UNICAMERAL UPDATE Stories published daily at Update.Legislature.ne.gov Vol. 39, Issue 4 / Jan. 25 - 28, 2016 Wind energy Statewide gun bill stalls fter six hours exemption of debate A spanning proposed several days, an at- bill heard by the Natural Re- tempt to force a vote sources Committee Jan. 27 on a bill that uni- A would make changes to state formly would apply power regulations to encourage private firearms regulations renewable energy development. throughout the state LB824, introduced by Sen. John failed Jan. 27. The McCollister of bill is unlikely to be Omaha, would scheduled for further exempt private debate this session. renewable en- Introduced by ergy generation Crete Sen. Laura facilities from Ebke, LB289 would certain laws that repeal individual regulate the con- Sen. John McCollister city and village ordi- struction or acquisition of electric nances governing the generation facilities. registration, posses- The bill would eliminate the require- sion, transportation, ment that a developer have a power transfer and storage Sen. Laura Ebke said local communities should not be able to purchase agreement, in which a cus- of firearms and am- pass gun ordinances that are more restrictive than state law. tomer agrees to buy most of a proposed munition. Cities and villages would tors expressed concerns about the bill facility’s electricity, before the facility retain the authority to enforce prohibi- preempting local ordinances already in is built. The bill also would exempt a tions on firearm discharge. existence. Of particular concern was private developer from a requirement Ebke said the bill would protect Omaha’s handgun registry ordinance, that it prove that a new facility would the rights of law-abiding gun owners which Omaha Sen. said not create stranded assets. Finally, the by allowing them to travel throughout was intended to help law enforcement bill would prohibit other power suppli- the state without fear of having their protect public safety. ers from acquiring the private facility’s guns confiscated. “If we pass [this bill] as it’s drafted, property through eminent domain. “[LB289] would provide consistent you’d be able to see someone carrying To qualify for the exemption, a statewide uniformity with local firearm a semi-automatic rifle walking down private company would be required to enactments while continuing to allow the street, in the highest crime area of notify the Power Review Board, which communities to enact regulations on the state,” Mello said. “There would oversees most of the state’s electric gun discharge,” she said. “Gun owners be nothing [police] could do about it generating facilities, at least 30 days should not have to worry or wonder because we got rid of Omaha’s gun before it begins construction. The whether a hunting firearm or handgun ordinance. [LB289] makes some very company also must certify that it will transported in their vehicle is in viola- serious changes to what cities have pay for any decommissioning costs if tion of the law in the city that they’re done for years to curb gun violence.” the facility fails. travelling through.” Omaha Sen. , who McCollister said the bill would Several Omaha and Lincoln sena- filed a motion to recommit the bill to (continued page 3) (continued page 2)

INSIDE: Prescription monitoring changes advance • Mountain lion license plates advance • Hearing schedule January 25 - 28, 2016 Statewide gun regulation bill stalls (continued from front page) the Judiciary Committee, said public cloture, or cease debate and take an A failed cloture motion prevents safety needs vary by community and immediate vote on the bill. The mo- further debate on the bill for the require individualized solutions. tion failed 32-10. Thirty-three votes day. g “[Supporters of LB289] are saying were needed. that the largest city in the state should not have the right to tailor ordinances to the specific issues facing that city,” Find Legislative Documents he said. “This has nothing to do with the constitution. This has to do with Committee hearing schedules, daily agendas and more can be paranoia.” viewed using the calendar on www.NebraskaLegislature.gov. Sen. of Lincoln opposed the bill as drafted, saying it Clicking the “Calendar” link on the left side of the website’s is vital to preserve the ability of local home page will open a calendar that is constantly updated with new information. communities to draft ordinances ad- dressing concerns specific to them. “We value local control in Nebras- ka because we know that the people on local boards are closer to the people [and issues] they represent than we are,” he said. Henderson Sen. supported LB289, saying it is not an attack on local control. “This is about making uniform laws across the state,” Friesen said. “Explain to me how any of these local ordinances have made any of us safer.” The motion to recommit the bill to the Judiciary Committee failed on a 10-31 vote. Ebke offered a motion to invoke UNICAMERAL UPDATE The Unicameral Update is a free, weekly newsletter published during the legislative session. It is produced by the Clerk of the Legislature’s Office through the Unicameral Information Office. For print subscriptions, call 402-471-2788 or email [email protected]. Visit us online at Update.Legislature.ne.gov and follow us on Twitter.com/UnicamUpdate.

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PAGE 2 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 104TH LEGISLATURE January 25 - 28, 2016 Wind energy exemption proposed (continued from front page) eliminate regulatory hurdles that deter private companies— the current regulatory environment makes it a much more especially wind energy developers—from building renewable difficult proposition than doing so in neighboring states.” energy generation facilities in the state. He said more private , a member of the Center for Rural Af- development would lead to billions of dollars in capital fairs advisory board, opposed the bill. It would restrict the investment, high-paying jobs and new property tax revenue Power Review Board’s oversight of private energy develop- in rural Nebraska. ers, he said, and the state’s electrical grid does not have the “Our state’s current regulatory structure is decades capacity to handle the amount wind energy that developers old,” McCollister said, “but the industry and the market could generate. Private developers hope to sell electricity to have changed dramatically over the last six years and major the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), a group of utilities, power simplification of existing structures is required to remove generation and transmission companies that oversees elec- barriers that place our state at a significant disadvantage tricity infrastructure in 14 states including Nebraska, but with regards to renewable energy.” Bostelman said the market is already saturated. Thomas Budler, president of BHE Wind, said the com- “There is no market need within the SPP,” he said. pany announced plans last year to build a 400-megawatt wind “There is nowhere to go with the power.” farm in northeast Nebraska that will create approximately Tom Kent, vice president and chief operating officer for the 350 temporary construction jobs, 12 to 15 permanent jobs, Nebraska Public Power District, testified in a neutral capacity. $4 million per year in lease payments to landowners and He said the state would benefit from new privately developed $2.6 million per year in property taxes. However, that facility energy facilities. However, as those facilities put more electric- is the only investment the company has made in Nebraska ity onto the market, prices will go down, reducing the margin because of the regulations that LB824 would remove, he said. that public power utilities earn on the energy they generate. “BHE Renewables is very interested in making additional That could result in higher rates for customers, he said. major investments in the state of Nebraska,” he said, “but The committee took no immediate action on the bill. g

Unicameral Youth Legislature

igh school students with an Registrants are encouraged to interest in law, government, apply for a Speaker Greg Adams leadershipH or public speaking are Civic Scholarship award, which encouraged to register for the 2016 covers the full cost of admission. Unicameral Youth Legislature, which Applicants must submit a short will convene June 5-8. essay. Other $100 scholarships are also available. The Unicameral Youth Legislature is a four-day legislative simulation concon- The University of Nebraska– ducted at the State Capitol Building Lincoln’s Extension 4-H Youth and coordinated by the Clerk’s Office Development Office coordinates of the Nebraska Legislature. Student housing and recreational activities senators will sponsor bills, conduct for the camp as part of their Big committee hearings, debate legislalegisla- Red Summer Camps program. tion and discover the unique process of the nation’s only unicameral. Registration forms can be obtained from the Legislature’s Unicameral Students will learn about the inner Youth Legislature page: workings of the Legislature directly www.NebraskaLegislature.gov/uyl. from senators and staff. Bills will be based on legislation considered during The registration deadline is May 15. the current legislative session.

104TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 3 January 25 - 28, 2016

testified in support of the bill. vate nonprofit colleges and universities. Ramge explained that RRGs are The Coordinating Commission companies owned by members with for Postsecondary Education would similar insurance needs that pool their administer the grants, which would risks and are creatures of both state be funded by an appropriation from New insurance reporting and federal law. While there currently the Legislature. The amount has not standard proposed are no RRGs in Nebraska, he said, been determined, but Morfeld said a the bill provides needed updates to “meaningful” grant would be $2,000 The Banking, Commerce and In- the law should an RGG decide to be to $3,000 per student per year. surance Committee heard testimony chartered here. The grants, to be used for tuition, Jan. 26 on a bill that would provide “Accreditation is very important room, board, books and fees, would new corporate governance reporting for the department and for the state be allocated to the schools based on standards for insurers and risk reten- because it allows for our financial the number of bachelor’s and master’s tion groups (RRGs). regulation to be accepted by all other degrees awarded in teacher education LB819, introduced by Omaha states,” Ramge said. and health care profession programs Sen. Brett Lind- Thomas Mays of Pacific Life Insur- the previous year. The school then strom on behalf ance also testified in support of the would distribute the grants to students of the Nebraska bill, saying NAIC standards allow based on financial need. Department of insurers domiciled in Nebraska to do Although the state’s public univer- Insurance, would business across the country. sity system has worked to stay afford- adopt the Corpo- “Uniformity among all 50 states able, Morfeld said, the cost of higher rate Governance is important to us to make sure that education still puts it out of reach for Annual Disclo- Sen. all states are adopting the same lan- many middle-income families. Mor- sure Act and make changes to the Risk guage,” he said. feld said LB691 would reduce student Retention Act, which governs RRGs. No one testified in opposition to loan debt for Nebraskans who seek Lindstrom said the bill is model leg- LB819 and the committee voted 7-0 to four-year degrees in health care and islation from the National Association advance the bill to general file. education, fields that do not have high of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) starting salaries but provide important and would incorporate changes neces- services to society. sary for Nebraska to retain its accredi- “We need talented teachers and tation with the NAIC. health care workers if our state is to “The act would require all insurers continue to prosper,” he said. based in Nebraska to annually file a Aid for students in teaching, Scott Seevers, the senior vice presi- confidential disclosure regarding its health care programs proposed dent of enrollment management and corporate governance practices with marketing at Concordia University, the Nebraska Department of Insur- A bill heard by the Education spoke in support of the bill. He said ance,” he said. Committee Jan. 25 is intended to help the cost of a four-year degree presents a Under the bill insurers and insur- young Nebraskans become teachers financial barrier to students in health ance groups domiciled in Nebraska and health care providers. care and education programs, leading would provide a confidential disclo- LB691, introduced by Lincoln to a statewide shortage of workers. sure regarding their corporate gover- Sen. Adam Mor- “I think LB691 directs the right aid nance practices by June 1 annually. feld, would provide at the right Nebraskans and helps the The bill also would enact governance grants to Nebraska right problem and does it in the right standards for RRGs licensed and char- residents with fi- manner,” he said. “I can attest that tered in the state. All RRGs would be nancial need who there are students who have a passion, required to be in compliance with the are enrolled in a gift for teaching who ultimately steer new standards by Jan. 1, 2018. teaching or health clear of it because they are concerned Bruce Ramge, director of the care undergraduate Sen. Adam Morfeld about the initial compensation and Nebraska Department of Insurance, programs at Nebraska’s public or pri- debt load.”

PAGE 4 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 104TH LEGISLATURE January 25 - 28, 2016

Paula Kohles, director of financial and services. He said providing more Eleventh-graders would aid at Creighton University, also spoke state aid to schools would have the be required to take college in favor of the bill. The state soon will added benefit of reducing property admission test face a critical shortage of nurses with taxes, the main source of education advanced degrees, she said. Alleviating a funding in the state. All Nebraska 11th-graders would student’s undergraduate debt would pro- Under this bill, Davis said, the take a college admission test under a vide an incentive to continue his or her districts with a high proportion of stu- bill proposed to the Education Com- education in graduate school, she said. dents who require special education mittee Jan. 25. “If we can keep their debt down, services would receive more money to LB930, introduced by Sen. Jim maybe they will stay on as faculty reimburse those costs. Scheer of Norfolk, members,” Kohles said. “This is aid that’s going to districts would require pub- No one testified in opposition to where the need is,” he said. lic school students the bill and the committee took no Jane Byers, director of special in the 11th grade immediate action on it. services for the Papillion-La Vista to take a college ad- School District, spoke in favor of the mission test, such Changes to special education bill. Fifteen years ago the state served as the ACT or SAT, reimbursement proposed 43,000 students with disabilities, she instead of current Sen. Jim Scheer said. That number has grown to ap- Nebraska State Accountability (NeSA) The state would use money from its proximately 49,000, Byers said, and assessments. general fund to reimburse schools for an increasing proportion of those Scheer said requiring students to most of their special education costs students have mild or severe disabili- take a college admission test in place of under a bill heard by the Education ties. As the cost of special education the state assessment would encourage Committee Jan. 26. services rise, she said, schools have less them to think seriously about college LB826, introduced by Sen. Al money to spend on general education. or their careers after high school. Davis of Hyannis, “Not funding special education The bill would help families who would require the has a direct impact on students not want their children to take a college state Department receiving special education services,” admission test but cannot afford the of Education to she said. registration fee, he said. reimburse school Brenda Tracy, special education “The intent is not to add another districts for at least director for the Norris School Dis- test,” Scheer said. “It is simply replac- 80 percent of the to- trict, also supported the bill. She said ing it with one that the students find tal excess allowable Sen. Al Davis approximately 10 percent of Norris more beneficial and useful.” costs for special education programs students qualify for special education Bob Evnen, a former member of and support services. Excess allowable programs. State law requires schools the state board of education, testi- costs are the costs to educate a student to teach students with disabilities fied in support of the bill, saying that with a disability that exceed the aver- the same content and give them the there is a strong correlation between age annual amount spent per student. same assessments as other students, the ACT and the state’s current test- The bill would require an additional Tracy said. To do this, the school ing standards for reading, math and $125 million in state general funds to must keep on staff or contract with science. If all students instead were reimburse school districts for those costs speech language pathologists, physical required to take a college admission for fiscal year 2016-17 and an additional therapists, occupational therapists and test, he said, it would help teachers $152 million for FY2017-18. LB826 teachers who are certified to work with identify promising students who oth- would repeal current law authorizing up students with disabilities. erwise might have been overlooked. to a 10 percent annual increase in state “It’s not that we want to increase Students also feel more motivated aid for special education. costs,” she said. “We’re doing what’s to do well on the ACT than on the Davis said special education rep- best for kids.” state assessments, Evnen added. resents an unfunded mandate for No one spoke in opposition to the “Students care about the ACT,” he Nebraska’s schools, which have seen bill and the committee took no im- said. “They really can’t find a reason increasing costs for these programs mediate action on it. to care about the NeSA test.”

104TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 5 January 25 - 28, 2016

The bill would require the state De- events in Nebraska. He said the idea • decrease from 44.5 to 26.5 per- partment of Education to reimburse is based on a raffle in which players cent the amount designated to school districts the difference between guess the exact time that the ice breaks the Nebraska Environmental the cost of registration and adminis- up on an Alaskan river. Trust; and tration fees for the college admission “I first ran into this when I was in • decrease from 10 to 7.5 percent test and the cost for administering the Alaska and was very intrigued by the the amount designated to the current statewide tests. Nenana Ice Classic,”* he said, adding Nebraska State Fair Board. No one testified in opposition to that winners recently were awarded Bloomfield said that education in the bill and the committee took no $363,000.” Nebraska would benefit from addi- immediate action on it. Al Riskowski, executive director of tional funding, while the environmen- the Nebraska Family Alliance, testi- tal trust appears not to be in need of fied in opposition to LB820, saying its current level of funding. it would result in unconstitutional “I know the environmental trust expanded gambling in Nebraska. He does many good things,” he said, said the type of contest outlined in the “but they seem to consistently sit on bill does not fit the existing definition an excess of $30 million. I think they Naturally occurring event of a charitable raffle because a winner could survive on a little less, just like lottery proposed is not chosen at random. everyone else [does].” Nebraskans would have a new lot- In addition, he said, the bill lacks Scott Japp of Omaha testified in tery option under a bill heard by the definition regarding what kinds of support of the measure, saying an General Affairs Committee Jan. 25. lotteries or raffles would be included increase in education funding may LB820, intro- under its provisions. help to ease the property tax burden duced by Venango “The term ‘naturally occurring on Nebraskans. The environmental Sen. Dan Hughes, event’ could include a vast array of trust receives adequate funding, he would allow a lottery events,” Riskowski said. said, and lottery proceeds could be or raffle in which The committee took no immediate put to better use. the winners are action on the bill. “I surely think that we can put determined based more funds back into the school sys- on the timing of a Sen. Dan Hughes Measure would change lottery tem,” Japp said. naturally occurring event, such as a proceeds distribution Mark Brohman, executive direc- weather event. tor of the Nebraska Environmental The possible timing of the naturally The distribution of lottery pro- Trust, testified in opposition to the occurring event would be indicated on ceeds in Nebraska would change measure. All of the dollars currently tickets sold to participants in the lot- under a measure heard Jan. 25 by the in the fund are allocated to ongoing tery or raffle. A licensed organization General Affairs Committee. projects aimed at preserving the state’s using this method would be required LR380CA, introduced by Hoskins natural resources, he said. to comply with all other requirements Sen. Dave Bloom- The trust funds conservation proj- of the Nebraska Lottery and Raffle Act. field, would ects in all of Nebraska’s 93 counties, Hughes said the bill would provide place a proposed he said, and consistently must turn additional fundraising opportunities change to the di- down grant requests due to lack of for worthwhile causes across Nebraska. vision of lottery funds. “It would be available to all non- proceeds on the “All of those dollars [in the trust] profits in the state who would want to next general elec- are spoken for,” Brohman said, “we’re use it as a fundraising [tool],” he said. tion ballot. Sen. not sitting on a big piggy bank.” Ted Tietjen, long-range planning If approved by voters, the amend- Joseph McDermott, executive di- chairperson for the Nebraska Lions ment to the state constitution would: rector of the Nebraska State Fair, also Club, testified in support of the bill, • increase from 44.5 to 65 per- spoke against the proposal. Voters saying it would allow the Lions Club cent the amount designated for approved a constitutional amendment to pursue a raffle based on weather education; in 2004 to allocate 10 percent of lot-

PAGE 6 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 104TH LEGISLATURE January 25 - 28, 2016 tery proceeds to the state fair, he said, a manner that allows it to be viewed by November 2016 general election bal- which amounts to approximately $3 to another person. The bill would retain lot that would change age eligibility $4 million annually. the prohibition on solicitation of a for public office in Nebraska to the McDermott said the fair board has voter for the purpose of voter coercion federal voting age. Eligibility require- used that money to construct facilities or vote selling. ments other than age would not be in Grand Island and to promote the “LB787 retains the tools needed to changed by the proposed amendment. fair statewide. The proposed reduction deter and punish voter coercion and Currently, an individual must be 21 to would result in the fair losing $1 mil- solicitation while allowing for ballot serve in the Legislature and 30 to serve lion annually, he said. selfies,” Morfeld said. as governor, lieutenant governor or “Those funds contribute greatly to Bri McLarty, director of voting as a Nebraska Supreme Court judge. the success and momentum that the rights for Nebraskans for Civic Reform, Larson said the age to run for office state fair currently enjoys,” he said. testified in support of the bill. The cur- should mirror the federal voting age, The committee took no immediate rent prohibition dates from the 1990s, adding that 17 states allow those who action on the proposal. she said, long before the advent of are 18 to run for a seat in the state social media and smart phones. legislature. “The goal [of the bill] is to avoid a “Individuals who already hold the $100 fine and a misdemeanor for a kid right to vote and feel qualified and mo- who’s excited about voting,” she said. tivated to serve should be allowed to Neal Erickson, deputy secretary of make their case to voters,” Larson said. state for elections, testified in opposi- “Nebraskans should be able to choose tion to the bill, calling it bad public who they believe will best be able to Bill would allow revelation of policy. represent them in the Legislature and photographed ballots Erickson said the prohibition on any other elected office.” Nebraska voters could take photos the public display of a marked ballot is Lincoln Sen. Adam Morfeld sup- of their ballots and display them pub- meant to protect against electioneering ported the proposal, calling age a licly under a bill heard Jan. 28 by the and vote buying. Sharing a photo of a “poor proxy” for determining an Government, Military and Veterans marked ballot could be used to influ- individual’s wisdom, responsibility or Affairs Committee. ence how other people vote, he said. maturity. In addition, he said, allow- Lincoln Sen. Adam Morfeld, spon- “Selfies could be taken by partisan ing young people to run for office may sor of LB787, said activists and shared just as frequently increase their interest in the electoral the change would as by those voting for the first time,” process. protect a voter’s Erickson said. “This is something that’s impor- right to free expres- The committee took no immediate tant for young voters who are turning sion and promote action on the bill. the age of 18, to know that they can- young people’s ex- not just vote and serve their county citement about the Lower public office age in the military but that they can also electoral process. Sen. Adam Morfeld requirement discussed be elected to serve the people in their Calling the measure the “ballot community if they so choose,” he said. selfie bill,” Morfeld said it would pro- Senators began debate Jan. 28 Sen. of Lincoln also vide a narrow exception to the current on a measure that would allow an spoke in support, saying the current prohibition in Nebraska law on public 18-year-old to hold any public office age restriction on running for the display of a marked ballot. He said in Nebraska. Legislature mirrored the voting age that the prohibition is too broad and Introduced by when it originally was placed in the makes it a crime for a voter to post a O’Neill Sen. Tyson state constitution. Since that time, the photo with his or her own ballot on Larson last session, voting age was lowered to 18, but Ne- social media. LR26CA would braska’s age requirements for holding The bill would allow a voter to place a proposed public office have not kept up, he said. photograph his or her ballot after it is constitutional Being able to vote—as well as volun- marked and reveal that photograph in amendment on the Sen. teer for or donate to a campaign—while

104TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 7 January 25 - 28, 2016 not being able to run for office is tion for the voters,” he said. “They • capturing information relating inconsistent, Hansen said. cannot be asked to choose between to all payers, including Med- “That is an uncomfortable imbal- conflicting beliefs.” icaid. ance of political rights,” he said. Schumacher offered an amend- Howard said the bill would close Hoskins Sen. Dave Bloomfield ment that would have divided the mea- loopholes in the existing PDMP with- opposed the measure, saying that the sure into five separate ballot questions. out a cost to the state. prospect of an 18-year-old governor or Hastings Sen. agreed that LB471 originally included a chief justice of the Nebraska Supreme passing court scrutiny likely would be a $500,000 fiscal note to cover the cost Court should give senators pause. problem for the measure in its original of developing a new platform to imple- “We are sent here as legislators to form. He said the state Supreme Court ment the changes, Howard said, but decide issues,” he said. “If we’re go- has tightened the rules regarding bal- that cost would be eliminated by two ing to dump everything back on the lot language in recent years. grants secured by the state Depart- ballot—and let every single item go to “Even with Sen. Schumacher’s ment of Health and Human Services. a vote of the people—we might as well amendment, I think it’s still highly “We will have about $500,000 for adjourn today.” suspect that this bill would receive the next two years to fund this,” she Bloomfield offered a motion to the backhand of the current Supreme said, adding that Douglas County bracket the proposal until April 20. Court,” Seiler said. alone estimates that 90 to 100 deaths Gretna Sen. John Murante op- The amendment failed on a vote of in the county each year can be attrib- posed the bracket motion, noting that 17-21. The Legislature adjourned for uted to opioid painkiller overdose. the question must be put to a public the week before voting on the advance- A Health and Human Services vote and is not one that lawmakers ment of LR26CA. Committee amendment, adopted could resolve themselves. 46-0, would require prescription dis- “Age requirements for numerous pensers to report to the system and public offices in the state of Nebraska specifically lists the information to be are located in the constitution,” he reported. said, “and we cannot amend the Lincoln Sen. Kathy Campbell, constitution without submitting the chairperson of the committee, said question to the voters. We are required the amendment would better address to go to the people.” Prescription drug monitoring the problem of drug-seeking patients, The bracket motion failed on a changes advance which has been a concern of the com- vote of 5-28. mittee for a number of years. Lawmakers gave first-round ap- Sen. Paul Schumacher of Colum- “Lest we think that prescription proval Jan. 27 to a bill intended to bus expressed concern that any deci- drug overdoses are not happening in enhance Nebraska’s Prescription sion made by the Legislature to place Nebraska,” she said, “we are the same, Drug Monitoring the issue on the ballot may be thrown as this is a national epidemic.” Program (PDMP). out by the state Supreme Court. Heartwell Sen. , a As introduced He said the ballot question would veterinarian, brought an amendment last session by address the age requirement for several that replaced the bill while incorpo- Omaha Sen. Sara different public offices, which the rating the original proposal and the Howard, LB471 court likely would deem a violation of committee amendment. In addition, would strengthen the rule that ballot measures contain his amendment would include vet- the program by: Sen. only one subject. erinarians under the bill’s provisions • prohibiting patients from opt- Schumacher said some voters beginning Jan. 1, 2018. ing out of the system; would be fine with an age restriction Kuehn noted that veterinarians are • allowing prescribers and dis- of 18 for the Legislature, but would be able to obtain a Drug Enforcement pensers to access the system at reluctant to lower the age to 18 to run Administration number, which al- no cost; for governor. lows them to prescribe and dispense • requiring all controlled sub- “If we’re going to pursue this road, controlled substances. As a result, he stance prescriptions to be en- we’re going to have to divide this ques- said, veterinarians should be a part of tered into the system; and

PAGE 8 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 104TH LEGISLATURE January 25 - 28, 2016 the state’s PDMP. to do what we can.” 40,000 by the year 2025.” “I think it is critical that as we ad- Following adoption of the Kuehn Julie Kaminski, executive director dress the issue of prescription drugs, amendment on a 46-0 vote, lawmakers of Leading Age Nebraska, testified and the diversion of controlled sub- advanced the bill to select file 47-0. in support of the bill. Most of the stances, that all providers be on the providers in the state that specialize same footing,” Kuehn said. Memory care endorsement in Alzheimer’s care are located in The amendment also would estab- proposed Lincoln and Omaha, she said, and lish a 10-member Veterinary Prescrip- an enhanced reimbursement rate for tion Monitoring Program Task Force. Assisted living facilities in Ne- Medicaid-eligible individuals could The task force would study and devel- braska could apply for a memory care help bring that type of care to rural op recommendations regarding which endorsement under a bill heard Jan. Nebraska. controlled substances veterinarians 28 by the Health and Human Services “It would create memory care should report under the system, as well Committee. communities that have a secure envi- as appropriate reporting procedures. LB708, introduced by Lincoln ronment that is staffed appropriately Membership would include three Sen. , by individuals who really understand senators, six licensed veterinarians would require the subtle nuances of [the disease],” and a representative of the PDMP. The the state Depart- Kaminski said. task force would report its findings ment of Health Christopher Kelly, associate profes- and recommendations to the Health and Human Ser- sor of gerontology at the University of and Human Services Committee by vices to develop an Nebraska at Omaha, also testified in Dec. 1, 2016. endorsement for support. Individuals who suffer from Sen. of Omaha facilities that pro- Sen. Kate Bolz Alzheimer’s and dementia benefit supported the proposal, calling it long vide high quality care for individuals from aging in place, he said, and can overdue. with cognitive impairment, dementia suffer transfer trauma if required to “Nebraska is just about dead last— and Alzheimer’s disease. move to nursing care facilities. 49th in the country—in dealing with Qualifications for the endorsement “The picture of the resident that this issue,” he said. “This is important would include staffing enhancements, is hopefully helped by this bill is that legislation that we should have had a staff training, dedicated programing of the resident who is aging in place long time ago.” and security requirements. The de- in our state’s assisted living facilities,” Bellevue Sen. agreed, partment also would be required to he said. saying Nebraska has become a magnet examine the Medicaid rate structure Kelly said the bill would allow facili- for drug seekers because of current and make recommendations regarding ties to seek the endorsement if they loopholes in the state’s monitoring a higher or supplemental reimburse- chose, but wouldn’t result in greater system. ment rate for facilities that qualify for regulation or red tape for those that “The bill and the grants together the endorsement. do not. will help us create an effective infor- Bolz said the bill would benefit “For those providers that do want mation system to tackle prescription providers by allowing them to pro- to do this, it is providing not only the drug overdoses and prescription drug mote the endorsement to families recognition but also the compensation diversion and to address this impor- seeking the best quality care for their that is commensurate with the care,” tant issue in our state,” Crawford said. loved ones. In addition, she said, he said. Sen. of Seward an increased reimbursement rate No opposition testimony was of- also supported the bill, saying he has for qualified assisted living facilities fered and the committee took no seen the result of painkiller addiction could incentivize facilities to care for immediate action on the bill. first-hand in his family. high-need individuals suffering from “There are a lot of people on the Alzheimer’s. Dental assistant licensure streets today who have the same story “Statistics show that the prevalence proposed and it’s time we do something about of this disease is increasing,” she it,” he said. “We’re never going to said, “and the number of people in Nebraska dental assistants would eliminate the problem, but we’re going Nebraska is expected to rise to over have the option of becoming licensed

104TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 9 January 25 - 28, 2016 under a bill heard Jan. 27 by the public health hygienists. charges are dismissed. However, such Health and Human Services Com- Cynthia Cronick, representing the criminal proceeding records remain mittee. Nebraska Dental Assistants Associa- available on the state trial courts’ LB901, introduced by Seward Sen. tion, testified in support of the bill. electronic case management system. Mark Kolterman, Allowing dental assistants to become LB505, introduced by Omaha would create a licensed would provide a career path Sen. Bob Krist, new category of for individuals who desire it, she said, would ensure that licensed dental without placing an undue burden on such records are assistant. Licen- dental practices. excluded from sure would be op- “A current dental assistant can re- public record by tional under the main a dental assistant,” she said. “No mandating that bill, which also Sen. Mark Kolterman one loses a job, no one has extra criteria state courts seal would create the position of expanded that they have to scramble to meet.” the records. Krist Sen. Bob Krist function dental assistants. Jessica Meeske, a children’s dentist said the bill would strengthen already Kolterman said some dental prac- with practices in Hastings and Grand existing privacy provisions. tices in the state would benefit from Island, also testified in support. Al- “[LB505] would protect legally in- dental assistants being able to obtain lowing other members of a dental nocent Nebraskans from the stigma of licensure and perform more proce- team the option of taking on more permanent public criminal records,” dures. However, he said, the goal of procedures in a dental practice would he said. the bill also is to allow individuals improve access to care and oral health The bill would expand the types of currently employed as dental assistants in rural Nebraska, she said. arrests eligible for privacy protection to remain unlicensed if they choose. Meeske said that Medicaid covers to include those of individuals who “The goal was to create safe and nearly half of the children in Nebras- are acquitted of criminal charges and quality care at the least cost and to be ka, including 70 percent of those seen offenders who successfully complete able to allow Medicaid providers the in her practice. As long as Medicaid drug court or a similar problem- ability to appropriately delegate func- reimbursement remains stagnant, she solving court. tions,” he said. said, the reality of these numbers puts When an arrest is removed from Under the bill, a licensed dental pressure on dental practices. public record, a person would not assistant applicant must be a graduate “So, allowing us to delegate those be required to disclose the arrest in of an accredited dental assisting pro- duties where the dentist’s expertise response to a public inquiry. gram or have performed a minimum is not needed, so we can be more ef- Following the adoption of a techni- of 1,500 hours of dental assisting. ficient in how to deliver that care, is cal amendment, the bill advanced to Passage of an exam and completion going to have a huge impact,” she said. select file on a 35-0 vote. of continuing education also would No one testified in opposition to be required. the bill and the committee took no Consumer protection A licensed dental assistant would immediate action on it. enhancements proposed be authorized, under the indirect supervision of a licensed dentist, to: Members of the Judiciary Com- • take dental impressions for mittee heard testimony Jan. 28 on a fixed prosthesis; bill that would strengthen consumer • cement prefabricated fixed pros- protection laws. thesis on primary teeth; and Personal privacy bill advanced LB835, intro- • monitor and administer nitrous duced by Omaha oxide analgesia. Lawmakers advanced a bill from Sen. Heath Mello, In addition to creating the position general file Jan. 28 that automatically would make chang- of licensed dental assistant, the bill would seal certain criminal proceed- es to several con- would provide the option for creden- ing records. sumer protection tialing in expanded duties for licensed Currently arrests are removed from statutes including dental assistants, dental hygienists and public record when criminal court the Credit Report Sen. Heath Mello

PAGE 10 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 104TH LEGISLATURE January 25 - 28, 2016

Protection Act, the Consumer Pro- changes that would benefit many nize the union of a same-sex couple. tection Act, the Uniform Deceptive Nebraskans, including children and If passed by the Legislature, the pro- Trade Practices Act and the Financial low-income families,” Smith said. posed amendment would be placed on Data Protection and Consumer Noti- “Identity theft can result in loss of the November 2016 ballot. fication of Data Security Breach Act. utility services, improper child support Because the Supreme Court ruled Mello said the bill would bring garnishment or difficulty obtaining a in Obergefell v. Hodges that marriage them up to date to address modern bank account.” is a fundmental right for same-sex threats to consumer safety. The attorney general’s office would couples, Harr said, the Nebraska provi- “Our consumer protection laws are be permitted to share documentary sion is moot and unenforceable. out of date, some of which haven’t material obtained through a Civil “We have a state constitution been updated since 1974,” he said. Investigative Demand with other law that’s currently in conflict with the Currently, if a minor has no credit enforcement agencies under the Con- U.S. Constitution. [LR389CA] would file established, a consumer reporting sumer Protection Act. It also would make our state constitution match the agency can deny a request for a security increase from $25,000 to $500,000 law of the land,” he said. freeze. LB835 would amend the Credit the maximum civil penalty for anti- The committee took no immediate Report Protection Act to require the trust violations, including restraint of action on the measure. agency to create a credit file for the trade and monopolization. minor upon receiving a security freeze Finally, the bill would add two request. additional deceptive trade practices Abigail Stempson, chief of the state under the Uniform Deceptive Trade attorney general’s public protection Practices Act: a person representing bureau and consumer protection divi- that goods do not contain ingredients Increase in power board sion, spoke in favor of the bill. She said or characteristics that the goods actu- representative pay proposed over 10 percent of minors have had ally contain and a person employing their Social Security numbers stolen. any deception or fraud while solicit- A bill heard by the Natural Re- “[Identity theft] affects a minor’s ing funds or assets for a charitable sources Committee Jan. 28 would ability to obtain student loans, buy a purpose. increase the pay for Nebraska’s repre- car or even get a job,” she said. “This No one testified in opposition to sentative on a committee that oversees gives the attorney general a strong tool the bill and the committee took no the region’s electric transmission with which to hold these scammers immediate action on it. infrastructure. accountable.” LB914, introduced by Sen. Ken Proposed changes to the Financial Removal of marriage in Schilz of Ogallala, Data Protection and Consumer Notifi- constitution proposed would increase cation of Data Security Breach Act in- from $60 to $250 clude requiring any entity that suffers Members of the Judiciary Com- per day the com- a data breach to notify customers if mittee heard testimony Jan. 27 on a pensation for the personal information—including email proposed amendment to the state con- Nebraska Power Re- addresses or user names in combina- stitution that would remove a provi- view Board member tion with a password or security ques- sion regarding marriage in response to who represents the Sen. tion—is acquired by an unauthorized a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling. state on the Southwest Power Pool’s party. It also would require the entity LR389CA, introduced by Omaha regional state committee. Total com- to notify the attorney general’s office. Sen. Burke Harr, pensation would be capped at $20,000 Ken Smith, a staff attorney at would remove a pro- per year. Another board member who Nebraska Appleseed, also supported vision of the state serves as proxy would receive the same LB835. He said that consumer protec- constitution that daily compensation when serving as tion provisions are especially impor- defines marriage as representative. tant for low-income individuals and the legal union of a The Nebraska Power Review Board families. man and a woman authorizes and oversees electric gen- “[The bill] would implement and does not recog- Sen. Burke Harr eration and transmission facilities

104TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 11 January 25 - 28, 2016 in the state. The regional committee and it could help set Nebraska apart provides guidance on the development when students decide where to take a and operation of electric transmission job after graduation. infrastructure within the Southwest “I think this is a targeted incen- Power Pool—a group of utilities, power tive,” she said, “and I think it will help Businesses would receive generation and transmission compa- to keep young people in Nebraska.” tax credits on student loan nies that oversees electricity infrastruc- Nick Devine, testifying on behalf repayments ture in 14 states including Nebraska. of the Association of Students of the The Nebraska Public Power District, Nebraska businesses that make re- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, sup- Omaha Public Power District and payments on employees’ student loans ported the bill. He said the average Lincoln Electric System are members. would be eligible for a tax credit under UNL student graduates with $21,000 Steve Lichter, board chairman and a bill heard by the Revenue Commit- in student loan debt. Nebraska’s regional state committee tee Jan. 27. “While this bill will not limit member for the past two years, spoke LB685, introduced by Sen. Kate the amount of debt a student leaves in support of the bill. In that time, Bolz of Lincoln, with, it will help them overcome the he said, the Southwest Power Pool would establish a incredible burden that student debt approved more than $8 billion of tax credit for busi- has become,” he said. “It will let them transmission infrastructure work in nesses that pay the build a firm foundation in our state, the region. principal and in- keeping them here and growing our Lichter, who will step down as terest on qualifying economy further.” chairman next year, spends about employees’ student Evan Fullmer, testifying on behalf two weeks every month attending or loans. A business Sen. Kate Bolz of the Greater Omaha Young Profes- preparing for committee hearings, he would receive a credit of up to $1,800 sionals Council, also supported the said. The current compensation for per employee for up to 20 employees. bill. She said it would help Nebraska Nebraska’s representative on the com- The bill would set aside 25 percent of businesses retain talented employees mittee is not adequate, Lichter said. the credits for businesses with no more and help those employees with student “It’s my belief that this role is too than 50 employees and limit the total loan debt. important and the potential impact is credits to $1.5 million per fiscal year. “Talent is a top concern for employ- too great,” he said. To qualify, an employee must have ers across the state,” Fullmer said. “We Kevin Wailes, testifying on behalf graduated with a two- or four-year believe this bill creatively incents grads of the Nebraska Power Association, degree from a Nebraska college or uni- to stay in the state and fill Nebraska spoke in support of the bill. Wailes, versity and worked at least 480 hours jobs.” administrator and CEO of Lincoln during the year. The employee also No one spoke in opposition to the Electric System, said Nebraska’s utili- would be eligible if he or she gradu- bill and the committee took no im- ties are tied closely to the Southwest ated from a Nebraska high school and mediate action on it. Power Pool and work hard to ensure returned to the state after receiving a Nebraska’s interests are represented. degree from an out-of-state university. “We can’t emphasize too much Bolz said an average of 4,000 edu- how important the [board] representa- cated Nebraskans leave the state every tion on the [committee] is as it relates year, making workforce quality and to protecting ratepayers and customers availability major concerns for Nebras- in Nebraska,” he said. ka businesses. She said the bill would Organ donor status question No one testified in opposition to give the state’s employers an incentive advanced the bill and the committee took no they could use to recruit and retain immediate action on it. workers. It also would help Nebraska Lawmakers advanced from select graduates, 63 percent of whom gradu- file Jan. 27 a bill that would update ate with student loan debt, she said. the process for indicating one’s organ Bolz said she does not know of any donor status when applying for a other state with a similar tax credit, driver license.

PAGE 12 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 104TH LEGISLATURE January 25 - 28, 2016

As introduced by Syracuse Sen. special license plates under a bill ad- “The reason we have mountain , vanced by lawmakers Jan. 28. lions in this state is because of the LB47 would have Under LB474, introduced by Oma- conservation efforts by Game and required an appli- ha Sen. Ernie Chambers, the moun- Parks,” Groene said. “They were cant to indicate tain lion protec- nearly extinct and they came back whether or not tion plate would to the state because of the efforts of they wish to be be available in [Game and Parks].” an organ donor alphanumeric The bill advanced to select file on when applying Sen. Dan Watermeier or personalized a 38-0 vote. for a state driver license or identifica- versions with de- tion card. On general file, some sena- signs supportive Right of way clarification tors voiced concerns that requiring the of Nebraska’s Sen. Ernie Chambers discussed answer was the same as compelling mountain lion population. The al- speech, which is unconstitutional. phanumeric plate would display up A bill that would clarify right of way Watermeier introduced an amend- to five characters and not use a county laws for bicyclists and pedestrians was ment on select file, adopted 35-0, mak- designation. heard by the Transportation and Tele- ing an answer to the question optional The fee for the alphanumeric plates communications Committee Jan. 25. rather than mandatory. The question would be $5, credited to a newly cre- LB716, introduced by Omaha Sen. would read: Do you wish to include ated Nebraska Game and Parks Com- , your name in the Donor Registry of mission educational fund. Personal- would clarify that Nebraska and donate your organs and ized plates would cost $40, with $10 any bicyclist who tissues at the time of your death? credited to the Department of Motor is riding on a des- The amendment also provided that Vehicles cash fund and $30 credited ignated path that a donor’s status would remain effec- to the commission’s educational fund. intersects with a tive until revoked or amended by the The commission would be required street or highway license holder. Expiration of the driver to use the educational fund to teach would have the Sen. Rick Kolowski license would not change the license youth about wildlife conservation right of way within the crossing if he holder’s donor status. practices. or she follows all traffic signals. License and permit applicants Besides creating a fund and an edu- In the event that a motor vehicle, younger than 16 would be exempt cational program, Chambers said, the bicycle and pedestrian all are present from answering the organ donor bill is designed to direct attention to at an intersection, the pedestrian question. Donors who want to specify Nebraska’s dwindling mountain lion would have right of way. which organs and tissues they intend population. Because of the excessive Kolowski said the bill would make to donate must contact the state’s number of female mountain lions state laws pertaining to bicyclists and donor registry. killed this hunting season, he said, motorists easier to understand. Omaha Sen. John McCollister survival of the species is in jeopardy. “These common-sense clarifica- supported the amendment and said “There is a tremendous amount tions [would] strengthen the rights the intent of the bill is commendable. of support for conserving the small of cyclists and pedestrians, clarify the “If we can generate an additional population of mountain lions we have expectations of motorists and assist 50,000 to 80,000 organ donors, that’s in this state,” he said. law enforcement’s ability to enforce fantastic,” he said. A Transportation and Telecom- the laws,” he said. The bill advanced to final reading munications Committee amendment, Roger Hirsch, president of the by voice vote. adopted 36-0, changed the proposed Great Plains Trails Network, spoke in mountain lion protection plate to favor of the bill. Bill authorizing mountain lion mountain lion conservation plates. “Bicycle riding on multi-use trails license plates advanced North Platte Sen. sup- can lead to injury or even death, ported the bill, saying that conservation especially when trails intersect with Nebraska drivers could show their efforts are the reason the state’s moun- roadways,” he said. “Passage of LB716 support for mountain lions with tain lion population continues to exist. would clarify the responsibilities of

104TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 13 January 25 - 28, 2016 motor vehicle drivers and cyclists at Nebraska county treasurer offices to Consolidation of driver those critical intersections.” title their vehicles,” he said. “The licensing services advanced LB716 also would repeal a current processing of out-of-state titles takes statute commonly referred to as the much longer than processing an in- Counties would no longer be mandatory sidepath provision. This state title. [LB765] would help offices required to administer driver licens- states that whenever a usable path for recoup those labor costs.” ing services under a bill heard by the bicycles has been provided adjacent to The county processing the motor Transportation and Telecommunica- a street, a bicyclist must use the path vehicle title would retain half of the tions Committee Jan. 25. and not the street. fee. The remaining $12.50 would be Under LB785, introduced by Hen- Julie Harris, executive director distributed as follows: derson Sen. Curt of the Nebraska Bicycling Alliance, • $6 to the state Department of Friesen, the state also supported the bill. She said the Motor Vehicles (DMV) cash Department of mandatory sidepath provision has fund; Motor Vehicles prevented construction of some new • $4.50 to the state general fund; (DMV) would as- protected bike lanes on streets where • $1 for programs for persons sume responsibil- a sidepath already may exist. suffering from a brain injury; ity for providing “People on bikes need to be able • 65 cents to the Nebraska State all driver licens- Sen. Curt Friesen to legally ride on the road if there are Patrol cash fund; ing services, including fee collection. other conditions that make a sidepath • 25 cents to the Motor Vehicle Friesen said the DMV wanted to dangerous to ride on,” Harris said. Fraud cash fund; and proactively revise its business model to “[LB716] gives the flexibility back to • 10 cents to the Nebraska Mo- better meet the needs of Nebraskans. our local authorities to build projects tor Vehicle Industry Licensing “The current requirement to have that they think are the safest thing for Fund. services in every county has been in their city.” The title fee for out-of-state all- place since the 1950s,” he said. “De- No one testified in opposition to terrain vehicles, utility-type vehicles, mographics have changed over time the bill and the committee took no minibikes and trailers also would and the expectations of citizens have immediate action on it. increase to $25. changed.” For titles issued by the DMV: $10 Rhonda Lahm, Nebraska DMV Increased title fee considered would be remitted to the DMV cash director, supported the bill. She said it for out-of-state vehicles fund, $14 would be remitted to the would allow the DMV to redistribute Motor Carrier Division cash fund and resources to where they’re needed The cost of titles for out-of-state $1 would be remitted to programs for most. In two counties—Douglas and vehicles would increase under a bill persons suffering from a brain injury. Sarpy—32 percent of DMV staff pro- heard by the Transportation and Tele- Lancaster County Treasurer Andy vide services for nearly 40 percent of communications Committee Jan. 26. Stebbing testified in support of the all applicants. LB765, introduced by Bellevue bill. He said he processed 5,579 titles “[LB785] allows the DMV to Sen. Tommy Gar- for one out-of-state car dealership in improve flexibility in offering driver rett, would raise 2015 alone. licenses to all Nebraskans,” she said. from $10 to $25 the “[The out-of-state title fee] has not “I have no intention of reducing fee for each original been increased since 1988 when it was services in our largest three counties. certificate of title changed from $6 to $10,” Stebbing I’m bringing this to improve customer issued in Nebraska said. “I’m not a fan of raising fees, but services for everyone.” for a vehicle from this is a really good one to increase. It’s Lahm said the department planned another state or Sen. Tommy Garrett long overdue and would help offset to offer more services online and country. Garrett said only five states costs for processing out-of-state titles.” potentially implement services by currently have out-of-state title fees No one testified in opposition to appointment only in some counties. lower than Nebraska. the bill and the committee took no Larry Dix, representing the Nebras- “Low motor vehicle title fees has immediate action. ka Association of County Officials, led to out-of-state dealerships using also testified in support of the bill.

PAGE 14 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 104TH LEGISLATURE January 25 - 28, 2016

He said it would provide cost savings to complete the project and ongoing of a city or village’s intent to annex. in counties that see little to no driver maintenance of the system.” Craighead said that an SID is cre- licensing applicants. Rhonda Lahm, DMV director, ated with the expectation that it will “Yes, there will be a reduction in fees supported the bill. She said the depart- be dissolved as a legal entity when for some of these counties but there ment collected almost $75 million for annexed, so the bill would reduce also will no longer be a requirement to local government entities under the the amount of risk taken on by cities provide office space either,” Dix said. current VTR system. proposing annexation. In counties where the DMV ad- “The partnership between the state An Urban Affairs Committee ministers all aspects of driver licensing and local governments has served the amendment, adopted 31-0 replaced services, the county portion of the people of Nebraska well,” she said. the bill. Under the amendment, application fee would be credited to “[LB918] would allow us to use the payments on construction bonds, the DMV. capacity of the current system to fund construction fund warrants, general No one testified in opposition to the new system without raising taxes fund warrants and contracted labor the bill and the committee advanced or fees.” and services would be exempt from it to general file 7-1. Jack Cheloha, representing the city the spending restriction. of Omaha, testified in opposition to Any proposed construction proj- Funding requested for DMV the bill. He said the funding mecha- ects that have not been put to a public software upgrade nism would divert valuable resources bidding process prior to receiving from the city. notice of annexation would be sub- The state Department of Motor Ve- “The impact of 1 percent for mitted to the city’s finance director hicles (DMV) would have a new source Omaha is approximately $100,000. In for approval during the 90-day period. of funding for software upgrades un- terms of hiring, that’s two new rookie Bellevue Sen. Sue Crawford, chair- der a bill heard by the Transportation police officers,” he said. “Maybe a person of the committee, said that and Telecommunications Committee fairer way to pay for this would be SID spending prior to annexation Jan. 26. to increase fees on people when they was a high priority issue among SID LB918, introduced by Gretna Sen. register their vehicles.” concerns studied by the committee. John Murante, The committee took no immediate The bill advanced to select file on would redistrib- action on the bill. a 31-0 vote. ute 1 percent of motor vehicle tax Planned unit development proceeds to the changes proposed Vehicle Title and Registration Re- Procedures for approval of planned placement and Sen. John Murante unit developments in some second- Annexation restrictions Maintenance cash fund. The money class cities and villages would change advanced would be used to fund a new vehicle under a bill heard Jan. 26 by the Ur- title and registration (VTR) system. Restrictions on asset expenditures ban Affairs Committee. Murante said the current system is by sanitary and improvement districts Under current law, a county that outdated and in need of replacement. (SIDs) that have received notice of an- has adopted a comprehensive develop- The Legislature appropriated $12.5 nexation were advanced from general ment plan and is enforcing subdivision million in 2014 to the DMV to pay for file Jan. 27. regulations must approve a planned the system upgrade, he said, which is Under LB131, unit development in a second-class estimated to cost $24 million. Another introduced by city or village’s extraterritorial zoning $5 million was later allocated, he said. Omaha Sen. Joni jurisdiction (ETJ). “The VTR system was developed Craighead last ses- LB875, introduced by Gretna Sen. in the late 1980s and the technol- sion, expenditures John Murante, would remove the ogy currently does not meet today’s by an SID would requirement that the county must business needs,” he said. “[LB918] be restricted for Sen. Joni Craighead approve the plan in a county with would provide a funding mechanism 90 days upon receiving notification a population between 100,000 and

104TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 15 January 25 - 28, 2016

200,000. A second-class city or village Sarpy is the only county that would bill. Requiring county approval of still would be required to submit a be impacted by the bill, Murante said, planned unit development projects plan of the planned unit development and first-class cities in the county isn’t needed, he said, because projects to the county for review. currently are not required to obtain already are thoroughly vetted. Murante said that planned unit de- county approval. “We believe that it is unnecessary velopment is used where development “LB875 would place cities of the for the developer and the city to take includes mixed uses, such as retail, second class and villages [in Sarpy this extra step,” Kooistra said, adding office space and single and multiple- County] on the same footing as cit- that such approval can slow projects family housing. Under current law, ies of the first class when it comes to and extend completion times. the county has the final word on such planned unit development,” he said. No opposition testimony was of- projects when they involve the ETJ of Jeff Kooistra, Gretna city admin- fered and the committee took no im- second-class cities and villages, he said. istrator, testified in support of the mediate action on the bill. g

Unicameral Update online While the Unicameral Update print edition is mailed The site provides links to get the Update’s RSS and out weekly, the web version of the publication, located Twitter feeds. Readers may search Update stories at update.legislature.ne.gov, is updated continually by bill number, senator’s name or keyword using the throughout the legislative day. search box provided in the top-right corner.

PAGE 16 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 104TH LEGISLATURE January 25 - 28, 2016 Committee Hearings *Current hearing schedules are always available at: nebraskalegislature.gov/calendar

Monday, February 1 Education Tuesday, February 2 Appropriations Room 1525 - 1:30 p.m. Appropriations Room 1524 - 1:30 p.m. LB1026 (Morfeld) Change provisions Room 1524 - 1:30 p.m. LB956 (Hadley) Provide for deficit relating to education technology Agency 50: Nebraska State College appropriations LB1064 (Sullivan) Change option System LB957 (Hadley) Authorize additional enrollment and student fee provisions Agency 51: University of Nebraska uses for certain funds and provide for as prescribed System certain transfers LB1066 (Sullivan) Change provisions AM1897 to LB 560 LB1092 (Mello) Change provisions relating to education LB713 (Stinner) State intent relating to relating to budget request reporting appropriations for the Access College requirements Executive Board Early Scholarship Program Agency 19: Dept. of Banking Room 2102 - 12:00 p.m. LB852 (Cook) Appropriate funds for aid Agency 22: Dept. of Insurance LB686 (Chambers) Provide for the to community colleges Agency 36: State Racing Commission publication and distribution of the LB755 (Watermeier) Appropriate Agency 58: Board of Engineers and Constitution of Nebraska funds to the Board of Trustees of the Architects LB1016 (Watermeier) Redefine agency Nebraska State Colleges Agency 63: Board of Public Accountancy under the Legislative Performance LB858 (Hadley) Create the University of Agency 76: Nebraska Indian Audit Act Nebraska Facilities Program of 2016 Commission General Affairs Banking, Commerce & Insurance Banking, Commerce & Insurance Room 1510 - 1:30 p.m. Room 1507 - 1:30 p.m. Room 1507 - 1:30 p.m. LB748 (Lindstrom) Change import LB794 (B. Harr) Change provisions Appointment: Dentlinger, Courtney - provisions under the Nebraska Liquor relating to the Nebraska Model Dept. of Economic Development Control Act as prescribed Business Corporation Act and LB837 (Scheer) Change provisions LB1046 (Ebke) Change license eligibility corporate occupation taxes relating to premium taxes and quarterly requirements under the Liquor Control LB817 (Riepe) Adopt the Direct Primary statements under the Surplus Lines Act Care Agreement Act Insurance Act LB1105 (Larson) Change and eliminate LB1036 (Campbell) Change provisions of LB942 (Scheer) Provide a disclosure beverage regulations and licensure the Credit Services Organization Act, the requirement to the Department of provisions and create the Nebraska Delayed Deposit Services Licensing Act, Banking and Finance for seller-assisted Craft Brewery Board and the Nebraska Installment Loan Act marketing plan contracts as prescribed LB834 (Schumacher) Prohibit the retail LB1035 (Williams) Redefine farm sale of alcohol at a price below cost Education product and change provisions relating LB969 (Larson) Provide and change Room 1525 - 1:30 p.m. to the central filing system and the duties for the establishment, LB1086 (Davis) Change provisions master lien list maintenance, and operation of public relating to student self-management of libraries or reading rooms by cities or asthma or anaphylaxis Business & Labor villages LB1052 (B. Harr) State intent relating to Room 2102 - 1:30 p.m. appropriations for the Nebraska Whole LB928 (Mello) Change provisions Transportation & Telecommunications Child Project and change provisions relating to discriminatory wage Room 1113 - 1:30 p.m. relating to school funding practices based on sex LB927 (Hilkemann) Change provisions LB1002 (Baker) Permit educational LB1089 (Hansen) Change the minimum relating to surcharges for 911 service service unit boards to pay membership wage for persons compensated by way LB938 (Smith) Adopt the 911 Service dues to associations of school boards of gratuities System Act and transfer funds from the LB896 (Hansen) Require pay increases Enhanced Wireless 911 Fund to the Transportation & Telecommunications for state employees to recognize length 911 Service System Fund Room 1113 - 1:30 p.m. of service LB977 (Smith) Change provisions LB669 (Krist) Update certain federal LB850 (Crawford) Adopt the Paid relating to implements of husbandry on references and change from a Family Medical Leave Insurance Act highways secondary to primary offense LB830 (B. Harr) Change provisions LB900 (Bloomfield) Change motorcycle certain occupant protection system relating to vacation leave for state and moped helmet provisions, enforcement requirements employees motorcycle registration fees, rename LB668 (Krist) Change certain federal the Health Advisory Board, and create references and provisions relating the brain injury services program and to provisional operator’s permit a fund

104TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 17 January 25 - 28, 2016 Committee Hearings *Current hearing schedules are always available at: nebraskalegislature.gov/calendar restrictions, use of interactive wireless Employment and Reemployment Rights Revenue communication devices, and occupant Act to Nebraska employees serving in Room 1524 - 1:30 p.m. protection system enforcement the National Guard of another state LB889 (Mello) Adopt the School LB989 (Murante) Change provisions LB718 (Groene) Change requirements Readiness Tax Credit Act relating to motor vehicles for an application for a waiver of LB886 (Davis) Adopt the Volunteer college tuition and fees by a dependent Emergency Responders Incentive Act Urban Affairs of a veteran and provide income tax credits Room 1510 - 1:30 p.m. LB766 (Garrett) Change eligibility LB907 (B. Harr) Change provisions LB860 (Hughes) Add a type of provisions for waiver of tuition and fees relating to the New Markets Job economic development program under for veterans’ dependents as prescribed Growth Investment Act the Local Option Municipal Economic LB1015 (B. Harr) Change a sales tax Development Act Health & Human Services exemption relating to museums LB808 (Hansen) Change provisions Room 1510 - 1:30 p.m. relating to amending an economic LB818 (Kolowski) Change provisions Thursday, February 4 development program under the relating to immunity when submitting Appropriations Local Option Municipal Economic a complaint under the Children’s Room 1003 - 1:30 p.m. Development Act Residential Facilities and Placing Agency 16: Dept. of Revenue LB1059 (Crawford) Require certain Licensure Act Agency 65: Dept. of Administrative disclosures under the Community LB684 (Bolz) Change provisions Services Development Law and the Local Option relating to exemption from an adoptive Agency 71: Nebraska Energy Office Municipal Economic Development Act home study as prescribed Agency 85: Public Employees LB1012 (Mello) Adopt the Property LB866 (Bolz) Adopt the Transition to Retirement Board Assessed Clean Energy Act Adult Living Success Program Act Agency 93: Tax Equalization and LB802 (K. Haar) Create the Health & Review Commission Wednesday, February 3 Climate Resiliency Task Force LB809 (Davis) Appropriate funds to the Appropriations Property Tax Credit Cash Fund Room 1003 - 1:30 p.m. Judiciary Agency 29: Dept. of Natural Resources Room 1113 - 1:30 p.m. Government, Military & Veterans Affairs Agency 54: Neb. State Historical LB953 (Kolterman) Provide protection Room 1507 - 1:30 p.m. Society for qualified adults from financial LB687 (Bloomfield) Provide procedures Agency 91: Neb. Tourism Commission exploitation for recall of state elective officers Agency 33: Game and Parks LB780 (Schumacher) Change LR379CA (Bloomfield) Constitutional Commission provisions relating to emergency amendment authorizing recall of state LB810 (Davis) Eliminate the Nebraska protective custody elective officers Youth Conservation Program and LB1103 (Schumacher) Change LB742 (Hansen) Change county transfer funds to the Cowboy Trail Fund provisions relating to medicaid population thresholds LB1076 (Schilz) Appropriate funds reimbursements, provide for a lien, and LB867 (Legislative Performance to the Game and Parks commission change estate procedures Audit) Change provisions relating to for law enforcement at the Lake LB934 (Coash) Change provisions the Administrative Procedure Act and McConaughy State Recreation Area relating to the Office of the Public require the Department of Correctional Guardian Services to adopt and promulgate rules Executive Board LB1008 (Coash) Provide qualification and regulations Room 2102 - 12:00 p.m. requirements for guardians ad litem LB987 (Morfeld) Create the Bioscience in guardianship, conservatorship, and Health & Human Services Steering Committee other protective proceedings Room 1510 - 1:00 p.m. LB1083 (Williams) Adopt the Next Annual Committee Briefing by DHHS Generation Business Growth Act Natural Resources Division of Developmental Disabilities and change funding for tax credits Room 1525 - 1:30 p.m. Appointment: Miller, Courtney L. - Dept. under the Community Development LB745 (McCollister) Change Game of Health & Human Services Assistance Act and Parks Commission fee and permit LB895 (Coash) Require a report provisions regarding the Beatrice State Government, Military & Veterans Affairs LB902 (Kolowski) Change the Nebraska Developmental Center and the Bridges Room 1507 - 1:30 p.m. Clean-burning Motor Fuel Development program LB753 (Crawford) Extend protection Act LB1039 (Coash) Define and redefine under federal Uniformed Services terms relating to developmental disabilities

PAGE 18 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 104TH LEGISLATURE January 25 - 28, 2016 Committee Hearings *Current hearing schedules are always available at: nebraskalegislature.gov/calendar

LB1033 (Campbell) Create an advisory Friday, February 5 Judiciary committee relating to persons with Appropriations Room 1113 - 1:30 p.m. disabilities within the Department of Room 1003 - 1:30 p.m. LB991 (McCollister) Redefine crime Health & Human Services Agency 11: Attorney General victim LB1006 (Coash) Appropriate funds LB915 (McCollister) Create a veterans’ Judiciary for hiring forensic accountants by the treatment court pilot project Room 1113 - 1:30 p.m. Office of the Attorney General LB919 (Williams) Change provisions LB710 (Hughes) Change provisions LB1017 (Lindstrom) Eliminate a relating to problem solving court relating to hazing residency requirement for student programs LB861 (Schumacher) Provide for court interns under a grant program and LB1027 (Morfeld) Create and provide review of inmate restrictive housing transfer funds as prescribed funding for the Campus Sexual Assault placement as prescribed LB1028 (Morfeld) Change provisions Prevention Grant Program and provide LB910 (Bolz) Change provisions relating to funding under the Business duties for the Attorney General relating to parole administration Innovation Act and require the LB1007 (Coash) Change and provide LB679 (Krist) Change reporting Department of Economic Development provisions relating to protection of requirements of the Community to contract with certain entities vulnerable adults and senior adults Corrections Division of the Nebraska LB1091 (Hilkemann) State intent Commission on Law Enforcement and relating to appropriations for purposes Natural Resources Criminal Justice of the Site and Building Development Room 1525 - 1:30 p.m. LB1023 (Ebke) Require development Fund LB887 (Schilz) Extend sunset of the of treatment protocols for and a needs Petroleum Release Remedial Action assessment of committed offenders Executive Board Cash Fund and correctional facilities Room 2102 - 12:00 p.m. LB897 (Lindstrom) Allow certain public LB1094 (Judiciary) Change provisions LB1022 (Legislative Performance Audit) power agencies to engage in hedging relating to evidence, sentencing, certain Change provisions relating to the office transactions criminal penalties, criminal mischief, of Legislative Audit and change dates assault, theft, forgery, and probation for application of tax incentives Nebraska Retirement Systems LB1102 (Davis) Authorize legislative Room 1525 - 12:00 p.m. Natural Resources performance audits of tax-increment LB805 (Mello) Require a periodic study Room 1525 - 1:30 p.m. financing projects of certain retirement plans and a report LB736 (Friesen) Change provisions filing by certain political subdivisions relating to electric utilities and electric Government, Military & Veterans Affairs LB922 (Kolterman) Change terms of suppliers under the Rural Community- Room 1507 - 1:30 p.m. Public Employees Retirement Board Based Energy Development Act LB993 (Coash) Change provisions members as prescribed LB863 (Schilz) Adopt the Wind Energy related to the Auditor of Public LB986 (Nebraska Retirement Systems) Expansion Act Accounts and require hours of work be Change duties of the Public Employees recorded on a timesheet Retirement Board relating to an annual Nebraska Retirement Systems LB935 (Schilz) Change provisions valuation report and experience study Room 1525 - 12:00 p.m. relating to the Auditor of Public AM 1865 to LB 467 Accounts Revenue LB823 (Larson) Change powers and Room 1524 - 1:30 p.m. Revenue duties of the State Athletic Commissioner LB774 (Scheer) Provide a sales and use Room 1524 - 1:30 p.m. and provide administrative fine tax exemption for purchases by nonprofit LB958 (Gloor) Change provisions authority as prescribed substance abuse treatment centers relating to budgets, the valuation of LB671 (Krist) Repeal the Build agricultural land, and levy limitations Health & Human Services Nebraska Act and change the LB717 (Groene) Change provisions Room 1510 - 1:30 p.m. distribution of sales tax revenue relating to the assessment and LB979 (Kuehn) Provide for selection of valuation of real property interchangeable biological products by Monday, February 8 LB940 (Johnson) Adopt the Tax pharmacists Appropriations Stabilization Act LB962 (Fox) Change requirements for Room 1524 - 1:30 p.m. the practice of acupuncture Agency 25: Health & Human Services LB963 (Fox) Change provisions relating LB911 (Bolz) State intent relating to to area plans and budgets under the fund transfers for behavioral health Nebraska Community Aging Services Act systems of care

104TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 19 January 25 - 28, 2016

LB923 (Stinner) Appropriate funds for LR413 (Watermeier) Create the Task Transportation & Telecommunications federally qualified health centers Force on Behavioral and Mental Health Room 1113 - 1:30 p.m. LB931 (Bolz) Provide for financial LR418 (Howard) Provide the Executive LB795 (B. Harr) Establish the incentives for certain assisted-living Board of the Legislative Council Wireless in Nebraska Program under facilities and change distribution of the appoint a special committee to be the Nebraska Telecommunications Behavioral Health Services Fund known as the ACCESSNebraska Universal Service Fund Act LB988 (Cook) Change distribution Oversight Committee of the Legislature LB1003 (Smith) Change the prepaid provisions for the Health Care Homes wireless surcharge determination under for the Medically Underserved Fund Transportation & Telecommunications the Prepaid Wireless Surcharge Act LB1030 (Bolz) Change an expenditure Room 1113 - 1:30 p.m. LB994 (Davis) Change provisions under limit relating to amino acid-based LB872 (Murante) Change a provision the Motor Vehicle Registration Act elemental formulas relating to the use of blue and amber relating to financial responsibility as LB1093 (Mello) Eliminate cash funds, rotating or flashing lights applied to nonresident owners create programs, and transfer funds LB799 (Bolz) Include capital acquisition costs in the Nebraska Public Urban Affairs Banking, Commerce & Insurance Transportation Act’s assistance program Room 1510 - 1:30 p.m. Room 1507 - 1:30 p.m. LB973 (Smith) Change penalty, permit, LB719 (Groene) Change provisions Appointment: Booth, Patrick - Neb. and notice provisions relating to electric relating to undeveloped vacant land Exchange Stakeholder Commission utility lines, poles, and structures under the Community Development Appointment: Flowers, Shari - Neb. LB996 (Friesen) Change provisions Law Exchange Stakeholder Commission relating to the Motor Vehicle Industry LB1042 (Friesen) Change provisions Appointment: Rieker, Edward (Ed) - Neb. Regulation Act relating to tax-increment financing Exchange Stakeholder Commission LR399CA (Davis) Constitutional LB770 (Groene) Change the termination Tuesday, February 9 amendment to require cities and date of the Nebraska Exchange Appropriations villages to obtain voter approval before Transparency Act Room 1524 - 1:30 p.m. pledging taxes for the payment of LB1020 (Fox) Provide for amendments Agency 13: Dept. of Education indebtedness related to redevelopment to declarations to correct scrivener’s LB800 (Bolz) State intent relating to an projects errors, omissions, or errors in the appropriation to the State Department LR394CA (Hughes) Constitutional declaration under the Nebraska of Education for job-driven training and amendment to authorize taxing bodies Condominium Act education to exclude their taxes from pledges LB1096 (B. Harr) Change provisions LB838 (Bolz) State intent relating to an made by cities to pay indebtedness on relating to amendments to declarations appropriation to the State Department redevelopment projects regarding unit boundaries under the of Education for an educational Nebraska Condominium Act specialist Wednesday, February 10 LB1053 (B. Harr) Appropriate funds to Appropriations Business & Labor the State Department of Education Room 1003 - 1:30 p.m. Room 2102 - 1:30 p.m. LB1074 (Kolowski) Appropriate funds to Agency 78: Nebraska Commission on LB836 (Mello) Adopt the In the Line of the State Department of Education Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Duty Compensation Act Agency 46: Dept. of Correctional LB743 (Hansen) Clarify compensation Banking, Commerce & Insurance Services for shoulder injuries under the Room 1507 - 1:30 p.m. LB733 (Watermeier) Appropriate funds Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Act LB706 (Coash) Define habilitative to the Department of Correctional LB1001 (Ebke) Change provisions services for purposes of insurance Services relating to a compensation schedule for LB801 (Bolz) Require educational injuries resulting in disability material and a report relating to long- Thursday, February 11 LB1005 (B. Harr) Provide for an term care insurance Appropriations evidence-based drug formulary under the LB1060 (Fox) Adopt the Pharmacy Room 1003 - 1:30 p.m. Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Act Benefit Fairness and Transparency Act Agency 9: Secretary of State LB983 (B. Harr) Change the definition and provide duties for the Director of Agency 10: Auditor of Public Accounts of disability under the Nebraska Fair Insurance Agency 14: Public Service Commission Employment Practice Act Agency 24: Dept. Motor Vehicles Nebraska Retirement Systems LB715 (Stinner) Provide for transfers Executive Board Room 1525 - 12:00 p.m. from the General Fund to the Nebraska Room 2102 - 12:00 p.m. LB1069 (K. Haar) Provide duties for Cultural Preservation Endowment Fund LR403 (Hansen) Provide the Executive the state investment officer relating LB789 (Cook) Change provisions Board of the Legislative Council to investment in energy-related regarding appropriations for the appoint the Election Technology companies or funds installation of art in public buildings Committee as a special committee of LB1018 (Coash) Appropriate funds to the Legislature the Nebraska Arts Council g

PAGE 20 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 104TH LEGISLATURE January 25 - 28, 2016 Public Hearings

ublic hearings on bills The weekly schedule of com- Hearing Committee Meeting are typically held in mittee hearings is published Room Days the afternoons during on the last legislative day of 2102 (G) Agriculture Tu theP first half of the legislative the week throughout the leg- session. Committees have islative session. The schedule 1524 (B) Appropriations M, Tu regularly scheduled rooms is available on a table in front 1003 (A) Appropriations W, Th, F and meeting days, although of the Clerk’s Office, in the 1507 (E) Banking, Commerce M, Tu they sometimes meet in Sunday editions of the Lincoln & Insurance different rooms at varying Journal Star and the Omaha times in order to accommo- World-Herald, in the weekly 2102 (G) Business & Labor M date testifiers or large audi- Unicameral Update and at 1525 (C) Education M, Tu ences. www.nebraskalegislature.gov. 1510 (D) General Affairs M 1507 (E) Government, Military W, Th, F First Floor Second Floor & Veterans Affairs 1510 (D) Health & Human W, Th, F A Services 1113 (F) Judiciary W, Th, F B D N 1525 (C) Natural Resources W, Th, F C 1525 (C) Nebraska (Meets at E F Retirement Systems noon as G scheduled) 1524 (B) Revenue W, Th, F 1113 (F) Transportation & M, Tu * Hearing rooms labeled by letter – see chart at right Telecommunications 1510 (D) Urban Affairs Tu

Testimony Suggestions

g Always state your name and spell it for the record, as hearings are transcribed. g Prepare written copies of your testimony to distribute to the committee. g Be prepared to limit your testimony, and try not to repeat the points offered by previous testifiers. g Please turn off cell phones.

104TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 21 January 25 - 28, 2016

2016 Legislative Session

Sun Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri Sat January February 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 DAY 17 DAY 18 DAY 19 DAY 20 DAY 21 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 22DAY 23 DAY 24 DAY 25 RECESS 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8 HOLIDAY DAY 26 DAY 27 DAY 28 DAY 29 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 HOLIDAY DAY 9 DAY 10 DAY 11 DAY 12 DAY 30 DAY 31 DAY 32 DAY 33 RECESS 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 DAY 13 DAY 14 DAY 15 DAY 16 RECESS DAY 34 31

Sun Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri Sat March April 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 DAY 35 DAY 36 DAY 37 RECESS DAY 53 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 DAY 38 DAY 39DAY 40 DAY 41 RECESS DAY 54 DAY 55 DAY 56 DAY 57 RECESS 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 1514 16 RECESS DAY 42 DAY 43 DAY 44 DAY 45 RECESS DAY 58 DAY 59 RECESS RECESS 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 DAY 46 DAY 47DAY 48 DAY 49 RECESS RECESS RECESS DAY 60 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 RECESS DAY 50 DAY 51 DAY 52

Federal & State Holidays Legislative Recess Days January 18 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day January 29 February 15 – Presidents’ Day February 12, 26 March 4, 11, 14, 25, 28 April 8, 11, 14, 15, 18, 19

*The Speaker reserves the right to revise the session calendar

PAGE 22 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 104TH LEGISLATURE January 25 - 28, 2016 Senator Contact Info

Sen. Sen. Al Davis Sen. Burke J. Harr Sen. Tyson Larson Sen. Ken Schilz Lincoln, District 30 Hyannis, District 43 Omaha, District 8 O’Neill, District 40 Ogallala, District 47 Room 1522 Room 1021 Room 2010 Room 1019 Room 1210 (402) 471-2620 (402) 471-2628 (402) 471-2722 (402) 471-2801 (402) 471-2616 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist30 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist43 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist08 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist40 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist47

Sen. Dave Bloomfield Sen. Laura Ebke Sen. Robert Hilkemann Sen. Brett Lindstrom Sen. Hoskins, District 17 Crete, District 32 Omaha, District 4 Omaha, District 18 Scribner, District 15 Room 1206 Room 1101 Room 1115 Room 1202 Room 1118 (402) 471-2716 (402) 471-2711 (402) 471-2621 (402) 471-2618 (402) 471-2625 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist17 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist32 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist04 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist18 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist15

Sen. Kate Bolz Sen. Nicole Fox Sen. Sara Howard Sen. John McCollister Sen. Paul Schumacher Lincoln, District 29 Omaha, District 7 Omaha, District 9 Omaha, District 20 Columbus, District 22 Room 1120 Room 1115 Room 1012 Room 1017 Room 1124 (402) 471-2734 (402) 471-2721 (402) 471-2723 (402) 471-2622 (402) 471-2715 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist29 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist07 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist09 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist20 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist22

Sen. Sen. Curt Friesen Sen. Dan Hughes Sen. Beau McCoy Sen. Les Seiler Bancroft, District 16 Henderson, District 34 Venango, District 44 Omaha, District 39 Hastings, District 33 Room 1016 Room 1403 Room 1117 Room 2107 Room 1103 (402) 471-2728 (402) 471-2630 (402) 471-2805 (402) 471- 2885 (402) 471-2712 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist16 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist34 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist44 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist39 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist33

Sen. Kathy Campbell Sen. Tommy Garrett Sen. Jerry Johnson Sen. Heath Mello Sen. Jim Smith Lincoln, District 25 Bellevue, District 3 Wahoo, District 23 Omaha, District 5 Papillion, District 14 Room 1402 Room 1208 Room 1022 Room 1004 Room 1110 (402) 471-2731 (402) 471-2627 (402) 471-2719 (402) 471-2710 (402) 471-2730 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist25 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist03 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist23 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist05 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist14

Sen. Ernie Chambers Sen. Sen. Bill Kintner Sen. Adam Morfeld Sen. Omaha, District 11 Grand Island, District 35 Papillion, District 2 Lincoln, District 46 Gering, District 48 Room 1114 Room 1116 Room 1000 Room 1008 Room 1406 (402) 471-2612 (402) 471-2617 (402) 471-2613 (402) 471-2720 (402) 471-2802 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist11 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist35 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist02 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist46 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist48

Sen. Sen. Mike Groene Sen. Rick Kolowski Sen. John Murante Sen. Kate Sullivan Lincoln, District 27 North Platte, District 42 Omaha, District 31 Gretna, District 49 Cedar Rapids, District 41 Room 2028 Room 1101 Room 1018 Room 1423 Room 1107 (402) 471-2632 (402) 471-2729 (402) 471-2327 (402) 471-2725 (402) 471-2631 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist27 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist42 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist31 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist49 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist41

Sen. Sen. Ken Haar Sen. Mark Kolterman Sen. Sen. Dan Watermeier Omaha, District 13 Malcolm, District 21 Seward, District 24 Lincoln, District 28 Syracuse, District 1 Room 2011 Room 1015 Room 2004 Room 1523 Room 2000 (402) 471-2727 (402) 471-2673 (402) 471-2756 (402) 471-2633 (402) 471-2733 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist13 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist21 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist24 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist28 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist01

Sen. Joni Craighead Sen. Galen Hadley Sen. Bob Krist Sen. Sen. Matt Williams Omaha, District 6 Kearney, District 37 Omaha, District 10 Ralston, District 12 Gothenburg, District 36 Room 1529 Room 2103 Room 2108 Room 1528 Room 2015 (402) 471-2714 (402) 471-2726 (402) 471-2718 (402) 471-2623 (402) 471-2642 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist06 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist37 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist10 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist12 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist36

Sen. Sue Crawford Sen. Matt Hansen Sen. John Kuehn Sen. Jim Scheer Bellevue, District 45 Lincoln, District 26 Heartwell, District 38 Norfolk, District 19 Room 1212 Room 1404 Room 1117 Room 1401 (402) 471-2615 (402) 471-2610 (402) 471-2732 (402) 471-2929 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist45 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist26 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist38 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist19

104TH 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

The west steps of the State Capitol provide a meeting place for rallies and events.