UNICAMERAL UPDATE

News published daily at Update.Legislature.ne.gov Vol. 42, Issue 5 / Feb. 4 - 8, 2019 Bill to ban conversion therapy considered

Testifiers filled the Warner Chamber to address the Judiciary Committee during public hearings Feb. 7. embers of the Judiciary erosexuality as a preferable outcome. Fifteen states and the District of Committee heard testimony LB167, introduced by Omaha Sen. Columbia have banned conversion MFeb. 7 on a bill that would , would prohibit any per- therapy, Hunt said, because the treat- prohibit conversion therapy for any son credentialed ment has been proven to be ineffectual minor child. under ’s and harmful. The American Academy of Child Uniform Creden- “There is a growing body of re- and Adolescent Psychiatry defines tialing Act from search that shows that conversion conversion therapy as any intervention advertising or pro- therapy is not rooted in medically purported to alter same-sex attractions viding conversion sound practices, is unethical and or an individual’s gender expression therapy to a child causes substantial harm, especially in Sen. Megan Hunt with the specific aim to promote het- under 18. (continued page 3)

Expanded military retirement pay exemption proposed he Revenue Committee heard or her military retirement benefit pay current election options and allow testimony Feb. 7 on a bill for seven consecutive taxable years or an individual to exclude 50 percent T that would expand the state 15 percent for all taxable years begin- of his or her military retirement ben- income tax deduction for military ning when he or efit income to the extent included in retirement pay. she turns 67. federal AGI. Under current law, military retirees LB153, intro- The state Department of Revenue may, within two years of their retire- duced by Gordon estimates the bill would reduce state ment, choose between two options to Sen. income tax revenue by a total of $42.9 exclude military retirement benefit on behalf of Gov. million over the four fiscal years begin- pay from state income tax. The retiree , ning with FY2019-20. may elect to exclude 40 percent of his would replace the Sen. Tom Brewer (continued page 2)

INSIDE: Meet Sen. Slama • Caregiver unemployment bill advanced • Committee hearing schedule February 4 - 8, 2019

Expanded military retirement pay exemption proposed (continued from front page) Brewer said Nebraska’s tax system discourages military retirees from settling here. When retirees leave for states that do not tax military retire- ment benefits, he said, Nebraska loses qualified workers who also pay sales, income and property taxes. “Letting our veterans keep more of their military pensions will cause a modest reduction in income tax revenue,” Brewer said, “but I think that the economic benefits of attract- ing highly skilled and trained veter- ans with strong leadership qualities outweigh whatever tax dollars would be lost.” Gov. Pete Ricketts said LB153 would encourage military retirees to stay in Nebraska. Ricketts testified in support of the bill, saying it is part of his effort to the 29 states that do not tax military Renee Fry, executive director of make Nebraska the most military and retirement pay after he retired from OpenSky Policy Institute, gave neutral veteran friendly state in the country. the Navy, but he chose to live in Ne- testimony on the bill, saying that only He described LB153 as a workforce braska to be closer to family. Like most a small number of people are moti- development bill that would help the military retirees he knows, Heyne said, vated to move because of taxes. state retain skilled military retirees, he started a second career and contrib- “What we’re likely to do if this bill many of whom begin a second career utes to the state’s economy. were to pass would be to give a tax after they leave the service. “The compounding economic and credit to people who choose to live in Todd Heyne of Lincoln also testi- social effects of LB153 significantly Nebraska … rather than actually moti- fied in support of LB153 on behalf of outpace the 50 percent exemption and vating people to move here,” she said. the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce missed tax revenue,” he said. “All of No one testified in opposition to Military Affairs Committee. Heyne this economic growth is lost if a service the bill and the committee took no said he could have moved to any of member retires in Texas.” immediate action on it. g 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, twitter.com/UnicamUpdate and facebook.com/UnicameralUpdate.

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PAGE 2 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 106TH LEGISLATURE February 4 - 8, 2019

(continuedBill to from frontban page) conversion therapy considered adolescents,” she said. “There is no Barker, Bishop of the Episcopal Dio- dom for all and not interfere with the evidence that people can change their cese of Nebraska. He said concerns counselor and patient relationship,” sexual orientation or gender identity.” that the bill would curtail religious Bowling said. The bill would prohibit advertising freedom are unfounded. Gordon Opp of Lincoln also op- conversion therapy if it proposes to “If this were to pass today, every posed the measure. He experienced change an individual’s sexual orienta- church, mosque and synagogue would unwanted same-sex desires as a young tion or gender identity, eliminate or still be open this weekend,” Barker adult, he said, ultimately seeking out reduce sexual or romantic attraction said. “Faith leaders and parents would a faith-based counselor in California. to people of the same gender or states still be able to teach whatever their “I have no regrets regarding the that such therapy is harmless or with- religious beliefs profess.” decision that I made to work through out risk to patients. A violation of the Opposing the measure was Karen my conflicting sexual orientation,” bill’s provisions would be considered Bowling, executive director of the Opp said. “I have the life I wanted a deceptive trade practice and subject Nebraska Family Alliance. She said all to have. I can’t imagine that the help to penalties under the act. patients should have the freedom to that I longed for and received could LB167 also would prohibit the use direct their own counseling, free from be illegal in Nebraska.” of state funds for conversion therapy. coercion and force. The committee took no immediate Matthew Mims, executive director “The state should encourage free- action on the bill. g of the Nebraska Counseling Associa- tion, supported the bill. The days of using electroshock therapy to reduce Find Your Senator same-sex attraction are gone, he said, If you want to know which legislative district you live in, because society has evolved past it. www.NebraskaLegislature.gov provides an easy tool for locating your “We have eliminated a lot of out- district and senator. dated medical procedures as we’ve become more familiar with the body 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 and with the brain,” Mims said. “I legislative district and a picture of your senator, along with a link to that know of no one who is a licensed senator’s web page. This page includes senators’ contact information professional counselor who practices and links to their biography and photos. It also provides a list of [conversion therapy].” committees they serve on and the bills they’ve introduced. Adam Witte of Omaha sought out conversion therapy as a teenager because he was “terrified” of angering his parents and church community by coming out as gay. Witte said he supports LB167 because he knows firsthand how damaging and ineffec- tive conversion therapy is. “While my circumstances are specific to me ... I have yet to encoun- ter anyone whose orientation has changed,” Witte said. “If conversion therapy in any of its forms would be successful in a humane way, I’d be here supporting it for people who choose it, even though I don’t agree with it.” Also supporting the bill was Scott

106TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 3 February 4 - 8, 2019 Meet the Senator Slama trades law school for lawmaking eru Sen. should While there, she had the oppor- come out and help me and I’d do the probably be in class right now. tunity to study and compare Asian same for them,” Slama said. “There’s PWhile most new state senators regional governance structures with just such a sense of community and are learning to balance their public ser- those of the European Union. But one pride in that community. I knew I was vice with work responsibilities, Slama nonacademic memory that stands out going to come back. No place in the is figuring out how to serve the con- is of a taxi driver in Myanmar. world can beat it.” stituents of District 1 and finish her “He didn’t speak any English beyond Growing up in such a tight-knit spring semester legal writing course. ‘hello’ and enough to just kind of get community will inform her work as a “It’s really not the ideal time for me along,” she said. “But he knew enough state senator, she said. to be leaving law school, at all,” she to ask me if I liked rock music. So, we “I look forward to hearing from laughed. “It’s actually the least con- spent the entire trip in rush-hour traffic [my constituents] on the issues,” Slama venient time for me, but the [school] just singing along with Pink Floyd.” said. “I look forward to reaching out administration has just been fantastic When she wasn’t busy forging and talking more with them because working with me.” important diplomatic bonds through they really are the ‘second house’ of While being appointed one of the the power of rock music, Slama found the Legislature and I’m excited to hear youngest senators in the history of time to conquer Wheel of Fortune. what they have to say.” g the Unicameral in December 2018 She made it to the final was not exactly in her five-year plan, puzzle during a 2016 Slama has never backed down from appearance on the taking on a challenge. popular game show, She grew up a mile and a half but was one consonant southeast of Peru, with her parents short of winning it all. and two siblings: fraternal twin sister “The phrase ‘bright Emily, and younger sister Melanie. glow’ will haunt me After graduating from Auburn High for the rest of my life,” School, Slama decided to take the she said. first of many big leaps—she applied Slama graduated to Yale University. What would drive from Yale one semester a small-town high school student to early, returning to her attend one of the most prestigious hometown to work universities in the country? as a paraprofessional “They let me in—that was a key and volunteer as a high factor,” Slama joked. “I was from this school track coach. small town and I just figured there’s no There was never a ques- harm in applying. So, I put my name tion that she would re- out there and I got in.” turn, she said, because While studying political science Nebraska is home. and government, she had the opportu- “I can go back to nity to travel the world. So far, Slama my hometown in Au- has visited 31 different countries, 22 burn and if I have a flat of which were solo adventures. Visit- [tire] or something goes ing 10 southeast Asian countries to wrong, I have 30 peo- research her senior capstone project ple in my phone that Sen. Julie Slama visited Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque in stands out as one of her favorite trips. will drop everything to Brunei during a 2017 trip through Southeast Asia.

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exemption from the bill’s provisions. Karen Bell-Dancy, executive direc- tor of the YWCA of Lincoln, spoke in support of LB305. She said allowing Paid family medical leave paid time to be used in instances of Medical synchronization bill proposed domestic abuse or assault would allow advances victims to receive critical support from Members of the Business and La- community resources. Legislators advanced a bill to select bor Committee heard testimony Feb. “This will not only protect the file Feb. 8 that would allow Nebras- 4 on a bill that would guarantee paid individuals that we serve, but also kans with multiple medical prescrip- leave to Nebraskans. allow them the proper time off to tions to coordinate and collect all of LB305, introduced by Bellevue ensure their safety,” Bell-Dancy said. their medication on the same day. Sen. , “It is crucial to require employers to Omaha Sen. John McCollister said would require em- support their employees during their he introduced LB442 to enable those ployers with four time of need.” needing medica- or more employees AFL-CIO representative Susan tion to make one to provide paid sick Martin also spoke in support of the trip to the phar- and safe leave. Un- bill. Sick employees who are unable macy each month. der the proposal, to take paid leave still handle food The Banking, employees would Sen. Sue Crawford at restaurants, drive public transpor- Commerce and In- accrue at least one hour of paid leave tation, care for children at daycare surance Committee for every 30 hours worked. Employees facilities and the elderly in nursing voted 8-0 to move Sen. John McCollister could earn up to 40 hours of paid leave homes, she said. the bill to the floor following a hear- per year, based on hours worked. “This is a simple but effective pol- ing Feb. 4. Crawford said 70 percent of low-wage icy measure to help ensure Nebraska LB442 would allow for medical workers do not have access to a single day workers have paid leave for sickness or synchronization if medication: of paid leave to stay home when sick or time off,” she said. “It is a fair means • is covered by the patient’s care for an ill family member. to help rectify otherwise unfair circum- health benefit plan or has “As Nebraskans, we value hard work stances we have in the U.S.” been approved by a formulary and we prioritize our family responsibili- Erin Ebeler Rolf, representing the exception process; ties,” she said. “[But] almost half of the Lincoln Independent Business Asso- • meets the prior authorization workforce does not have a single sick ciation, opposed the measure. She said or utilization management day to care for a sick family member.” the bill’s provisions far exceed those criteria; Qualifying employers would be re- accepted under federal law. • treats a chronic illness; quired to allow an employee to use his or “This applies to small businesses • can be safely split into short-fill her paid sick and safe leave for a mental that may not have full-time employ- periods; and or physical illness, injury or health con- ees,” Ebeler Rolf said. “These are the • is not a Schedule II controlled dition, to care for an ill family member businesses that are most impacted by substance. or for an absence due to domestic abuse, an employee’s sudden leave and the “This synchronized approach assault or stalking—including psychologi- least likely to be able to cover gaps with would enhance pharmacy efficiency, cal treatment or legal services. other workers.” improve health care outcomes and Employees would be eligible to use Also speaking in opposition to result in increased medication adher- accrued leave 60 days after beginning LB305 was Kathy Siefken, executive ence,” McCollister said. employment. Any unused leave time director of the Nebraska Grocery Senators voted 32-0 to advance the would carry over at the end of the year, Industry Association. Many grocery bill to select file. but an employee could use only 40 stores employ high school students hours of paid leave annually. part time, she said, because tight profit An employer with a comparable paid margins make offering paid leave sick time policy would be eligible for an almost impossible.

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“When you’re working on a 1.5 per- selves, we don’t usually get a warning, Under LB513, introduced by cent margin, there’s no money to pay which makes saving up for that unre- Albion Sen. , if a school time off to high school kids,” Siefken alistic,” she said. “We’re not giving a district’s property said. “This is a business killer. Rural handout. We’re helping people and tax valuation in stores or small independent stores showing compassion to them.” the previous calen- cannot afford something like this.” Sen. of Seward dar year consists of The committee took no immediate also spoke in support of LB306. He at least 75 percent action on the bill. could afford to take time off to care agricultural or hor- of his ailing wife, he said, but many ticultural land, a Unemployment for family people do not have that luxury. successful school Sen. Tom Briese caregivers clears first round “We’re just giving them a short district bond election would require reprieve and some time, in a com- at least 60 percent of those voting on A bill that would expand eligibility passionate way, to take care of their the question to approve. for unemployment benefits advanced [family],” Kolterman said. “Typically, In other districts, at least 50 per- from general file Feb. 7. I would not support this, but my per- cent of voters would have to approve Currently, a person who volun- spective has changed.” before bonds could be issued, as cur- tarily leaves employment with “good Opposing the measure was Colum- rently is required in all districts. cause” is eligible for unemployment bus Sen. Mike Moser, who said ex- The bill would apply the same re- benefits under employment secu- panding eligibility for unemployment quirements to elections to issue bonds rity law. LB306, introduced by Bel- benefits would hurt small businesses. used to pay for abatement projects, such levue Sen. Sue “Businesses have to be profitable as the removal of environmental hazards Crawford, would and stay in business to keep America or accessibility barriers. School boards add leaving em- moving,” he said. “We can’t be solving currently are not required to hold an ployment to care everybody’s problems and all be shar- election before issuing such bonds. for a family mem- ing the same pie.” Briese said requiring a supermajority ber with a serious North Platte Sen. also vote would make bond elections more health condition opposed the bill. Many people have fair to farmers and ranchers, who pay a to the existing list Sen. Sue Crawford ill family members, he said, and have disproportionate share for school build- of good cause reasons. been able to provide care while relying ing projects relative to other property A study conducted by AARP found on family and charitable organizations, taxpayers because of high agricultural that 65 million Americans act as rather than government assistance. and horticultural land valuations. caregivers for their family members, “All these incidents of compassion “In many districts, ag producers are Crawford said, with 10 percent leaving ... there are so many avenues to go outnumbered at the voting booth,” employment to do so. through when you come up to this Briese said, “and the disparity in tax “While only a few caregivers will situation,” he said. burdens can serve to encourage exces- qualify for benefits each year, access Senators advanced LB306 to select sive investment in K-12 facilities by to these benefits will make a big differ- file on a 29-11 vote. unnecessary bond votes.” ence to their families,” she said. Mick Mines testified in support of A Business and Labor Committee the bill on behalf of the Nebraska Corn amendment, adopted 33-2, would Growers Association and six other require that an employee has made all agricultural groups. He said the bill reasonable efforts to preserve his or her could be part of a package of measures employment before voluntarily leaving. Supermajority vote proposed to reduce property taxes on Nebraska Bellevue Sen. support- for rural school bonds farmers and ranchers, who pay a dispro- ed the bill, saying that many people portionate share of the property taxes who act as a family caregiver must do School districts in rural areas would used to fund local government. so with little to no advance notice. need supermajority voter approval be- testified in opposition “When our family member be- fore issuing bonds under a bill heard to the bill on behalf of the Nebraska comes ill and can’t take care of them- Feb. 4 by the Education Committee. Association of School Boards, saying vot-

PAGE 6 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 106TH LEGISLATURE February 4 - 8, 2019 ers should have an equal say in whether “States that get workforce and talent de- workers will retire in the coming years. bonds are issued. He said school boards velopment right will outpace Nebraska “Our demand for tech talent and consider all property taxpayers when de- in terms of growth, creation of good- that of other companies in our state ciding whether to hold a bond election. paying jobs and economic prosperity.” cannot be met without strategic initia- “School boards are made up of Nebraska residents who score at tives such as LB639 aimed at develop- elected officials from across districts or above a certain cutoff score on a ing and retaining a talented workforce that include both rural and urban college admission test and agree to in Nebraska,” Blackledge said. constituents,” Coash said. “Those complete an internship at a Nebraska- No one testified in opposition to members take their responsibility to based business before graduating the bill and the committee took no represent the entire district seriously.” would qualify for the scholarships. immediate action on it. The committee took no immediate Students would need to be en- action on LB513. rolled in a postsecondary educational program leading to a first bachelor’s Scholarships proposed for degree, associate degree, certificate students entering high- or diploma. They also would need to demand fields maintain a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Higher pay, lower age threshold State funds would comprise up to considered for lawmakers Students who major in computer 30 percent of any award. Postsecond- science, nursing, engineering and ary educational institutions would pro- Member pay could increase and other in-demand fields at Nebraska’s vide the remainder of funds awarded younger Nebraskans could serve in the public university and state colleges under the act. Legislature under two proposals con- could receive state scholarships under Under LB639, the Legislature sidered Feb. 6 by the Executive Board. a bill heard Feb. 5 by the Education would appropriate $10 million in LR12CA, sponsored by Sen. Tony Committee. fiscal year 2019-20 to the program, Vargas of Omaha, Introduced by Gering Sen. John another $20 million in FY2020-21 and would place a pro- Stinner, LB639 would provide schol- $30 million each fiscal year after that. posed constitu- arships to eligible Stinner said the proposal’s cost likely tional amendment students whose de- will prevent it from passing this session. on the 2020 gen- clared majors lead University of Nebraska President eral election ballot to a high-demand, Hank Bounds testified in support of to set the salary for high-wage, high-skill the bill. He said Nebraska is among the state senators at 50 Sen. career as designated bottom 10 in the nation in state grant percent of Nebraska’s median house- by the state Depart- aid to students and, on a per-student hold income as defined by the most ment of Labor. Sen. basis, first in tuition remissions, in recent U.S. Census Bureau report. The department projects more which a university waives tuition for The wage would be adjusted every than 34,000 openings in those “H3” high-achieving students. Many gifted two years. occupations in Nebraska every year high school graduates leave the state be- The current $12,000 annual salary through 2026, Stinner said, and the cause other universities can offer them has not increased since 1989, Vargas state’s colleges and university cannot far more financial aid, Bounds said. said, and the low level of compensa- produce enough graduates to keep up. “A significant state investment in tion keeps a broad range of people At the same time, he said, many financial aid would put us in a more from serving in the Legislature. The high-performing high school students competitive position to recruit and change would raise the annual salary leave Nebraska to attend college. LB639 retain Nebraska’s best and brightest in Nebraska to approximately $27,000, would encourage more of them to stay young people,” he said. he said, which still would be below the and contribute to the state’s economy James Blackledge, chairman and national average of around $35,500. after they graduate, Stinner said. CEO of Mutual of Omaha, also testi- “Higher pay [would enable] Ne- “Workforce and talent development fied in support. He said technology braskans of all income levels and in is quickly becoming an arms race that jobs comprise 20 percent of Mutual of all districts to consider elected office,” Nebraska can’t afford to lose,” he said. Omaha’s workforce, and many of those Vargas said.

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Vargas said he would be willing the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance be “impossible” without counseling to consider an amendment to ensure Fund under a bill considered Feb. 4 services. that the increase not apply to anyone by the General Affairs Committee. No one spoke in opposition to the currently serving in the Legislature. Currently, about $100,000 of the bill and the committee took no im- Jennifer Creager, testifying on be- revenue collected from the state’s gam- mediate action on it. half of the Greater Omaha Chamber, ing operations is Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and transferred annu- the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce ally to the fund. and Industry, supported the measure. LB41, introduced “Serving in the Legislature takes by Sen. Robert a toll on income,” she said. “That Hilkemann of limits the number of people who can Omaha, would in- undertake this opportunity.” crease that trans- Sen. Offutt land cession bill Also considered was LR11CA, spon- fer to approximately $550,000. advanced sored by Lincoln Hilkemann said that much of the Lawmakers gave first-round ap- Sen. , treatment offered through the fund is proval Feb. 8 to a bill intended to which would place mandated by law. clarify jurisdiction over five tracts of a proposed con- “Without added revenue, the land inside the fence line of Offutt stitutional amend- program will face cuts of about 20 per- Air Force Base. ment on the same cent,” Hilkemann said. “When one of Gretna Sen. ballot to lower the our fellow Nebraskans summons the Sen. Matt Hansen , age of eligibility to courage to call the [assistance fund’s] sponsor of LB214, serve in the Legislature from 21 to 19. hotline, I want to make sure there’s said the bill would Hansen said the change would someone there to answer.” provide the federal harmonize the age requirement with David Geier, director of the Ne- government with Nebraska’s age of majority and could braska Gamblers Assistance Pro- exclusive jurisdic- open up the Legislature to new ideas. gram—the organization that oversees tion over the land, Sen. Andrew La Grone Several people younger than 21 the assistance fund—testified in favor which is near two of the base’s gates were elected to serve in other state of the bill. Geier said that last year and under a dormitory. Currently, he legislatures in 2018, he said, and are the program served between 200 and said, the federal government owns the working on issues important to young 250 gamblers in crisis and provided land but only has propriety jurisdic- people including voting accessibility long-term counseling to another 200. tion over it. and college affordability. The NGAP also trains counselors As a result, he said, Nebraska does “I’m sure we all personally know on the unique elements of gambling not own the approximately 80 acres, at least one young person who would addiction, he said. but the state is responsible for law en- make an outstanding state senator “It is not the same as addiction forcement on the land. This can cause regardless of age,” Hansen said. to alcohol, or addiction to drugs,” confusion in emergency response situ- No one testified in opposition to Geier said. ations, he said, adding that clarifying the proposals and the committee took Jeffrey Bomberger also spoke in the jurisdiction would alleviate an no immediate action on either. favor of the bill. Bomberger said he is administrative issue for the base. a recovering gambling addict who ben- The bill would cede all criminal efitted from the counseling provided and civil jurisdiction over the land by the NGAP. Gambling, he said, tracts to the federal government. damaged his relationships, exhausted “There is no property tax impact his retirement savings and caused him since the federal government owns this Additional money sought for lose his job after he stole from his land already,” La Grone said. gambling treatment fund employer to fund his addiction. LB214 advanced to select file on a Bomberger hasn’t gambled since 37-0 vote. More money would be directed to 2015, and said his recovery would

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Bill would require voter approval Charlotte Ralston of Lincoln also Human Services Committee. of joint public agencies testified in favor of LB412. She said LB112, introduced by Omaha JPAs are not transparent and that their Sen. , Voters could weigh in on the cre- use has been abused in the past. would waive initial ation of a JPA under a bill heard Feb. “It has its own rules, its own board licensing fees for a 7 by the Government, Military and and its own taxing power,” Ralston variety of health Veterans Affairs Committee. said. “Even though it is created by mem- professions under LB412, intro- ber agencies, it is legally independent.” the Uniform Cre- duced by Lincoln Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler testified dentialing Act. Sen. , in opposition to the bill. Beutler said the The bill would ap- Sen. Sara Howard would require that Legislature created JPAs in the late 1990s ply to Nebraskans who: voters approve cre- to better take advantage of their compo- • are 18 to 25; ation of a JPA with nent entities’ ability to raise money for • have a household income less the authority to construction projects. In some situations, than 130 percent of the federal levy a tax or issue Sen. Suzanne Geist he said, those entities might not be able poverty level or are enrolled bonds during a statewide primary or to fund a project on their own. in a state or federal assistance general election. “These agreements help govern- program; and Construction of the Lancaster Coun- ments to cooperate on broader solutions • are active duty services members ty Event Center was funded through a in complex situations,” Beutler said. or their spouses, honorably JPA between the Lancaster County Ag- Lynn Rex of the League of Ne- discharged veterans or their ricultural Society and Lancaster County, braska Municipalities also testified spouses and un-remarried sur- Geist said. She clarified that she was not against the bill. viving spouses of deceased opposed to that project, but said that it Rex said that in 1996 the Legislature service members. should have been approved by voters. reduced levy limits for cities and vil- Howard said she can empathize “Currently, a joint public agency can lages, leaving them less able to increase with young professionals who are be formed and implement an occupa- property taxes for infrastructure proj- beginning their careers while carrying tional tax without giving taxpayers a say ects. She added that JPAs also encour- burdensome college loan debt. in how their tax dollars are spent,” Geist age collaboration between entities. “When I graduated from law said. “I’m not here to say that JPAs are “There are 272 school districts in school in Chicago, my bar fees were bad. I’m not even here to say they are not Nebraska; there are 529 cities and $1,000,” she said. effective, because in many cases they are.” villages; there are 93 counties; you Howard said that Iowa and Missouri Coby Mach testified in favor of the have seven JPAs. This isn’t an abuse have offered reduced licensing fees for bill on behalf of the Lincoln Indepen- of anything,” Rex said. the groups covered under LB112, and dent Business Association. Mach said The committee took no immediate she does not want higher licensing a JPA can buy land, issue debt and en- action on the bill. fees to cause people to move out of ter into construction contracts. There Nebraska in order to start their careers. are seven JPAs in Nebraska, he said, Nicole Fox of the Platte Institute three of which are in Lincoln, includ- spoke in favor of the bill. She said ing one that financed construction of reducing fees would help those who’ve Pinnacle Bank Arena. taken on significant debt while pursu- “A typical Lincoln homeowner pays ing higher education. “Keep in mind that workers applying property taxes to a dozen government Bill would waive occupational for these licenses may have experienced entities, a fourth of which are joint public fees agencies,” Mach said. “Yet they are unable loss of income while obtaining needed to vote on whether they are created.” Young adults, low-income earners training, may have had significant tu- Mach added that the owner of a and those associated with the military ition costs and, in many cases, may also $165,000 home in Lincoln pays $108 would not have to pay certain oc- have to pay for continuing education to in property taxes each year to joint cupational licensing fees under a bill maintain that license,” Fox said. public agencies. considered Feb. 6 by the Health and Also testifying in support was James

106TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 9 February 4 - 8, 2019

Goddard of Nebraska Appleseed. He Wishart said DHHS was using completed a state-licensed or nationally said labor trends show that many low- a new interpretation of established accredited substance abuse treatment wage jobs will be replaced by skilled regulation. program since the date of conviction. jobs, and Nebraska is unprepared for The Bridge has provided civil LB402 would remove those restric- that transition. protective custody services—when a tions. “We need to make the path to severely intoxicated person is confined Hilkemann said that 44 states have better-paying jobs as simple as pos- because he or she is deemed danger- removed or modified the lifetime ban, sible,” Goddard said. ous—since 1983, Wishart said. It cur- which he called “arbitrary” and likely Ronald Banse, speaking on behalf rently is operating under a temporary to increase recidivism among drug of the Nebraska Board of Cosmetology, license, she said. offenders. Electrology, Esthetics, Nail Technology LB200 would allow facilities that use “We need to do everything we can and Body Art, testified against LB112. locked rooms to maintain their license. to keep people who have been in our He said that last year 352 people ap- “This legislation, if enacted, would system from ending up in the system plied for an initial license through the ensure that The Bridge and similar again,” he said. “When an individual board, generating $23,000 in revenue. facilities would keep their licenses is rebuilding their life after exiting The absence of those fees, Banse said, moving forward,” Wishart said. prison, the last thing we would want would make it harder for the state to Following adoption of a technical to do is to put them in a position of balance its budget. Health and Human Services Commit- desperation just to feed themselves or “These fees are a minimal invest- tee amendment 41-0, lawmakers voted their family.” ment,” he said. “Nebraskans must do 40-0 to advance the bill to select file. Matt Hill of the Center for People their part to support our economic in Need testified in support of the bill. stability.” Food assistance eligibility Hill said SNAP benefits are meant to In her closing statement, Howard changes proposed help those who are facing difficult clarified that money from license fees times. Having worked in corrections does not go into the state’s general The Health and Human Services for many years, Hill said he knows that fund, so the bill would not impact the Committee heard testimony Feb. 7 on transitioning out of prison is one such state’s budget. two proposed eligibility changes to the difficult time. The committee took no immediate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance “We have spent hard-earned tax action on LB112. Program. money on helping them … and then LB402, intro- we release them out into the commu- Treatment center licensure bill duced by Omaha nity with nothing and expect them advanced Sen. Robert Hilke- not to fall back on the things that they mann, would re- know best,” Hill said. A bill that would allow licensure move a ban on Ken Smith, staff attorney at Ne- of mental health substance use treat- food assistance braska Appleseed, also spoke in favor ment facilities that use locked rooms eligibility for indi- Sen. Robert Hilkemann of the proposal. He cited a Florida advanced to select file Feb. 8. viduals with past drug felonies. study that concluded that removing Sen. of Lincoln in- Under current state law, an indi- access to SNAP benefits from formerly troduced LB200 after the state Depart- vidual is ineligible for SNAP benefits incarcerated people resulted in them ment of Health and in Nebraska if he or she has three or being 9 percent more likely to reenter Human Services more felony convictions for the posses- the prison system. considered revok- sion or use of a controlled substance or “[LB402] could potentially help ing the operating li- has been convicted of a felony involving us address a very pressing issue in cense of The Bridge the sale, distribution—or intent to sell Nebraska, which is overcrowding of Behavioral Health or distribute—a controlled substance. our prison system,” Smith said. facility in Lincoln A person with one or two felony Matt Wallen, director of the state last year because it Sen. Anna Wishart convictions for possession or use of Department of Health and Human uses locked rooms for clients placed a controlled substance is eligible only Services Division of Children and into civil protective custody. if he or she is participating in or has Families, testified in opposition. He

PAGE 10 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 106TH LEGISLATURE February 4 - 8, 2019 said the existing law “strikes the right was Shelley Mann of the Food Bank partnerships to increase the reporting balance” by providing former felons for the Heartland and Food Bank of and investigation of missing Native with fewer than three convictions for Lincoln. She said the bill would help American women. drug possession or use the chance families move toward food security Brewer said it is difficult to know to qualify for SNAP benefits if they while also reducing pressure on food just how many women have gone complete substance abuse treatment. pantries and other community sup- missing due to a lack of coordination “Essentially, LB402 would elimi- port systems. between federal, state and local law nate helpful pathways from addiction “SNAP provides critical food secu- enforcement agencies. to recovery by eliminating this provi- rity with dignity,” Mann said. “SNAP “The aim of this study is to learn sion in current law, Wallen said. allows our neighbors to choose their how we can better use and increase state Also introduced was LB255, spon- meals from a grocery store and not criminal justice resources,” he said. sored by Omaha just rely on what is donated from The study would be conducted in Sen. John McCol- cupboards across the state in a canned conjunction with the state Commis- lister, which would food drive.” sion on Indian Affairs, tribal and local increase the SNAP Wallen also testified against LB255, law enforcement, federally-recognized gross income eli- saying the bill could increase the num- tribes and urban Indian organizations. gibility limit from ber of potential eligible households in The Nebraska State Patrol would be 130 percent of the Nebraska by 35,000. Approximately required to submit a final report of its federal income Sen. John McCollister 8,000 of those household likely would findings to the Executive Board of the poverty level to 140 percent beginning apply for SNAP, he said, increasing Legislature by June 1, 2020. Sept. 1, 2019. administrative expenses for the de- Lincoln Sen. The bill would not increase the partment. introduced an amendment, adopted net income eligibility limit for the The committee took no immediate 41-0, to expand the study to include program. action on either bill. missing Native American children, McCollister said the bill would whom she said are at high risk for hu- address a phenomenon known as the man trafficking. “cliff effect,” in which a SNAP recipi- “The confluence of poverty, alcohol ent loses eligibility due to a minimal and indifference to suffering puts many increase in income. The unintended Native American women and children consequence of the system is that it Study of issues facing Native at risk,” Pansing Brooks said. “It is time either creates a disincentive to work American women advanced to stand up and say that we will no lon- toward economic mobility or a situa- ger turn a blind eye to this suffering.” tion where a parent is working harder Lawmakers gave first-round approv- Senators advanced LB154 to select but is financially worse off, he said. al Feb. 7 to a bill that seeks to increase file on a 40-0 vote. “Everyone agrees that when people investigative resources dedicated to the work hard they should be able to get state’s Native American community. Additional district court judge ahead,” McCollister said. Native American women go miss- requested Kathy Siefken testified in support ing at a higher rate of the bill on behalf of the Nebraska nationally than A bill that would increase the num- Grocery Industry Association. She any other demo- ber of district court judges in Douglas said many in the industry have seen graphic, according County was discussed by the Judiciary the impact of the cliff effect firsthand. to Gordon Sen. Committee Feb. 8. “Employees are actually refusing Tom Brewer, who LB309, intro- to work additional hours and they’re sponsored LB154. duced by Omaha refusing promotions because it would As introduced, Sen. Tom Brewer Sen. , place them above the eligibility thresh- the bill would direct the Nebraska would add one dis- old and they would lose their SNAP State Patrol to conduct a study fo- trict court judge, in- benefits,” Siefken said. cusing on the scope of the problem, creasing the number Also speaking in favor of the bill identifying barriers and creating in Douglas County Sen. Steve Lathrop

106TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 11 February 4 - 8, 2019 to 17. Lathrop said the bill is based on an August 2017 decision that found meanor offender, I don’t know what a recommendation by the Judicial that only post-adjudicated inmates would have happened,” Schleusener Resources Commission to ease the serving misdemeanor sentences could said. “This would remedy that dispar- judicial workload. be transferred to a state facility. ity between the felony and misde- “Having an adequate number of LB376, introduced by Henderson meanor offenders.” judges is key to making sure the people Sen. , would authorize Opposing the bill was Scott Frakes, in our most populous county have the transfer of director of NDCS. The bill would give [comparable] access to their courts as pre-adjudicated all discretion regarding inmate trans- the people in less populous parts of inmates for safe- fers to county officials, Frakes said, the state,” he said. keeping if a coun- hampering his ability to make deci- J. Scott Paul, president of the ty jail is unable to sions about managing NDCS facilities. Nebraska Bar Association, spoke in house an inmate “The Nebraska Department of support of the bill. At some point, he for any reason. Correctional Services recognizes the said, inadequate judicial resources cre- The county still Sen. Curt Friesen importance of continuing to work ates a due process problem for people would be responsible for the cost of with counties ... when the department appearing before the court. keeping and maintaining the inmate. can safely do so,” Frakes said. “[How- “In terms of fairness to litigants—not Friesen said jails in smaller coun- ever], not only would this continue to to mention the judges who are trying ties do not have the appropriately feed people into an already crowded to do their best—we think that [the situ- trained staff to safely manage prison- state prison system, but it would cer- ation] could be helped in some small ers with severe mental illness or who tainly tax our resources.” part with one more judge,” Paul said. engage in violent behaviors. The committee took no immediate Douglas County District Court “Many of these small jails are not action on the bill. Judge J. Russell Derr also supported equipped to handle some of the mental LB309. Douglas County conducted 67 health issues [inmates have] ... some- Adoption rule change proposed first- and second-degree murder trials times putting the safety of the prisoner between 2011 and 2018, he said, while and the jail staff at risk,” he said. The Judiciary Committee consid- Lancaster County conducted only four. Hamilton County Sheriff Kirk ered a bill Feb. 7 that would permit “We understand the budget con- Handrup supported the bill, saying adoption by two people regardless of straints, but we [need] an additional that the state has the medical and marital status. judge in Douglas County,” Derr said. mental health professionals, staffing LB426, introduced by Benning- No one testified in opposition to levels and equipment to safely handle ton Sen. Wendy the bill and the committee took no violent inmates. DeBoer, would al- immediate action on it. “I’ve had inmates who have ex- low two persons pressed concerns for their own safety jointly, regardless Bill would authorize transfer because of the violent inmate that is of marital status, to of county jail inmates in their cell,” he said. “By using state adopt a child with- facilities, the inmate can get profes- out requiring the Certain misdemeanor offenders sional care that smaller jails aren’t child’s first parent Sen. Wendy DeBoer housed in county jails could be trans- able to offer.” to relinquish his or her parental rights. ferred to state correctional facilities Dan Schleusener, Buffalo County DeBoer said the best interests of under a bill heard by the Judiciary chief deputy sheriff, also spoke in sup- the child always should be the primary Committee Feb. 6. port of LB376. Recently, an inmate concern in adoption cases. Historically, county jail inmates who was charged with a felony and “In situations where there is a being held on misdemeanor charges suffering a severe mental health crisis second person who already occupies or sentences could be transferred to a refused medication, he said, which the parental role in all but legality, it’s Nebraska Department of Correctional made it impossible for the inmate to important to provide a method for Services facility if the inmate needed a communicate with his defense attor- legal recognition,” she said. higher level of care or security. ney and proceed with his trial. Representing Voices for Children This arrangement was nullified by “Had that inmate been a misde- in Nebraska, Taylor Givens-Dunn

PAGE 12 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 106TH LEGISLATURE February 4 - 8, 2019 spoke in support of the bill. She said ing against in- factor in where to work—both for her it would help bring more children out dividuals based as a queer black woman, and for many of the state foster care system and into on their sexual other young professionals. loving homes. orientation or “We should be able to contribute “All children deserve to know that gender identity. our expertise and skill to their jobs their relationships with both of their Discrimina- and careers as their full, authentic parents is stable and legally recognized, tion based on selves without fear of discrimination regardless of their marital status or race, color, reli- Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks by their employers,” Freeman said. sexual orientation,” Givens-Dunn gion, sex, disability, marital status and Eli Rigatuso also supported LB627. said. “This will both protect children national origin currently is prohibited. He said he considered leaving Nebras- and grant families important protec- LB627 would apply to employ- ka because of discrimination he faced tions under the law.” ers with 15 or more employees or in the workplace as a transgender man. Kristin Williams also supported with state contracts regardless of the “I’m not asking for anyone to be the bill. She and her partner chose to number of employees, the state of transgender; I wouldn’t wish that on raise a family in 2000 before same-sex Nebraska, governmental agencies and anyone,” Rigatuso said. “What I’m marriage was legalized. The romantic political subdivisions. asking for is to be met and treated how relationship ultimately ended, she There has been significant prog- I wish to be treated. To be seen, valued said, but their parenting relationship ress in acceptance of the lesbian, gay, and affirmed as a citizen of Nebraska, did not. bisexual, transgender and queer/ques- as a human being, as a life.” “Like any loving parent, we want tioning community, Pansing Brooks Opposing the measure was Tom long-term, failproof legal rights for said, but LGBTQ Nebraskans still Venzor, executive director of the our children,” Williams said. “Neither can face employment discrimination Nebraska Catholic Conference. The my gender, nor the [legal status] of my based on their sexual orientation or bill does not protect against reverse same-sex relationship in 2000 has any gender identity. discrimination, he said, and could bearing on the unquestionable reality “This [bill] protects Nebraskans prevent a Christian bookstore owner that my son is my son.” against being fired for simply being from running his business as he Susan Sapp, representing the who they are and who they love,” she chooses, for example. Nebraska Bar Association, opposed said. “Times have changed and it’s “LB627 uses government coercion the bill. The association supports the making Nebraska’s lack of movement and punishment ... to affirm conduct concept behind LB426, she said, but on employment discrimination look and messages that conflict with [some loopholes remain in the bill that could absurd and archaic.” employers’] sincerely held beliefs,” allow for adoptions to be completed Representing the Greater Omaha Venzor said. “This undermines the without home studies, as is current Chamber of Commerce, Jennifer Cre- ability of an employer to carry out a practice. ager supported LB627. Omaha passed business in accord with their mission.” The committee took no immediate an anti-discrimination ordinance in Karen Bowling, executive director action on the bill. 2012, she said, which has resulted in of the Nebraska Family Alliance, also few claims or costs to businesses. opposed the bill. Workplace LGBTQ protections “Applicants should have the expec- “Government should not have the considered tation that they won’t be discriminated power to punish citizens for simply against by their employer just because declining to express ideas that violate Employees would be protected of who they are,” Creager said. “We their beliefs,” Bowling said. from discrimination based on sexual hear from talented people who do not The committee took no immediate orientation and gender identity under want to work in Nebraska because we action on the bill. a bill heard by the Judiciary Commit- don’t protect against discrimination.” tee Feb. 7. Morgann Freeman, testifying on Constitutional amendment to Introduced by Lincoln Sen. Patty behalf of the Greater Omaha Young ban convict slavery advanced Pansing Brooks, LB627 would pro- Professionals Council, said the lack of hibit employers, employment agencies workplace protections for members of The removal of an obsolete provi- and labor unions from discriminat- the LGBTQ community is a deciding sion in the state constitution would

106TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 13 February 4 - 8, 2019

be placed on the ballot for voters’ con- Tom Brewer of Gordon, use of emi- said, leaving a project vulnerable to sideration under a measure advanced nent domain no one landowner who is unwilling to from general file Feb. 7. longer would be grant access. Currently, the constitution prohib- authorized in order “Our concern is that transmission its slavery and indentured servitude to provide access capabilities would be denied,” Lom- except as punishment for people to build transmis- bardi said. convicted of a crime. LR1CA, intro- sion lines or other Lucas Nelsen of the Center for duced by Omaha infrastructure re- Rural Affairs also testified against the Sen. Justin Wayne, lated to a privately Sen. Tom Brewer bill. Nelsen said his organization ad- would place a pro- developed renewable energy project. vocates for green energy projects and posed constitu- Current Nebraska law allows a that LB155 would make those projects tional amendment landowner, who has contracted with a more difficult. on the November wind energy company to host turbines The committee took no immediate 2020 general elec- on his or her land, to use eminent action on the bill. tion ballot to re- Sen. Justin Wayne domain to access neighboring land to move the exemption. connect the turbine to the electrical Merger of energy, environmen- Wayne said that after the Civil War, grid, Brewer said. tal quality agencies advanced Nebraska implemented a “convict leas- Brewer said he was “baffled” ing” program that allowed private com- that a private transaction could be Lawmakers gave first-round ap- panies to pay prisons for unpaid convict considered a public use, and that it proval Feb. 7 to a proposal to merge labor. The practice was used to build was wrong for a private citizen to use the state agencies responsible for the state’s second Capitol building, he eminent domain for financial gain to recommending state energy policies said, but ultimately ended in 1940. the detriment of his or her neighbor. and administering Nebraska’s envi- Lawmakers need to continue to “Next to property taxes, there is ronmental regulations. examine the state constitution and nothing more important to my district LB302, introduced by Venango Sen. ensure that it reflects modern val- than the ongoing, adverse effects wind Dan Hughes on behalf of Gov. Pete ues and belief systems, Wayne said, energy is having on my constituents,” Ricketts, would au- which includes removing the obsolete Brewer said. thorize the transfer language that still authorizes certain Brent Steffen of Kearney testified of statutory powers, forms of slavery. in favor of the bill. He said the central employees and as- “We have to send a message ... that issue of LB155 is not wind energy, but sets of the State En- all members of this body believe that property rights. ergy Office into the slavery is not a Nebraska value and has “Eminent domain is the domina- state Department no place in our constitution,” he said. tion of the individual by the govern- of Environmental Sen. Dan Hughes Senators advanced the measure to ment,” Steffen said. “To take this Quality on July 1, 2019. The new select file on a 44-0 vote. action to benefit an individual or a agency would be named the Depart- private entity should be morally re- ment of Environment and Energy, and pugnant to each and every one of us.” the current director of environmental Barbara Welch of Thedford also quality would lead it. testified in favor of the bill. Welch said The Nebraska Energy Office serves as she and other residents of the Sand- the central repository for energy data rel- Eminent domain restriction hills are deeply connected to their evant to Nebraska and provides the pub- considered land, and she takes personal offense lic with information on energy sources, at the use of eminent domain to gain use and conservation, in addition to Certain eminent domain author- access to her property. other duties. The state Department of ity would be curtailed under a bill Richard Lombardi, representing Environmental Quality administers the considered by the Natural Resources the Advanced Power Alliance, testified rules, regulations and standards adopted Committee Feb. 7. against LB155. All wind projects in- to protect and improve water, air and Under LB155, introduced by Sen. volve multiple landowners, Lombardi land quality in Nebraska.

PAGE 14 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 106TH LEGISLATURE February 4 - 8, 2019

LB302 would authorize the newly tion and expenditure of money from property due to unpaid taxes. created department to assume respon- the Water Resources Trust Fund, Counties may sell real property sibility for a permit program related which holds state and federal funds at auction for delinquent taxes. Pur- to the discharge of dredged or fill used to pay for the management and chasers pay the delinquent taxes in material consistent with section 404 protection of the state’s groundwater. exchange for a tax sale certificate. After of the federal Clean Water Act. The Director of Natural Resources Jeff three years, if the property owner has permits are required for any project Fassett, who testified in support of the not paid the taxes and any accrued that encounters “waters of the U.S.” bill, said state law authorizing the fund interest, the certificate purchaser may as defined under the act. Federal law allows for a broader range of uses than apply for a treasurer’s tax deed to allows the program, which is admin- the department’s current rules allow. acquire the property. istered by the U.S. Army Corps of LB319 would allow the department to The purchaser must serve notice Engineers and the Environmental repeal those rules and use the money to the property owner at least three Protection Agency, to be delegated to on current programs to manage water months before applying for the deed. states with approved programs. use in fully and overappropriated Among other information, the notice Hughes said two other states, Mich- areas, he said. is required to include the amount of igan and New Jersey, have completed Fassett said the second change taxes represented by the tax sale cer- the delegation process. would eliminate a conflict in state tificate and a statement that the right Senators voted 41-0 to advance the law created in 2000 by the merger of of redemption requires payment to the bill to select file. the Nebraska Natural Resources Com- county treasurer. mission and the state Department of Gothenburg Sen. Matt Williams, Natural resources department Water Resources. sponsor of LB463, rulemaking changes considered One section of state statute grants said the tax sale the department jurisdiction over certificate process The Natural Resources Committee matters pertaining to water rights is important for heard testimony Feb. 6 on a bill that for irrigation, power or other useful counties because would change rulemaking require- purposes except as limited by law. it creates a “signifi- ments for the state Department of LB319 would make the department’s cant incentive” for Natural Resources. adoption and promulgation of rules people to pay their Sen. Matt Williams LB319, sponsored by Columbus and regulations governing those mat- property taxes. Sen. Mike Moser, would repeal a re- ters optional rather than mandatory. “This [process] only happens when quirement that the Fassett said the change would make people don’t pay their taxes,” he said. department send that section of statute consistent with “There is some culpability on the part county, city and another that provides the department of the property owner.” village clerks no- with “permissive rulemaking” authority. In some cases, however, property tice of hearings re- No one testified in opposition to owners do not receive adequate notice garding floodplain LB319 and the committee took no that they could lose their property if management rules immediate action on it. they do not act, Williams said. LB463 and regulations via Sen. Mike Moser would strengthen notice requirements mail. Moser said the change would save by ensuring that tax sale certificate the state approximately $900 each year. purchasers make multiple attempts to “Email would be less expensive and notify those who occupy the property at least as reliable as the U.S. mail,” as well as those listed on the property’s he said. Enhanced tax sale certificate title, he said. The bill also would make two notification requirements Finally, Williams said, LB463 changes to department rulemaking proposed would require a “checklist” of docu- requirements. ments that a tax sale certificate pur- The department currently is re- The Revenue Committee heard chaser must provide before a county quired to adopt and promulgate rules testimony Feb. 8 on a bill meant to treasurer issues a tax deed, including and regulations regarding the alloca- ensure that homeowners receive suf- the tax sale certificate, the applicable ficient notice that they may lose their

106TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 15 February 4 - 8, 2019 affidavit proving notice and a copy of Expanded tax incentive ment in the future of our state and an the title search. considered for college savings investment in the American dream.” Jean Sidwell, Buffalo County trea- plan accounts The state Department of Revenue surer, testified in support of the bill, estimates LB470 would reduce state saying that it would help county treasur- Grandparents and other extended income tax revenue by $25.9 million ers navigate the tax sale certificate and family members would be eligible for in fiscal year 2020-21, an additional tax deed process. The enhanced notice a tax incentive on contributions they $27.7 million in FY2021-22 and $29.7 requirements would allow treasurers to make to a beneficiary’s college savings million in FY2022-23. determine whether an owner received plan account under a bill heard Feb. 6 LB470 is one of several bills in- proper notice, she said, and the checklist by the Revenue Committee. troduced this session intended to would help them verify that a tax sale The Nebraska Education Savings increase awareness and use of the certificate purchaser has met all legal Trust Plan provides tax-advantaged state’s 529 plans: requirements before issuing a tax deed. 529 accounts meant to encourage sav- LB544, introduced by Elkhorn Sen. “None of us are practicing attor- ing for postsecondary education costs. , neys,” Sidwell said. “Currently, some Contributions grow tax-deferred, and would provide col- of the language that’s in statute is withdrawals are exempt from state and lege scholarships difficult for treasurers to understand.” federal taxes as long as they are used to Nebraska resi- Lindsay Brinson of Eagle also for a beneficiary’s qualified higher dent children from testified in support of the bill, saying education expenses such as tuition, a fund adminis- investment companies are reaping large books, supplies and room and board. tered by the state profits by taking advantage of unclear Currently, individuals other than treasurer. The state Sen. Lou Ann Linehan notice requirements in the current law. the plan’s participant, or registered would add $100 to the fund for each Without her knowledge, Brinson said, owner, are ineligible for the state child enrolled in the program during an investment company purchased a tax income tax deduction on contribu- the previous fiscal year. sale certificate on her property in 2014 tions they make to NEST accounts LB545, intro- and paid the property taxes on it for or accounts created under the state’s duced by Omaha the next three years before foreclosing Achieving a Better Life Experience Sen. Justin Wayne, without her receiving proper notice. program, which may be used to pay for would allow indi- Brinson said she eventually reached qualified disability-related expenses. viduals to claim an agreement with the company to Annual deductions are limited to an income tax buy back her home for approximately $5,000 for those married filing sepa- deduction against $100,000. The company paid only rately and $10,000 for other filers. contributions an Sen. Justin Wayne $16,000 in back taxes, she said. LB470, introduced by Gretna Sen. employer makes to their account. Caitlin Cedfeldt of Legal Aid of Andrew La Grone, would allow “non- LB547, intro- Nebraska gave neutral testimony on participants” to duced by Lincoln the bill. LB463 would not change the claim the state in- Sen. Anna Wishart, current requirement that a homeowner come tax deduction would provide low- be notified of his or her right to redeem on the contribu- income Nebraskans a tax sale certificate until three years af- tions they make with state grants ter the sale, she said. During that time, to a beneficiary’s equal to contribu- Cedfeldt said, the investor is paying NEST account, and tions they make to Sen. Anna Wishart subsequent taxes on the property and it would eliminate Sen. Andrew La Grone their accounts. accruing interest at a rate of 14 percent. the cap on deductions for contributions LB610, intro- “Notice ought to be given much to NEST accounts and ABLE accounts. duced by Omaha earlier in the process, more often, and “With the high and rising cost of Sen. Brett Lind- it should be in plain English,” she said. tuition and the student loan crisis,” La strom, would pro- No one testified in opposition to Grone said, “lifting the tax burden on vide employers the bill and the committee took no college savings accounts is an investment with an income immediate action on it. in the future of our students, an invest- tax credit of up to Sen.

PAGE 16 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 106TH LEGISLATURE February 4 - 8, 2019

$2,000 on matching contributions Additionally, Fry said, the bill ment would generate approximately they make to an employee’s account. mostly would benefit the state’s high $1.3 billion in income tax credits each LB688, in- earners. Only 1.95 percent of Nebraska year. If voters were to approve the mea- troduced by residents claimed the college savings sure, he added, it then would be up to Omaha Sen. plan deduction on their 2016 returns, the Legislature to decide how to fund it. Machaela Cava- she said, and 72 percent of those who Paul Von Behren of Fremont, who naugh, would al- received a deduction that year had testified in support of LR3CA, said low individuals income of more than $100,000. the open-ended nature of the proposal to designate a “If the goal of LB470 is to help fam- is its main virtue. The measure would portion of their Sen. ilies invest in the American dream,” set property taxes roughly equal to state income tax refund as a contribu- Fry said, “our concern is that it will income and sales taxes, he said, leav- tion to their account. only help those who are already in the ing the Legislature to hammer out the State Treasurer , the best position to achieve it.” details of funding local governments, NEST program’s trustee and adminis- The committee took no immediate the entities that levy property taxes. trator, testified in support of each pro- action on any of the proposals. “The beauty, I believe, of Sen. Erd- posal. He said a common complaint is man’s [resolution] is that it doesn’t that extended family members cannot Income tax credit on property provide the solution,” he said. “It claim the tax deduction on contribu- taxes considered simply turns the problem upside down tions without opening a separate ac- in a way we’ve never thought about it.” count for the beneficiary. Changes in Nebraskans would receive a state Ed Truemper of Ashland also testi- LB470 would make the program “as income tax credit to offset part of their fied in support, calling the proposal a user friendly as possible,” Murante said. property tax bill under a proposed “dramatic change” that nevertheless Deborah Goodkin, NEST program constitutional amendment heard Feb. can be paid for. manager at First National Bank of 7 by the Revenue Committee. “I realize that this is a very tough Omaha, also testified in support of the Introduced by Bayard Sen. Steve pill to swallow,” Truemper said, “but proposals, which she said are intended Erdman, LR3CA let me just add that people in the state to increase the number of Nebraskans would place the of Nebraska have been swallowing this who save for college. amendment on property tax issue for a long, long time.” In her testimony on LB470, Good- the November Testifying in opposition to the kin said 94 percent of respondents to 2020 general elec- resolution was Nicole Fox, director of new account owner surveys indicated tion ballot. If vot- government relations at the Platte In- that the plan’s tax-advantaged savings ers approve it, the stitute. She said the best way to reduce were “extremely important” in the Legislature would Sen. property taxes is to limit the property decision to open an account. provide a refundable state income taxing authority of local governments, “With these changes,” she said, “Ne- tax credit equal to 35 percent of the something the proposed amendment braskans will have a greater impetus to property taxes levied on real property would not do. open up accounts and to actively con- in the state and paid by the taxpayer The measure instead could lead to tribute rather than taking out loans.” during the taxable year. higher income and sales taxes, hurting Renee Fry, executive director at Erdman said property taxes in the state’s economic growth, Fox said. OpenSky Policy Institute, testified Nebraska have outpaced the average “Unfortunately, we can’t just pay in opposition to LB470, saying it property owner’s income and that people 35 percent of what they pay in would reduce state tax revenue at a reducing property taxes is the No. 1 property taxes without either making time when Nebraskans are asking for issue for Nebraskans. major cuts to the budget or enacting property tax reductions. Of the 31 “It’s not working for agriculture, very large state tax increases,” she said. states that offer tax deductions on it’s not working for the homeowner, Larry Grosshans testified in opposi- contributions to college savings plans, it’s not working for the commercial tion on behalf of the Nebraska Associa- Fry said, only 10 allow for more gener- property,” he said. “Property tax is a tion of School Boards and the Nebraska ous deductions than Nebraska’s and problem.” Council of School Administrators. He only four have no limit. Erdman said the proposed amend- said the proposal would not reduce the

106TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 17 February 4 - 8, 2019 state’s overreliance on property taxes to cost $40, with $10 credited to the additional military honor plates fund schools and local governments or state Department of Motor Vehicles and support our troops plates; address the disparity between property Cash Fund and $30 credited to the • LB215, in- taxes and state sales taxes. Nebraska Game and Parks Commis- troduced “What it does is significantly re- sion Educational Fund. by Elkhorn duce the state’s revenue from income Timothy McCoy, deputy director of Sen. Lou tax at a time when the state is already the state Game and Parks Commission, Ann Line- facing revenue challenges,” Grosshans spoke in support of the bill. He said han, which said. “This could be disastrous to the commission leverages the funds would pro- those entities that depend upon fund- received from specialty license plates to vide for pros- Sen. Lou Ann Linehan ing assistance from the state.” administer extensive youth education tate cancer awareness plates; The committee took no immediate programs throughout the state. • LB356, introduced by Nor- action on the proposal. “We continue to expand this pro- folk Sen. gramming and it’s amazing to see the , general public’s interest in it,” McCoy which would said. “It’s important [for students] to change fee learn about the wildlife in their back- distribution yard so that they value these resources.” for certain Jim Johnson, representing the Nebras- specialty li- Specialty license plates ka Wildlife Federation, also supported cense plates; Sen. Jim Scheer considered the bill. The general concept of the bill is • LB546, introduced by Lincoln good, Johnson said, but he suggested that Sen. Anna The Transportation and Telecommu- the fees instead go to the commission’s Wishart, nications Committee heard testimony Wildlife Conservation Fund. which would Feb. 5 on several bills proposing changes “It offers a chance for Nebraska create spay to regular and specialty license plates. to dedicate funding to the program and neuter Under LB128, introduced by Venan- that’s most concerned with preserv- awareness li- go Sen. Dan Hughes, wildlife conserva- ing Nebraska’s ecological diversity,” cense plates tion license plates would be available in al- Johnson said. and a low- Sen. Anna Wishart phanumeric or per- No one testified in opposition to income spay and neuter grant sonalized versions LB128. program; and with designs sup- Other measures considered by the • LB691, introduced by Oma- portive of Nebraska committee include: ha Sen. wildlife, including • LB38, in- Machaela sandhill cranes, troduced Cava- bighorn sheep and by Omaha naugh, cutthroat trout. Sen. Dan Hughes Sen. Robert which Hughes said that since the creation Hilkemann, would of mountain lion license plates in which provide 2016, the state Game and Parks Com- would pro- Sen. Robert Hilkemann for ornate Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh mission has received over $225,000 vide for one license plate and in- box turtle conservation license to fund youth educational programs. transit decal plates. “This is another way for the public, per vehicle; Brainard Sen. through voluntary choice, to help and • LB138, intro- provide those expanded educational duced by Bel- introduced three efforts,” he said. levue Sen. proposals, includ- The fee for the alphanumeric plates Carol Blood, ing: would be $5, credited to the Nebraska which would • LB696, Game and Parks Commission Educa- provide for Sen. Carol Blood which would Sen. Bruce Bostelman tional Fund. Personalized plates would

PAGE 18 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 106TH LEGISLATURE February 4 - 8, 2019

change provisions relating to utility poles within the right of way as class of user that has special permitting military honor plates; long as they do not obstruct or hinder processes and sub-market rates is basi- • LB697, which would eliminate usual travel or public safety on the right cally the public subsidizing and picking a fee for issuance of military of way or obstruct its legal use by utilities. winners and losers in the technology related license plates; and The application fee to collocate battle that we have here in Nebraska.” • LB699, which would change small wireless facilities on an existing The committee took no immediate provisions relating to trans- or replacement authority pole could action on the bill. porter plates. not exceed $100 each for the first five The committee took no immediate facilities on the same application and New mapping system for rural action on the bills. $50 for each additional facility on the telecom capacity proposed same application. The rate to collocate Statewide regulations proposed a small wireless facility on an authority The Transportation and Telecom- for small wireless facilities pole could be no more than $20 per munications Committee heard a pole per year. proposal Feb. 4 aimed at providing a The Transportation and Telecommu- The application fee for the installa- better understanding of rural access to nications Committee heard testimony tion, modification or replacement of a telecommunication technology. Feb. 4 on a bill that would give wireless utility pole and the collocation of an Plymouth Sen. Tom Brandt, sponsor companies the right to place small cell associated small wireless facility could of LB549, said the wireless facilities in public rights of way. not exceed $250 per pole. bill would provide Henderson Sen. Curt Friesen, spon- An application would be deemed a more accurate pic- sor of LB184, said approved if the authority fails to approve ture of who is being the bill is intend- or deny it within 90 days of its receipt. served in rural areas ed to create uni- David Tate, vice president and associ- of the state. Cur- form, statewide ate general counsel at AT&T, testified in rently, he said, map- standards for the support of the bill. He said a recent FCC ping of high-speed Sen. Tom Brandt permitting and de- order addressing the deployment of small internet access is done at the census ployment of small cells allows a city to exceed the order’s block level, while his bill would require wireless facilities Sen. Curt Friesen “presumptively reasonable rate” of $270 mapping of every street address or land in public rights of way and on public per attachment if the city’s reasonable parcel in a first- or second-class city, vil- infrastructure such as utility poles. Also approximation of the cost is higher. Tate lage or unincorporated area of a county. called small cells, the facilities are short- called that “a recipe for litigation.” “Gathering accurate data is the range cellular nodes needed to support “We need consistent and clear first step in developing a strategy to fifth-generation wireless technology, or rates, terms and conditions that will close the widening digital divide in 5G, in high-traffic areas. apply across the state to all the munici- our state,” Brandt said. “This issue is too important for us palities rather than … having to go city, As an example of the current dis- to fall further behind other states in by city, by city to deal with interpreta- parity, Brandt said there is fiber optic deployment of small cell technology,” tions of the FCC order that will just cable buried on the highway right Friesen said. slow down the deployment,” he said. of way very near his home, but he is A political subdivision, or authority, David Young testified in opposi- unable to access it and still must use could require wireless providers to ap- tion to the bill on behalf of the city of a DSL connection for cable service. ply for permits to collocate, or attach, Lincoln. He said LB184 would limit a “It is like having a Ferrari in your small wireless facilities to wireless struc- city’s ability to manage the public right garage but you don’t have the keys,” tures and utility poles and to install, of way and would place other users of Brandt said. maintain, modify, operate and replace the right of way, such as cable compa- The bill would require the state utility poles in the public right of way. nies and utilities, at a disadvantage to Public Service Commission to create The bill would give wireless providers wireless companies. and maintain a geographic informa- the right—as a permitted use not subject “We have a responsibility to manage tion system that details: to zoning review or approval—to collo- the public right of way for everybody,” • where telecommunication com- cate small wireless facilities and install Young said, “and creating a special panies provide advanced services;

106TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 19 February 4 - 8, 2019

• the location of towers used to education?” Hansen said. transmit and receive advanced Sen. Jim Scheer of Norfolk spoke telecommunications services; and in opposition, saying the bill was un- • connection speed and type of necessary. technology available at each “Until someone can show there Early childhood education bill street address or parcel of land. is a lack of involvement on the part fails to advance Brandt said he would bring an of communities [in early childhood education planning] I will not be sup- amendment to use the Nebraska Uni- A bill that would require cities to porting the bill,” Scheer said. versal Service Fund rather than state incorporate early childhood develop- Also speaking against the bill was general funds to pay the estimated ment in their comprehensive devel- Sen. Mike Groene of North Platte. He $862,000 annual cost for the next two opment plans failed to advance from questioned how city staff would evalu- years to develop and manage the system. general file Feb. 4. ate the quality of child care facilities. PSC Commissioner Crystal LB66, intro- “[This requirement] doesn’t belong Rhoades testified in support of the duced by Lincoln in city government,”Groene said “It bill, saying there have been major de- Sen. Matt Hansen, belongs in the education statutes; it lays in the routing of 911 calls in her would require that belongs in the social services statutes.” county—including three that resulted early childhood Sen. of Omaha in deaths—because operators could not development be said he was “in disbelief” that anyone identify where a call was coming from. included in a city’s Sen. Matt Hansen would oppose the bill. “This is obviously an issue of pub- comprehensive development plan by “It’s embarrassing. How long are lic safety and of great importance,” 2022. Under the bill, all municipalities we going to put something like early Rhoades said. “If they can’t find you, except villages would be required to: childhood education continually on they can’t help you.” • assess the number and quality of the back burner or completely off Kristen Gottschalk, representing childhood education programs the stove?” Kolowski said. “It’s about the Nebraska Rural Electric Associa- for children younger than six; services that could be available, and tion, also spoke in favor of LB549. She • evaluate the availability of child should be available, to cities when said much of the current information care capacity and the utiliza- they’re doing their planning.” regarding telecommunications cover- tion of child care for children Sen. of Grand Island age is self-reported by companies and younger than six; and also spoke in support of the bill, and overrepresents high-speed internet • promote early childhood said a “no” vote was, in essence, an service in rural areas of the state. education. unfunded mandate. Every child that “I live in one of those census blocks A comprehensive plan, Hansen is helped by early childhood education that’s considered to be 100 percent said, is an aspirational vision for a is a child less likely to need assistance served,” Gottschalk said. “I am not city, and that vision should include later in life, he said. served.” child care. Twenty-eight percent of Ne- “It’s an unfunded mandate to our Speaking on behalf of the Nebraska braskans live in “child-care desserts,” child welfare systems. It’s an unfunded Cable Communications Association, he said, defined as an area with three mandate to our public school systems, Julia Plucker testified in opposition. times as many children as licensed to our juvenile courts and maybe our Telecommunications companies already child care slots available to them. corrections system,” Quick said. provide substantial data through reports Hansen said that implementation A clarifying amendment offered by to the Federal Communications Com- of the bill would not have to have a the Urban Affairs Committee failed mission, she said, which could be used fiscal impact for cities. on a vote of 19-10. Twenty-five votes to achieve the bill’s purposes. “In my mind, this is about: where were required. “The granular information re- are the daycare centers in the city? Following the rejection of a Hansen quired in LB549 is not practical or effi- Do the bus lines go near them? Do amendment on a 18-16 vote, senators cient for the companies and would be the bike trails go near them? Do the voted 19-23 not to advance LB66 to challenging to provide,” Plucker said. essential city services that people rely select file. g The committee took no immediate on in their day-to-day lives, how [do action on the bill. they] interact with early childhood

PAGE 20 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 106TH LEGISLATURE February 4 - 8, 2019 Committee Hearings Current hearing schedules are available at: NebraskaLegislature.gov/calendar Monday, Feb. 11 LB283 (Pansing Brooks) Provide for a relating to the Tax Equity and Banking, Commerce & Insurance climate change study Educational Opportunities Support Act, Room 1507 - 1:30 PM the Property Tax Credit Act, levy limits, LB224 (Albrecht) Rename the Nebraska General Affairs and the base limitation Educational, Health, and Social Services Room 1510 - 1:30 PM LB662 (Friesen) Terminate the Tax Finance Authority Act and provide for Appointment: Todd Zohner - Neb. Equity and Educational Opportunities applicability Commission on Problem Gambling Support Act LB384 (Walz) Change certain education LB635 (Hilkemann) Change membership of LR5CA (Brewer) Constitutional requirements under the Nebraska Real the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission amendment to limit the percentage of Estate License Act LB538 (Lathrop) Change provisions funding for schools that comes from LB454 (Clements) Eliminate a high school relating to possession of a gambling property taxes diploma or equivalent requirement for device and provide for approval of LB430 (Groene) Change dates related real estate license certain mechanical amusement devices to certifications and distributions of by the Department of Revenue state aid to schools Business & Labor LB584 (Hilgers) Change farm Room 1524 - 1:00 PM winery provisions and provide for a Nebraska Retirement Systems LB644 (McDonnell) Adopt the Nebraska promotional special designated license Room 1507 - 12:00 PM Workforce Diploma Act LB36 (Kolterman) Redefine creditable Transportation & Telecommunications service, change a payment deadline for Business & Labor Warner Chamber - 1:30 PM restoration of relinquished creditable Room 1524 - 1:30 PM LB462 (Friesen) Change provisions of service, and change payment LB345 (Wishart) Prohibit mandatory the One-Call Notification System Act requirements and service credit overtime for certain state employees LB616 (Hilgers) Provide for build-finance computation provisions under the LB217 (Pansing Brooks) Prohibit projects under the Build Nebraska Act School Employees Retirement Act retaliation against employees for and the Transportation Innovation Act LB565 (Bolz) State legislative intent relat- communicating about wages LB269 (Friesen) Change provisions ing to a designated beneficiary determi- LB383 (Quick) Provide for an annual relating to school permits nation under certain retirement systems adjustment to the minimum wage LB278 (Bostelman) Provide a veteran LB400 (Hunt) Change the minimum notation on an operator’s license or Transportation & Telecommunications wage for persons compensated by way a state identification card for certain Warner Chamber - 1:30 PM of gratuities commissioned officers as prescribed LB378 (B. Hansen) Change helmet LB361 (M. Hansen) Prohibit retaliation provisions for autocycles, motorcycles, under the Nebraska Wage Payment Tuesday, Feb. 12 and mopeds and Collection Act and the Wage and Agriculture LB371 (Erdman) Change provisions Hour Act Room 1524 - 1:30 PM relating to requirements for all-terrain LB362 (M. Hansen) Require payment of LB657 (Wayne) Adopt the Nebraska vehicles and utility-type vehicles unpaid wages for violations of the Ne- Hemp Act LB612 (Erdman) Authorize the display braska Wage Payment and Collection Act LB227 (Hughes) Redefine terms and of roadside memorials change determination of a public or LB665 (Friesen) Authorize the use of Education private nuisance under the Nebraska electric foot scooters Room 1525 - 1:30 PM Right to Farm Act LB719 (Hughes) Provide for reporting LB147 (Groene) Change the Student Dis- to the National Motor Vehicle Title cipline Act to provide for use by a teacher Banking, Commerce & Insurance Information system for wreckers and or administrator of necessary physical Room 1507 - 1:30 PM salvage dealers contact or physical restraint and provide LB145 (M. Hansen) Change power of procedures and grounds for removal from attorney provisions relating to banks Urban Affairs a class in response to student behavior and other financial institutions Room 1510 - 1:30 PM LB515 (Vargas) Change provisions LB116 (Kolterman) Authorize electronic LB348 (Quick) Adopt changes to the relating to the Student Discipline Act delivery of insurance policies and billing state building code LB495 (Wayne) Provide for collection of information to insureds LB405 (Hunt) Adopt updates to building data on student disciplinary actions LB257 (Kolterman) Change provisions and energy codes relating to loss payouts by insurers LB96 (Wayne) Change local building Executive Board code provisions Room 1525 - 12:00 PM Education LB95 (Wayne) Change applicability LB105 (Linehan) Designate corn as the Room 1525 - 1:30 PM provisions for building codes state vegetable LB695 (Groene) Change provisions LB130 (DeBoer) Adopt radon resistant new construction requirements

106TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 21 February 4 - 8, 2019 Committee Hearings Current hearing schedules are available at: NebraskaLegislature.gov/calendar LB409 (Kolowski) Adopt design Natural Resources Health & Human Services standards for health care facilities Room 1525 - 1:30 PM Room 1510 - 1:30 PM Appointments: Bradley B. Bird, Michael LB422 (Howard) Adopt the Art Therapy Wednesday, Feb. 13 S. Thede - Neb. Ethanol Board; Walter Practice Act Government, Military & Veterans Affairs Dennis Strauch, John Heaston - Natural LB449 (Walz) Prohibit scleral tattooing Room 1507 - 1:30 PM Resources Commission LB607 (Kolterman) Change provisions LB415 (Friesen) Repeal recall LB48 (Stinner) Change provisions relating relating to nail technology and body art provisions for political subdivisions to sufficient cause for nonuse of a water LB312 (B. Hansen) Change and eliminate LB375 (Brewer) Allow certain library, appropriation provisions relating to dental hygienists archive, and museum materials to be withheld from the public Revenue Judiciary LB385 (Erdman) Change election Room 1524 - 1:30 PM Warner Chamber - 1:30 PM provisions for the board of trustees of LB276 (McCollister) Change provisions LB132 (Pansing Brooks) Change the Nebraska State Historical Society relating to the taxation of income from penalties for certain felonies committed LB447 (McDonnell) Provide for an certain small business corporations and by persons under nineteen years of age exception to the State Personnel limited liability companies LB230 (Pansing Brooks) Provide for room System for certain employees of the LB182 (Bolz) Adopt the School District confinement of juveniles as prescribed Nebraska State Historical Society Local Option Income Surtax Act LB390 (Pansing Brooks) Provide duties LB310 (Vargas) Change procedures for tax regarding school resource officers and Health & Human Services credits under the Nebraska Job Creation security guards Room 1510 - 1:00 PM and Mainstreet Revitalization Act LB391 (M. Hansen) Change duties of Division of Behavioral Health Briefing LB477 (Vargas) Provide an income peace officers taking juveniles into tax exemption for Segal AmeriCorps custody or interrogating juveniles and Health & Human Services Education Awards prohibit use of statements taken in Room 1510 - 1:30 PM LB357 (Walz) Adopt the Direct Support violation of the rights of a juvenile LB556 (Howard) Change provisions Professional Tax Credit Act LB589 (Chambers) Prohibit peace officers relating to the prescription drug from serving as school resource officers monitoring program Thursday, Feb. 14 LB651 (Wayne) Change funding LB557 (Lindstrom) Change provisions Executive Board provisions for the Community-based relating to prescriptions for controlled Room 1525 - 12:00 PM Juvenile Services Aid Program substances LB253 (McCollister) Adopt the Redis- LB567 (Morfeld) Adopt the Prescription tricting Act Natural Resources Drug Cost Transparency Act LB261 (DeBoer) Require use of Room 1525 - 1:30 PM redistricting maps drawn using state- Appointments: Bradley A. Arrowsmith - Judiciary issued computer software Niobrara Council; Don Kraus - Natural Warner Chamber - 1:30 PM LB466 (Howard) Adopt the Redistricting Act Resources Commission LB282 (M. Hansen) Change provisions LB467 (Vargas) Prohibit consideration LB53 (Scheer) Change and provide relating to bail of certain factors in redistricting duties for landowners or their tenants LB335 (M. Hansen) Authorize a 24/7 relating to removal of a blockage or sobriety program permit for operating a Government, Military & Veterans Affairs obstruction in a watercourse and provide motor vehicle as a condition of bail Room 1507 - 1:30 PM for court costs and attorney’s fees LB457 (Lathrop) Define and redefine LB381 (B. Hansen) Change expense LB177 (Lindstrom) Change a terms relating to industrial hemp under reimbursement provisions for state termination date for bonding authority the Uniform Controlled Substances Act officers and agencies of natural resources districts LB500 (Morfeld) Prohibit participation in LB411 (Scheer) Provide an additional pretrial diversion programs for certain method of changing the number of Revenue driving under the influence and driver’s county commissioners Room 1524 - 12:30 PM license offenses LB511 (Brewer) Authorize adjustments LB314 (Briese) Adopt the Remote Seller LB579 (Quick) Authorize issuance of to state employee work schedules Sales Tax Collection Act and change ignition interlock permits to persons to participate in approved youth revenue and taxation provisions who caused serious bodily injury while mentoring programs LB497 (Friesen) Adopt the School driving under the influence LB109 (Bolz) Require the position District Property Tax Authority Act and LB646 (Chambers) Eliminate cash bail classification plan and salary or pay plan change revenue and taxation provisions bonds, appearance bonds, and related for state employees to include certain LB677 (Groene) Change provisions of provisions positions the Property Tax Credit Act and provide school district property tax relief aid

PAGE 22 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 106TH LEGISLATURE February 4 - 8, 2019 Committee Hearings Current hearing schedules are available at: NebraskaLegislature.gov/calendar Tuesday, Feb. 19 payment of claims by cities and villages chiropractic services under the Medical Agriculture LB68 (M. Hansen) Change provisions of Assistance Act Room 1524 - 1:30 PM the Business Improvement District Act LB594 (Blood) Provide for a deceptive as prescribed Judiciary trade practice relating to meat under the LB197 (Urban Affairs) Provide a procedure Warner Chamber - 1:30 PM Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act for detachment of real property from the LB421 (Hilgers) Adopt the Asbestos LR13 (Murman) Urge federal agencies of corporate limits of a city or village and Trust Claims Transparency Act the U.S. Government responsible for food eliminate existing detachment provisions LB474 (Dorn) Change provisions labeling to establish and enforce standards relating to claims against the state for for nomenclature of plant-based imitation Wednesday, Feb. 20 wrongful incarceration and conviction milk and dairy food products Health & Human Services LB514 (Morfeld) Change bad check LB729 (Walz) Adopt the Soil Health and Room 1510 - 1:00 PM provisions to include obtaining child Productivity Incentive Act Division of Medicaid and Long Term support credit and spousal support credit Care Briefing LB533 (Cavanaugh) Change Banking, Commerce & Insurance terminology related to marriage Room 1507 - 1:30 PM Health & Human Services LB593 (Briese) Change and eliminate LB274 (M. Hansen) Change provisions Room 1510 - 1:30 PM provisions relating to medical relating to stacking of coverage under LB716 (Hilkemann) Create the Medicaid assistance reimbursement claims and the Uninsured and Underinsured Cost and Quality Data and Analysis liens and provide for retroactivity Motorist Insurance Coverage Act Center of Nebraska LB621 (Kolowski) Change provisions LB370 (McCollister) Change motor LB726 (Walz) Require a protocol for relating to solar energy and wind vehicle liability insurance and financial individuals eligible for medical parole to energy, declare certain instruments void responsibility requirements apply for medical assistance and unenforceable, and provide for a LB672 (Clements) Change provisions of civil cause of action the Motor Vehicle Registration Act relating Judiciary to a named driver insurance policy Warner Chamber - 1:30 PM Friday, Feb. 22 LB240 (M. Hansen) Change procedures Health & Human Services Transportation & Telecommunications for determining competency to stand trial Room 1510 - 1:30 PM Warner Chamber - 1:30 PM LB510 (McCollister) Change applicability LB554 (Wishart) Change provisions LB550 (Vargas) Require voter approval of Sex Offender Registration Act to cer- relating to prescription drugs not on the of fees and taxes on wireless services tain out-of-state juvenile adjudications preferred drug list under the Medical and eliminate the Prepaid Wireless LB548 (Howard) Prohibit restraining Assistance Act Surcharge Act animals during certain disasters or LB498 (Wishart) Provide for medical LB641 (McDonnell) Provide for grants weather events assistance coverage of family planning under the Telecommunication Relay LB553 (Clements) Require reasonable services as prescribed System Act for a 211 Information and accommodation for a person with a Referral Network disability to have an assistance animal Judiciary LB268 (Friesen) Change provisions relating in a dwelling as prescribed Warner Chamber - 1:30 PM to a certificate of convenience and neces- LB649 (Wayne) Eliminate a termination LB43 (Bolz) Adopt the Sexual Assault sity for a telecommunications company date relating to the Medical Cannabidiol Survivors’ Bill of Rights Act LB617 (Hilgers) Change provisions Pilot Study LB249 (Howard) Change the statute of of the Nebraska Telecommunications LB659 (Wayne) Remove cannabidiol limitations for civil actions arising from Regulation Act from list of controlled substances a sexual assault LB693 (Halloran) Prohibit the selling, LB516 (Pansing Brooks) Change renting, or conveying of telephone numbers Thursday, Feb. 21 provisions relating to child abuse, the Health & Human Services Child Protection and Family Safety Act, Urban Affairs Room 1510 - 1:30 PM human trafficking, and child welfare Room 1510 - 1:30 PM LB260 (B. Hansen) Change provisions services LB424 (Quick) Change the Nebraska relating to medicaid recovery audit LB532 (Cavanaugh) Change provisions Municipal Land Bank Act contractors relating to harassment protection LB136 (Wayne) Adopt the Density LB423 (Howard) Change and eliminate orders, sexual assault protection Bonus and Inclusionary Housing Act provisions relating to school-based orders, and domestic abuse protection LB87 (Wayne) Provide funding in health centers under the Medical orders opportunity zones designated pursuant Assistance Act LB680 (DeBoer) Adopt the Uniform Civil to federal law LB439 (Crawford) Require coverage for Remedies for Unauthorized Disclosure LB234 (Wayne) Provide requirements for of Intimate Images Act g

106TH 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