UNICAMERAL UPDATE Stories published daily at Update.Legislature.ne.gov Vol. 38, Issue 20 / May 18 - 21, 2015

Senators and observers watch the voting board as the final votes are cast to repeal the state’s death penalty. Legislature repeals death penalty enators passed a bill May 20 one giant leap for civilization,” Cham- first degree offense if done purposely ending capital punishment in bers said. “ has a chance to with deliberate and premeditated SNebraska. step into history—on the right side of malice in the attempt of a first degree Introduced by Omaha Sen. Ernie history, to take a step that will be benefi- sexual assault, arson, robbery, kidnap- Chambers, LB268 replaces death cial to the advancement of civilized so- ping, hijacking, burglary or poisoning. penalty provisions with a life sentence. ciety which is showing its maturity and The bill also does not prevent a sen- The bill will apply retroactively to 11 reflecting a humane sense of justice.” tencing court from ordering restitu- inmates currently serving capital pun- Lawmakers passed the bill on a 32- tion or alter the authority of the state ishment sentences at the Tecumseh 15 vote after two hours of debate, the Department of Correctional Services State Correctional Institution. maximum allowed on final reading. to determine appropriate measures for The effort to end capital punish- Chambers’ motion to invoke cloture, incarceration of an offender. ment in Nebraska has been a career- or end debate and force the final vote Omaha Sen. Beau McCoy intro- long effort of Chambers’ since 1973. on the bill, succeeded on a 34-14 vote. duced a motion to bracket the bill Chambers said he has never seen the The measure removes the Class I until April 16, 2016, saying the state’s level of support for repeal that he is felony penalty designation from the most heinous criminals deserve the witnessing now. Nebraska is on the state criminal code and makes first de- strongest punishment. cusp of a historical decision, he said. gree murder a Class IA felony punish- “All these years in Nebraska, we’ve “We have an opportunity to take able by life imprisonment. According kept the death penalty because, as the one small step for the Legislature and to statute, a murder is considered a Legislature and as the people of this (continued page 2)

INSIDE: Meet Sen. Craighead • Corrections reforms passed • Driver’s licences for young immigrants approved May 18 - 21, 2015 Legislature repeals death penalty (continued from front page) state, we’ve said the ultimate punish- many mistakes to be trusted with Groene said in opposition to the ment should be reserved for those executions. repeal. that have committed the worst of the “The state should not ever risk After the successful cloture vote, worst offenses against all Nebraskans,” sending someone to death who might senators rejected the bracket motion McCoy said. be innocent,” he said. 14-31 and passed LB268. Sen. of Bellevue Sen. of North Platte Gov. has said that he supported the bill, saying the appeals disagreed, saying juries are perceptive intends to veto the bill. He has five that follow a death penalty conviction enough to decide which crimes merit days, excluding Sunday, to respond. keep cases in court for decades, which capital punishment. Thirty votes are needed to override prolongs the pain suffered by victims’ “I trust them to do the right thing,” a veto. g family members. “We need to think about more than just the person who commits these heinous crimes,” Crawford said. Malcolm Sen. Ken Haar also supported the repeal, saying that end- ing capital punishment reflects national prison reform trends favoring more humane treatment of offenders. “We need to take a civi- lized step forward and say the state will not execute people,” Haar said. Speaking in support of the repeal, Hyannis Sen.

Al Davis said the nation’s Sen. Beau McCoy (right) introduced a motion to bracket LB268. justice system makes too 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.

Clerk of the Legislature: Patrick J. O’Donnell Editor: Heidi Uhing; Writers: Kate Heltzel, Ami Johnson, Jon Taylor; Photographer: Bess Ghormley

Printed copies of bills, resolutions and the Legislative Journal are available at the State Capitol room 1104, or by calling 402-471-2709 or 800-742-7456. Status of bills and resolutions can be requested at that number or can be found on NebraskaLegislature.gov. Live video of hearings and floor debate can be viewed on NET2 and at NetNebraska.org/capitol.

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Assistance provided by the Clerk of the Legislature’s Office, the Legislative Technology Center, committee clerks, legal counsels, journal clerks, pages, transcribers, mail room and bill room staff and the State Print Shop. THE ’S OFFICIAL NEWS SOURCE SINCE 1977

PAGE 2 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 104TH LEGISLATURE May 18 - 21, 2015 Meet the Senator Craighead focuses on the positive ears before her election to the eran, Michael was later diagnosed with City concert a few years later provided Legislature, Joni Craighead cholangiocarcinoma—a cancer of the bile an opportunity to reconnect with Ywas dispensing valuable advice ducts—which was attributed to his expo- an old high school friend, Richard in the form of her first book, “First sure to Agent Orange during the war. Hoback. Impressions: Tips to Enhance Your Michael ultimately lost his battle with “I walked right up to him and said Image:” cancer in 2007. Despite the devastating ‘Why don’t you ask me to dance?’” “Listen twice as much as you talk. loss of her husband, Craighead focused she said. “And the rest is history.” When we listen, we learn.” This her attention on helping others battling They were married in 2012. He has proves to be valuable advice for any the rare disease. Along with four other two grown children: Carrie and Kyle. new senator. individuals in Houston and Salt Lake Somehow Craighead does find The senator is a sixth generation City, she co-founded the Cholangiocar- time for hobbies. A visit to her Capitol product of Nebraska City, where cinoma Foundation to search for a cure office is a testament to her creativity her grandfather, Edgar Ransdell, and craftiness. Craighead sewed served as mayor. After high school, the cushions on her chairs and Craighead moved to Omaha and curated the art that adorns the earned her bachelor’s degree in walls. She even plans on writing medical technology from the again, although free time may be University of Nebraska Medical harder to come by these days. Center. She later earned a master’s Her close friend, the late Sen. of public administration from the Pam Brown, gave Craighead her University of Kansas. first real exposure to the Legisla- She shifted her focus to the ture. Despite learning a lot from business world, starting several Brown, she says she never really companies and organizations with gave too much consideration to a specific focus on helping people serving in the Legislature. Her put their best foot forward. She husband, on the other hand, became heavily involved in local knew better. and national pageants as both a “I really hadn’t thought about consultant and judge. running. When I asked my hus- Craighead channeled this ex- band if he thought I should run, perience into “First Impressions,” he said ‘Honey, I love you more allowing her to teach people the Sen. Craighead and her husband, Richard Hoback, relish than life itself, but you do realize the opportunity to visit grandson Edward in San Diego, importance of self-care and con- where he lives with his parents Commander Ted and Mrs. it’s all you’ve been talking about fidence. Carrie Hill. since we met,’” she said, laughing. “I truly believe that if we look good, and improve the quality of life for those The new senator says she is con- we feel good. If we feel good, we can who have been diagnosed. tinuously looking for solutions that take care of the business at hand and “I thought it was a very positive way can be a win-win both for residents care for others,” she said. to deal with his death,” she says. of her district and the state at large. After her move to Topeka, Kan., the Craighead found herself looking “I think it’s important to take a future senator met Michael Craighead to regroup and refocus her energy on critical eye to our current laws and and the two were married within six the positive. She founded a real estate government programs,” she says. “We months. He had a daughter, Jennifer, development company, working to need to make sure that they are effective and the couple later welcomed another provide affordable housing in Omaha. and efficiently run. We owe it to the daughter, Staci. A Vietnam War vet- A chance meeting at a Nebraska taxpayers who have to fund them.” g

104TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 3 May 18 - 21, 2015

community gardens task force by Au- claiming past due payments or grain gust 2015 to study, evaluate and make purchasers from filing claims stem- recommendations for establishing ming from dealers’ failure to deliver. and expanding community gardens, The bill also shortens from 30 to donating food from the gardens and 15 days the time a grower may demand Livestock, community garden increasing benefits of the gardens to payment from the dealer, attempt pay- development passed their respective communities. ment negotiations with the dealer or Another provision of the amend- notify the Public Service Commission A measure that encourages devel- ment makes changes to the state Seed of an apparent loss. opment of livestock and community Law and defines a seed library as a Grain transportation vehicles no gardening projects in Nebraska was nonprofit governmental or coopera- longer are required to be registered amended May 18 and passed May 21. tive organization that donates seeds and issued grain dealer plates. Further, Introduced by Ogallala Sen. Ken for seed saving, education and access. accountants or accounting firms pre- Schilz, LB175 au- Under the measure, seed libraries are paring statements for grain dealership thorizes the state exempt from certain packaging, label- license applicants now may be located Department of Ag- ing and transfer standards. in any state. riculture to award A select file amendment intro- The bill passed on a 48-0 vote. grants to coun- duced by Schilz, adopted 34-0, limits ties designated as the total available tax credits for ap- livestock friendly. proved projects to $500,000 in 2016, Grants will be Sen. Ken Schilz $750,000 in 2017 and 2018, and awarded for strategic planning and $1 million for 2019 and each year improvements to public infrastruc- thereafter. ture. Operations producing dairy and Senators advanced LB175 to final eggs also are eligible. reading May 18 on a voice vote. Crowdfunding investments for Grants for strategic planning proj- LB175 passed May 21 with an emer- small business approved ects are limited to $15,000 each. gency clause on a 47-0 vote. Small businesses may seek startup Grants for infrastructure projects are limited to one half of the unobligated capital through new avenues under New regulations for grain a bill approved May 21 by the Legis- balance of the fund, or $200,000, dealers passed whichever is less. The bill also raises lature. Under LB226, from $30,000 to $150,000 the tax A bill passed May 21 regulates the introduced by Lin- credit cap allowed through the state’s financial obligations of Nebraska grain coln Sen. Colby rural development program for appli- dealers. Coash, small busi- cations filed after Jan. 1, 2016. Introduced by Wahoo Sen. Jerry nesses may raise up An amendment introduced on Johnson, LB183 to $2 million each select file by Omaha Sen. Burke Harr, decreases grain year from accred- Sen. Colby Coash adopted 37-0, added provisions of his dealer obligations ited or unaccredited investors. LB544. The amendment permits state covered by the All projects attempting to raise agencies or municipalities to use as dealer’s security, money will require approval from the community gardens vacant public land which is money state Department of Banking and for which they have title. After approv- set aside to pay Finance. Individuals investing money ing a community garden application growers who are Sen. Jerry Johnson under LB226 will receive a proportion- process, agencies and municipalities not paid immediately upon delivery ate security stake in the company in are required to respond to a request of their product. exchange for their investment, without within 60 days of receipt of an ap- The bill limits the dealer security to registration under state and federal plication. cover payment only to growers who sell securities laws. Unaccredited investors The amendment requires the state directly to dealers. The bill prevents will not be allowed to invest more than director of agriculture to establish a owners who are not growers from $5,000 in a particular company.

PAGE 4 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 104TH LEGISLATURE May 18 - 21, 2015

Investors must be residents of Laura Ebke, revis- that runs a qualified high school Nebraska and will be required to es the interest rate equivalency training program. sign a certificate acknowledging the applicable to an It authorizes a transfer of $400,000 potential for the complete loss of award of workers’ from the Job Training Cash Fund investment. compensation ben- to support the grant program. The The bill passed 48-0. efits in which an amount of grant funding will depend attorney’s fee is per- on the number of enrolled students. mitted by changing Sen. Laura Ebke Omaha’s Literacy Center of the the rate from 14 percent to a rate calcu- Midlands currently is the only pro- lation of 6 percentage points above the gram that would be eligible for fund- bond investment yield, as published ing under the bill. by the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. The bill passed on a 46-0 vote. Workers’ compensation revised Provisions of LB600, also by Ebke, expand the authority to invest trust Lawmakers pass omnibus Lawmakers passed a bill May 21 assets held in irrevocable workers’ education bill that updates work- compensation trusts to allow for ers’ compensation investments in the same manner as A bill that makes technical changes statutes. corporate trustees holding retirement to existing education statutes was Sponsored by or pension funds for governmental passed May 21. Omaha Sen. Burke employees. Cedar Rapids Sen. Kate Sulli- Harr, LB480 con- If the assets fall below the accept- van introduced tains provisions of able amount required by the compen- LB525, the Educa- four bills. Sen. Burke Harr sation court, the trustor must deposit tion Committee’s Provisions of LB158, introduced additional assets to continue to sat- annual “clean-up” by Omaha Sen. isfy the minimum security amounts bill. The bill clari- John McCollis- required. The provisions prohibit fies that any home- ter, deny benefits a trustee from investing assets into less student must be if an employee stocks, bonds or other obligations of admitted without Sen. Kate Sullivan knowingly and the trustor. charge to the district in which the stu- willfully made Senators passed the bill 46-0. dent currently is located or the school false statements where the student was last enrolled. regarding his or Sen. John McCollister It also allows an early childhood her physical or medical condition by professional to report his or her acknowledging that he or she is able educational degrees or professional to perform the essential functions credentials, relevant training and work of a job based on the employer’s job experience to the Nebraska Early Child- Funding for GED programs description. hood Professional Record System. approved Provisions of Omaha Sen. Jer- The bill includes provisions of emy Nordquist’s A bill that allocates funding to LB524, also introduced by Sullivan, LB363 clarify private entities offering high school regarding the Community Eligibil- that employees equivalency programs was passed by the ity Provision (CEP). CEP is a federal are not respon- Legislature May 21. program that allows school districts in sible for any fi- LB382, intro- which at least 40 percent of students nance charges or duced by Omaha are defined as poverty students to offer late penalty pay- Sen. Tanya Cook, free meals to all students without col- Sen. Jeremy Nordquist ments as a result provides grant fund- lecting applications from households. of medical services rendered by a ing to any entity, To encourage participation in the provider. other than an edu- program, the bill redefines low-income LB133, introduced by Crete Sen. cational institution, and poverty students under the Tax Sen. Tanya Cook

104TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 5 May 18 - 21, 2015

Equity and Educational Opportuni- prevent cyber-bullying; and a Class I misdemeanor. ties Support Act (TEEOSA) to include • LB410, introduced by Sullivan, Seward Sen. of- students who receive free meals under which expands eligibility for the fered an amendment during select CEP. Access College Early Scholarship file debate May 18 to change the Provisions of several additional Program Act to include students penalty. He said lawmakers had raised bills were incorporated into LB525, participating in a career academy concerns on general file that the pun- including: or career path of study. ishment was harsher than what is cur- • LB526, introduced by Sullivan, On select file, senators voted to rently meted out for selling marijuana. which clarifies that an individ- remove provisions of Omaha Sen. “Last time we talked about this, I ual holding a permit issued by ’s LB343, which had took note about the concerns about the Commission of Education been incorporat- the penalties that were there,” Kolter- is included under the definition ed on general file. man said. of individuals certified to teach, These would have Under the amendment, adopted administer or provide special allowed schools 44-0, possession of powdered alcohol services; to apply for re- will carry the following penalties: • LB239, introduced by Mal- imbursement of • an infraction and $300 fine for colm Sen. implementation a first offense; Ken Haar, costs associated Sen. Rick Kolowski • a Class IV misdemeanor, $400 which reallo- with providing college- and career- fine and up to five days of cates funds readiness programs. Funding totaling incarceration for a second of- generated $2 million would have been available fense; and by solar and for programs of excellence, dual- • a Class IIIA misdemeanor, $500 wind energy enrollment courses or career-readiness fine and up to seven days of agreements Sen. Ken Haar programs in fiscal year 2016-17. incarceration for a third and all on school lands to assist schools The bill passed on a 46-0 vote. subsequent offenses. in implementing an effective Larson said a penalty should be educator evaluation model; applied only if an individual intended • LB509, introduced by Omaha to sell the product. Powdered alcohol Sen. Tanya is legal in other states, he said, and Cook, which people could bring the product into eliminates Nebraska for their own personal use Omnibus alcohol bill passed a TEEOSA without realizing that the state has poverty al- A bill that makes numerous chang- prohibited it. lowance dis- es to the state Liquor Control Act “This amendment is about pure qualification was amended May 18 and given final possession and doesn’t differentiate and instead Sen. Tanya Cook approval May 21. between possession and intent to sell,” imposes a 5 percent reduction LB330, sponsored by O’Neill Sen. Larson said. in the allowance upon failure to Tyson Larson, makes several changes Lincoln Sen. sup- meet requirements; to the state’s liquor ported the amendment, although • LB572, introduced by Hyan- laws. The bill was he remained concerned about uni- nis Sen. Al amended on gen- versity students and others unknow- Davis, which eral file to prohibit ingly violating the ban contained in requires the the possession or LB330. However, he said, the current state security sale of alcohol in default punishment for possession of director to powdered form in a banned substance under state law is recommend Nebraska, while Sen. Tyson Larson even harsher than the penalties con- curricular providing an exemption for research tained in Kolterman’s amendment. Sen. Al Davis and extracur- hospitals and other facilities. The sale Other provisions of the bill will ricular material designed to of powdered alcohol would have been make a number of changes to the

PAGE 6 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 104TH LEGISLATURE May 18 - 21, 2015 state’s liquor control laws, including: emergency or civil defense situation, • providing tax credits to beer local governments may make expendi- manufacturers who utilize lo- tures for emergen- cal crops; cy management • authorizing the Liquor Control purposes. LB283, Commission to dispose of con- Livestock siting permit introduced by fiscated alcohol; standards passed Lincoln Sen. Roy • requiring licensure of pedal Baker, extends pubs; County officials in Nebraska will that authority to • allowing for the sale of draught have a set of guidelines to use when school districts Sen. Roy Baker beer to patrons of an establish- considering livestock operation pro- and educational service units (ESUs). ment holding a Class C liquor posals under a bill passed May 21. Prior to making expenditures, a license; Introduced by Syracuse Sen. Dan school district or ESU will be required • allowing liquor licensees 30 Watermeier, LB106 requires the state to secure an emergency proclamation days for a late renewal; Department of from the emergency management • applying laws relating to beer Agriculture and director serving the local jurisdiction kegs to all kegs containing al- a committee of in which the school or ESU is located. coholic liquor; experts appoint- The public hearing requirement • defining hard cider as beer ed by the depart- for altering a budget will not apply to instead of wine; ment director to emergency expenditures. • removing a prohibition on issu- create an assess- LB283 passed on a 48-0 vote and ing liquor licenses within 150 ment formula Sen. Dan Watermeier takes effect immediately. feet of a home for the aged; and that county officials may use when • removing a mandatory hearing considering livestock operation siting School electronic records bill requirement for license applica- permits, conditional use permits and approved tions within 150 feet of a church. special exception applications. Hyannis Sen. Al Davis offered an Criteria used in the formula could Schools are allowed to keep records amendment that would have removed include size and type of the operation, in electronic form under a bill passed the provision defining hard cider proximity to neighboring residences May 20. as beer instead of wine. He said the and public use areas, manure storage, LB365, introduced by Sen. Roy provision would benefit large, out-of- public support of the project and odor Baker of Lincoln, allows a school state manufacturers and could harm control practices. district or Educational Service Unit Nebraska craft brewers. The committee could include up (ESU) to retain all books, papers, The amendment failed on a 17-10 to 10 members representing county documents, reports, records and min- vote. board and zoning administrators, utes of board meetings as electronic An amendment offered by Omaha livestock production experts and Uni- records. Sen. Beau McCoy, would have rein- versity of Nebraska representatives. The bill passed on a 47-0 vote. stated automatic hearings when an The committee is required to review establishment located within 150 feet the assessment matrix annually. Audit authority strengthened of a church applies for a liquor license. Senators passed the bill on a 44-2 It also failed on a 13-22 vote. vote. Lawmakers gave final approval May After four hours of debate May 18, 21 to a bill intended to strengthen the Larson offered a motion to invoke School emergency audit authority of the Legislative Audit cloture—or cease debate and force a expenditure bill approved Office (LAO) and the state Auditor of vote on a bill. The motion was adopted Public Accounts (APA). 35-5 and the bill advanced to final Schools will be allowed to make LB539, sponsored by Syracuse Sen. reading 40-3. emergency expenditures under a bill Dan Watermeier, requires state agen- The bill passed May 21 on a vote approved May 20. cies to respond to a request for infor- of 44-1. Currently when there is a disaster, mation from the LAO or APA within

104TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 7 May 18 - 21, 2015 three business days of the request. For allows the APA to examine the of families no longer eligible due to particularly difficult or extensive re- books, accounts, vouchers, failure to meet income guidelines. quests, the agency will have up to three records and Lawmakers voted 47-0 to pass LB81. weeks to provide the requested informa- expenditures tion. Failure to comply with the bill’s of any service Medical residency loan deadlines or other willful obstruction contractor program approved of an audit is a Class II misdemeanor. or subrecipi- A supervisor or manager who takes ent of state A bill that creates a loan repayment retaliatory action against a state or or federal program for medical residents passed political subdivision employee who funds. Sen. Ken Schilz May 21. provides information to the LAO LB539 passed on a 46-0 vote and LB196, introduced by Lincoln Sen. or APA will be guilty of a Class III takes effect immediately. Kathy Campbell, misdemeanor and dismissed from amends the Rural employment with the state. Health Systems The bill also adds community re- and Professional development authorities and limited Incentive Act by community redevelopment authorities creating a resident to the list of entities that the APA is loan repayment empowered to audit. The change gives program. Sen. Kathy Campbell the APA the ability to audit tax incre- Child care subsidy Under the bill, a qualified appli- ment financing projects. adjustments approved cant must be enrolled or accepted in The bill includes provisions from an approved medical specialty resi- three additional bills related to the The state’s child care subsidy for dency program in Nebraska and agree APA: low-income families will be modified to one year of full-time practice in a • LB503, origi- under a bill given final approval May designated health profession short- nally intro- 21. age area. The medical resident also is duced by Introduced by required to accept Medicaid patients Omaha Sen. Omaha Sen. Tanya in his or her practice. Bob Krist, Cook, LB81 will Loan repayment is limited to which au- align the subsidy to $40,000 per each year of residency, thorizes the Sen. Bob Krist mirror existing Aid not to exceed $120,000 per recipient. APA to issue subpoenas; to Dependent Chil- A resident who does not adhere to • LB552, originally introduced by dren and Tempo- Sen. Tanya Cook the terms of the act will be required Omaha Sen. Jeremy Nordquist, rary Aid to Needy Families programs. to repay the state 150 percent of the which clar- Under the bill, if a family’s in- outstanding loan principal at an 8 ifies that it come at redetermination of eligibility percent annual interest rate from the is optional exceeds 130 percent of the federal date of default. for the au- poverty level (FPL), the family will The bill also increases the financial ditor to continue to receive transitional child assistance limits of two existing pro- prepare a care assistance for up to 24 consecutive grams under the act. written re- months or until the family income Limits on student loans increase exceeds 185 percent of FPL. The view of the Sen. Jeremy Nordquist from $20,000 to $30,000 per year, public retirement system plan transitional child care assistance will not to exceed $120,000 for medical, reports that must be submit- be based on a sliding scale. dental or doctoral-level mental health ted if a political subdivision’s The state Department of Health students. Limits on loan repayment for defined benefit plan is under- and Human Services is required to physicians, dentists and psychologists funded; and report annually to the governor and increase from $20,000 to $30,000 per • LB487, originally introduced by the Legislature regarding the number year of full-time practice in a desig- Ogallala Sen. Ken Schilz, which of families in all transitional child care nated health profession shortage area, assistance programs and the number

PAGE 8 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 104TH LEGISLATURE May 18 - 21, 2015 not to exceed $90,000 per recipient. ing services in at LB287, sponsored by Malcolm Sen. Loan repayment limits also increase least two service Ken Haar, requires from $10,000 to $15,000 per year, not areas. The state all interpreters to to exceed $45,000 per recipient, for Department of obtain licensure by physician assistants, nurse practitio- Health and Hu- Jan. 1, 2016, and ners, pharmacists, physical therapists, man Services will pay a licensure fee occupational therapists and mental provide oversight established by the health practitioners. and contract with Sen. commission. An Any repayment obligations under providers to carry out the program. individual or entity Sen. Ken Haar the act will be cancelled in the event The department also is required to providing interpreting services with- of a recipient’s total and permanent establish a data collection system and out a license after that date will be disability or death. contract with an academic institution subject to a civil penalty of up to $500 LB196 passed on a 48-0 vote. to complete an independent evalua- for each offense. tion of the pilot project’s effectiveness. Interpreting services will be exempt Social work student stipends Bolz offered a motion May 19 to re- from the licensure requirement if approved turn the bill to select file for an amend- conducted: ment that provides a cost savings for • as part of a religious service; Lawmakers gave final approval May the first two years of the pilot project. • in a health care emergency until 21 to a bill that establishes a stipend The amendment reduces funding to a licensed interpreter could be program for students who commit the program from $1.5 million per obtained; to work in the state’s child welfare year in fiscal years 2015-16 and 2016-17 • by a student under the direct system. to $750,000 each year. supervision of a licensed inter- LB199, introduced by Omaha Sen. Omaha Sen. Heath Mello sup- preter; , au- ported the amendment, saying it • by an educational interpreter thorizes use of reflected the effort that many senators working under regulation of Title IV-E funds had made to lower the fiscal cost of the state Department of Educa- to pay for social their bills to enable more of them to tion; or work student sti- be approved this year. • by an individual licensed in an- pends. The state Bolz said the intention was to have other state who is awaiting com- Department of a slower start-up to the project, which mission approval in Nebraska. Health and Hu- Sen. Sara Howard would lower the bill’s fiscal impact LB287 also creates a licensure cat- man Services will develop an applica- while still helping children find per- egory for video remote interpreting tion process and determine stipend manency with family members. services. amounts for eligible students in col- “That is why I’m willing to change The bill passed 48-0. laboration with the governing boards the scope and the scale of this bill,” of colleges and universities with social she said. Guidelines for Medicaid work programs. Senators adopted the amendment recovery audits advanced The bill passed 45-0. 41-0 and voted 32-2 to re-advance the bill to select file. Senators advanced a bill from gen- Funding lowered, family The bill passed May 21 on a vote eral file May 20 that would set guide- finding pilot project approved of 39-5. lines for Medicaid recovery audits in Nebraska. A bill that creates a pilot project Sign language interpreter Omaha Sen. Sara Howard, sponsor to establish family connections for licensure expanded of LB315, said the bill was introduced state wards was amended May 19 and following complaints from dentists approved May 21. Lawmakers gave final approval regarding onerous audit requirements. LB243, introduced by Lincoln Sen. May 20 to a bill that expands licen- The requires Kate Bolz, creates a four-year statewide sure requirements for sign language Medicaid audits by a Recovery Audit pilot program to provide family find- interpreters. Contractor (RAC), she said.

104TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 9 May 18 - 21, 2015

“Some providers testified that if Nebraskans who are aging or disabled, the task force termination date to Jan. this process was not changed, they’d including those suffering from Al- 1, 2017, to accommodate work on the be forced to give up providing services zheimer’s and related illnesses, passed state plan. to Medicaid patients,” Howard said. May 21. In developing a state plan, the task A Health and Human Services LB320, introduced by Lincoln force will: Committee amendment, adopted Sen. Kate Bolz, • determine existing services and 30-0, replaced the bill. Lincoln Sen. establishes three resources in the state; Kathy Campbell, chairperson of the demonstration • develop recommendations to committee, said the amendment projects for Ag- respond to escalating needs; reflects changes and clarifications ing and Disability • examine quality of care mea- resulting from a compromise between Resource Centers sures for service delivery; and the state Department of Health and (ADRC) to evalu- • develop strategies to identify Human Services (DHHS) and the ate the feasibility Sen. Kate Bolz gaps in services. Nebraska Dental Association. of establishing such centers statewide. The bill passed 42-3 and takes ef- Among other provisions, the The state Department of Health fect immediately. amended bill would: and Human Services (DHHS) is re- • clarify that only one audit may quired to award ADRC grants to area Medicaid personal needs be conducted at a time; agencies on aging to participate in allowance increased • exclude from review claims the demonstration project. Agencies otherwise audited; will be chosen based on a proposal Lawmakers passed a bill May 21 • require claim review within two process and will be reimbursed for that increases the personal needs al- years of the date of payment; their participation. lowance by $10 for Medicaid eligible • align the appeals process with Among other services, the demon- individuals who reside in an alterna- DHHS practice; stration project centers will provide: tive living arrangement. • require procedures for re-billing • personal options counseling; LB366, in- corrected claims; and • mobility management; troduced by • require audit completion within • a home care provider registry; Lincoln Sen. 60 days of receipt of all request- and Patty Pansing ed material. • assistance in accessing and Brooks, in- Seward Sen. Mark Kolterman sup- applying for public benefits creases the per- ported the bill and the amendment. programs. sonal needs al- The state needs to perform audits, DHHS is required to contract lowance from Sen. he said, but the current RAC audit for an evaluation of the project, and $50 to $60 per month. process has been unreasonably imple- report annually to the Legislature The bill passed 37-8. mented. through Dec. 1, 2018. “We’re losing dentists that want to The bill also includes provisions Health care provider advertising take care of Medicaid patients simply of LB405, originally guidelines advanced because they don’t want to go through introduced by Hy- this nonsense,” Kolterman said. annis Sen. Al Davis, A bill intended to ensure that Following adoption a technical which require the patients have accurate information amendment offered by Howard on a Aging Nebraskans about health care provider credentials 28-0 vote, senators advanced LB315 to Task Force to de- advanced from select file 29-0. velop a state plan general file May to address the needs Sen. Al Davis 20. Aging and disabled, of individuals with Alzheimer’s and LB452, intro- Alzheimer’s bill passed related disorders. duced by Oma- The task force will deliver the plan ha Sen. Robert A bill seeking to improve access to the governor and the Legislature by Hilkemann, to existing services and support for Dec. 15, 2016. The bill also extends would amend Sen.

PAGE 10 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 104TH LEGISLATURE May 18 - 21, 2015 the Uniform Credentialing Act to and to limit the bill’s provisions to Fund Grants (CCDBG) and sets a require that any credential holder’s MST only. While all three therapies funding schedule advertisement for health care services would be “game changers” for the according to fed- must identify the type of credentials state’s youth and families, she said, eral reauthoriza- held by the health care provider. The fiscal realities forced the change. tion amounts. use of deceptive advertising would be “I feel a fiduciary responsibility to The federal prohibited. be conscious of the challenges we have government pre- Hilkemann said the bill would faced in our budget-setting process,” viously required provide consumers with clarity regard- Howard said, which means taking a states to spend a Sen. Kathy Campbell ing the education and expertise of slower approach to implementing the minimum of 4 percent of CCDBG providers when making health care changes outlined in LB500. funds on efforts that improve the qual- decisions. Omaha Sen. Heath Mello sup- ity of licensed child care. In 2014, the “The bill will create a baseline ported the amendment, saying it re- program’s reauthorization increased by which all health occupations and flects a consensus reached by all three that minimum to 7 percent in fiscal professions regulated under the Uni- branches of government. year 2015-16, 8 percent in FY2017-18, form Credentialing Act can follow as Mello said there had been some and 9 percent in FY2019-20 and sub- a guide in their health care advertise- disagreement regarding the short- and sequent years. ments,” he said. long-term costs of implementing the LB547 requires the state Depart- The bill advanced to select file 26-0. bill, but that all parties had agreed ment of Health and Human Services on the need to move forward with to allocate these higher required mini- Medicaid payment for juvenile Medicaid payment for MST. mum percentages to early childhood multisystemic therapy “The challenge that we’ve been education programs. Funds will be approved wrestling with is what the real fiscal split between the Early Childhood impact is,” he said. Education Endowment Cash Fund— A bill that authorizes Medicaid Sen. Bob Krist of Omaha also sup- commonly known as Sixpence—and reimbursement for a therapy used to ported the amendment. The new head incentives and support for programs assist troubled Nebraska youth passed of DHHS has experience with imple- under the Step Up to Quality Child May 21. menting the new therapies, he said, Care Act. LB500, sponsored by Omaha Sen. and has urged senators to go slowly The bill also incorporates LB489, Sara Howard, would have directed the with the implementation process. introduced by Cedar Rapids Sen. Kate state Department “We’ve been professionally coun- Sullivan, which ex- of Health and seled about the way to make this pands eligibility for Human Services program a success,” Krist said. Sixpence grants to (DHHS) to submit Senators voted 31-0 to adopt the early childhood ed- an application by amendment and re-advanced LB500 ucation programs July 1, 2015, to the to final reading by voice vote. The and school districts Centers for Medi- narrowed bill received final approval if the child care pro- care and Medicaid Sen. Sara Howard May 21 on a 40-1 vote. vider enrolls in the Sen. Kate Sullivan Services for a state plan amendment Step Up to Quality Child Care Act to provide payment for multisystemic Child care funding guidelines system prior to the grant period. therapy (MST), functional family approved Child care providers also will be therapy and in-home family services required to participate in training for youth who are eligible for both Senators gave final approval May 21 approved by the Early Childhood Medicaid and the Children’s Health to a bill that provides funding guide- Training Center. Any school district Insurance Program. lines for child care grants. entering into agreements with child Howard offered a motion May 19 LB547, introduced by Lincoln Sen. care providers under the bill will be to return the proposal to select file to Kathy Campbell, amends the Quality required to employ or contract with consider an amendment to move the Child Care Act relating to federal a program coordinator who holds a application deadline to May 1, 2016, Child Care and Development Block certificate.

104TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 11 May 18 - 21, 2015

Programs receiving grants will be re- variety of community stakeholders the Community-based Juvenile Ser- quired to obtain a rating of step three and policy experts. vices Aid Program to develop data or higher on the quality scale within The task force will analyze the and evaluate the effectiveness of the three years of the start date of the ini- ADC, Supplemental Nutrition As- program. The provisions require re- tial grant program and maintain that sistance, child care assistance and cipients to submit annual reports to rating to continue to receive funding. Employment First programs with a the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s The bill passed on a 42-0 vote. focus on helping children escape the Juvenile Justice Institute. cycle of poverty. A preliminary report An amendment introduced by Aid to dependent children will be presented to the Legislature Krist on select file, adopted 37-0, increase approved and the governor by Dec. 15, 2015, removed a provision that would have and a final report—including a long- extended the juvenile court’s jurisdic- A bill intended to increase payments range strategic plan—by Dec. 15, 2016. tion to those young adults up to age in the state’s Aid to Dependent Chil- LB607 passed 45-0. 21 who were under age 18 when the dren (ADC) program passed May 21. offense was committed. The bill, originally introduced as Krist said he wanted to delay the LB89 by Lincoln extension of services to juveniles after Sen. Kathy Camp- discussing possible alternatives with bell, was passed Courtney Phillips, the new chief execu- by the Legislature tive officer of the state Department of April 23 and sub- Out-of-home juvenile Health and Human Services. Remov- sequently was ve- placement measure passed ing the provision reduced the bill’s toed by Gov. Pete fiscal note by nearly $1 million, he said. Ricketts. Sen. Kathy Campbell A bill concerning collection and The amendment also requires Campbell and the governor reached management of information about that if a court orders that a juvenile’s a compromise after the veto and sena- juveniles in out-of-home care was record be sealed, all information in tors gutted LB607, replacing it with amended May 19 and passed May 21. the record is to be deemed never to the altered provisions from her bill. Introduced by Lincoln Sen. Kathy have occurred. A subject of a sealed LB607 increases the maximum Campbell, LB265 makes a number of record is permitted to respond to any monthly ADC payment to 55 percent changes relating to juveniles and child public inquiry as if the offense result- of the standard of need. welfare, including: ing in the record never occurred. The The bill also contains provisions • establishing a pilot project to bill also specifies who may access the of LB335, original- demonstrate how state agency sealed record and the purposes for ly introduced by data can be used by state offices which the record may be inspected. Omaha Sen. Heath to oversee juveniles in out-of- Senators advanced the bill to final Mello, which estab- home care; reading May 19 on a voice vote. lish a task force to • permitting the Foster Care The bill passed May 21 with an study intergenera- Review Office or local board to emergency clause 45-1. tional poverty in participate in a foster care place- ment dispositional hearing; and Nebraska. Sen. Heath Mello Child offender registry • defining a young adult as older The task force includes the chair- restrictions passed persons of the Health and Human than 18 but younger than 21. Services and Appropriations commit- Provisions of Omaha Sen. Bob A bill intended to prevent children tees as well as three at-large members Krist’s LB13 were from mistakenly being registered as appointed by the Executive Board of amended into child abuse offenders passed May 21. the Legislative Council. the bill, which set Introduced by Lincoln Sen. Colby Nonvoting members will include aside 10 percent Coash, LB292 prohibits youth ages representatives from the state depart- of the annual 11 and younger from being placed on ments of Labor, Health and Human General Fund the child abuse offender registry. Only Services and Education as well as a appropriation for youth ages 12 and older designated Sen. Bob Krist

PAGE 12 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 104TH LEGISLATURE May 18 - 21, 2015 as agency- or court- Currently, the OIG conducts au- in the study are exempt from prosecu- substantiated can dits, inspections and other reviews of tion for possession of a controlled be entered into the the state’s child welfare system. substance. registry under the The bill authorizes the OIG and The study will designate at least bill. state Foster Care Review Office to two physicians, one of whom must The state De- access confidential records and allows be a pediatric neurologist, to conduct partment of Health the OIG access to video testimony research on the safety and preliminary and Human Ser- Sen. Colby Coash from a child victim or witness describ- effectiveness of cannabidiol use. The vices is required to submit an annual ing sexual assault or abuse. LB347 also physicians are responsible for deter- report providing the number, ages and permits courts to identify the OIG as mining patient eligibility for participa- classification of youth entered in the an entity permitted to disclose confi- tion in the study. registry to the governor and the Leg- dential information. UNMC is required to submit a islature’s Health and Human Services The measure authorizes the OIG report annually to the Judiciary and and Judiciary committees. to submit a written request for records Health and Human Services commit- The bill also requires the depart- of juvenile probation officers when tees of the Legislature, beginning Sept. ment to notify court- and agency- investigating cases of death or serious 15, 2016. The report will include the substantiated subjects ages 12 to 18 injury. The records must be provided number of patients currently and pre- who are entered into the registry that within five days of Supreme Court viously enrolled in the study, changes a mandatory expungement hearing approval. in intractable seizure frequency and has been scheduled. Unless waived, Senators passed the bill 47-0. severity, adverse effects of treatment hearings will be conducted within and a summary of appropriate dosing. 60 days after the subject receives the Medical marijuana pilot study During general file debate, Craw- notification and within 60 days after passed ford said the Food and Drug Admin- the subject’s 19th birthday. istration (FDA) recently has given pre- Another provision of the bill, Medical marijuana will be available liminary approval to a pharmaceutical- incorporated from Coash’s LB290, in Nebraska on a limited basis under grade cannabinoid drug that UNMC removes a requirement that registered a bill amended May 18 and passed would be permitted to prescribe sex offenders provide information and May 21. legally. The bill provides a framework report changes regarding their email Introduced by Bellevue Sen. that allows patients immediate access address list, Internet communica- Sue Crawford, to a drug that has proven effective to tion identifiers, domain names and LB390 creates a reduce seizures for treatment-resistant blogs and websites that they write or pilot study at the children, she said, while giving the maintain. University of Ne- medical community the opportunity Lawmakers passed the bill on a braska Medical to collect data on the drug’s efficacy. 46-0 vote. Center (UNMC) “There are no other options for to allow access to many of these patients,” Crawford Juvenile services oversight low-tetrahydro- Sen. Sue Crawford said. “This allows for compassionate expanded cannabinol (THC) oil for patients care as quickly as possible.” who suffer intractable or treatment- Sen. Matt Williams of Gothenburg Oversight of the state’s juvenile resistant seizures. supported the bill, saying it represents justice system will change under a bill The bill authorizes the University an organized and controlled strategy passed May 21. of Nebraska and Nebraska Medicine to dispense and research a largely Introduced by Sen. Bob Krist of to be Nebraska’s only producers and experimental drug. Omaha, LB347 expands the jurisdic- possessors of cannabidiol for research. “This is the systematic way to move tion of the Office of the Inspector The cannabidiol may contain up to forward with [medical] marijuana in General of Nebraska Child Welfare three-tenths percent of THC, the ac- our state,” Williams said. (OIG) to oversee the state’s Juvenile tive ingredient of the cannabis plant. Ralston Sen. Merv Riepe opposed Services Division of the Office of Practitioners, patients and their par- the bill. Because the measure will af- Probation Administration. ents or legal guardians participating fect only a small number of patients,

104TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 13 May 18 - 21, 2015 he recommended that UNMC could synthetic marijuana overdoses in alternatives; save time and funds by consulting Lincoln illustrates the need for the • expanding the definition of an other states that are conducting simi- Legislature to continually revise the expert witness in a child custody lar studies. list of controlled substances. proceeding to include qualified Sen. Dave Bloomfield of Hoskins “This is a serious problem—and members of tribes other than said that any positive result will justify one we can address by updating these the child’s; the effort to undertake the pilot study. chemical compositions,” Williams said. • engaging tribally designated state “One child having one less seizure— Senators adopted the amendment ICWA representatives; and that is success,” he said in support of on a 32-1 vote. • assisting and monitoring a fam- the bill. A Judiciary Committee amend- ily’s access to culturally appropri- Bancroft Sen. Lydia Brasch ex- ment replaced the bill and removed ate resources of the child’s extend- pressed concerns that the state will a provision that would have appropri- ed family, tribes and caregivers. be dispensing a drug that had not yet ated $250,000 in fiscal years 2015-16 Senators passed the bill on a 45-0 been fully approved by the FDA. and FY2016-17 from the state’s Gen- vote. Lincoln Sen. Adam Morfeld eral Fund for the cannabidiol research introduced an study. Funding for the study instead Lawmakers pass inmate amendment to the will come from the state Health Care confinement reform committee amend- Cash Fund. Senators adopted the ment to incorpo- committee amendment 36-1. Senators passed a bill May 21 that rate provisions of Senators also adopted a technical revises inmate confinement policies his LB546, which amendment and advanced LB390 for Nebraska’s prisons. exempts an indi- from general file May 18 on a 33-1 Introduced by Sen. Paul Schumach- vidual from pros- Sen. Adam Morfeld vote. The bill advanced to final read- er of Columbus, ecution who prescribes or dispenses ing on a voice vote May 19. LB598 requires naloxone, a morphine-like synthetic Senators passed LB390 with an the state Depart- drug, to a person experiencing an emergency clause May 21 on a 44-2 vote. ment of Correc- opioid-related overdose. tional Services, Morfeld said fatal drug overdoses— Native children’s placement beginning July 1, many from prescription painkillers— procedures updated 2016, to use the have increased sixfold over the past 30 least restrictive Sen. Paul Schumacher years, claiming the lives of more than Native children’s culture will be manner consistent with maintaining in- 36,000 Americans annually. Twenty- more carefully considered when mak- stitutional order when separating inmates eight states already have passed laws ing foster care placements under a bill from the general prison population. that increase access to the life-saving passed May 21. The bill permits restrictive housing, drug, he said. Introduced by Lincoln Sen. Col- defined in the measure as housing that “This drug is not in enough hands by Coash, LB566 provides limited contact with other to save as many lives as it can,” Mor- changes provisions inmates and limited out-of-cell time. feld said. of the federal Indian LB598 prohibits solitary confinement The Morfeld amendment also add- Child Welfare Act which, as defined in the bill, deprives ed provisions of (ICWA) to clarify an inmate of all visual and auditory LB326, introduced the responsibilities contact with other inmates. by Williams, which of Nebraska child Schumacher said hearings conduct- updated the state’s welfare providers. Sen. Colby Coash ed in 2014 by a special investigative Uniform Controlled The bill ensures that Native Ameri- committee revealed that a lack of regu- Substances Act to can tribes have representation in lations regarding solitary confinement prohibit the newest custodial proceedings involving native led to Nikko Jenkins being isolated for compounds of syn- Sen. Matt Williams children. Those efforts will include: more than half of his incarceration. thetic cannabinoids, also known as K2. • exhausting all available tribally Testimony showed that Jenkins’ Williams said a recent surge in appropriate family preservation time in segregation likely did psycho-

PAGE 14 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 104TH LEGISLATURE May 18 - 21, 2015 logical damage and contributed to him Provisions of LB606, introduced by The chief executive officer of a cor- killing four people in Omaha following Omaha Sen. Heath rectional facility is now authorized to his release from the Nebraska State Mello, create the segregate or transfer mentally ill and Penitentiary in 2013, Schumacher said. Office of Inspec- dangerous inmates to a psychiatric The bill requires the department tor General of the facility outside of the department. director to submit a report to the Nebraska Correc- Additionally, the department’s Parole governor and the Legislature that tional System. The Administration Office will be within outlines a long-term plan for the use inspector general the state Board of Parole beginning and reduction of restrictive housing. will be appointed Sen. Heath Mello July 1, 2016. Due by July 1, 2016, the report will and supervised by the Office of Public Senators passed LB598 on a 47-0 include the behavior, conditions and Counsel and serve a five-year term. vote. mental health status under which an Duties of the inspector general inmate will be placed in each confine- will include conducting investigations Correctional system reforms ment level and regulations for transi- of misconduct and death or serious passed tioning inmates back to the general injuries, audits, inspections and other prison population or to society. reviews of the Nebraska correctional Lawmakers approved extensive Additionally, the director is re- system. The inspector is required revisions to Nebraska’s correctional quired to report annually by Sept. 15 to provide a summary of all reports system May 21. to the governor and the Legislature: and investigations to the Judiciary Introduced by Omaha Sen. Heath • the number of inmates in re- Committee and governor by Sept. 15 Mello, LB605 makes numerous chang- strictive housing; each year. es to Nebraska’s penal system. • reasons for separation from the Provisions of LB606 also require The policy changes were recom- general population; the governor, beginning July 1, 2020, mended to the Nebraska Justice Re- • whether those inmates have been to declare an overcrowding emergency investment Working Group—created diagnosed with mental illness; when the director of correctional by LB907 in 2014—through a report • the number of inmates released services certifies that the prison popu- provided by the Council of State from restrictive housing directly lation is over 140 percent of design Governments Justice Center. These to parole or the community; capacity. Declaration of an overcrowd- changes include: • the number of inmates placed ing emergency mandates that the state • requiring the Office of Parole in restrictive housing for their Parole Board immediately consider Administration to establish a own safety; or reconsider all eligible inmates for process to determine the risk a • the length of time held in re- parole. parolee may pose to a commu- strictive housing; and Currently, the governor has the nity and the level of supervision • comparable statistics for the option whether or not to declare required; nation and each of Nebraska’s an emergency when the population • creating the Committee on Jus- bordering states pertaining to reaches the 140 percent threshold. tice Reinvestment Oversight to restrictive housing. Incorporated provisions of LB592, develop and review Nebraska’s LB598 also creates a long-term re- introduced by criminal justice policies; strictive housing work group, consisting Lincoln Sen. Kate • requiring that all sentences of of the department director and other Bolz, require the one year or more be served in a department officials, mental health department to ad- state prison and sentences less professionals and prisoners’ rights minister a mental than one year be served in a advocates appointed by the governor. health evaluation county jail; The group is required to meet of all inmates • appropriating $30,000 to the no later than Sept. 15, 2015, and at within the first Sen. Kate Bolz Nebraska Supreme Court to least semiannually thereafter and will two weeks of their incarceration. The create a sentencing information advise the department on treatment department is required to treat men- database; and care of offenders in long-term tally ill inmates and re-evaluate them • adding a new felony classifica- restrictive housing. prior to release. tion and penalties;

104TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 15 May 18 - 21, 2015

• updating property offense imprisonment to be served prior to a ties, boating and other water sports. amount thresholds to account term of post-release supervision and The bill defines inherent risk as any for inflation; the length of the supervised term to condition, danger or hazard that is an • requiring the Board of Parole to be served before mandatory release. integral part of land or water used for create regulations to reduce the Offenders convicted of Class III, agritourism, including: number of offenders released IIIA or IV felonies could be impris- • surface and subsurface condi- from prison without supervi- oned within the applicable range and tions and natural conditions sion; serve a sentence of post-release super- of land, vegetation and waters; • requiring the board and state vision, unless probation is required. • the behavior of wild or domestic Department of Correctional The bill authorizes the Legislature animals; Services to annually report to appropriate $500,000 to a fund • the ordinary dangers of struc- the number of offenders on designed for use by county jails to tures or equipment ordinarily unsupervised release to the Leg- offset costs from potential population used in farming or ranching islature, governor and Supreme increases caused by implementation when such structures or equip- Court; of LB605. Funds cannot be used for ment are used for farming or • requiring the department and capital construction or the lease or ranching purposes; and Probation Administration to acquisition of facilities. • the potential of a participant prepare a post-release supervi- Senators passed the bill 45-0. to act in a negligent way that sion plan for each offender may contribute to injury of the released on probation; participant or others. • requiring the department and Inherent risk does not include any state court administrator to cre- act or omission of information that ate regulations regarding restitu- occurred while a person was under the tion payment and requiring the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, department to report annually Limited liability for agritourism or any other illegal activity or action. to the Legislature on the collec- passed Liability is not limited for any tion of restitution from inmate owner who knows of potential dangers wage funds; and Senators passed a bill May 21 that and takes no action to correct those is- • increasing the maximum com- is intended to remove obstacles for sues. Owners are liable for any actions pensation from $10,000 to landowners wishing to host farm tours that constitute intentional or willful $25,000 allowed from the Vic- and events. gross negligence. tim Compensation Fund. Under LB329, introduced by Any owner who fails to properly The bill also addresses how pro- Ogallala Sen. Ken train or supervise employees actively bation violations will be punished, Schilz, any owner engaged in agritourism activities will restitution payment rates and how who allows visitors be held liable under LB329. criminal history information will be on their land to The bill passed on a 46-0 vote. disseminated. participate in agri- Courts are required to set maxi- tourism activities State energy plan assessment mum and minimum sentence limits will not be liable for adopted provided by the law for all felony injury or death of a Sen. Ken Schilz classes except Class III, IIIA and IV. visitor resulting from inherent risk. Senators passed a bill May 21 that For an indeterminate sentence, the Visitors must be warned of potential allows the state to develop an indepen- court must advise an offender of the dangers by a sign or in a contract by dent energy plan. minimum imprisonment to be served any owner that charges a fee for visitors LB469, intro- before attaining parole eligibility and to participate. duced by Papillion the maximum time to be served prior Agritourism activities can include Sen. Jim Smith, to mandatory release. hunting, fishing, horseback riding, directs the State For a determinate sentence, the camping, birding, farm, ranch and Energy Office to as- court must advise an offender of the vineyard tours, harvest-your-own activi- sess any state energy Sen. Jim Smith

PAGE 16 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 104TH LEGISLATURE May 18 - 21, 2015

plan before submitting the plan to emy Nordquist, and was intended to reduce benefits the federal Environmental Protection LB448 would and ensure professional management Agency for review. have made cur- of investments to further secure the The energy office will prepare a rent and new state’s largest school district’s retire- report analyzing the proposed state Class V (Omaha) ment plan. energy plan’s effects on employment school employees “This is to make sure that both within the state and the electric power members of the plans are headed in the right direc- sector, including the potential impact School Employ- Sen. Jeremy Nordquist tion,” he said. on the: ees Retirement System of the state of Seward Sen. Mark Kolterman of- • type and amount of electric gen- Nebraska. fered an amendment to the committee erating capacity that is likely to During general file debate May 18, amendment to eliminate a require- retire or switch to another fuel; Nordquist said he introduced the bill ment that if the state transfers funds • stranded investment in electric as a placeholder to begin discussions to meet a shortfall in the statewide generating capacity; on merging the Omaha school plan school retirement system, a propor- • amount of investment necessary with the statewide system. tional transfer would be made to the to offset the retirement of elec- A Retirement Systems Committee Omaha system. tric generating capacity; amendment, adopted 25-17, became While both plans currently are • potential risks to electric reli- the bill. Nordquist said the amend- adequately funded, Kolterman said, ability; and ment contains several significant he had concerns about making the • amount by which retail electric- components that would bring the two state responsible for possible future ity prices are forecast to increase retirement systems closer to a potential shortfalls in the Omaha system. or decrease. merger in the future. “In principle, I support many The bill includes provisions of Among other changes, the amend- aspects of this bill,” he said. “I think LB583, originally introduced by ment would further align Omaha it would be good if we could eventu- Ogallala Sen. Ken Schilz, specifying member benefits with statewide ally merge the two plans together and the areas of analysis for a state energy school employee benefits by limiting have the same plan for all teachers in plan to be developed by the State the state service annuity and medical the state.” Energy Office. The plan will focus on cost of living increase to individuals Nordquist opposed the amend- strategies to develop a cost-competitive who were members prior to July 1, ment, saying the provision does not energy supply, access to affordable 2015. It also would raise the normal mean that the state automatically energy, sustainable economic growth retirement age for Omaha school would transfer funds to the Omaha and job creation. members from 62 to 65. system. There are many options in The bill passed on a 43-1 vote. In addition, the amendment the event of a future shortfall, he said, would: including reducing benefits or increas- • move investment authority ing contribution rates. The state does from the Omaha board of trust- not have a history of using general ees and Omaha school board funds to fill shortfalls in retirement to the Nebraska Investment systems, he said. Council; Omaha Sen. Heath Mello agreed, • restructure the administration saying the provision simply would en- Omaha school retirement plan and governance of the Omaha sure parity between the two systems. changes stall system to more closely align Because LB448 would move invest- with the Public Employee Re- ment authority for the Omaha system Senators bracketed a bill May tirement Board’s governance of to the state, he said, it would make 19 that proposed several changes to the statewide system; and sense to align future responsibility for the Omaha school retirement plan. • create greater state funding those investments as well. Omaha Public Schools (OPS) is the parity between the two systems. “In the last six years, we’ve set the only district in the state that has its Nordquist said the amendment was precedent of treating both of these own retirement plan. the result of extensive negotiations plans consistently,” Mello said. “This As introduced by Omaha Sen. Jer-

104TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 17 May 18 - 21, 2015 should be the state policy moving in the OPS district, he said. device of similar function by forward.” The amendment failed 17-18. which the player competes The Kolterman amendment failed O’Neill Sen. Tyson Larson then against software running the 21-17. Twenty-five votes were needed. offered a motion to bracket the bill device; and The bill advanced to select file on until April 15, 2016, saying the state • have not been adjudicated by a a 25-19 vote. cannot afford to continue to support court of competent jurisdiction Nordquist offered an amendment defined benefit pension plans. within the state of Nebraska to during select file debate May 19 to Nordquist did not object to the not constitute a gambling device. remove the required proportional bracket motion and it was approved by Included are game and draw lot- transfer to the Omaha system if the unanimous consent, effectively ending teries and coin-operated automatic state transfers general funds to meet debate on LB448. musical devices. The bill does not a shortfall in the statewide school apply to vending machines or pickle system. card dispensing machines. Under the amendment, adopted Any operator of a mechanical 27-10, the Appropriations Commit- amusement device can apply for an tee would hold a hearing to consider exemption from the tax. To receive transferring the funds. the exemption, an operator will be Mechanical amusement Nordquist called the amendment required to apply to the tax commis- devices to be taxed an “olive branch” to attempt to keep sioner for a determination that the de- the bill moving forward, given con- Operators of mechanical amuse- vice does not constitute illegal gaming. cerns that were raised during general ment devices will face an additional Senators passed the bill on a 35-11 file debate. The likelihood of such a tax under a bill passed by the Legisla- vote. transfer being necessary are remote, ture May 21. he said, while the benefit reduction LB70, introduced by Colum- Increased angel investment portions of the bill are important and bus Sen. Paul tax credits approved would save state tax dollars. Schumacher, im- “We’ve got a lot of concessions here poses the tax—10 Senators passed a bill May 21 that [from OPS],” Nordquist said. “At the percent of the increases tax credits available to busi- end of the day, if that’s not sufficient, gross revenue de- ness investors. that’s fine by me.” rived from the Currently, investors can apply for Kolterman countered with an operation of the up to $3 million in annual refundable amendment that instead would have device—on any Sen. Paul Schumacher tax credits for investments made in a allowed OPS to increase their levy business operating such a device. business with at least 51 percent of limit to pay for school district contri- Mechanical amusement device, as its workforce and payroll in Nebraska butions in the event of a retirement defined in state statute, includes any and 25 or fewer employees primarily system shortfall—known as an actuari- machine in which a person plays a engaged in researching, developing ally required contribution (ARC). game by inserting some form of cur- or using products and services in the “I just do not see why taxpayers rency, a prize is paid and the results high-tech field. that don’t reside in the Omaha Public are determined by chance. LB156, intro- Schools [district] should be on the The bill applies to mechanical duced by Gering hook for any financial liabilities for amusement devices that: Sen. , an ARC that could occur,” Kolter- • accept currency, coins, tokens or increases the an- man said. other value in exchange for play; nual maximum Norquist opposed the amend- • award a monetary prize or available amount ment, saying adoption of his previous Sen. John Stinner anything redeemable for a mon- of the angel invest- amendment had removed any auto- etary prize; ment tax credit to $4 million. matic liability for Nebraska taxpayers. • are played by a player using a According to state statute, the The Kolterman amendment instead touch screen, computer mouse, high-tech field includes aerospace, would raise property taxes for those touch pad, light pen, laser or agricultural processing, renewable

PAGE 18 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 104TH LEGISLATURE May 18 - 21, 2015 energy, energy efficiency and conser- state’s Property Tax Credit Cash Fund district in the previous year. vation, environmental engineering, upon approval of the federal legislation. The bill passed on a 40-2 vote. food technology, cellulosic ethanol, The provisions of the bill terminate information technology, materials three years after implementation. Tax exemption approved for science technology, nanotechnology, The bill passed on a 47-0 vote. zoo and aquarium fees telecommunications, biosolutions, medical device products, pharmaceuti- Personal property tax Membership and admission fees cals, diagnostics, biologicals, chemistry exemption adopted for zoos and aquariums will be tax and veterinary science. exempt under a bill passed by the To qualify for tax credits, an indi- Lawmakers passed a bill May 21 Legislature May 21. vidual must invest at least $25,000 in that provides a tax exemption on the LB419, introduced by Omaha Sen. a calendar year and qualified funds— first $10,000 of personal property. Heath Mello, exempts the sale of composed of three or more investors— LB259, introduced by Grand zoo memberships are required to invest at least $50,000. Island Sen. Mike Gloor, exempts and daily admis- Refundable credits equaling 35 the first $10,000 of sion fees. It defines percent of the investment are granted personal property a qualifying zoo or to investors with caps of $350,000 for for each personal aquarium as one married couples filing joint returns property tax return that is operated by and $300,000 for all other filers. filed with a county a public agency or Refundable credits of 40 percent assessor. nonprofit corpora- Sen. Heath Mello are offered for investments made in a It prohibits the tion primarily for educational, scien- business located in a distressed area, inclusion of tan- Sen. Mike Gloor tific or tourism purposes. which is defined as a city, a county gible personal property valued at less The bill passed on a 39-5 vote. with a population of fewer than than $1,000 from any exemption filed. 100,000 residents, an unincorporated The bill creates a compensating Ongoing tax incentive area within a county or a census tract exemption factor for companies that evaluations approved that has an unemployment rate that are centrally assessed by the state to be exceeds the statewide average, a per used in determining the tax exemption Senators passed a bill May 21 that capita income below the statewide for those companies. requires regular evaluation of the average or a population decrease be- The bill passed on a 47-0 vote. state’s tax incentive programs. tween the two most recent censuses. LB538, introduced by the Perfor- The bill passed on a 46-0 vote. Fire districts authorized to mance Audit Committee, creates an levy taxes ongoing evaluation process for all cur- Allocation of future Internet rent and future tax incentive programs sales tax approved A bill passed by the Legislature May enacted for the purpose of recruiting 21 authorizes rural and suburban fire or retaining businesses in Nebraska. Senators passed a bill May 21 that districts to levy property taxes. The Legislature’s Performance allocates potential tax revenue derived Currently, counties decide whether Audit Office will develop and publish from Internet transactions. to allocate property tax funds to fire a schedule for conducting the evalua- Federal legislation to authorize districts. LB325, introduced by Hy- tions, ensuring that each program is re- states to collect sales tax on all Inter- annis Sen. Al Davis, provides for a viewed at least once every three years. net transactions is maximum levy of 10.5 cents per 100 Each evaluation of a tax incentive currently pending. dollars of taxable valuation located program will analyze program-specific LB200, introduced within the fire district. goals and economic and fiscal impacts by Hyannis Sen. Al A fire district is eligible for levy of the program and recommend Davis, allocates the authority only if it is located within changes to evaluation procedures that first year of sales tax a county that had a levy of at least 40 will allow for easier evaluation in the revenue on such cents in the previous year or did not future. transactions to the Sen. Al Davis authorize any levy authority to the Eight current programs also will be

104TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 19 May 18 - 21, 2015 evaluated under LB538, including the: all decisions regarding the investment lamp, a brake and turn signals. The • Angel Investment Tax Credit of money in the administrative fund, vehicles cannot be used for the driving Act; expense fund and program fund includ- skills test for an operator’s license exam. • Beginning Farmer Tax Credit ing selection of all investment options. Fees and taxes are $15 for registra- Act; The bill includes provisions of tion, $25 for the base motor vehicle • Nebraska Advantage Act; LB76, originally introduced by Co- tax and a $10 base motor vehicle fee. • Nebraska Advantage Microen- lumbus Sen. Paul Schumacher, which Senators passed the bill on a 48-0 terprise Tax Credit Act; require taxpay- vote. • Nebraska Advantage Research ers reducing and Development Act; taxable income Driver’s licenses for young • Nebraska Advantage Rural using net oper- immigrants approved Development Act; ating loss carry • Nebraska Job Creation and forwards to add Lawmakers passed a bill May 21 Mainstreet Revitalization Act; back the net op- that allows young immigrants to drive and erating loss carry Sen. Paul Schumacher in Nebraska. • New Markets Job Growth In- forward amount to their taxable Introduced by Omaha Sen. Jeremy vestment Act. income for purposes of claiming the Nordquist, LB623 allows Nebraska The bill establishes a sunset date of Nebraska earned income tax credit. residents of driv- Dec. 31, 2019, for certain incentives The provisions also require taxpay- ing age who are under the Nebraska Advantage Act, ers to report the net operating loss covered by the Nebraska Advantage Rural Develop- carry forward amount as household federal Deferred ment Act and the New Markets Job income when claiming a homestead Action of Child- Growth Investment Act. tax exemption. hood Arrivals The bill passed on a 46-0 vote. The bill passed on a 47-0 vote. (DACA) program to secure a driv- Sen. Jeremy Nordquist Tax-free savings for the er’s license or state identification card. disabled approved Administered by the U.S. Depart- ment of Homeland Security, the DACA Senators passed a bill May 21 that program is designed to protect from de- authorizes tax-free savings accounts portation individuals who were brought for disabled individuals in Nebraska. Autocycles classified as into the country illegally as children. LB591, introduced by Lincoln Sen. motor vehicles DACA recipients will be required Kate Bolz, establishes Achieving a Bet- to relinquish a state driver’s license or ter Life Experience Senators approved a new class of identification card if their lawful status (ABLE) accounts motor vehicle May 21. is revoked by the federal government. for individuals LB231, introduced by Papillion The bill passed on a 34-9 vote. with disabilities Sen. Jim Smith, de- that developed fines an autocycle Ride-sharing company prior to age 26. as a three-wheeled regulations approved ABLE accounts of- motor vehicle con- fer tax-free savings Sen. Kate Bolz trolled by a steering Senators gave final approval May options for education, housing, assis- wheel and pedals 21 to a bill authorizing the state to tive technology and other needs. with a driver and regulate ride-sharing companies, such Under a qualified program, any passenger sitting in Sen. Jim Smith as Uber and Lyft. person may make contributions to tandem or side-by side in an enclosed Introduced by Omaha Sen. Heath an account to meet the qualified area featuring a removable or fixed top, Mello, LB629 designates a transpor- disability expenses of the designated airbag protection, roll cage, three-point tation network company (TNC) as a beneficiary of an account. safety belt system and antilock brakes. new class of transportation service The state investment officer will An autocycle is required to have provider. A TNC falls under the have fiduciary responsibility to make one or two headlamps, at least one tail jurisdiction of the Public Service

PAGE 20 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 104TH LEGISLATURE May 18 - 21, 2015

Commission and is confirmation that a vehicle lienholder • the International Residential defined as a corpo- had been notified prior to a vehicle Code, which covers new con- ration, partnership being used for a TNC. struction of one- and two-family or other entity that Lawmakers passed the bill with an dwellings; and uses an online ap- emergency clause on a 47-0 vote. • the International Existing plication or digital Building Code, which covers network to connect repair, alteration, addition and riders to drivers for Sen. Heath Mello change of occupancy for exist- transportation service. ing buildings. The bill establishes regulations for Crawford said that Nebraska has not a TNC regarding stages of operation, updated its building codes since 2011, permits, insurance, driver background Updated building codes when the 2009 editions were adopted. checks, vehicle inspections, fee collec- advanced “As other states begin to move tion and complaint investigation. TNC forward in considering the [newly re- drivers in Nebraska are required to have Senators advanced a bill May 20 leased] 2015 codes, it’s important that a valid driver’s license, proof of regis- that would adopt several updated Nebraska update its codes from what tration, proof of automobile liability building codes. are now six-year-old codes,” she said. insurance and be at least 21 years old. Currently, Nebraska uses the The bill would not adopt the 2012 A TNC must pay a $25,000 regis- 2009 editions revisions to the International Energy tration fee and maintain a minimum of the Interna- Conservation Code, as the state cur- $1 million of primary liability insur- tional Building rently operates under the 2009 code. ance coverage for death, personal Codes. LB540, Omaha Sen. Beau McCoy sup- injury and property damage. introduced by ported the bill. The bill defines a personal vehicle Bellevue Sen. Sue “Every day it’s a difficult subject for used by TNC drivers as one that a Crawford, would home builders, contractors and local driver owns, leases or is authorized to adopt the 2012 Sen. Sue Crawford government officials,” he said. “There use. It excludes from the definition revisions to the following codes: is a need to balance public safety and of prearranged ride a shared-expense • the International Building good construction practices with the carpool or vanpool arrangement. Code, which covers all new cost of doing business.” Additionally, the bill requires that a construction except one- and Senators advanced the bill to select driver provide the TNC with a signed two-family dwellings; file on a 33-0 vote. g Committee Hearings *Current hearing schedules are always available at: nebraskalegislature.gov/calendar Tuesday, May 26 Deaf and Hard of Hearing conducted via video conference. Government, Military & Veterans Affairs Appointment: Craig A. Timm - Foster Video Conference Site: ESU #13, Room 1507 - 12:00 p.m. Care Advisory Committee 4215 Avenue I, Conference Room C, Appointment: Richard Grauerholz - State Scottsbluff Emergency Response Commission Natural Resources LB664 (Chambers) Provide duties for Appointment: Patrick Guinan - State Room 1525 - 12:00 p.m. the Nebraska Oil and Gas Conservation Personnel Board Appointments: Douglas M. Anderson, Commission relating to disposal of Appointments: Timothy G. Hruza, Matt Jeremy J. Buhl, Dennis D. Grams, John wastewater Enenbach - Neb. Accountability & Kinter, Ronald J. Sheppard, John C. Disclosure Commission Turnbull - Environmental Quality Council Transportation & Telecommunications Room 1113 - 8:00 a.m. Health & Human Services Wednesday, May 27 LR338 (Davis) Urge the Federal Room 2102 - 12:00 p.m. Natural Resources Railroad Administration to adopt a rule Appointments: Norman B. Weverka, Room 1525 - 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. requiring a train crew of at least two g Stacie L. Ray - Commission for the Public Hearing will also be individuals

104TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 21 May 18 - 21, 2015 Senator Contact Info

Sen. Roy Baker Sen. Al Davis Sen. Robert Hilkemann Sen. Sen. Ken Schilz Lincoln, District 30 Hyannis, District 43 Omaha, District 4 Omaha, District 18 Ogallala, District 47 Room 1522 Room 1021 Room 1115 Room 1202 Room 1210 (402) 471-2620 (402) 471-2628 (402) 471-2621 (402) 471-2618 (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/dist04 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist18 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist47

Sen. Dave Bloomfield Sen. Laura Ebke Sen. Sara Howard Sen. John McCollister Sen. David Schnoor Hoskins, District 17 Crete, District 32 Omaha, District 9 Omaha, District 20 Scribner, District 15 Room 1206 Room 1101 Room 1012 Room 1017 Room 1118 (402) 471-2716 (402) 471-2711 (402) 471-2723 (402) 471-2622 (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/dist09 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist20 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist15

Sen. Kate Bolz Sen. Sen. Dan Hughes Sen. Beau McCoy Sen. Paul Schumacher Lincoln, District 29 Henderson, District 34 Venango, District 44 Omaha, District 39 Columbus, District 22 Room 1120 Room 1403 Room 1117 Room 2107 Room 1124 (402) 471-2734 (402) 471-2630 (402) 471-2805 (402) 471- 2885 (402) 471-2715 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist29 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist34 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist44 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist39 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist22

Sen. Lydia Brasch Sen. Tommy Garrett Sen. Jerry Johnson Sen. Heath Mello Sen. Les Seiler Bancroft, District 16 Bellevue, District 3 Wahoo, District 23 Omaha, District 5 Hastings, District 33 Room 1016 Room 1208 Room 1022 Room 1004 Room 1103 (402) 471-2728 (402) 471-2627 (402) 471-2719 (402) 471-2710 (402) 471-2712 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist16 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist03 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist23 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist05 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist33

Sen. Kathy Campbell Sen. Mike Gloor Sen. Bill Kintner Sen. Adam Morfeld Sen. Jim Smith Lincoln, District 25 Grand Island, District 35 Papillion, District 2 Lincoln, District 46 Papillion, District 14 Room 1402 Room 1116 Room 1000 Room 1008 Room 1110 (402) 471-2731 (402) 471-2617 (402) 471-2613 (402) 471-2720 (402) 471-2730 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist25 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist35 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist02 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist46 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist14

Sen. Sen. Mike Groene Sen. Rick Kolowski Sen. Sen. John Stinner Omaha, District 11 North Platte, District 42 Omaha, District 31 Gretna, District 49 Gering, District 48 Room 1114 Room 1101 Room 1018 Room 1423 Room 1406 (402) 471-2612 (402) 471-2729 (402) 471-2327 (402) 471-2725 (402) 471-2802 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist11 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist42 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist31 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist49 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist48

Sen. Colby Coash Sen. Ken Haar Sen. Mark Kolterman Sen. Jeremy Nordquist Sen. Kate Sullivan Lincoln, District 27 Malcolm, District 21 Seward, District 24 Omaha, District 7 Cedar Rapids, District 41 Room 2028 Room 1015 Room 1115 Room 2004 Room 1107 (402) 471-2632 (402) 471-2673 (402) 471-2756 (402) 471-2721 (402) 471-2631 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist27 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist21 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist24 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist07 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist41

Sen. Tanya Cook Sen. Galen Hadley Sen. Bob Krist Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks Sen. Dan Watermeier Omaha, District 13 Kearney, District 37 Omaha, District 10 Lincoln, District 28 Syracuse, District 1 Room 2011 Room 2103 Room 2108 Room 1523 Room 2000 (402) 471-2727 (402) 471-2726 (402) 471-2718 (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/dist37 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist10 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist28 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist01

Sen. Joni Craighead Sen. Sen. John Kuehn Sen. Merv Riepe Sen. Matt Williams Omaha, District 6 Lincoln, District 26 Heartwell, District 38 Ralston, District 12 Gothenburg, District 36 Room 1529 Room 1404 Room 1117 Room 1528 Room 2015 (402) 471-2714 (402) 471-2610 (402) 471-2732 (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/dist26 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist38 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist12 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist36

Sen. Sue Crawford Sen. Burke J. Harr Sen. Tyson Larson Sen. Jim Scheer Bellevue, District 45 Omaha, District 8 O’Neill, District 40 Norfolk, District 19 Room 1212 Room 2010 Room 1019 Room 1401 (402) 471-2615 (402) 471-2722 (402) 471-2801 (402) 471-2929 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist45 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist08 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist40 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist19

PAGE 22 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 104TH LEGISLATURE May 18 - 21, 2015 2015 Legislative Session*

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat January February 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 DAY 18 DAY 19 DAY 20 DAY 21 DAY 22 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 23 DAY 24 DAY 25 DAY 26 RECESS 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8 HOLIDAY DAY 27 DAY 28 DAY 29 DAY 30 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 HOLIDAY DAY 9 DAY 10 DAY 11 DAY 12 DAY 31 DAY 32 DAY 33 DAY 34 DAY 35 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 DAY 13 DAY 14 DAY 15 DAY 16 DAY 17

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DAY 73 RECESS RECESS RECESS RECESS DAY 90 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 DAY 74 DAY 75 DAY 76 DAY 77 RECESS 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 RECESS DAY 78 DAY 79 DAY 80 DAY 81 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 DAY 82 DAY 83 DAY 84 DAY 85 RECESS 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31 HOLIDAY DAY 86 DAY 87 DAY 88 DAY 89

Federal & State Holidays Legislative Recess Days January 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day April 24 – Arbor Day February 13 April 3, 6, 17, 27 February 16 – Presidents’ Day May 25 – Memorial Day March 13, 27 May 8, 11, 22 June 1, 2, 3, 4 *The Speaker reserves the right to revise the session calendar

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

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