UNICAMERAL UPDATE News published daily at Update.Legislature.ne.gov Vol. 43, Issue 9 / March 3 - 6, 2020 Injury leave for Sexual assault survivor school employees protections advanced clears first round chool employees who are injured by another person while at work Swould receive injury leave under a bill advanced by lawmakers March 5. Lincoln Sen. , sponsor of LB1186, said teachers who cannot work after being assaulted while on the job currently may receive workers’ compensation benefits after seven days. If they are absent for seven or fewer days, however, they must use personal or sick leave, he said. Some school districts offer formal or informal assault leave to teachers, Hilgers said, but that policy is not common across the state.

Sens. and discuss LB43 during general file debate. “If you are assaulted on the job ... you should not have to come out of he Legislature advanced a bill ment replaced the bill. As amended, your own pocket for your own sick March 3 that would create a the bill would allow a survivor of leave or personal leave to take care of T sexual assault survivor’s bill sexual assault to have an advocate pres- that,” he said. of rights. ent during any physical examination Under the bill, a school district Under LB43, as introduced by Lin- or interview, but the advocate could employee who is physically injured by coln Sen. Kate Bolz, a survivor of sexual not consult with or provide legal ad- another person who “intentionally, assault would be guaranteed the right vice to the survivor. knowingly or recklessly causes bodily to privileged consultation with a sexual The amendment would require injury” to that employee would receive assault advocate during any physical that any medical professional, peace up to seven days of injury leave and examination or interview by a peace officer, prosecutor or defense attor- be paid their usual salary for the time officer, prosecutor or defense attorney. ney provide a survivor with written they are absent and unable to work as The bill enumerates the rights documentation of his or her rights a result of the injury. available to survivors, Bolz said, before conducting an initial physical The employee’s injury must have without creating undo complications examination or interview. occurred within their scope of employ- for health care providers and law en- A survivor also would have the ment in a way that would be covered forcement. right to be interviewed by a peace by the Workers’ Compensa- “This is a bill that honors survivors officer of the gender of his or her tion Act. of sexual assault by providing a single choosing, if the request could be ac- Under the bill, injury leave would document that makes them aware of commodated reasonably. not count against any other leave an the rights and resources that are avail- Sen. of Thurston employee accrues. In determining the able to them,” she said. offered a technical amendment to applicability of injury leave, a school A Judiciary Committee amend- (continued page 2) (continued page 3)

INSIDE: Workforce housing bill stalls • Immunity for emergency child removal advanced March 3 - 6, 2020 Sexual assault survivor protections advanced (continued from front page) change the language to a peace officer rather than “victim.” He said the re- Following the 41-1 adoption of the of the “sex” of the survivor’s choosing. cent social trend of moving away from Judiciary Committee amendment, She said it would provide needed clari- the word “victim” should not overrule senators voted 41-0 to advance the bill fication for law enforcement. accepted legal language. to select file. n Omaha Sen. opposed the amendment, calling it “unneces- sary.” igh school students with an interest in law, government, leadership or public “Having the word ‘gender’ in this Hspeaking are encouraged to register for bill ... does nothing to hurt [anyone],” the 2020 Unicameral Youth Legislature, she said. “There is no legal reason to which will convene June 7-10. refer to ‘gender’ as ‘sex’ here.” The Unicameral Youth Legislature is The Albrecht amendment failed a four-day legislative simulation con- on a 17-22 vote. Twenty-five votes ducted at the State Capitol Building and were needed. coordinated by the Clerk’s Office of the LB43 also would require a medi- . Student senators cal provider who conducts a physical will sponsor bills, conduct committee hearings, debate legislation and exam after a sexual assault to contact discover the unique process of the nation’s only unicameral. Students will learn about the inner workings of the Legislature the appropriate law enforcement directly from senators and staff. Bills will be based on legislation agency, which would be required to re- considered during the current legislative session. tain any forensic evidence for 20 years. Registrants are encouraged to apply for a Speaker Greg Adams Evidence collected from a sexual Civic Scholarship award, which covers the full cost of admission. assault physical examination could Applicants must submit a short essay. Other $100 scholarships also not be used to prosecute a survivor are available. for any misdemeanor crimes or of- The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Extension 4-H Youth Devel- fenses under the Uniform Controlled opment Office coordinates housing and recreational activities for the Substances Act. camp as part of their Big Red Summer Academic Camps program. Omaha Sen. sup- Registration forms can be obtained from the Legislature’s Uni- cameral Youth Legislature page: www.NebraskaLegislature.gov/uyl. ported the bill, but expressed concerns The registration deadline is May 1. g about the use of the term “survivor”

UNICAMERAL UPDATE

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PAGE 2 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 106TH LEGISLATURE March 3 - 6, 2020 Injury leave for school employees clears first round (continued from front page) district could require confirmation from a physician regarding the causa- tion and the period of time for which an employee is unable to work. LB1186 also would require each school district to report annually to the state Department of Education the number of incidents resulting in injury leave and the total number of injury leave days taken. An Education Committee amend- ment, adopted 41-0, would remove that provision. Sen. Mike Hilgers said teachers should not have to use personal leave for assault-related North Platte Sen. , absences. the committee’s chairperson, said should have the responsibility to make . He said the seven-day such data already is available from the sure that that teacher is then … taken gap applies to almost all Nebraska Nebraska Workers’ Compensation care of financially.” workers unless their collective bar- Court. Removing the requirement Groene also supported the bill, gaining agreement offers some type would eliminate the bill’s cost, he said. saying that his staff found more than of assault leave. Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston sup- 300 cases last year in which a teacher Although LB1186 would help solve ported LB1186, saying it would help took at least seven days of leave after that problem for teachers, he said, the Nebraska attract and retain teachers being injured in a job-related assault. Legislature might want to consider by ensuring that they do not have to “This is just one thing we can do to future legislation that would extend sacrifice their sick or personal leave if help those teachers who are so severely the same assistance to workers in other they are assaulted at work. assaulted that they have to take time high-risk professions. “If injured on the job by an inten- off of work from the injuries,” he said. Senators voted 45-0 to advance the tional assault,” she said, “the school Also in support was Lincoln Sen. bill to select file. n

U.S. Congress contact information

Senator Deb Fischer Congressman Congressman Adrian Smith United States Senate (District 1) (District 3) 454 Russell Senate Office Building 1514 Longworth House Office Building 502 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20515 Washington, D.C. 20515 Tel. (202) 224-6551 Tel. (202) 225-4806 Tel. (202) 225-6435

Senator Ben Sasse Congressman Don Bacon United States Senate (District 2) 107 Russell Senate Office Building 1024 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20515 Tel. (202) 224-4224 Tel. (202) 225-4155

106TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 3 March 3 - 6, 2020

excise tax would be imposed on the require testing laboratories to measure net market value of pulse crops sold the total THC in a hemp sample and through commercial channels in the to report a measurement of uncer- state. The tax would be levied and im- tainty along with the test results. Pulse crop checkoff program posed on the grower at the time of sale Halloran said LB1152 also would clears first round or delivery. The first purchaser would define negligent and nonnegligent collect the tax and remit it to the board. violations of the act and clarify that Lawmakers advanced a bill March 3 The board could adjust the levy after the presence of uncultivated feral that would create a checkoff program July 1, 2022, but the levy could not ex- hemp is not considered cultivation for Nebraska pulse crop growers. ceed 2 percent of the net market value. for purposes of the act. LB803, intro- Senators voted 37-0 to advance Additionally, the bill would require duced by Sen. Dan LB803 to select file. licensees to notify the department of Hughes of Venan- the estimated date that hemp will be go, would create the Hemp program updates clear transported from a registered site at five-member Pulse first round least seven days prior to shipment. Crop Development, An Agriculture Committee amend- Utilization and Lawmakers advanced a bill March 4 ment, adopted 36-2, would remove Marketing Board. Sen. Dan Hughes that would update the Nebraska Hemp this provision. The board would protect and stabi- Farming Act to harmonize it with new “Testimony in the committee was lize the state’s pulse crop industry and federal regulations. very adamant that this would be im- the economy of the areas producing Congress legalized the cultivation practical,” Halloran said. those crops, which the bill defines as and sale of hemp with the 2018 Farm Instead, the amendment would dry peas, lentils, chickpeas or garbanzo Bill. States that wish to regulate hemp require licensees to maintain a record beans, faba beans and lupine. production first must submit a plan to of hemp shipments shipped from or Hughes said pulses are becoming the U.S. Department of Agriculture received by the licensee. It also would: more popular as an alternative crop. A for approval. • require the department to re- recent University of Nebraska-Lincoln The Nebraska Hemp Farming Act, ceive and process all completed survey found that Nebraska farmers which the Legislature passed last year, license applications and issue planted approximately 80,000 com- requires the state Department of Agri- licenses to qualified applicants; bined acres of chickpeas, field peas culture to submit such a state plan to • clarify that the lot represented and lentils, he said. the USDA and to establish, operate by a hemp sample must be har- In addition to providing funds for and administer a program to license vested within 15 days; and pulse crop market promotion and and regulate those who cultivate, pro- • authorize the Nebraska Hemp research, Hughes said, the program cess, handle or broker hemp. Commission to preserve and would make Nebraska chickpea pro- Sen. , sponsor of develop certain Nebraska heir- ducers eligible for revenue insurance. LB1152, said the loom hemp varieties. The board’s members, who would bill would make Following adoption of the commit- be appointed by the governor, would the act consistent tee amendment, senators voted 37-2 to have to be Nebraska residents who with state plan advance the bill to select file. are pulse crop growers with at least specifications in five years of experience, among other a USDA interim requirements. rule published last The director of the state Depart- October and also Sen. Steve Halloran ment of Agriculture and the vice chan- make it easier for the state Depart- cellor of the University of Nebraska’s ment of Agriculture to administer Institute of Agriculture and Natural the program. Bill to expand dermatology Resources would serve as nonvoting He said the bill would reference access advances members. the federal rule’s definition of “accept- Beginning July 1, 2020, a 1 percent able hemp THC level.” It also would Dermatology services conducted

PAGE 4 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 106TH LEGISLATURE March 3 - 6, 2020 through asynchronous review could to correct procedural errors that a or real estate salesperson; and be covered by a patient’s individual corporation might make. • LB1123, also introduced by health insurance under a bill advanced A Banking, Commerce and In- Lindstrom, which would ex- from general file March 5. surance Committee amendment, pand the definition of security LB760, introduced by Seward Sen. adopted 35-0, added provisions from to include student loans under , five bills to LB808: the Public Funds Deposit Se- defines asynchro- • LB775, in- curity Act. nous review as the troduced by Lindstrom introduced an amend- acquisition and Sen. Matt ment, adopted 34-0, that also would storage of medi- Williams add provisions of his LB767 to change cal information at of Gothen- laws governing condominium associa- one location that is burg, which tions. Among other changes, the provi- then forwarded to Sen. Mark Kolterman would make sions would reduce the time allowed or retrieved by a health care provider several tech- Sen. Matt Williams to recover damages from alleged defi- at a different location for evaluation. nical changes to the Nebraska ciency in the design or construction Under the bill, beginning Jan. 1, Real Property Appraiser Act; of a condominium. 2021, asynchronous review that is • LB782, introduced by Gering Williams supported the amend- deemed medically necessary could not Sen. John ment. He said current condominium be excluded from a health insurance Stinner, laws in Nebraska are outdated and as a policy solely because it is delivered which would result new condominium construction asynchronously. allow stu- has “slowed down or even stopped.” “[The bill is] the only way I can dents within Sen. of Omaha op- see that we can help people in rural 120 days of posed the amendment. He said many Nebraska,” Kolterman said. completing states have seen an increase in condo- A Banking, Commerce and Insur- an account- Sen. minium construction while having a ance Committee amendment, adopted ing degree to take test sections of longer period of time to claim damages. 36-0, would require that asynchronous the certified public accountant “Where is the concern for the indi- review delivered through telehealth exam; vidual condominium owner?” he said. be reimbursed at a rate negotiated • LB902, introduced by Sen. Patty Senators advanced LB808 to select between the provider and the insurer. Pansing file on a 35-0 vote. Lawmakers advanced LB760 to Brooks of select file on a 35-0 vote. Lincoln, which Omnibus banking bill advances would modern- A bill that would change the Ne- ize and Resilience training; PTSD injury braska Model Business Corporation reform Sen. claims for first responders Act was amended to become an om- the terms of an irrevocable trust; amended, advanced nibus banking bill and advanced from • LB929, introduced by Omaha general file March 5. Sen. Brett Senators amended and advanced a LB808, introduced by Sen. An- Lindstrom, bill from select file March 6 meant to drew La Grone of which would address the mental Gretna, would en- exempt from health strain experi- act new sections in the Nebraska enced by emergency the act related to Real Estate first responders. defective corporate License Act LB963, spon- actions. La Grone an unli- Sen. sored by Gordon said the bill would censed person who provides a list Sen. , provide a method Sen. of potential purchases to a broker would provide first Sen. Tom Brewer

106TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 5 March 3 - 6, 2020 responders with opportunities to Following the 38-0 adoption of of hearing in compliance with the receive resilience training to help the amendment, senators advanced state Special Education Act and the prevent or mitigate the effects of post- LB963 to final reading by voice vote. federal Individuals with Disabilities traumatic stress disorder. Education Act. The bill would allow first respond- The amendment would require the ers to establish a presumptive case of department and the commission to PTSD from cumulative injury or stress publish a joint annual report specific caused by conditions of employment to language and literacy developmen- as a personal injury for workers’ com- tal milestones of children who are pensation purposes. Language assessment program deaf or hard of hearing relative to To establish such a case, the first re- for deaf children advanced their peers who are not deaf or hard sponder must show that he or she: un- of hearing. The department and com- derwent a mental health examination A bill that would require special mission would publish the report on before the onset of the mental injury language assessments for children who their respective websites and submit or illness, obtained testimony from a are deaf or hard of hearing advanced it to the Clerk of the Legislature and qualifying mental health professional from the first round of debate March 5. the Education Committee. that he or she suffers from a mental LB965, as introduced by Omaha The commission would appoint a injury or illness and participated in Sen. Mike McDonnell, would require 14-member committee to advise it on resilience training prior to the onset the Nebraska Commission for the all aspects of the language assessment of the mental injury or illness and Deaf and Hard of Hearing to establish program. On or before July 1, 2021, annually thereafter. and coordinate a language assessment the committee would develop specific The state Department of Health program for children who are deaf or action plans and make recommenda- and Human Services would reimburse hard of hearing. tions necessary to implement the first responders for resilience training McDonnell said the bill is meant program. if their employers do not. to enhance kindergarten readiness for In doing so, the committee would Under the bill as amended on deaf and hard of hearing children by review and recommend the use of general file, only state-licensed prac- increasing language proficiency during existing language assessments for ticing physicians, psychologists and the early years of life. children or are deaf or hard of hear- mental health practitioners would be “The ultimate goal and intent ing and recommend qualifications qualified to render an official PTSD of LB965 is to raise awareness and for identifying assessment evaluators diagnosis. understanding of any deaf child’s with knowledge of the use of evidence- Omaha Sen. Mike McDonnell experience in language learning and based best practices with children who offered an amendment on select file, how that impacts their educational are deaf or hard of hearing. adopted 27-0, that would add a sunset success,” he said. The committee amendment also date of Jan. 1, 2027, to the provisions An Education Committee amend- includes amended provisions of LB839, of LB963 and would clarify that the ment, adopted 45-0, would replace the sponsored by Lin- mental health practitioner making a bill with amended provisions of the coln Sen. Anna diagnosis must be independent. original proposal. Wishart. Under her McDonnell offered a second amend- It would require the state Depart- proposal, the Leg- ment that incorpo- ment of Education to establish and co- islature would de- rated provisions of ordinate the program in collaboration clare that Nebraska his LB448, which with the commission. The program recognizes Ameri- would increase would assess, monitor and track the can Sign Language Sen. burial benefits for language developmental milestones as a separate and distinct language. work-related inju- of deaf and hard of hearing children “We are currently one of five ries or illnesses to from birth through age five. [states] who do not,” Wishart said, $11,000. Beginning Sen. Mike McDonnell Under the proposal, language as- “and we owe it to our deaf and hard in 2023, the cap would be adjusted by sessments would be given as needed to of hearing constituents to change that a maximum of 2.75 percent per year. each child under 6 who is deaf or hard statistic.”

PAGE 6 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 106TH LEGISLATURE March 3 - 6, 2020

The proposal also would allow the world history that demonstrates the LB950, introduced State Board of Education to provide dangers of prejudice, discrimination by Sen. Dave Mur- for the teaching of ASL in schools. If a and dehumanization that is fueled by man of Glenvil. school offers a course in ASL, the bill racism and intolerance,” Howard said. As introduced, the would require that it be offered to all “It is my hope that by educating our bill would modify students and may be used for world youth about the past we can prevent eligibility require- language credits by the school. these events from happening in the ments for the Ac- The provisions of LB839 also future.” cess College Early Sen. Dave Murman would allow any postsecondary insti- Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha sup- Scholarship Program. tution to offer an elective course in ported the amendment. At a time The amended provisions would ASL, and any credits earned could when anti-Semitic violence is increasing allow the state commissioner of be used for world language credits if around the world, she said, students education to verify certain applicants’ recognized as such by the institution. need to learn about the Holocaust. eligibility upon request by the Coordi- Senators voted 45-0 to advance “It’s important to teach these nating Commission for Postsecondary LB965 to select file. things so that our young people who Education. are the future decision makers … have Also included in the committee Education cleanup bill an understanding of the historical amendment are provisions of LB1076, broadened, advanced tragedies that are part of all of our introduced by Lincoln Sen. Kate history,” Hunt said. Bolz. Her proposal Lawmakers gave first-round ap- Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers also would allow the proval March 3 to a bill that would supported the amendment. He in- state’s tribal col- make several technical changes to troduced an additional amendment, leges to participate state education law after amending it adopted 34-3, that would add studies in the Communi- to include provisions of several other relative to slavery, lynching and racial ty College Gap As- education-related bills. massacres in America to the definition sistance Program North Platte Sen. Mike Groene, of multicultural education. by expanding it to Sen. Kate Bolz sponsor of LB1131, “If we’re going to start bringing include eligible programs at accredit- said it contains in these types of horrendous crimes ed, nonprofit, two-year postsecondary technical changes against humanity,” Chambers said, institutions with a physical presence recommended by “we should not forget the crimes in Nebraska. the state Depart- against black humanity that took place Sen. of Bellevue intro- ment of Educa- in America.” duced an amend- tion, the Coordi- Groene opposed the Chambers ment, adopted nating Commis- Sen. Mike Groene amendment, saying such subjects, 41-0, to incorpo- sion for Postsecondary Education and along with genocide, more appropri- rate provisions of Education Committee staff. ately would be addressed in Nebraska’s her LB1001 in the An Education Committee amend- social studies standards. He said law- committee amend- ment, adopted 38-1, includes amended makers should not include specific ment. provisions of LB640, introduced last ses- instances of genocide or slavery in the Under her pro- Sen. Sue Crawford sion by Omaha Sen. . The multiculturalism statute. posal, each school board would provisions would “To pick certain instances in his- require that the phone number for a expand the current tory does our children a disservice,” national or local suicide prevention definition of multi- Groene said. hotline or a crisis text line is printed cultural education He filed an amendment to remove on each new student identification to include studies the provisions of LB640, as amended card issued to middle school and high relative to the Holo- by the Chambers amendment, from school students enrolled in schools caust and other acts LB1131. It failed on a vote of 10-10. under a board’s authority, beginning of genocide. Sen. Sara Howard The committee amendment also with the 2021-22 school year. “The Holocaust is a vital part of includes amended provisions of Additionally, each public post-

106TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 7 March 3 - 6, 2020 secondary institution authorized to The amendment currently contracts with private entities operate in Nebraska would require would require the for pest control, information technol- that one of those numbers be printed state Department ogy and other services at its facilities. on new identification cards issued to of Health and Hu- “This would invalidate those con- enrolled students, beginning with the man Services and tracts, therefore it would be unconsti- 2021-22 academic year. the state Depart- tutional,” La Grone said. Senators voted 37-0 to advance ment of Veterans’ Slama also opposed the amend- LB1131 to select file. Affairs to work to- Sen. ment, assuring fellow senators that the gether to encourage service providers bill’s intent was not to allow a private in state and local agencies to ask the company to operate prisons or any question “Have you or a family mem- other state-run facility in Nebraska. ber ever served in the military?” The A pending amendment offered question would be included on intake by Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha forms and in interviews, she said. would codify that if a court found State contract authority “By asking these questions, it al- Pansing Brooks’ amendment uncon- changes stall on second round lows the veteran, active-duty service stitutional it could be removed from member and their families to find state law while the rest of the provi- A bill that would change state out if they have access to services they sions of LB790 would remain intact. purchasing processes was amended never would have been told about if After 90 minutes of debate, the but ultimately stalled during select file they did not self identify,”Blood said. Legislature moved on to the next debate March 6. Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks of Lin- item on the agenda without voting on LB790, sponsored by Sen. Ju- coln raised concerns regarding the po- LB790 or the pending amendments. lie Slama of Peru, tentially broad scope of the underlying Per a practice implemented by Speaker would allow the bill. She introduced an amendment , the sponsor of a bill that state Department that would prohibit any provision of is facing a potential filibuster must of Administrative LB790 from being used to privatize demonstrate sufficient support for a Services to join administration of facilities operated cloture motion before the measure will competitively bid by DHHS or the state Department of be scheduled for additional debate. group contracts Correctional Services. Sen. entered into with “With privatization we would not State holiday honoring Native political subdivisions of other states have any powers to determine what is Americans amended, advanced rather than seeking new bids for an going on within the facility. We would independent contract. not have any power to say ‘no, you’re The second Monday in Octo- The bill would authorize the state spending too much’ on this or that. ber would be known as Indigenous purchasing bureau to negotiate the We wouldn’t have the power to go in Peoples’ Day and Columbus Day in terms of such contracts. and say ‘no, don’t put our children Nebraska under a bill advanced from Sen. Mike Hilgers of Lincoln intro- into solitary confinement,’” Pansing general file March 4. duced an amendment, adopted 27-0, Brooks said. LB848, as introduced by Lin- clarifying a section of the bill that Sen. John McCollister of Omaha coln Sen. Patty would allow political subdivisions to supported the amendment. He said Pansing Brooks, use a design-build contract method—in the state’s privatization of child welfare would have re- which design and construction con- services a decade ago was an “abysmal placed Colum- tracts are bid simultaneously rather mess” that should not be repeated. bus Day with than sequentially—only for water McCollister added that he would not Indigenous infrastructure projects. He said previ- support LB790 unless Pansing Brooks’ Peoples’ Day. A ous language in the bill was too broad. amendment was adopted. Government, Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks Bellevue Sen. Carol Blood also of- Gretna Sen. Andrew La Grone op- Military and Veterans Affairs Com- fered an amendment, adopted 34-0, to posed the amendment, saying it was mittee amendment, adopted, 44-0, incorporate a provision of her LB752. unconstitutional. He said the state instead would merge the two holidays.

PAGE 8 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 106TH LEGISLATURE March 3 - 6, 2020

Pansing Brooks said the compro- amendment, LB848 advanced to se- LB1055, introduced by Sen. Tom mise was “not perfect” but necessary to lect file on a 43-0 vote. Brewer of Gordon, move the bill forward. The combined would require holiday would honor Nebraska’s first Bill to create Civil War monu- counties that con- residents, she said. ment wins first-round approval duct elections by “I brought LB848 to keep this mail to have an Nebraska history alive and to give The First Regiment Nebraska Vol- in-person polling our state an opportunity to have an unteer Infantry would be honored un- site at the office of important day of reflection on the der a bill that advanced from general the county clerk, Sen. Tom Brewer contributions of our first people,” file March 5. at least one secure ballot drop box Pansing Brooks said. LB850, introduced by Lincoln Sen. available for voters and in-person early Sen. of Omaha sup- Patty Pansing Brooks, would authorize voting opportunities. ported the bill, saying he appreciated a committee to create a monument to Currently, counties of less than the compromise Pansing Brooks of- the regiment at the Fort Donelson Na- 10,000 residents can apply to the state fered. Several Italian Americans from tional Battlefield in Tennessee where for permission to hold an election Vargas’ south Omaha district opposed it fought alongside Union soldiers entirely by mail. abandoning Columbus Day during during the Civil War. “It’s important for people to have the bill’s committee hearing, he said. The bill would direct the Nebraska the option to go to the county clerk’s of- “People really did identify with Secretary of State to submit to the fice, drop off a mail-in ballot or they can Columbus Day as Italian Americans. U.S. Secretary of the Interior a writ- cast an in-person ballot,” Brewer said. They felt a personal connection,” ten request to approve and authorize Sen. Tony Vargas of Omaha sup- Vargas said. placement of the monument and ported the bill, saying that he wants to Sen. Mike Groene of North Platte would create a committee to provide assure that voters in eligible counties said the bill was unnecessary because for the creation, construction, trans- know they can vote in person if they the federal government recognizes Na- portation, installation and unveiling wish to. tive American Heritage Day on the day of the monument. A Government, Military and Vet- after Thanksgiving. The monument’s construction erans Affairs Committee amendment, “Let the Native Americans have would be privately funded, Pansing adopted 42-0, added the provisions of their day. Let the Italians have their Brooks said. several bills to LB1055: day,” Groene said. “A modest monument to the First • LB820, introduced by Brewer, Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon intro- Nebraska Regiment at the Fort Donel- which would remove “home” duced an amendment, adopted 45-0, son National Battlefield will call atten- and “work” phone numbers to include provisions of LB849, also tion to the significant contributions from voter application forms introduced by Pansing Brooks. The Nebraska made to the Union’s success and make changes to the time- amendment would extend eligibility in the Civil War, which brought an line for recall elections; for the Bridge to Independence Pro- end to the scourge of slavery in this • LB1086, introduced by Sen. gram to Native American youth who country,” she said. Matt Hansen of Lincoln, which have reached the age of majority under A Government, Military and Veter- would re- tribal law. The program is a system ans Affairs technical amendment was quire poll of supports for older teenagers and adopted 35-0 and lawmakers advanced watchers young adults who are at or near the the bill to select file on a 36-0 vote. who wish end of their time in foster care. to observe Eligibility for the program begins at Omnibus election bill advances Election Day 19—the age of majority in Nebraska— procedures and Pansing Brooks said some native A bill that would keep in-person to be either a Sen. Matt Hansen youth age out of the tribal foster care voting an option in certain counties registered voter in Nebraska or system at 18, leaving them without was amended to become an omnibus a member of a state, national or services for a year. election measure and advanced from international election monitor- Following adoption of the Brewer general file March 5. ing organization;

106TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 9 March 3 - 6, 2020

• LB1136, introduced by Sen. Podiatry Practice Act to allow a Matt Williams of Gothen- physician’s assistant to perform burg, which services that are delegated by would re- and provided under the super- quire mem- vision of a podiatrist and are bers of a within the podiatrist’s scope of public pow- Health and human services practice; er board to omnibus bill advances • LB772, introduced by Sen. Matt be governed Williams of Gothenburg, which A bill that would allow licensed by the Ne- Sen. Matt Williams would remove restrictions on barbers to offer in-home services was braska Political Accountability physician assistants regarding amended to become an omnibus and Disclosure Act when deal- the details of their collaborative health bill and advanced from general ing with conflicts of interest agreement and their ability to file March 3. on board business and would work in a hospital and prescribe LB755, introduced by Sen. Carol repeal a law prohibiting a public medication, including allowing Blood of Bellevue, power board member from hav- a physician assistant to serve would require bar- ing an interest in a contract to under several specialists who bers who work at which the board is a party; may work at the same practice a client’s home • LB1119, introduced by Gretna rather than solely under a single to obtain a per- Sen. Andrew physician; mit from the state La Grone, • LB811, introduced by Sen. John Board of Barber which would McCollister Examiners. The Sen. Carol Blood prohibit of Omaha, bill also would allow nail technicians special elec- which would to offer in-home services. tions from amend the The bill would expand the defini- being held Parkinson’s tion of who qualifies for home ser- in March of Sen. Andrew La Grone Disease Reg- vices to include people with persistent even-numbered years unless the istry Act and physical and mental disabilities. election is in conjunction with a require that Sen. John McCollister Blood said 22 percent of Nebras- statewide primary election; and a patient’s date of birth rather kans have a physical or mental disability • LB1120, also introduced by La than Social Security number that may make it difficult or impos- Grone, which would prohibit be included in a pharmacist’s sible to leave their home for personal special elections from being semi-annual report to the state care services. The bill also would help held in September of even-num- Department of Health and Hu- caretakers who are unable to leave the bered years unless the election is man Services; person they are caring for, she said. in conjunction with a statewide • LB825, also introduced by Hilke- “Self-care issues seem small, but can general election. mann, which would add Spinal mean a lot,” Blood said. La Grone introduced an amend- Muscular Atrophy to the list of A Health and Human Services ment, adopted 39-0, that would allow 32 required screenings for all Committee amendment, adopted 39-0, school bond special elections to be infants born in Nebraska; and added the provisions of five bills to the held in March and would allow a • LB834, introduced by La Vista measure: political subdivision to hold a special Sen. John • LB37, in- election in September to either ap- Arch, which troduced by prove a property tax levy or to exceed would allow Sen. Robert the subdivision’s property tax levy architecture Hilkemann limitation. candidates of Omaha, Lawmakers advanced LB1055 to to begin which would select file on a 45-0 vote. taking their amend the Sen. professional Sen. John Arch

PAGE 10 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 106TH LEGISLATURE March 3 - 6, 2020

licensure exam as they are • domestic violence involving a care under a bill advanced from gen- completing their education caretaker in situations where eral file March 4. and experience requirements, the alleged perpetrator has ac- LB247, as introduced by Lincoln and allow engineers to take cess to the child or caretaker; Sen. Kate Bolz, would allow individu- one of their two exams prior to • someone who illegally manu- als to create an ad- completing four years of post- factures methamphetamine vance directive—a accredited degree experience. or opioids in a home where a written, notarized Lawmakers advanced LB755 to child lives; statement of a select file on a vote of 40-0. • a child who has contact with person’s desired methamphetamine or other medical treatment Amended child protection nonprescribed opioids; to be carried out Sen. Kate Bolz changes advanced • a household member who tests if the person be- positive for methamphetamine comes incapacitated—specifically for A bill that would extend and re- or nonprescribed opioids at the their mental health care. vamp the state’s alternative response birth of an infant who is the Mental health directives were first procedures in child welfare cases was subject of the report; and introduced in the 1980s, Bolz said, as amended and advanced from select • absence of a caretaker with- a tool for people with mental health file March 6. out having given an alternate diagnoses to retain choice and control Alternative response is a practice caregiver authority to make over their own care. that handles low-risk child welfare cas- decisions and grant consents for “Mental health directives are neces- es by empowering families to build on necessary care, treatment and sary because they close an important their strengths, rather than criminally education of a child without statutory gap that allows individuals investigating them or placing them on having made a provision to be the right to maintain their voice in the Child Abuse and Neglect Registry. contacted to make such deci- their own mental health care,” she said. Nebraska’s alternative response pilot sions or grant such consents. A Judiciary Committee amend- program has been in place since 2014. The amendment also would re- ment, adopted 41-0, replaced the bill. Among other provisions, LB1061, move abandonment of a child for six As amended, it would allow a person introduced by Sen. months or more immediately prior to issue instructions or preferences on Sue Crawford of to a report from the list of cases ex- future mental health care decisions, Bellevue, would cluded from eligibility for alternative including consent to or refusal of eliminate the pilot response. specific types of care, such as inpatient program’s sunset Crawford said she introduced treatment, psychotropic medication or date, provide clear- the amendment after concerns were electroconvulsive therapy. er definitions of expressed by county attorneys that Omaha Sen. sup- response pathways Sen. Sue Crawford alternative response could be used ported the bill and the amendment. for reports of child abuse and neglect too often. A doctor cannot provide care without and establish an advisory group under Following adoption of the amend- patient consent, he said, even if the the Nebraska Children’s Commission ment, LB1061 was advanced to final patient is suffering a psychotic break. to examine the state Department of reading on a voice vote. “This allows someone who is in Health and Human Service’s use of their proper state of mind to execute alternative response. one of these [advance directives] and Crawford introduced an amend- say, ‘If I’m in a place where I can’t ment on select file, adopted 32-0, make these decisions, then I want my that would narrow the types of cases power of attorney to do it, even if I’m eligible for alternative response. Cases Mental health care directives saying no,’” Lathrop said. instead would be forwarded directly win first-round approval LB247 would require two witnesses to the county attorney if they involve: to the signing of an advance directive. • a history of termination of pa- Nebraskans would have more con- Witnesses could not be the person’s at- rental rights; trol over their future mental health tending physician or member of their

106TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 11 March 3 - 6, 2020 mental health care treatment team, mental well-being the same as physical A Judiciary Committee amend- family member, romantic partner, health. ment, adopted 39-0, replaced the bill. attorney or owner or employee of a “It’s a small but much needed step State law currently includes a “good treatment facility at which the person to destigmatize mental health problems Samaritan” provision that extends is receiving treatment. that many students face and a step for- legal immunity to a person rendering The person signing an advance ward toward addressing the alarming aid at the scene of an accident or other directive must be of sound mind and increase in the rate of suicide [among] emergency. The committee amend- could not appear incapacitated or un- Nebraska’s children,” she said. ment would expand the definition to der undue influence or duress at the North Platte Sen. Mike Groene include entering a vehicle to remove a time of signing. An advance mental expressed concerns about leaving a child to avoid immediate harm. health care directive would remain in potentially suicidal student at home Omaha Sen. Steve Lathrop sup- effect until it expires according to its alone. ported the bill. own terms or is revoked by the person “Who is the person that is looking “Our hope is that by [advancing] to whom it applies. for the small signs that can prevent this bill, we can raise awareness so that Under the bill, a healthcare pro- suicide,” he asked. “Are they better people are looking in cars in the sum- fessional who acts or declines to act off at school where a mentor, teacher mer and they don’t hesitate for a sec- according to reasonable medical stan- or counselor can take note of the ond to break a window to get to a child dards, in good faith reliance upon a situation?” that might otherwise perish,” he said. person’s advance directive, would not Senators voted 46-0 to advance the Senators advanced the bill to select be subject to criminal prosecution, bill to select file. file on a 38-0 vote. civil liability or discipline for unprofes- sional conduct. Immunity for emergency child Omnibus judiciary bill advanced Senators advanced the bill to select removal advanced file on a 40-0 vote. Lawmakers gave first-round approv- A person assisting a child believed al March 5 to a bill that would make Student mental health to be in imminent danger would be several changes to judicial procedure. considerations advanced eligible for legal immunity under a bill LB881, spon- advanced from general file March 4. sored by Lincoln A bill that seeks to prioritize stu- LB832, as introduced by Brainard Sen. Matt Hansen, dents’ mental health was advanced Sen. Bruce Bostelman, would provide would eliminate from general file March 5. criminal and civil the court’s author- Currently, a school may refer a immunity for a per- ity to deduct fines child to the county attorney for tru- son who removes automatically from ancy if the child has had more than a child—who they otherwise encum- Sen. Matt Hansen 20 absences during the school year reasonably believe bered portions of an offender’s bond. and a collaborative plan has not suc- to be in imminent An offender’s bond should be cessfully resolved the child’s barriers danger—from a returned at the conclusion of a case, to attendance. locked motor ve- Sen. Bruce Bostelman Hansen said, and then the court can LB751, sponsored by Bellevue hicle, as long as they act in good faith. assess that person’s ability to pay a fine. Sen. Carol Blood, Bostelman said he introduced the “Just because you were able to would add mental bill after a child in his district mistak- scrape together the money to post health as a recog- enly was left in a hot car and died. bond, doesn’t mean you can actually nized barrier to at- “According to the National High- afford it,” he said. tendance for con- way Traffic Safety Administration, Omaha Sen. Steve Lathrop intro- sideration as part heat stroke is not about irresponsible duced an amendment that instead of a collaborative people potentially leaving children in would allow an offender to choose plan. Sen. Carol Blood cars,” he said. “Most cases occur when whether or not they wanted fines Blood said the bill would acknowl- a child is mistakenly left [behind] or deducted from their bond. edge the need to treat an individual’s enters into a vehicle unattended.” The amendment was adopted 35-0.

PAGE 12 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 106TH LEGISLATURE March 3 - 6, 2020

A Judiciary Committee amend- trial to every 60 days; Sen. Dan Hughes, would authorize a ment incorporated provisions of nine • LB1041, sponsored by Lincoln public power dis- additional bills: Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks, which trict to develop, • LB213, sponsored by Omaha would manufacture, use, Sen. John McCollister, which clarify purchase or sell would allow the pro- biofuels and bio- a person cess for fuel byproducts. sentenced to making Hughes said the community a grand proposal would al- Sen. Dan Hughes service to ap- jury tran- low public power districts to research ply to have script Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks biofuel applications that could reduce their convic- publicly available when con- their power generation facilities’ tion set aside; Sen. John McCollister vened to investigate the death of carbon dioxide emissions, which are • LB282, sponsored by Hansen, a person in custody or detention; produced when fossil fuels such as which would require the court • LB1180, sponsored by Omaha coal, oil and natural gas are burned. to appoint counsel when setting Sen. Jus- “All we’re asking for in this bill is to bond for an indigent defendant; tin Wayne, give our public power sector … a little • LB776, sponsored by Benning- which would more flexibility of looking at ways to ton Sen. Wendy DeBoer, which increase the reduce the carbon footprint of generat- would allow number of ing electricity,” he said. evidence alternate ju- A Natural Resources Committee from an ex- rors a court amendment, adopted 40-0, would al- pert witness can impanel Sen. Justin Wayne low public power districts to develop, regarding to six; and manufacture, use, purchase or sell at eyewitness • LB1181, also sponsored by wholesale “advanced” biofuels and their testimony to Wayne, which would provide byproducts and other fuels and fuel be admitted Sen. Wendy DeBoer that a person cannot be held byproducts so long as those activities under Nebraska Evidence Rules; in custody while awaiting trial help offset greenhouse gas emissions. • LB777, also sponsored by De- on an offense for a period of Hughes said advanced biofuels are Boer, which would replace time longer than the maximum those made from feedstocks, such as references to infractions, mis- sentence for that offense. grass or manure, that are not food demeanors and felonies and use Following the 33-0 adoption of the products. the term “offense;” committee amendment, senators voted Sen. Mike Moser of Columbus sup- • LB945, sponsored by Omaha 31-0 to advance the bill to select file. ported the bill. He said it would give the Sen. , which Nebraska Public Power District the op- would portunity to partner with a private com- require pany in a project that could potentially cities of reduce its carbon dioxide emissions. more than Albion Sen. also sup- 100,000 Senators advance biofuel ported LB899, saying it could benefit people to development authority for rural Nebraska by expanding biofuel prepare public power production. an annual Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha op- report on untested sexual assault Nebraska’s public power districts posed the bill. He said it would allow evidence collection kits; could develop, manufacture and sell public power districts to compete • LB1007, also sponsored by Han- certain biofuels in an effort to reduce with private utilities in the natural sen, which would reduce the their greenhouse gas emissions under a gas industry. time between court reviews of bill advanced from general file March 4. Senators voted 44-1 to advance the a person’s competency to stand LB899, introduced by Venango bill to select file.

106TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 13 March 3 - 6, 2020

The tax commissioner would NEST accounts. determine the amount of designated Under his proposal, an individual’s contributions, and the state treasurer federal adjusted gross income would would transfer the amount from the be reduced by the amount of any Tax form change for NEST state’s general fund to the College Sav- contribution made by the individual’s contributions advanced ings Plan Program Fund for deposit employer into the individual’s NEST into the appropriate accounts. account. Nebraska taxpayers could direct The state Department of Revenue The deduction would be for taxable state income tax refunds to their Ne- estimates that 5 percent of total years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2021, braska Education Savings Trust Plan refunds will be directed to NEST and could not exceed $5,000 for those accounts under a bill advanced from accounts, which would decrease gen- married filing separately or $10,000 general file March 4. eral fund revenue by approximately for other filers. NEST provides tax-advantaged 529 $641,000 in fiscal year 2022-23. LB1042 also would prohibit any accounts meant to encourage saving LB865 also would modify the state agency that provides benefits or for postsecondary education costs. An definition of “matching contribution” aid to individuals based on financial account’s participant, or registered for purposes of a program in which need from taking employer contribu- owner, is eligible for a state income tax the state treasurer provides incentive tions into account when determining deduction for contributions they make, payments to employers that make an individual’s income. up to $5,000 for those married filing matching contributions to employees’ Additionally, LB1042 would elimi- separately and $10,000 for other filers. NEST accounts. nate the provision in current law that As introduced by Omaha Sen. Jus- Lawmakers voted 38-0 to advance allows only an account’s participant, tin Wayne, LB865 the bill to select file. or registered owner, to take a state would allow a partic- income tax deduction equal to con- ipant to reduce their NEST program changes tributions they make to their account, federal adjusted advanced up to $5,000 for those married filing gross income by the separately or $10,000 for other filers. amount their em- Nebraskans could deduct employer As introduced, LB1042 would al- ployer contributes to contributions to their state college sav- low owners to use NEST accounts to their account. Sen. Justin Wayne ings accounts from their state income pay for costs incurred for participation It also would prohibit any govern- taxes under a bill advanced from the in certain apprenticeship programs ment program administered by a state first round of debate March 3. and the principal or interest on any agency that provides benefits or aid to The Nebraska Education Savings qualifying education loan of the des- individuals based on financial need Trust Plan provides tax-advantaged ignated beneficiary or sibling of the from taking employer contributions 529 accounts meant to encourage sav- beneficiary. into account when determining a ing for postsecondary education costs. A Revenue Committee amend- person’s income. Contributions grow tax-deferred, and ment, adopted 40-0, would remove Wayne introduced an amendment, withdrawals are exempt from state and those provisions. Elkhorn Sen. Lou adopted 39-0, that would remove federal taxes as long as they are used Ann Linehan, the committee’s chair- those provisions, which he said are for a beneficiary’s qualified higher person, said the change is intended to included in LB1042, introduced by education expenses. reduce the bill’s estimated cost. Gretna Sen. Andrew La Grone. Gretna Sen. Andrew La Grone, Sen. Adam The remaining provisions of sponsor of LB1042, Morfeld of Lin- LB865 would require the state tax said the bill would coln introduced an commissioner to include space on ensure that Ne- amendment, adopt- the individual income tax return braska taxpayers ed 32-0, that would form, beginning with tax year 2021, in do not have to pay include amended which the taxpayer may designate any state income tax provisions of his amount of a refund as a contribution on employer con- LB1083. Sen. to their NEST account. tributions to their Sen. Andrew La Grone The proposal would update the

PAGE 14 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 106TH LEGISLATURE March 3 - 6, 2020

Meadowlark Act, under which a NEST LB931, sponsored by Hastings Sen. owners to seek a account is opened for each Nebraska Steve Halloran, refund on vehicle newborn, to allow the state treasurer would expand the registration if a ve- to credit private qualified contribu- permit to apply to hicle is lost to natu- tions to the Meadowlark Endowment transport of grain ral disaster. Geist Fund or to accounts opened under the directly from farm said the bill also program, at the direction of the donor. storage to market. would harmonize Morfeld said the change would The bill would several technical Sen. allow certain charitable foundations help modernize Sen. Steve Halloran provisions of state law related to mo- that have rules against funding endow- state statutes, Halloran said, and give tor vehicles. ments to contribute to the program. peace of mind to farmers. Sen. of Henderson Lincoln Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks “This bill helps clarify the language offered an amend- introduced an amendment, adopted in current statute regarding transport- ment, adopted 36-1, that would prohibit any money ing grain to market and ensures that 39-0, that incorpo- accrued by participants in the program farmers can deliver their harvested rated provisions of fund from being used to pay expenses grains from farm storage to market his LB1088. These associated with attending kindergar- without being penalized for being would allow peo- ten through 12th grade. overweight if they are stopped by a ple to purchase a It also would prohibit private con- carrier enforcement officer,” he said. personalized mes- Sen. Curt Friesen tributions to the Meadowlark program The bill also would allow single- sage organizational license plate. from being used to pay those expenses. axle trucks to exceed single axle and The provisions also would permit Lawmakers voted 42-0 to advance gross weight by up to 15 percent for the state Department of Motor Ve- the bill to select file. transport from farm storage to market hicles to discontinue issuance of cer- or factory, up to 70 miles. tain specialty license plates if less than A Transportation and Telecommu- 500 new and renewal applications are nications Committee amendment, ad- received in any consecutive two-year opted 38-0, would allow the maximum period. The current threshold is 200. load of seasonally harvested grain to The Friesen amendment also be increased for tandem axle, group of would incorporate provisions of five Transportation load limit axles or on the gross weight by 15 per- additional bills, including: exception advanced cent for transport from farm storage • LB843, introduced by Oma- to market or factory without a permit. ha Sen. Farmers would have expanded Bayard Sen. sup- Machaela transportation options under a bill ported the proposal. Cava- advanced from general file March 3. “This is a commonsense bill that naugh, Currently, the state Department of makes a difference for agriculture which Transportation, Nebraska State Patrol and makes a difference for the state would or local authorities can issue permits of Nebraska,” he said. provide authorizing a person to move objects Senators advanced LB931 to select for “Do- Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh greater than maximum weight and file on a 41-0 vote. nate Life” license plates; load limits set in state law. • LB903, introduced by Omaha One of these permits allows a per- Omnibus transportation bill Sen. Rick son transporting grain to exceed vehicle amended, advanced Kolowski, weight limits by 15 percent and length which would limits by 10 percent to transport grain Lawmakers amended and advanced provide for from the field to storage, market or a bill from select file March 6 contain- Down syn- stockpile in the field, or from stockpile ing several transportation measures. drome aware- to market or factory when failure to do LB944, as introduced by Lincoln ness license so would mean economic loss. Sen. Suzanne Geist, would allow plates; Sen. Rick Kolowski

106TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 15 March 3 - 6, 2020

• LB921, introduced by Omaha nications Commit- driver license Sen. Robert tee amendment for a speed- Hilkemann, adopted on gen- ing violation which would eral file incorpo- of up to five provide for rated provisions miles per “The Good of LB831, origi- hour over Life is Out- nally introduced the speed side” license by Brainard Sen. Sen. Bruce Bostelman limit; and Sen. Sue Crawford plates; Sen. Robert Hilkemann Bruce Bostelman. • LB1067, originally introduced • LB942, introduced by Omaha These would allow the state De- by Bayard Sen. Steve Erdman, Sen. Megan partment of Motor Vehicles to issue a which would Hunt, which salvage title for a vehicle manufactured allow all- would pro- prior to 1940 if it previously was titled terrain and vide for as “junk.” The vehicle owner also would utility-type “Support be required to prove that no major vehicles to the Arts” li- component part had been replaced, the cross con- cense plates; vehicle had been restored to its original trolled-access and Sen. Megan Hunt specifications and had been inspected. highways of Sen. Steve Erdman • LB1139, introduced by Lin- The committee amendment also more than two marked lanes, if coln Sen. incorporated provisions of four ad- used for agricultural purposes. Anna Wis- ditional bills, including: Senators advanced LB944 to final hart, which • LB768, originally introduced by reading by voice vote. would pro- Thurston Sen. Joni Albrecht, vide for which would “Pets for incorporate Vets” license updated fed- plates. Sen. Anna Wishart eral regula- Lincoln Sen. Kate Bolz also offered tions related Workforce housing bill stalls an amendment on to cabin trail- select file to incor- ers, low-speed A bill intended to expand work- porate provisions vehicles, Sen. Joni Albrecht force housing in urban communities of her LB976, handicapped parking, vehicle stalled on general file March 4. which would add registration and driver licenses LB1155, as introduced by Omaha neurological im- and state identification cards, Sen. Tony Vargas, would create a grant pairment to the among others; program within the list of criteria eli- Sen. Kate Bolz • LB785, originally introduced state Department gible for handicap parking passes by Friesen, which would pro- of Economic Devel- within the existing 200-foot mobility vide length, weight and load opment to support impairment standard. capacity exceptions for stinger- development of Bolz said she brought the bill on steered automobile transport- workforce housing behalf of a constituent who has a son ers, towaway trailer transporter in Nebraska coun- with autism. Simply walking through combinations, battery-powered ties of 100,000 or Sen. Tony Vargas a crowded parking lot can be difficult vehicles, emergency vehicles more residents. Sarpy, Lancaster and for her son, Bolz said, and having and certain heavy-duty tow and Douglas counties would be eligible for access to closer parking spaces would recovery vehicles; the program and only nonprofit organi- help alleviate that stress. • LB983, originally introduced zations could apply for grants. Senators voted 35-0 to adopt the by Bellevue Sen. Sue Crawford, The Middle Income Housing Bolz amendment. which would eliminate the one- Investment Fund would receive a A Transportation and Telecommu- point deduction from a person’s one-time, $10 million general fund

PAGE 16 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 106TH LEGISLATURE March 3 - 6, 2020 transfer. Any grants awarded would gram, Vargas offered an amendment LB1155 or any pending amendments. require one-to-one matching funds. to remove that provision from the bill. Per a practice implemented by Speaker The program could be used for He said he would work to find other Jim Scheer, the sponsor of a bill that new construction, substantial repair or funding sources. is facing a potential filibuster must rehabilitation of dilapidated housing After three hours of debate, the demonstrate sufficient support for a or upper-story housing development Legislature moved on to the next cloture motion before the measure will for occupation by a homeowner. item on the agenda without voting on be scheduled for additional debate. n An Urban Affairs Committee amendment would define workforce housing as homes with an appraised Find Your Senator value of $150,000 to $250,000. If you want to know which legislative district you live in, Vargas said expanding the inventory www.NebraskaLegislature.gov provides an easy tool for locating your of middle-income housing would en- district and senator. able young adults to stay in Nebraska. “There’s a shortage of this type of Enter your full address into the “Find Your Senator” search field located on the right side of the home page. This opens a map that shows your housing,” Vargas said. “In my district, legislative district and a picture of your senator, along with a link to that specifically, there has been a lot of new senator’s web page. This page includes senators’ contact information construction of higher-income condos and links to their biography and photos. It also provides a list of and higher-income rental units. While committees they serve on and the bills they’ve introduced. the investment in the neighborhood has been positive in many ways, it has also resulted in longtime residents being pushed out.” Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha spoke in support of the bill, saying it was similar to a law passed three years ago to promote workforce housing devel- opment in rural areas. LB1155, Wayne said, would enable people to move out of low-income housing. Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard op- posed the bill. He said that such a program would obscure the real reason private developers aren’t building work- force housing—high property taxes. “We’ve been putting a Band-Aid on the problem,” Erdman said. “We Committee Hearings Current hearing schedules available at: NebraskaLegislature.gov/calendar spend too much, which makes our property taxes too high, and then we Friday, March 20 have to incentivize people to do things Transportation & Telecommunications 1113 -1:00 p.m. that the common investor can’t do.” Appointments: John F. Krager III; Roger Figard; Lisa Kramer; Steven D. Rames; Darold Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil also E. Tagge; Timothy W. Weander - Board of Public Roads Classifications and Standards opposed the bill, saying government shouldn’t subsidize housing. Wednesday, April 8 “Government is not effective or ef- Nebraska Retirement Systems ficient in doing these types of things,” Room 1525 -12:00 p.m. Presentation of the Nebraska Investment Council Annual Report to the Nebraska Murman said. Retirement Systems Committeepursuant to section 72-1243(2) After several senators opposed Presentation of the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems Annual Report using general fund dollars for the pro- to the Nebraska Retirement Systems Committee pursuant to section 84-1503(3) n

106TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 17 March 3 - 6, 2020 LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

For larger versions of these and other district maps, visit the maps clearinghouse page on the Legislature’s official website: www.nebraskalegislature.gov/about/maps.php

Omaha and vicinity Lincoln

PAGE 18 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 106TH LEGISLATURE March 3 - 6, 2020 Senator Contact Info

Sen. Joni Albrecht Sen. Robert Clements Sen. Ben Hansen Sen. Steve Lathrop Sen. Thurston, District 17 Elmwood, District 2 Blair, District 16 Omaha, District 12 Grand Island, District 35 Room 1404 Room 1120 11th Floor Room 1103 Room 1406 (402) 471-2716 (402) 471-2613 (402) 471-2728 (402) 471-2623 (402) 471-2617 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist17 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist02 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist16 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist12 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist35

Sen. John Arch Sen. Sue Crawford Sen. Matt Hansen Sen. Brett Lindstrom Sen. Jim Scheer La Vista, District 14 Bellevue, District 45 Lincoln, District 26 Omaha, District 18 Norfolk, District 19 Room 1306 Room 1012 Room 2010 Room 2015 Room 2103 (402) 471-2730 (402) 471-2615 (402) 471-2610 (402) 471-2618 (402) 471-2929 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist14 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist45 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist26 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist18 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist19

Sen. Carol Blood Sen. Wendy DeBoer Sen. Mike Hilgers Sen. Sen. Julie Slama Bellevue, District 3 Bennington, District 10 Lincoln, District 21 Elkhorn, District 39 Peru, District 1 Room 1021 Room 1114 Room 2108 Room 1116 11th Floor (402) 471-2627 (402) 471-2718 (402) 471-2673 (402) 471-2885 (402) 471-2733 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist03 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist10 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist21 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist39 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist01

Sen. Kate Bolz Sen. Myron Dorn Sen. Robert Hilkemann Sen. John Lowe Sen. John Stinner Lincoln, District 29 Adams, District 30 Omaha, District 4 Kearney, District 37 Gering, District 48 Room 1015 11th Floor Room 2028 Room 2011 Room 1004 (402) 471-2734 (402) 471-2620 (402) 471-2621 (402) 471-2726 (402) 471-2802 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist29 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist30 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist04 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist37 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist48

Sen. Bruce Bostelman Sen. Steve Erdman Sen. Sara Howard Sen. John McCollister Sen. Tony Vargas Brainard, District 23 Bayard, District 47 Omaha, District 9 Omaha, District 20 Omaha, District 7 Room 1118 Room 1124 Room 1402 Room 1017 Room 1000 (402) 471-2719 (402) 471-2616 (402) 471-2723 (402) 471-2622 (402) 471-2721 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist23 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist47 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist09 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist20 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist07

Sen. Tom Brandt Sen. Curt Friesen Sen. Dan Hughes Sen. Mike McDonnell Sen. Plymouth, District 32 Henderson, District 34 Venango, District 44 Omaha, District 5 Fremont, District 15 Room 1528 Room 1110 Room 1117 Room 2107 Room 1403 (402) 471-2711 (402) 471-2630 (402) 471-2805 (402) 471-2710 (402) 471-2625 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist32 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist34 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist44 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist05 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist15

Sen. Tom Brewer Sen. Suzanne Geist Sen. Megan Hunt Sen. Adam Morfeld Sen. Justin Wayne Gordon, District 43 Lincoln, District 25 Omaha, District 8 Lincoln, District 46 Omaha, District 13 Room 1101 Room 2000 Room 1523 Room 1008 Room 1115 (402) 471-2628 (402) 471-2731 (402) 471-2722 (402) 471-2720 (402) 471-2727 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist43 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist25 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist08 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist46 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist13

Sen. Tom Briese Sen. Tim Gragert Sen. Rick Kolowski Sen. Mike Moser Sen. Matt Williams Albion, District 41 Creighton, District 40 Omaha, District 31 Columbus, District 22 Gothenburg, District 36 Room 1019 11th Floor Room 1018 Room 1529 Room 1401 (402) 471-2631 (402) 471-2801 (402) 471-2327 (402) 471-2715 (402) 471-2642 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist41 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist40 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist31 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist22 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist36

Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh Sen. Mike Groene Sen. Mark Kolterman Sen. Dave Murman Sen. Anna Wishart Omaha, District 6 North Platte, District 42 Seward, District 24 Glenvil, District 38 Lincoln, District 27 11th Floor Room 1107 Room 2004 Room 1522 Room 1308 (402) 471-2714 (402) 471-2729 (402) 471-2756 (402) 471-2732 (402) 471-2632 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist06 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist42 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist24 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist38 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist27

Sen. Ernie Chambers Sen. Steve Halloran Sen. Andrew La Grone Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks Omaha, District 11 Hastings, District 33 Gretna, District 49 Lincoln, District 28 Room 1302 Room 1022 11th Floor Room 1016 (402) 471-2612 (402) 471-2712 (402) 471-2725 (402) 471-2633 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist11 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist33 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist49 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist28

106TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 19 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