nuisances,” he opposed the bill because of the Seiler compared toy- Sen. Lydia Brasch brought an amendment to prevent sales of negative effects it could have on mer- shaped lighters to other novelty lighters to minors. The amendment was not adopted.
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PAGE 2 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 103RD LEGISLATURE January 21 - 24, 2014 Online voter registration proposed (continued from front page) “Online registration will not only conducted by mail. awareness of certain election issues improve access, but also efficiency and Adam Morfeld, executive direc- and candidates.” accountability,” Gould said. “This is tor of Nebraskans for Civic Reform, No one testified in opposition to the hour to get this done.” supported the bill, saying it would the bills and the committee took no Sarpy County Election Commis- “increase turnout, accessibility and immediate action on them. g sioner Wayne Bena also supported the bill, saying it would make the registra- tion process more cost-efficient. “I’m supportive of ideas that will streamline the process and give access to the voters of Nebraska,” he said. The committee also heard testi- mony on LB663, introduced by Krist, which would expand the number of counties that may request mail-in elections. Currently, counties with a popula- tion of less than 10,000 may apply to have certain precincts eliminate polling sites and conduct elections by mail. The bill would allow any county to apply for mail-in elections for cer- tain precincts. The bill also would allow all special elections, including recall elections and elections to fill vacancies, to be Sen. Bob Krist explains the benefits of online voter registration. Search for Bills Learn more about bills considered by the Unicameral by logging on to www.NebraskaLegislature.gov.
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103RD LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 3 January 21 - 24, 2014
future costs to the school district — requirement if public access to the en- would be publicly posted at least five tire contract is prominently displayed. days before being considered for ap- After approval of a contract, the bill proval by a school board. would require the school board to file Scheer said public notice would a copy of the contract and any amend- County ag societies could levy bring needed transparency to the ments with the state Department of for equipment forefront. Education by Aug. 1. If a school board County agricultural societies would “[The bill] is a benefit for not only fails to meet this requirement, all state see increased levy authority under a school districts but also superinten- aid granted under the Tax Equity and bill advanced from general file Jan. 23. dents,” he said. “It gives you a simple Educational Opportunities Support Introduced by O’Neill Sen. Ty- way to find out what other districts Act would be withheld until the school son Larson, LB597 are paying their superintendents. It board is compliant. would expand the just makes sense.” Additionally, the county treasurer use of an agricul- An Education Committee amend- would be directed to withhold all tural society levy to ment, adopted 27-0, replaced the bill school money until the contract is include purchase and additionally would require edu- filed with the department. of equipment. Lar- cational service unit (ESU) boards to Following the adoption of a tech- son said it would publish the current and future costs as- nical amendment, senators voted to benefit counties Sen. Tyson Larson sociated with administrators’ contracts. advance the bill to select file on a throughout the state. Education Committee chairwom- 28-0 vote. “This bill brings statutes in line an Cedar Rapids Sen. Kate Sullivan with practices that have been ongoing said the amendment provides plenty Earlier decrease in local effort with county agricultural societies for of flexibility to districts and ESUs in rate proposed some time,” he said. meeting the new requirements. The local effort rate (LER) used to An Agricultural Committee amend- “This simply gives the public, as calculate aid under the Tax Equity and ment, adopted 32-0, also would allow well as school districts, a chance to Educational Opportunities Support county agricultural societies to ex- see what their neighboring districts Act (TEEOSA) would be decreased change real estate and improvements. are doing,” she said. “We are giving one year earlier than planned under Senators voted to advance the bill a lot of latitude to comply with this a bill heard by the Education Com- to select file on a 31-0 vote. amendment, but we want people to mittee Jan. 21. know we are serious about this.” Currently, the LER is scheduled to Omaha Sen. Jeremy Nordquist be decreased from $1.03 to $1.00 for supported the bill, saying that citizens the 2015-16 school have a right to know what administra- fiscal year. Under tors are earning. LB725, introduced “Our school administrators have by Cedar Rapids Public notice proposal for a great number of demands and Sen. Kate Sullivan, superintendent, ESU contracts Public notice of potential fiscal responsibilities and their compensa- that decrease would impacts of superintendent and ESU tion should reflect that,” he said. be implemented for administrator contracts would be “However, as some of the highest the 2014-15 school Sen. Kate Sullivan required under a paid public employees in the state, fiscal year and continue into the fore- bill advanced from it requires a higher level of scrutiny.” seeable future. general file Jan. 23. The amended bill would require Sullivan said it is important to Under LB470, that contracts for existing superin- continue to put school districts back as originally in- tendents and ESU administrators be into a more secure financial position troduced by Nor- published three days prior to approval for the future. folk Sen. Jim Scheer, and two days after approval for new “The only reason we didn’t return a superintendent’s Sen. Jim Scheer officials. Electronic publication on a to the lower LER last year was because contract — including all current and school district website would satisfy the we didn’t think we had the money,”
PAGE 4 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 103RD LEGISLATURE January 21 - 24, 2014 she said. “By doing this now, the in- workforce. Waving the residency re- creases in TEEOSA in the next bien- quirements allows Nebraska to recruit nium will not be so dramatic.” and retain these workers from states Nebraska Rural Community with high separation rates.” Schools Association executive direc- To receive the residency status, a tor Jon Habben testified in support veteran must demonstrate intent to of the bill. He said it represents a become a permanent resident of the County Visitors Promotion preservation of funds for education state by registering to vote and obtain- Fund requirement advanced A bill that would place restrictions in Nebraska. ing a state driver’s license. on how money from the County Visi- “To leave money that was intended Rob Schafer, representing the Ne- tors Promotion Fund could be spent for educational use on the table does braska Chamber of Commerce & In- was advanced from general file Jan. 23. not help the state of Nebraska at all,” dustry, testified in support of the bill. Currently, if county attractions he said. “This bill is intended to keep He said attracting recently separated do not require improvement, the that from happening. It’s making sure veterans is vital to helping Nebraska county’s governing body may use the that money that was intended for pre- businesses grow. money to promote attractions in the K12 education is used for pre-K12 “The veteran unemployment rate county. Under LB215, introduced by education.” is double the national average,” he Ogallala Sen. Ken No one testified in opposition to said. “As we prepare Nebraska for the Schilz, the govern- the bill. The committee advanced next generation, we need to address ing body would be LB725 on a 7-0 vote. our pending work shortages. Offering required to use the in-state tuition is a solid investment funds to promote, for growing enrollment at our higher Veterans would receive in- encourage and at- education institutions.” state tuition rates under tract visitors to the residency bill Military spouse Julia Converse also county. Sen. Ken Schilz The Education Committee heard supported the bill, saying that fre- Schilz said the bill is simple but a bill Jan. 21 that would grant resi- quent relocations have made it nearly important to tourism in Nebraska. dency to recently separated veterans, impossible to complete her degree “When we do spend these dollars, their spouses and dependents for the while her husband serves. we need to ensure they’re spent in a way purposes of in-state tuition. “I won’t be able to finish my de- that brings tourists to town,” he said. Under LB740, introduced by Bellev- gree before we move again and it’s “If [the spending] is questioned, we ue Sen. Sue Craw- no longer cost effective to continue need to be able to defend it. These are ford, veterans who transferring my credits each time we tax dollars being spent for the benefit have separated move,” Converse said. “I’d love to be of the members of the community.” from a branch of able to come back and complete my Omaha Sen. Jeremy Nordquist sup- the Armed Forc- degree in Nebraska. This bill would ported the bill, saying it would protect es of the United give veterans, spouses and their depen- tourism in the state. States within the dents a chance to finish their goals by “Without this bill, we could jeop- past two years Sen. Sue Crawford welcoming them into a community ardize the successful promoting and would be eligible for in-state tuition. that has benefitted from their service.” hosting of out-of-state tourists,” he said. Crawford said current policy pre- No one testified in opposition to Following the adoption of two tech- vents many veterans from using GI the bill and the committee took no nical amendments, senators advanced Bill benefits once they have separated immediate action. the bill to select file on a 34-0 vote. from service. “Currently the Veterans Admin- istration only pays in-state tuition, Fee cap elimination advances Lawmakers gave first-round ap- requiring the veteran to make up the proval Jan. 24 to a bill that would difference between that and out-of- make changes to a fee charged by the state tuition,” she said. “Veterans Nebraska secretary of state. represent a highly skilled, disciplined Currently, the office charges a fee
103RD LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 5 January 21 - 24, 2014 of 45 cents for images of records ac- require sufficient transparency regard- placed the bill. cessed over the Internet, not to exceed ing how tax dollars are spent on state Watermeier said the amended bill $2,000 per request contracts, which account for approxi- reflects language currently in use by for batch requests. mately $2 billion of state spending. the state Department of Labor and is LB278, introduced “[This] is one area where I feel that meant to modernize Nebraska’s long- by Omaha Sen. Pete transparency still may be lacking,” he standing policy of offering employ- Pirsch, would elimi- said. ment preference to veterans. nate the fee cap and As amended, LB371 would require “The current program was put in make additional DAS to create an annual report that place more than 40 years ago,” he said. technical changes. Sen. Pete Pirsch would include the total number and Lincoln Sen. Bill Avery supported Pirsch said most data requests value of contracts awarded by the de- the bill, saying it would compliment from individuals and businesses in partment. The report also would dif- recent efforts by the Nebraska Cham- Nebraska are small and would not be ferentiate between contracts awarded ber of Commerce to recruit military impacted by the bill. No data-mining within the state and to foreign con- veterans to the state. request has ever been made that would tractors and include the number of As amended, LB588 would require incur a fee higher than the current contracts for which a preference was that 5 percent be added to all parts of cap, he said, but the ability to charge a given. an examination or numerical scoring fee commensurate with such a request The report would be submitted to if a veteran receives a passing score should be a legal option for the future. the governor and the Legislature an- and makes a claim for the preference “This is largely theoretical,” Pirsch nually, beginning Sept. 1, 2015. The on the application. said. report would not include information If no examination or numerical Senators voted 27-2 to advance the regarding subcontractors or suppliers. scoring is used, preference would be bill to select file. Lincoln Sen. Bill Avery supported given to a qualifying veteran if two or the bill, saying the committee amend- more equally qualified candidates were Government procurement ment’s removal of references to being considered for a position. transparency bill amended, subcontractors and suppliers was an Notices of all positions of employ- advanced attempt to reduce the cost to DAS of ment available for veterans preference Lawmakers advanced a bill from complying with LB371. would be required to state that the general file Jan. 23 that would adopt “These are significant changes that position is subject to the preference. A the Transparency in Procurement Act. [will] have a significant impact on the veteran desiring to use the preference As introduced by Omaha Sen. Heath fiscal note,” Avery said. would be required to provide the hir- Mello, LB371 would Lawmakers voted 31-0 to advance ing authority with a copy of his or her require state agen- the bill to select file. Defense Department Form 214. cies to report to the The bill also would allow the Legislature the total Veteran job preference bill spouse of a veteran who has a 100 number and dollar amended, advanced percent permanent disability to claim value of contracts Senators gave first-round approval the preference. The spouse would for goods and ser- Jan. 24 to a bill that would update laws be required to provide a copy of the vices. Sen. Heath Mello pertaining to preferences for veterans veteran’s DD214 form, disability veri- A Government, Military and seeking employment. fication and proof of marriage. Veterans Affairs Committee amend- LB588, introduced by Syracuse Sen. A Watermeier amendment, ad- ment, adopted 30-0, limits the bill’s Dan Watermeier, opted 40-0, delayed the bill’s operative provisions to contracts awarded by the would create the date to Jan. 1, 2015. state Department of Administrative Veterans Prefer- The bill was advanced to select file Services (DAS) on or after July 1, 2013. ence Act. A Gov- on a 37-0 vote. Mello offered an amendment, ad- ernment, Military opted 31-0, which pushed back that and Veterans Af- New voter identification date to July 1, 2014. fairs amendment, requirements proposed Mello said current law does not adopted 37-0, re- Sen. Dan Watermeier First-time voters would no longer
PAGE 6 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 103RD LEGISLATURE January 21 - 24, 2014 be allowed to present certain forms disproportionately affect younger, be required to post fiscal impact state- of identification when registering by rural and low-income voters. ments on the Nebraska secretary of mail under a bill heard by the Govern- “When restricting fundamental state’s website and to provide specific ment, Military and Veterans Affairs rights, there should be a compelling statutory authority for each new rule Committee Jan. 23. state interest with a clearly identifiable or regulation. Currently a first-time voter register- problem,” he said. “We should instead An agency would be prohibited ing by mail can use several forms of focus on modernizing election and from adopting, amending or repealing identification including utility bills voter registration processes.” a rule or regulation not included on and bank statements. Under LB662, Sherry Miller, League of Women the semiannual agenda except when introduced by Voters Nebraska president, also op- the rule or regulation is: Omaha Sen. Bob posed the bill. • in response to a natural disaster Krist, these no “The voters most likely to be im- or declaration of emergency; longer would be pacted are college students, senior • required by federal law; considered valid citizens who no longer drive, as well • related to the loss of or access forms of identifi- as low-income adults,” she said. “We to additional federal funds; or cation. Krist said just don’t have a problem that needs • the result of a state or federal documents like Sen. Bob Krist to be addressed.” court decision. utility bills and bank statements are Nick Faustman of the Nebraska more easily forged than others. Agency reporting changes Health Care Association testified in “This seeks to increase the integrity considered support of the bill. Heath care pro- of the election process by addressing The Government, Military and viders are among the most regulated two areas that are at a higher risk for Veterans Affairs Committee heard industries in the state, he said, and potential fraud,” he said. testimony Jan. 24 on two bills that keeping up on regulatory changes is Various forms of government iden- would change agency reporting re- essential. tification documents from federal, quirements. “[It] can mean the difference be- state and local agencies containing the LB718, introduced by Bellevue tween staying in business or shutting applicant’s name and address would Sen. Sue Crawford, would require down,” Faustman said. still be permitted under the bill. agencies subject Ron Jensen of Mosaic agreed, say- Voters who have moved from their to the Adminis- ing rule changes sometimes are put in original precinct but attempt to vote trative Procedure place before being officially adopted. at that same precinct also would be re- Act to publish an “It is a challenge to stay abreast of quired to show a current government agenda for rules those rules and to stay in compliance,” identification document that contains under develop- he said. a photograph or image of the voter. ment or revision Also introduced by Crawford, Jefferson County Election Com- on a semiannual Sen. Sue Crawford LB719 would add a public comment missioner Sandra Stelling supported basis. The agenda would be published summary to the required information the bill, saying it would help workers within 30 days following the end of that an agency must submit to the in smaller counties. each regular legislative session and by secretary of state, attorney general “In small villages, when you send Oct. 15. and governor regarding a proposed a statement it usually asks for a [post Crawford said decisions regarding rule change. office] box number,” she said. “This regulations often are made when the Agencies would be required to at- would help because the driver’s license Legislature is not in session, and the tach a written summary of testimony would actually state the voter’s physi- bill’s reporting requirements would offered at the public hearing that cal address. It would definitely help allow for greater oversight of how agen- lists any specific issues or questions our poll workers because they’d only cies carry out laws in practice. presented at the hearing or in written have to look for one form of ID.” “Rulemaking, like lawmaking, testimony. Nebraskans for Civic Reform should be democratic, accessible and The report also would be required Executive Director Adam Morfeld transparent,” she said. to contain written responses from the opposed the measure, saying it would Under the bill, agencies also would agency and a copy of the public com-
103RD LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 7 January 21 - 24, 2014 ment summary would be submitted to state be represented. The commission braska State Volunteer Firefighters the Executive Board of the Legislative would terminate June 30, 2018. Association, supported the bill, saying Council. Avery said the commission would flexibility is important in managing Julie Kaminski of LeadingAge Ne- build on work started by a group – wildfires. braska testified in support of the bill, Friends of the Nebraska 150 Sesqui- “In these fires, what is critical is saying public hearings often are held centennial – which has been raising proper action on a moment’s notice,” by agencies after rule changes already money and awareness in preparation he said. “We’re just asking for another have been implemented and posted for the anniversary. tool.” on agency websites. “This is an opportunity for us to Nebraska Forest Service director “The public hearings seem more show the rest of the United States Scott Josiah testified in a neutral ca- like a perfunctory obligation,” she what Nebraska is all about,” Avery pacity. He said being able to address a said. said. “I think that they will be sur- fire quickly can prevent considerable Robert McEwen of Nebraska prised and we will be proud.” damage. Appleseed also testified in support Jeff Searcy, chair of Friends of the “Rapid and efficient dispatch is a of LB719, saying it would provide Nebraska 150 Sesquicentennial, sup- vitally important component of the additional oversight and help hold ported the bill, saying statewide coor- aerial wild firefighter’s toolbox,” Jo- agencies publicly accountable for dination is necessary for a successful siah said. “It can have a huge impact their decisions. He said citizens who celebration. on the size of a wildfire and the dam- testify at hearings often are frustrated “[The anniversary] is an opportu- age it can cause.” and confused when their concerns go nity for all Nebraskans to reflect on No one testified in opposition to unaddressed by agencies. who we are, where we’ve come from the bill and the committee took no No one testified in opposition and and the bright future ahead,” Searcy immediate action on it. the committee took no immediate ac- said. tion on the bills. No one testified in opposition and the committee took no immediate ac- Sesquicentennial commission tion on the bill. proposed The Government, Military and State of emergency declaration Veterans Affairs Committee heard would not be needed under bill testimony Jan. 24 on a bill that would Increased emergency funding for Health care database bill establish a planning commission for aerial fire suppression or hazardous advanced the 150th anniversary of Nebraska material response would be authorized Lawmakers gave first-round approv- statehood. under a bill heard by the Government, al Jan. 23 to a bill intended to promote Under LB744, introduced by Military and Veterans Affairs Commit- transparency in the cost and quality of Lincoln Sen. Bill Avery, the gover- tee Jan. 22. health care services in Nebraska. nor would appoint Currently, the state may grant up LB76, introduced by Omaha Sen. 17 members to the to $10,000 per event from the Gover- Jeremy Nordquist, would establish Nebraska Sesqui- nor’s Emergency Program without the a Health Care centennial Com- governor first declaring an emergency. Data Base Ad- mission. The com- LB722, introduced by Hyannis Sen. Al visory Commit- mission would work Davis, would raise that threshold to tee tasked with with state agencies, $25,000 per event. making a series boards and commis- Sen. Bill Avery “It really is im- of recommenda- sions to develop programs to celebrate portant that we get tions to improve the state’s anniversary in 2017. a quick response transparency in Sen. Jeremy Nordquist The bill would require that no to a fire situation,” the state’s health care system. more than eight members be affiliated Davis said. Nordquist said the goal is to pro- with the same political party and that Jerry Stilmock, vide information on how health care all regions and major interests in the representing the Ne- Sen. Al Davis dollars are being spent in Nebraska.
PAGE 8 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 103RD LEGISLATURE January 21 - 24, 2014
Knowing how much health care A Nordquist amendment, adopted project would provide stability and services cost in different areas of the 28-0, delayed until Dec. 15, 2014, the continuity to case management in the state and within different health care deadline for the department director ESA, which contains approximately plans will benefit all stakeholders in to report the advisory committee’s 40 percent of the child welfare cases the system, he said. recommendations to the governor and in the state. “This is the type of information the Legislature. “We can’t afford any more destabi- that is needed at the consumer level Lawmakers advanced LB76 to se- lizing efforts,” Krist said. [and] at the policymaking level,” Nor- lect file on a 28-0 vote. Lawrence Kelley, an ESA foster dquist said. parent for over 10 years, testified in Grand Island Sen. Mike Gloor Bill could extend child welfare support of the bill. Kelley said the agreed, saying a database could help pilot project more than 100 children he and his Nebraskans better understand the A pilot project authorized as part of wife have cared for in that time have complicated process of purchasing the Legislature’s response to the state’s suffered from continued disruptions health care services. troubled child welfare reform effort in the child welfare system. “We don’t have data, as consumers, would be extended under a bill heard “Stability is the greatest gift we can to allow us to make intelligent deci- by the Health and Human Services offer a child while they are in care,” sions,” he said. Committee Jan. 22. Kelley said. “Their world is already Committee members would be Efforts undertaken by the 2012 rocked when they come into care; appointed by the state Department of Legislature to address child welfare re- they’ve lost everything.” Insurance director and would include form included returning child welfare Sara Forrest of Voices for Children a member of academia with experi- case management to the state Depart- in Nebraska also supported the bill, ence in health care and cost efficiency ment of Health and Human Services saying continued evaluation of service research. Other members would (DHHS) except in the eastern service provision in the ESA will assist with include representatives of hospitals, area (ESA), where the department was ongoing reforms in the system. physicians, consumer advocates, the allowed to contract for lead agency “We need the best information to insurance industry and local public case management as a pilot project. make those improvements and deci- health departments. As introduced by Omaha Sen. sions,” she said. The committee would be tasked Bob Krist, LB660 William Reay, CEO of OMNI with making recommendations regard- would extend Behavioral Health, testified in opposi- ing creation and implementation of that pilot project, tion, saying he believes the bill violates the Nebraska Health Care Data Base. currently under a constitutional prohibition against The database would be used to: contract with the special legislation. • provide information to consum- Nebraska Fami- Reay said the state’s “ongoing ers and purchasers of health lies Collaborative favoritism” toward NFC would be care; (NFC). Sen. Bob Krist perpetuated by LB660. • determine the capacity and Krist offered an amendment to “Legislation that benefits a single distribution of existing health the committee that would allow entity … is unconstitutional,” he said. care resources; DHHS to extend the contract before Krist said the amended version of • identify health care needs and June 30, 2014. The amendment also the bill would give DHHS the option inform health care policy; would require that the pilot project be to extend the pilot project and would • evaluate the effectiveness of evaluated to determine whether case not require that the contract be award- intervention programs on im- management should be returned to ed to NFC. As a result, he said, the proving patient outcomes; DHHS and whether private contrac- bill would appear to be constitutional. • review costs among various tors should be utilized in the case “I believe we’re on solid ground treatment settings, providers management process. with that,” Krist said. and approaches; and Evaluation results would be re- The committee took no immediate • improve the quality and afford- ported to the committee, DHHS and action on the bill. ability of patient health care and NFC by Dec. 31, 2014. health care coverage. Krist said extending the pilot
103RD LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 9 January 21 - 24, 2014
in Nebraska under a bill heard Jan. 23 inal Defense Attorneys Association by the Judiciary Committee. testified in opposition to the bill, say- LB707, introduced by Lincoln ing many of the changes contained in Sen. Danielle Conrad, also would LB707 are unnecessary. For example, specify that use of Frost said, most individuals charged Inmate placement bill an electronic com- with the type of crimes outlined in the bracketed munication device bill would have that offense “stacked” Senators bracketed a bill on general to stalk or harass with other similar offenses. file Jan. 24 that would transfer author- could be prosecut- “There is no need to increase pen- ity to place inmates in a Nebraska ed either where alties for these types of crimes,” Frost rehabilitation facility. the communica- said. “There is no need to change the LB313, introduced by Imperial tion originated or Sen. Danielle Conrad law when it comes to sentencing.” Sen. Mark Christensen, would allow where it was received. The committee took no immediate only the director Under the bill, an individual would action on the bill. of Correctional be guilty of harassment if he or she, Services to as- without a lawful purpose, engages in Termination of rapists’ sign inmates to conduct directed at a specific person parental rights discussed the Work Ethic or family with the intent to cause a Convicted sex offenders would Camp in Mc- person to feel alarmed, harassed, ter- be prevented from seeking parental Cook. Current- rified, threatened or intimidated. rights under legislation heard by the ly, the director, Sen. Mark Christensen A person convicted of harassment Judiciary Committee Jan. 22. courts and the Nebraska Board of would be guilty of a Class II misde- LB748, introduced by Lincoln Parole place prisoners at the camp. meanor. A second or subsequent viola- Sen. Bill Avery, would terminate the Christensen said the purpose of the tion would be a Class I misdemeanor. parental rights of bill is to address prison overcrowding Additionally, the bill would clarify the biological father by giving the state Department of Cor- that prior out-of-state sexual assault of- of a child conceived rectional Services the ability to ensure fenses can be considered by Nebraska as a result of a first, the “most appropriate” inmates are courts for admissibility. second or third de- placed at the work camp and that the Conrad said the National Center gree sexual assault. facility is “utilized to its fullest extent.” for Victims of Crime reports that 6.6 The bill also would Currently, Christensen said, the million people over age 18 will be deny similarly con- Sen. Bill Avery courts are not sending enough in- stalked in the U.S. in any given year. victed sex offenders custody, unsu- mates to fill the 12-15 spaces being Of those victims, she said, 76 percent pervised parenting time or visitation reserved for them at the camp. Addi- are women. with children. tionally, courts occasionally have sent Harassment is an escalation of If a biological father has been minors to the camp, which, he said, is stalking, Conrad said, and should charged with a sexual assault, the bill a violation of federal guidelines. incur a stricter penalty. would require a court to delay pater- Omaha Sen. Bob Krist filed a motion John Freudenberg of the Nebraska nity action until guilt or innocence is to bracket the bill. He said elements of Attorney General’s Office testified in determined. LB313 should be considered as part of support of the bill, saying that laws re- Avery said the purpose of the bill the Legislature’s upcoming discussion lated to sexual assault and harassment is to protect women who are victims about prison reform this session. need to be updated as society becomes of sexual assault from further physi- LB313 was bracketed until March more mobile. cal and psychological harm by their 4, 2014 on a 34-0 vote. “State lines are of no significance attackers. to sexual and domestic predators,” “We must not have cases in our Bill would make harassment a he said. “Nebraska state boundaries state where a person is faced with a separate crime should not be allowed to act as a shield choice between a lifetime tethered Harassment would become a sepa- for them.” to a rapist or moving forward with rate and distinct crime from stalking Denise Frost of the Nebraska Crim- a meaningful life for herself and her
PAGE 10 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 103RD LEGISLATURE January 21 - 24, 2014 child,” he said. bill is to provide military parents and 20 days to remove the property, after “I don’t think anyone who has judges another option “when deter- which the landlord would be able to been raped should have to deal with mining the best interests of a child dispose of any remaining property as the ongoing contact from the rapist for during the stress and uncertainty of stated in the Disposition of Person life, if they decide to keep their child,” deployment.” Property Landlord and Tenant Act. said a rape victim from Norfolk, who “Regular visits with a grandparent Currently, Nebraska law directs the testified in support of the bill. She said or other trusted adult can bring stabil- landlord to secure the residence of a she had been pressured by her rapist ity and consistency to a military child deceased tenant until a court autho- and his lawyers into allowing access to during this tumultuous time in their rizes someone to claim the property. her daughter. life,” she added. Kristy Lamb of NP Dodge Manage- Without legal protection, she said, Amie Martinez, an attorney from ment Company in Omaha testified in “those of us who choose to keep our Lincoln, testified in support of the favor of the bill. She said the current child have to face the overwhelming bill. She said the measure would system creates a substantial “emo- fear of being bullied and being con- address situations in which parents tional and financial hardship” on the trolled by the rapist if he wants access cannot exercise their parenting time. relatives of deceased tenants. to the baby.” Visitation with extended family is in Because of the time it takes the Liane Bode, a licensed mental the best interests of children because it court to appoint representatives to health practitioner from Norfolk, helps maintain relationships, she said. claim the property, Lamb said, “we also testified in support of the bill. The bill would not change a mili- become the bad guys while we’re hold- As a therapist who works with rape tary parent’s duty to pay or receive ing their belongings.” victims, Bode said women do not feel child support under existing parenting No one testified in opposition to protected by the current legal system plans, nor would it establish separate LB796. and changes must be made. rights to parenting or visitation for The committee took no immediate No testimony was given in opposi- the delegates. action on the bill. tion to LB748 and the committee took No one testified in opposition to no immediate action on the bill. the bill. The Judiciary Committee took no Expanded visitation for immediate action on LB769. military families proposed A bill that would allow parenting Deceased tenants’ property plans designed specially for deployed discussed Shorter NRD notification military parents was heard by the Judi- Landlords would have another advanced ciary Committee at a hearing Jan. 22. option when administering property Natural resources districts would be LB769, introduced by Bellevue of deceased tenants under legislation able to enforce actions more quickly Sen. Sue Craw- heard by the Judiciary Committee under a bill advanced from general ford, would allow Jan. 24. file Jan. 23. a deployed mili- LB796, introduced by Omaha Sen. LB513, introduced by Holdrege tary parent to del- Burke Harr, would allow landlords to Sen. Tom Carlson, would reduce egate some or all request that tenants from 10 to three of their parenting identify a person the number of days time to a family who could retrieve required before a member or other Sen. Sue Crawford and store the ten- natural resources adult who has a preexisting, significant ants’ property upon district could issue relationship with their child. The bill their death. Land- a cease and desist also would permit military parents lords would be re- order. Carlson said Sen. Burke Harr the bill would help who are deployed and unable to attend quired to contact Sen. Tom Carlson hearings to present testimony and that person within 10 days of the districts more ef- evidence by electronic means. tenant’s death. fectively manage groundwater through Crawford said the purpose of the The authorized person would have rules and regulations.
103RD LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 11 January 21 - 24, 2014
“Regulation during a drought must Bill would authorize hunting she said. “They know those kids don’t be very timely to be effective,” he said. permits for developmentally get to experience everything they want “A lot of water can be pumped in those disabled to from the beginning. This is an op- seven days.” A developmentally disabled person portunity to make memories they will Senators voted to advance the bill could purchase a hunting permit un- always remember.” on a 27-0 vote. der a bill considered by the Natural The bill also would consolidate Resources Committee Jan. 22. current hunter education programs to Water pollution loan program Under LB699, introduced by form one program covering all hunt- advanced O’Neill Sen. Tyson ing implements including firearms, A program to fund wastewater Larson, a license- crossbows, bow and arrows, and air treatment efforts was advanced from purchase exemption guns. general file Jan. 23. certificate issued Nebraska Firearms Owners As- Introduced by Holdrege Sen. Tom by the state Game sociation president Rodney Moeller Carlson, LB514 would authorize the and Parks Commis- supported the expansion of hunt- state Department sion would allow ing opportunities, but opposed the of Environmen- a developmentally Sen. Tyson Larson consolidation of hunter education tal Quality to cre- disabled person to purchase a hunt- programs. ate and regulate a ing permit. “The quality of the existing hunter linked deposit pro- Larson said the bill would allow education program is very high, with gram. The program more people to experience the out- many wonderful instructors,” he said. would promote doors. “But there is a concern this bill would loans for the con- Sen. Tom Carlson “There are people who want to damage the programs we currently struction, rehabilitation and enhance- participate [in hunting programs] but have.” ment of water pollution control projects. because of their disabilities, they are The committee took no immediate Carlson said the bill would help unable to pass the required certifica- action on the bill. address clean water issues in the state. tions to successfully get a hunting “With this program, the state would permit,” he said. “This bill will allow be able to support a large number of these individuals to participate safely.” projects,” he said. “This not only helps Benjamin Greenfield, representing individuals, but entire communities.” the Muscular Dystrophy Association, The bill also would authorize a testified in support of the bill. As portion of loan funds to be deposited someone who deals with limb girdle Bill would require retirement with eligible financial institutions in muscular dystrophy every day, he said plan reports low-yielding deposit accounts, certifi- he understands how important LB699 Certain political subdivisions cates of deposit or other agreed upon would be to developmentally disabled would be required to file an annual deposits for loans at a rate lower than persons. retirement plan report under a bill the prevailing rate. “I’ve worked with these kids and heard Jan. 22 by the Retirement Sys- The department also could buy or they want nothing more than to feel tems Committee. refinance debt of municipalities for and appear like any other normal kid,” Under LB759, introduced by Oma- wastewater treatment works under Greenfield said. “This is just another ha Sen. Heath Mello, any political LB514. step we can take to allow these kids subdivision that of- A Natural Resources Committee these freedoms.” fers a defined ben- amendment, adopted 25-0, further Akacia Wentworth, a volunteer efit retirement plan defined eligible financial institutions with Special Youth Challenge minis- would be required to include banks chartered in other tries, also supported the bill, saying to file a report with states and authorized to conduct busi- that the benefits would extend far the committee if ness in Nebraska. beyond the individual hunters. plan contributions Senators voted to advance the bill “It’s not only special for those kids, do not equal the Sen. Heath Mello on a 27-0 vote. but also very special for their families,” actuarial requirement for funding or
PAGE 12 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 103RD LEGISLATURE January 21 - 24, 2014
the funded ratio of the plan is less tain agricultural machinery purchases tangible depre- than 80 percent. from state sales tax. ciable personal The report would include an analy- Under LB96, introduced by Ful- property and sis of the conditions and recommenda- lerton Sen. Annette Dubas, the sale of motor vehicles tions for corrective actions. repairs and replace- owned or used Mello said the state currently en- ment parts for ag- by religious orga- gages in minimal oversight of such ricultural machin- nizations, effec- defined benefit plans and should ery or equipment tive Jan. 1, 2015. Sen. Ernie Chambers encourage local government to adopt would be exempt Chambers said everyone should pay best practices to ensure their financial from state sales tax. their fair share of taxes, including solvency. Any qualifying pur- religious organizations. “These are common sense changes chases made prior Sen. Annette Dubas “When some do not put their part that should improve the long-term to Oct. 1, 2013 still would be eligible in, others have to pay more than what health of local retirement plans,” for refund. their share should be,” he said. “If Mello said. Dubas said Nebraska is one of only taxes were paid on the many churches Platte Institute for Economic Re- eight states that still charges sales tax in this state, perhaps the state’s as- search director Dick Clark testified on these purchases. sistance to local governments and in support of the bill, saying pension “Agriculture is highly competitive schools would be diminished consider- shortfalls in other states frequently and the profit margins are slim, even ably, leaving more in the state coffers have played a role in government when prices are good,” she said. “[The for other purposes.” entity bankruptcies. sales tax] puts Nebraska’s dealers at a Justin Evertson, representing the “This bill is an important first step distinct disadvantage.” Secular Coalition for Nebraska, to achieving full transparency in these Kearney Sen. Galen Hadley sup- supported the bill, saying it is time retirement plans,” Clark said. ported the bill, saying it is necessary to start taking a critical look at tax Gary Krumland of the League of for Nebraska implement dealers to exemptions. Nebraska Municipalities testified in compete. “We think this is definitely a viola- a neutral capacity. He said an excep- “Right now people are leaving the tion of the separation of church and tion to the bill’s requirements should state to get their products,” he said. state,” he said. “We don’t think this be made for police and firefighter “We have to increase access to the will pass, but we definitely think it’s defined benefit plans in cities of the local dealers.” time to have this discussion.” first class, which have been closed to Hyannis Sen. Al Davis also sup- Nebraska Catholic Conference new membership since 1984. ported LB96, saying cities near the executive director Jim Cunningham These plans have so few members, border have been especially affected. opposed the bill, saying there is no Krumland said, that annual actuarial “Rural Nebraska already has a de- compelling reason to terminate the reports would not be worth the cost clining population problem,” Davis traditional exemption. to conduct them. said. “The last thing we need is to have “[The bill] would shatter public No one testified in opposition and tax policy closing local businesses.” trust pursuant to the many ways that the committee took no immediate ac- Senators advanced the bill to select nonprofit religious organizations use tion on the bill. file on a 44-0 vote. their property to advance the common good,” he said. Elimination of religious property The committee took no immediate tax exemption proposed action on the bill. Property owned and used by reli- gious organizations would be subject to property taxes under a bill heard Ag machinery tax exemption by the Revenue Committee Jan. 24. advances LB675, introduced by Omaha Sen. Senators gave first-round approval Ernie Chambers, would eliminate Jan. 24 to a bill that would exempt cer- tax exemptions on all real property,
103RD LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 13 January 21 - 24, 2014
said the change would be in keeping with the transparency sought by cur- rent notification requirements while also saving money. “We think that this could become Zoning notification changes a more efficient and a better way to do Rural mailbox locations considered things,” Cheloha said. examined The Urban Affairs Committee No one testified in opposition to The location of mailboxes along heard testimony Jan. 21 on a bill LB679 and the committee voted 6-0 to highways was discussed in a Trans- that would change requirements for advance the bill to general file. portation and Telecommunications municipalities providing notice to Committee hearing Jan. 21. neighborhood associations of zoning Installment loan authority for LB757, introduced by Papillion and redevelopment plan changes. cities proposed Sen. Jim Smith, Currently, municipalities are re- Municipalities in Nebraska could also would change quired to provide notice by certified borrow money from a bank or other rules regarding the mail. Under LB679, introduced by financial institutions under a bill Nebraska Depart- Omaha Sen. Heath Mello, a neighbor- heard by the Urban Affairs Commit- ment of Roads man- hood association tee Jan. 21. agement of state electing to receive LB791, introduced by Lincoln Sen. wayside areas and notices could re- Amanda McGill would authorize cit- Sen. Jim Smith repeal obsolete lan- quest a preferred ies of the first and guage pertaining to the county road method of notice, second class and numbering system. including email, villages to borrow Smith called LB757 a cleanup bill regular, certified or money from finan- that updates sections of statute con- registered mail. Sen. Heath Mello cial institutions to cerning Nebraska roads. Mello said the bill would acknowl- purchase property. Department Director Randy Peters edge changes in communication since The loans could be testified in favor of the bill. He said the original rules were adopted. repaid in install- Sen. Amanda McGill LB757 would permit the placement of “These were written at a time when ments. mailboxes within the shoulder line on the Internet was not widely utilized,” McGill said the measure would highways where the surfaced shoulder he said. provide cities with greater flexibility. area is wide enough for a vehicle to Mike Battershell of the United Cities currently may issue bonds and be off the highway when delivering Neighborhood Alliances of Omaha tax notes, she said, and enter into or collecting mail. The current law testified in support of the bill. He said lease/purchase agreements. dates from 1961 when the shoulders of several days often pass before he is “[This method] might be quicker Nebraska highways were narrower, he able to get to the post office to retrieve and less costly than the other alterna- said, requiring mailboxes to be placed certified or registered mail. tives,” McGill said. one foot outside of the shoulder line. In addition, Battershell said, the Lynn Rex of the League of Ne- The bill also would remove the current process is expensive for city braska Municipalities testified in sup- requirement that the department planning departments. Each item on port of the bill, saying it would clarify regulate Nebraska’s diminishing way- a planning agenda results in a separate existing law. side, or picnic, areas. Finally, Peters mailing to neighborhood associations, “There are a few cities that have said, the bill would repeal an outdated he said, at a cost to the city of $6.11 city attorneys who think they have county roads numbering system in per notice. the authority to do it now,” she said. favor of the more modern E-911 road Battershell said he received six such Rex said cities might need a loan numbering system. notices last month, which easily could for the same reason that an individual No testimony was given in opposi- be sent via email instead. might need a short-term loan from a tion to LB757 and the committee took Jack Cheloha, representing the City financial institution. The bill would no immediate action on the bill. of Omaha, also supported the bill. He provide an additional tool for cities
PAGE 14 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 103RD LEGISLATURE January 21 - 24, 2014 to address cash flow issues, she said. Current law allows an appeal but hold an appeal hearing within 14 days. No opposition testimony was of- does not specify the appeal procedure Greg Butcher, city attorney for fered and the committee took no for general nuisance citations. Last Beatrice, testified in support of the immediate action on the bill. year the Legislature enacted a measure bill. He said the current lack of an that established an appeal procedure appeal procedure means that once a Nuisance citation appeal specifically for nuisance vegetation ci- defendant requests an appeal hearing, process proposed tations. LB801, introduced by the com- the case is over. The Urban Affairs Committee mittee, would extend the same appeal “At that point, they’ve essentially heard testimony Jan. 21 on a bill that procedure to other nuisance citations. won the battle,” he said. would establish a procedure for a Under the bill, if a property owner No one testified in opposition to property owner or occupant to appeal files a written appeal of a nuisance ci- the bill and the committee took no a nuisance citation in a first or second tation within five days of notification, immediate action on the measure. g class city or village. a city or village would be required to
Youth legislature registration now open egistration for the 2014 Unicameral Youth Legislature is now open. Scheduled for June 8-11, the Unicameral Youth Legislature offers R high school students the opportunity to learn what it’s like to serve as a state senator. Student senators will discover the unique process of our nation’s only unicameral by sponsoring bills, conducting committee hear- ings and debating legislation. Participants will learn the details of the Nebraska Legislature directly from senators, staff and lobbyists using bill topics based on actual legisla- tion considered during the most recent unicameral session. Students will conduct their legislative duties in the historic Warner Chamber, the former Search for Bills home of the Nebraska Senate. If you know a student who has an interest in law, government, leadership Learn more about bills considered or public speaking, encourage them to visit the Unicameral Youth Legislature by the Unicameral by logging on website to learn more about this unique four-day event. to www.NebraskaLegislature.gov. Early-bird registration is available until April 1. Registration and scholar- ship application forms can be obtained from NebraskaLegislature.gov/uyl The Legislature’s website offers or bigredcamps.unl.edu. The registration deadline is May 15. a bill search on the upper-right portion of the home page. Entering a bill number will retrieve the bill’s text, fiscal note, statement of intent, transcripts and more.
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103RD LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 15 January 21 - 24, 2014 New Bills Bill Introducer One-line description Jan. 21, 2014 LB986 Revenue Change homestead exemption income limitations LB987 Revenue Adjust individual income tax brackets for inflation and exempt social security benefits omfr income taxation LB988 Schumacher Provide for certain access to decedent’s safe deposit box LB989 Schumacher Require a report relating to sales taxes under the Tax Expenditure Reporting Act LB990 Nordquist Add a penalty and change a record requirement for 911 service suppliers LB991 Nordquist Prohibit collection of interchange fees by payment card networks on certain taxes and fees LB992 Howard Create the Early Childhood Data Governing Body LB993 Christensen Provide that health care sharing ministries are not insurance LB994 Health & Human Change fees as prescribed for vital statistics Services LB995 Hadley Provide an income tax credit for state and local taxes paid LB996 McGill Require state agencies to respond to legislative requests for information LB997 McGill Change provisions relating to the Nebraska Training and Support Trust Fund LB998 Karpisek Change provisions and penalties relating to prohibited acts regarding ignition interlock devices LB999 Ashford Adopt the Criminal Justice Reentry and Data Act and create the Reentry Programming Board LB1000 Karpisek Change provisions relating to parenting plans LB1001 Wallman Allow production and marketing of industrial hemp, exempt industrial hemp from the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, and provide powers and duties for the Department of Agriculture LB1002 Wallman Add enforcement powers under the Commercial Dog and Cat Operator Inspection Act LB1003 Kolowski Provide for natural resources districts to issue general obligation bonds LB1004 Avery Authorize additional sources of funding for the Commission on Indian Affairs Cash Fund LB1005 Avery Create the Surface Water and Ground Water Review Board and provide powers and duties LB1006 McGill Change a provision of the Private Prison Contracting Act and prohibit state agencies from entering into contracts that include certain provisions LB1007 Haar Change provisions relating to the Security, Privacy, and Dissemination of Criminal History Information Act LB1008 Haar Change duties of the Climate Assessment Response Committee LB1009 Haar Establish a pilot program relating to problem-based learning LB1010 Janssen Adopt the Nebraska Enterprise Act and authorize the Governor to award economic development grants LB1011 Janssen Change the time limit on amending or repealing a municipal initiative LB1012 Schilz Change provisions relating to blighted areas under the Community Development Law LR414 Davis Request the federal government to reject changes to the current law governing country of origin meat labeling LR415 Dubas Congratulate Judge Michael J. Owens on his retirement LR416CA Karpisek Constitutional amendment to authorize casino gaming, provide for a local vote, and provide for distribution of tax proceeds
Jan. 22, 2014 LB1013 Murante Permit counties to regulate peddlers, hawkers, and solicitors by ordinance LB1014 Murante Change provisions for election of metropolitan utilities district board of directors LB1015 Kintner Include certain fire and rescue departments under the Political Subdivisions Tort Claims Act LB1016 Krist Grant legislative authorization to purchase a state aircraft and provide for operation LB1017 Krist Change and transfer pharmacy, prescription, and drug provisions LB1018 Hadley Change public record provisions for withholding job application materials from the public LB1019 Schumacher Adopt the Development and Venture Enterprise Act LB1020 Schumacher Change provisions relating to liquor licensee violations LB1021 Seiler Change provisions relating to the sealing of records of a juvenile LB1022 Seiler Change legal procedure provisions of hearsay, disposition of untried charges, and speedy trial LB1023 Mello Change certain budgetary reports LB1024 Mello Permit the Nebraska Tourism Commission to adopt an official state symbol or slogan LB1025 Bolz Change the distribution of sales and use tax revenue LB1026 Bolz Create and provide for a Nebraska Educational Trust Fund LB1027 Karpisek Change provisions relating to restoration of seized firearms as prescribed LB1028 Coash Change the number of judges of the separate juvenile court as prescribed LB1029 Coash Change provisions relating to size, weight, and load with respect to vehicles transporting fertilizer LB1030 Kintner Adopt the State Firearms Rights Act LB1031 Kintner Change the distribution of sales and use tax revenue and provide for decreased income tax rates LB1032 Kintner Require posting of signs regarding abortion LB1033 Watermeier Appropriate funds to the Game and Parks Commission and state intent relating to operation and maintenance of Arbor Lodge State Historical Park LB1034 McGill Change provisions and penalties relating to unlawful intrusion
PAGE 16 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 103RD LEGISLATURE January 21 - 24, 2014 New Bills Bill Introducer One-line description
LB1035 McGill Require reports regarding records of persons unable to purchase or possess handguns because of disqualification or disability LB1036 Wallman Provide for biennial contracts for cities of the primary class under the Industrial Relations Act LB1037 McGill Authorize Auditor of Public Accounts to examine certain entities formed under the Interlocal Cooperation Act LB1038 Dubas Provide an income tax credit for certain property taxes paid on agricultural land and horticultural land LB1039 Dubas Change provisions relating to size, weight, and load for farm equipment LB1040 Karpisek Create an energy conservation grant program LB1041 Nordquist Change retirement provisions relating to school employees LB1042 Nordquist Provide for repayments by school employees rejoining a retirement system LB1043 Nelson Exempt certain deeds from the documentary stamp tax LB1044 Schilz Provide procedures for abandoned mobile homes LB1045 Harr Redefine the term underground facility for purposes of the One-Call Notification System Act LB1046 Carlson Create the Water Sustainability Fund and transfer General Funds LB1047 Carlson Appropriate funds to the Department of Natural Resources LB1048 Murante Change and eliminate political party provisions LB1049 Wightman Change provisions for actions for recovery of title or possession of real estate or foreclosure of mortgages or deeds of trust as mortgages LB1050 Campbell Change provisions relating to inspections of certain child care facilities LB1051 Howard Adopt the Public Health Leadership and Development Act and appropriate funds to the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska LB1052 Karpisek Change restrictions on retailers under the Nebraska Liquor Control Act LB1053 Karpisek Provide state aid to municipalities, counties, and natural resources districts LB1054 Karpisek Redefine treatment under the Health Care Facility Licensure Act LB1055 Janssen Provide for tuition-free credits for veterans and military personnel as prescribed LB1056 Davis Change individual income tax brackets and rates LB1057 Davis Change the distribution of sales and use tax revenue and provide duties for the Department of Revenue LB1058 Murante Adopt the Interstate Compact on the Agreement Among the States to Elect the President by National Popular Vote LB1059 Lautenbaugh Change membership of learning community coordinating councils LB1060 Lautenbaugh Change from elected to appointed boards for educational service units LB1061 Lautenbaugh Change from elected to appointed boards for community college areas LB1062 Lautenbaugh Require presentment of operator’s license and proof of financial responsibility or evidence of insurance to a peace officer by a driver involved in an accident or impoundment of vehicle LB1063 Lautenbaugh Require juvenile court approval to obtain a juvenile court proceeding transcript LB1064 Lautenbaugh Adopt the Teach for Nebraska Program Act LB1065 Lautenbaugh Eliminate secret ballot provisions under the Open Meetings Act LB1066 Lautenbaugh Require a recorded roll call vote by certain county boards LB1067 Hadley Extend the sunset dates under certain tax incentive laws LB1068 Sullivan Change provisions relating to learning communities LB1069 Sullivan Change provisions relating to education LB1070 Sullivan Change provisions relating to state aid to schools LB1071 Lathrop Provide additional rules of the road for bicycles and bikeways LB1072 Lathrop Adopt the Prescription Monitoring and Health Information Exchange Act LB1073 Lathrop Require employers to e-verify immigration status of new employees LB1074 Lathrop Change provisions relating to the regulation of ground water LB1075 Harr Prohibit employment of certain persons leaving public positions LB1076 Campbell Provide for medicaid reimbursement rates and services for home health care LB1077 Sullivan Adopt the Shared Responsibility for Access and Success Act LB1078 Nordquist Change the Nebraska Telehealth Act, provide for the establishment of a patient relationship through video conferencing, and require insurance coverage for telehealth services LB1079 Davis Authorize grants to certain county agricultural societies under the Civic and Community Center Financing Act LB1080 Bloomfield Provide for nonprofit nursery stock distributors under the Plant Protection and Plant Pest Act LB1081 Karpisek Change provisions relating to school-sponsored activities LB1082 Brasch Allow all-terrain vehicles and utility-type vehicles to be operated as authorized emergency vehicles LB1083 Garrett Change job training grant provisions relating to veterans LB1084 Garrett Change provisions governing the filling of certain vacancies LB1085 Cook Require listing of employee salaries and job titles of certain private employers LB1086 Pirsch Transfer cash reserve funds to the Property Tax Credit Cash Fund LB1087 Pirsch Create a homestead exemption for disabled veterans, widows, and widowers LB1088 Conrad Change income eligibility provisions relating to federal child care assistance LB1089 Conrad Provide for disposition of residual funds in class action litigation and charitable trusts LB1090 Conrad Adopt the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act LB1091 Conrad Transfer funds from the Cash Reserve Fund to the Job Training Cash Fund and change job training grant provisions
103RD LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 17 January 21 - 24, 2014 New Bills Bill Introducer One-line description
LB1092 Dubas Authorize issuance of highway construction bonds LB1093 Brasch Change provisions relating to juvenile facilitated conferencing and funding LB1094 Davis Change a fund transfer to the Property Tax Credit Cash Fund LB1095 Davis Create the Tax-increment Financing Division of the Department of Economic Development and change the Community Development Law LB1096 Ashford Change provisions for expansion of a business improvement district LB1097 Harr Change individual income tax brackets and rates and corporate income tax rates LB1098 Carlson Change membership and powers and duties of the Nebraska Natural Resources Commission LB1099 Haar Provide for a study relating to state aid to schools LB1100 Haar Create the Public Power Task Force LB1101 Crawford Change and eliminate provisions relating to state aid and learning communities LB1102 Crawford Redefine marijuana and authorize the medical use of hemp extract as prescribed LB1103 Education Provide for a strategic planning process for education LB1104 Watermeier Change farm winery licensing provisions LB1105 McGill Create veterans and servicemembers court programs LB1106 McGill Change provisions relating to career academies LB1107 Conrad Change medicaid payment provisions for federally qualified health centers as prescribed LB1108 Conrad Change a standard used by a court in finding a pregnant woman sufficiently mature to decide to have an abortion LB1109 Conrad Change provisions relating to consent and parental notification and eliminate certain penalties with respect to abortion LB1110 Christensen Change concealed handgun permit renewal provisions for members of the armed forces and their spouses LB1111 Christensen Provide duties relating to integrated management plans LB1112 Christensen Change provisions relating to an occupation tax on irrigated land LB1113 Christensen Provide powers and duties relating to surface water appropriations LB1114 Mello Change and state intent relating to funding for economic development programs and change a termination date LB1115 Davis Appropriate funds to the Nebraska Power Review Board for a study and state public policy LR417 Mello Designate September 15 through October 15, 2014 as Hispanic Heritage Month in the State of Nebraska LR418 Seiler Congratulate Morgan Nikkila on being named a 2013 Tribland Player of the Year for girls’ volleyball LR419 Seiler Congratulate Seyler Monroe on being named a 2013 Tribland Player of the Year for six-man football LR420 Seiler Congratulate Jordan Slough on being named a 2013 Tribland Player of the Year for 11-man football LR421CA Lautenbaugh Constitutional amendment to eliminate references to the State Board of Education, State Department of Education, and the Commissioner of Education LR422 Campbell Provide the Health and Human Services Committee, in cooperation with the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee, be designated to develop policy recommendations towards transformation of Nebraska’s health care system LR423CA Nordquist Constitutional amendment to provide that residential real property may be classified separately for property taxation Find Legislative Documents Committee hearing schedules, daily agendas and more can be viewed using the calendar on www.NebraskaLegislature.gov.
Clicking the “Calendar” link on the left side of the website’s home page will open a calendar that is constantly updated with new information.
PAGE 18 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 103RD LEGISLATURE January 21 - 24, 2014 Committee Hearings *Current hearing schedules are always available at: nebraskalegislature.gov/calendar Monday, January 27 LB771 (Wallman) Change length of Education Banking, Commerce & Insurance certification period under the Reduced Room 1525 - 1:30 p.m. Room 1507 - 1:30 p.m. Cigarette Ignition Propensity Act LB952 (Lautenbaugh) Adopt the LB815 (Murante) Change provisions LB855 (Wallman) Change provisions for Working to Improve Nebraska Schools relating to fiduciary accounts controlled formation and operation of cemetery Act by a trust department associations LB682 (Scheer) Provide for formation of LB819 (Wightman) Change provisions LB861 (Karpisek) Prohibit use and allied school systems as prescribed relating to future advances on distribution of vapor products and LB966 (Davis) Change provisions mortgages or trust deeds other products derived from tobacco relating to the averaging adjustment in LB717 (Gloor) Change provisions as prescribed and provide an exception the state aid to schools formula relating to the Real Property Appraiser and provide penalties Act and professional qualifications Transportation & Telecommunications LB684 (Christensen) Change provisions Transportation & Telecommunications Room 1113 - 1:30 p.m. relating to the Nebraska Appraisal Room 1113 - 1:30 p.m. LB807 (Harms) Change provisions Management Company Registration Act Appointment: Fagerland, Jerome - relating to provisional operator’s LB685 (Christensen) Change and State Highway Commission permits, interactive wireless eliminate provisions relating to the Real Appointment: Leafgreen, Doug - State communication devices, and occupant Property Appraiser Act Highway Commission protection systems and update Appointment: Books, Ronald - State references to certain federal provisions Business & Labor Highway Commission LB786 (Crawford) Adopt the Emergency Room 2102 - 1:30 p.m. Appointment: Militti, Jr., E.J. - State Contact Registry Act and provide LB932 (Avery) Restrict public employer Highway Commission powers and duties for the Department requests for criminal history information LB911 (Dubas) Adopt the Nebraska 911 of Motor Vehicles from an applicant Act and create the Next-Generation LB895 (Scheer) Change compensation 911 Advisory Council Urban Affairs rate for certain volunteers under the LB736 (Dubas) Change the service Room 1510 - 1:30 p.m. Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Act of notice provision in the One-Call LB702 (Johnson) Change provisions LB820 (Davis) Authorize the Governor Notification System Act for organization of cities of the second to execute a compact for prevention class and villages and control of forest fires and provide Tuesday, January 28 LB915 (Crawford) Provide for a person employment status for certain volunteer Agriculture to accept city or village ordinance firefighters Room 2102 - 1:30 p.m. violation notices during mortgage LB824 (Lautenbaugh) Change workers’ Appointment: Fahleson, Mark - Neb. foreclosure or trust deed default compensation temporary disability State Fair Board LB924 (McGill) Redefine terms under provisions LB884 (Hansen) Name and change the Local Option Municipal Economic the Exotic Animal Auctions and Swap Development Act Education Meets Act and change the Livestock LB968 (Scheer) Provide additional Room 1525 - 1:30 p.m. Auction Market Act powers for certain sanitary and LB741 (Murante) Require schools to improvement districts have a policy relating to tornado drills Banking, Commerce & Insurance as prescribed Room 1507 - 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 29 LB782 (Lathrop) Establish a return-to- LB755 (Gloor) Adopt the Standard Government, Military & Veterans Affairs learn protocol for students who have Valuation Act for valuation of insurance Room 1507 - 1:30 p.m. sustained a concussion reserves LB792 (Sullivan) Eliminate a report LB923 (McGill) Require training on LB700 (Schumacher) Adopt the Risk requirement by the county treasurers to suicide awareness and prevention for Management and Own Risk and the State Treasurer school personnel Solvency Assessment Act LB804 (Avery) Change and eliminate LB872 (Kolowski) Create the position LB715 (Gloor) Add definitions relating procedures for filling vacancies and of state school security director and to insurance removal of certain gubernatorial provide duties LB688 (Christensen) Change provisions appointees relating to cease and desist orders of LB833 (Dubas) Change selection General Affairs the Director of Insurance provisions for county surveyors Room 1510 - 1:30 p.m. LB799 (Carlson) Change a filing LB745 (Avery) Change various LB680 (Mello) Amend the State requirement for insurance companies provisions relating to administrative Electrical Act and update the reference governmental functions to the National Electrical Code
103RD LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 19 January 21 - 24, 2014 Committee Hearings *Current hearing schedules are always available at: nebraskalegislature.gov/calendar Health & Human Services Executive Board of Coordinator of Human Trafficking Room 1510 - 1:30 p.m. Room 2102 - 12:00 p.m. Prevention and provide duties LB887 (Campbell) Adopt the Wellness LB763 (Janssen) Require reports from in Nebraska Act state agencies on inefficient programs Natural Resources LB871 (B. Harr) Require creation of Room 1525 - 1:30 p.m. Judiciary fiscal notes as prescribed Appointment: Frenzen, Galen - Neb. Room 1113 - 1:30 p.m. LB917 (McCoy) Provide procedures Ethanol Board LB908 (Coash) Change child for donation of real property to the Appointment: Kenney, Paul - Neb. guardianship, ward, and adoption for Northeast Community College Area Ethanol Board child out of wedlock provisions LB686 (Christensen) Change a certifica- LB928 State-Tribal Relations Change Government, Military & Veterans Affairs tion date relating to nonirrigated acres provisions of the Nebraska Indian Child Room 1507 - 1:30 p.m. LB710 (Christensen) Provide Welfare Act LB676 (Chambers) Change filing requirements for entering into certain LB920 (Coash) Adopt the Public and enforcement provisions of the ground water augmentation projects Guardianship Act Nebraska Political Accountability and LB722 (Kolowski) Adopt the Disclosure Act Nebraska Retirement Systems Recognition and Enforcement of Tribal LB778 (Chambers) Require certain Room 1525 - 12:00 p.m. Court Civil Judgments Act entities to comply with provisions on LB929 (Gloor) Define a term with LB784 (Lathrop) Change a provision open meetings, public records, and respect to cities of the first class police relating to juror disqualification conflicts of interest officers’ and firefighters’ retirement LB747 (Avery) Provide electioneering LB918 (Nordquist) Change provisions Natural Resources communication reporting requirements relating to investments for certain Room 1525 - 1:30 p.m. and restrictions under the Nebraska Po- defined contribution plans LB671 (Chambers) Eliminate provisions litical Accountability and Disclosure Act relating to hunting and killing of Revenue mountain lions Health & Human Services Room 1524 - 1:30 p.m. Room 1510 - 1:30 p.m. LB783 (Lathrop) Change distributions Revenue LB728 (Harms) Change provisions under the Sports Arena Facility Room 1524 - 1:30 p.m. relating to criminal history record infor- Financing Assistance Act LB760 (Mello) Adopt the Combined mation checks for certain employees of LB794 (B. Harr) Change provisions Sewer Overflow Infrastructure Assis- the Division of Developmental Disabili- relating to the collection of sales and tance Act and the Unfunded Federal ties of the Department of Health and use taxes on credit and debit card Mandate Infrastructure Assistance Act Human Services transactions and change sales and use LB814 (Avery) Change the distribution LB901 (McGill) Provide for psychology tax collection fees of sales tax revenue to provide funding internships through the Behavioral LB829 (Schumacher) Exempt to the Game and Parks Commission Health Education Center separately stated postage charges from LB841 (Hadley) Change sales and use LB931 (Bolz) Adopt the Nebraska sales and use taxes tax provisions relating to all-terrain Mental Health First Aid Training Act vehicles, utility-type vehicles, and Friday, January 31 distribution of revenue Judiciary Executive Board Room 1113 - 1:30 p.m. Room 2102 - 12:00 p.m. Thursday, January 30 LB770 (Wallman) Change provisions LB975 (Murante) Change provisions for Appropriations relating to explosives and destructive filling vacancies in the Legislature and Room 1003 - 1:30 p.m. devices Board of Regents LB974 (Mello) Provide duties for LB877 (B. Harr) Change provisions LB989 (Schumacher) Require a report certain divisions of the Department of relating to use of a deadly weapon to relating to sales taxes under the Tax Health and Human Services relating to commit a felony Expenditure Reporting Act budgeting and strategic planning LB857 (Bloomfield) Change application LB1016 (Krist) Grant legislative LB678 (Mello) Change the funding provisions under the Concealed authorization to purchase a state allocation percentage for the Affordable Handgun Permit Act regarding aircraft and provide for operation Housing Trust Fund members of the armed forces to LB848 (B. Harr) Provide financial as- include spouses of such members Government, Military & Veterans Affairs sistance under the Nebraska Affordable LB933 (McGill) Change provisions and Room 1507 - 1:30 p.m. Housing Act for the development and define and redefine terms relating to LB726 (Scheer) Provide for changing acquisition of low-income housing labor trafficking and sex trafficking the number of school board members LB934 (McGill) Establish the position in Class II and Class III school districts
PAGE 20 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 103RD LEGISLATURE January 21 - 24, 2014 Committee Hearings *Current hearing schedules are always available at: nebraskalegislature.gov/calendar
LB742 (Murante) Require instant run-off LB906 (Speaker Adams) Transfer funds for School-Age Youth voting in primary elections and create and eliminate funds LB743 (Murante) Provide definition of Agency 65: Dept. of Administrative Tuesday, February 4 one-half of an elected term of office Services Agriculture Agency 18: Dept. of Agriculture Room 2102 - 1:30 p.m. Health & Human Services Agency 19: Dept. of Banking LB673 (Chambers) Repeal the Black- Room 1510 - 1:30 p.m. Agency 29: Dept. of Natural Resources Tailed Prairie Dog Management Act LB705 (Coash) Change personal needs LB837 (Legislative Performance Audit) LB882 (K. Haar) Change duties of allowance under medicaid Change a provision relating to preaudits the Climate Assessment Response LB732 (Kolowski) Change asset limitation by state agencies Committee for certain programs of public assistance LB704 (Avery) Create the Nebraska LB916 (Crawford) Eliminate integrated Sesquicentennial Fund Education practice agreements and change LB797 (Nelson) Provide funding for Room 1525 - 1:30 p.m. provisions regarding nurse practitioners fountains at the State Capitol LB992 (Howard) Create the Early Childhood Data Governing Body Judiciary Business & Labor LB864 (Mello) Allocate funds to the Room 1113 - 1:30 p.m. Room 2102 - 1:30 p.m. Early Childhood Education Grant LB939 (Wallman) Create the offense of LB800 (Mello) Provide for designation Program false presentation of proof of financial of enterprise zones and preferences in LB984 (Sullivan) Change allocations responsibility under the Motor Vehicle certain business incentive programs from the Education Innovation Fund Safety Responsibility Act LB765 (Conrad) Change the Nebraska LB967 (Education) Change provisions LB998 (Karpisek) Change provisions Wage Payment and Collection Act relating to state aid to schools and and penalties relating to prohibited acts LB903 (Lathrop) Require a wage funding for early childhood education regarding ignition interlock devices statement for employees under programs LB921 (Nordquist) Prohibit possession, the Nebraska Wage Payment and LB1069 (Sullivan) Change provisions sale, offer for sale, trade, or distribution Collection Act relating to education of shark fins LB943 (Nordquist) Change the LB674 (Chambers) Change provisions minimum wage rate relating to abandonment or cruel LB947 (Lathrop) Change the minimum Thursday, February 6 neglect of an animal wage for persons compensated by way Executive Board of gratuities Room 2102 - 12:00 p.m. Natural Resources LB1085 (Cook) Require listing of LB720 (Crawford) Provide and change Room 1525 - 1:30 p.m. employee salaries and job titles of complaint procedures for rules and LB798 (Christensen) Authorize power certain private employers regulations districts to use a fiscal year rather than LB909 (Kintner) Require state a calendar year Education agencies to submit to the Legislative LB965 (K. Haar) Change public policy Room 1525 - 1:30 p.m. Performance Audit Committee a list provisions and findings required by the Appointment: Shoemaker, J. Richard - of certain rules and regulations and Nebraska Power Review Board relating Neb. Educational Telecommunications legislation requiring the rules and to the provision of electric service Commission regulations Appointment: Bird, Kenneth - Neb. LB996 (McGill) Require state agencies Revenue Educational Telecommunications to respond to legislative requests for Room 1524 - 1:30 p.m. Commission information LB809 (Coash) Exempt purchases by Appointment: Ohles, Frederik - Neb. historic automobile museums from Educational Telecommunications Friday, February 7 sales and use taxes Commission Executive Board LB894 (B. Harr) Change provisions LB692 (Sullivan) Change and eliminate Room 2102 - 12:00 p.m. relating to applying for property tax provisions relating to the Nebraska LB970 (Lautenbaugh) Provide that exemptions Educational Telecommunications Act certain votes of public officials are LB703 (Avery) Change the Nebraska public record Monday, February 3 Optometry Education Assistance LR397CA (Lautenbaugh) Constitutional Appropriations Contract Program amendment to require public recording Room 1524 - 1:30 p.m. LB835 (Avery) Extend a pilot project and preservation of votes of public LB905 (Speaker Adams) Provide for relating to college entrance exams officials deficit appropriations LB729 (Kolowski) Create the Task Force LB976 (Karpisek) Adopt the on Expanded Learning Opportunities Redistricting Act g
103RD LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 21 January 21 - 24, 2014 LEGISLATIVE GLOSSARY “A” Bill - see Appropriation Bill. Engrossment - the process of preparing a bill for Final Amendment On File - an amendment of 10 or more Reading by incorporating all adopted amendments. pages, not printed separately or in the Journal, that is available Enrollment and Review (E&R) - the process of incor- in the Clerk’s Office (Room 2018). porating adopted amendments into a bill and reviewing the Amendment Printed Separate - an amendment of 10 bill for technical and grammatical accuracy. or more pages, printed separately from the Journal, that is Executive Session - a closed meeting of a committee available in the Bill Room (Room 1102). to discuss and act on bills and resolutions. An executive ses- Appropriation Bill (“A” Bill) - a bill to appropriate sion is open only to committee members, committee staff funds to finance another bill bearing the same number. and the media. Attorney General’s Opinion - a written analysis of a Final Reading - the third and last stage at which a bill is question of law prepared by the attorney general for the gover- considered by the entire Legislature. The clerk reads the entire nor, the head of an executive department or any state senator. bill aloud, unless final reading is waived, and senators vote Bill - see Legislative Bill. without debate on whether to submit the bill to the governor. Bracket - to delay consideration of a bill. Fiscal Note - a statement prepared by the Legislative Call of the House - a procedure used to compel atten- Fiscal Office estimating the effect a bill would have on state dance of unexcused senators in the chamber. and/or local expenditures and revenue. Carry-over Legislation - bills and resolutions introduced Floor - the area of the legislative chamber where the during the regular session in an odd-numbered year and held senators sit. When a committee advances a bill “to the floor,” over for consideration during the regular session in an even- that means the bill is being sent to the full Legislature for numbered year. consideration. Chair - the presiding officer. General File - the first stage at which a bill is considered Cloture - a parliamentary action to cease debate on a by the full Legislature. Bills on General File may be amended, bill and vote immediately on its advancement. A motion for returned to committee, indefinitely postponed or advanced cloture may be made after eight to Select File. hours of debate on most bills and Hearing - a regularly sched- after 12 hours on appropriation uled committee meeting to receive bills introduced by the Appropria- public comment on proposed bills tions Committee. and resolutions. Constitutional Amendment House Under Call - the term Resolution - a proposal to amend used when all unexcused senators the state constitution, ratify or are required to be in their seats in reject an amendment to the U.S. the chamber and unauthorized Constitution, or petition Congress personnel must leave the floor. about amending the U.S. Constitu- Indefinitely Postpone (IPP) tion. State CA resolutions have the - to kill a bill. suffix “CA” by the resolution num- Interim - the period between ber, and they must be approved by regular legislative sessions. the voters as well as the Legislature. Interim Study Resolution - a resolution authorizing Consent Calendar - a portion of the agenda in which a committee to study an issue following adjournment of a relatively noncontroversial bills are considered and quickly legislative session. advanced to the next legislative stage. Usually, a bill on con- IPP - see Indefinitely Postpone. sent calendar can be debated for no more than 15 minutes. Journal - see Legislative Journal. “E” Clause - see Emergency Clause. Laws of Nebraska (Session Laws) - bound compilation E&R - see Enrollment and Review. of all laws and constitutional amendment resolutions passed Emergency Clause (“E” Clause) - a provision that al- in a legislative session, the state Constitution, and subject lows a bill or a portion of a bill to take effect immediately and section indexes. after the governor signs it or after the Legislature overrides Legislative Bill (LB) - a proposal to create, change or the governor’s veto. delete one or more laws.
PAGE 22 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 103RD LEGISLATURE January 21 - 24, 2014
Legislative History - the committee and floor debate may be printed in the Legislative Journal. records for any bill. A history includes transcripts of the bill’s Select Committee - a permanent committee with a hearing and all floor debate. subject-matter jurisdiction related to the administration of Legislative Journal - official record of legislative the Legislature. floor action, including all motions, the number of Select File - the second stage at which a bill yeas and nays on each vote, etc. is considered by the entire Legislature. Bills on Legislative Resolution (LR) - a proposal Select File may be amended, returned to com- to make a formal expression of opinion, intent mittee, indefinitely postponed or advanced or recognition; amend the state or federal to Final Reading. constitution; or authorize a study of an issue Session - a period of time, usually a during the interim. See also Constitutional number of days, during which the Legis- Amendment Resolution, Interim Study lature meets and transacts business. Resolution. Session Laws - compilation of all Line-Item Veto - the power of the laws and constitutional amendment governor to make specific reductions in resolutions passed in a session. any part of a budget bill passed by the Sine Die - without setting a future Legislature. date for reconvening. When the Legis- Machine Vote - a vote taken by elec- lature adjourns sine die, the legislative tronic voting system. The voting board shows session is finished for the year. how each senator voted, but only vote totals Slip Law - a bill or constitutional are entered in the Legislative Journal. amendment resolution printed individually Major Proposal - a bill or constitutional in its approved form after being enacted into amendment resolution that the speaker designates law or submitted to voters. as important enough for scheduling priority. Each session, Speaker of the Legislature - the officer of the up to five bills may be chosen as major proposals, all of which Legislature, elected from among the senators, who prepares must be senator priority bills and must get the approval of the daily agenda and the session calendar and who presides two-thirds of the Executive Board. in the absence of the lieutenant governor. One-liner - a one-line description of a bill or resolution. Special Committee - a committee created by law for a Override a Veto - see Veto Override. specific reason. Except for the Executive Board, special com- President of the Legislature - the lieutenant governor. mittees have no jurisdiction over bills or resolutions. While senators address whomever is in the chair as Mr. or Special Session - a limited legislative session called for a Madame President, the lieutenant governor alone holds that specific purpose by the governor or two-thirds (33 members) official title. of the Legislature. Presiding Officer - the senator currently presiding over Standing Committee - a permanent committee with a legislative proceedings. subject-matter jurisdiction related to an area of public policy. Priority Bill - a bill that has priority status and generally Almost all bills and resolutions are referred to one of the 14 is considered ahead of other bills in debate. Each senator may standing committees. select one priority bill, each committee may select two priority Summary Sheet - a daily list of all legislative activity bills, and the speaker may select up to 25 priority bills. that has taken place in one legislative day, including action Record Vote - a vote on which a record is kept of how taken on bills and resolutions. each senator voted. The vote is taken by electronic voting Veto - the power of the governor to reject bills passed system, and the senators’ names and corresponding votes are by the Legislature. The governor has five days, excluding then printed in the Legislative Journal. Sundays, to either sign or veto a bill. The Legislature then Regular Session - the annual session that begins the has an opportunity to override the veto. first Wednesday after the first Monday in January. Veto Override - the power of the Legislature to pass a Resolution - see Legislative Resolution. bill over the governor’s veto. A veto override requires the ap- Revisor Bill - a bill, prepared by the Office of the Revi- proval of three-fifths (30 members) of the Legislature. sor of Statutes, proposing a technical correction or the repeal Voice Vote - a vote in which senators cast their votes of an obsolete statute. orally and no totals are recorded. Roll Call Vote - a vote during which the senators vote Worksheet - a list, prepared daily, that indicates the sta- one at a time as the clerk reads their names. Senators cast tus of all bills and resolutions at the end of that legislative day. their votes verbally, and their names and corresponding votes
103RD LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 23 Unicameral Information Office PRESRT STD Nebraska Legislature U.S. POSTAGE PAID P.O. Box 94604 LINCOLN, NE Lincoln, NE 68509 PERMIT NO. 212 03-23-05