UNICAMERAL UPDATE Stories published daily at Update.Legislature.ne.gov Vol. 37, Issue 6 / Feb. 10 - 13, 2014 Priority designation Bill would require inmates proposed for low- to earn early release performing schools enators gave first-round approval Feb. 13 to a bill that would Sprovide special assistance to the state’s lowest performing schools. Under LB438, as originally intro- duced by York Sen. Greg Adams, an intervention team appointed by the State Board of Education would assist the school district and school staff in diagnosing issues and design- Sen. Greg Adams ing and implementing strategies to address them. A school would retain the priority designation until the State Sen. Scott Lautenbaugh said violent offenders should not automatically receive reduced sentences for good behavior. Board of Education determines it is no ebraska’s most violent prison sentence reduction for good behavior longer necessary. inmates would have to earn and an additional 25 percent reduc- Adams said the state currently has N“good time” reductions to tion for participation in rehabilitation no way to intervene in failing school their sentences under legislation heard programs. That programming would districts. by the Judiciary Committee Feb. 12. include academic and vocational “We already collect the data but we LB832, introduced by Omaha Sen. education, substance abuse treatment don’t have an accountability system,” Scott Lautenbaugh, would require and mental health and psychiatric he said. “There is nothing in statute violent offenders to earn sentence re- treatment, which includes criminal that gives the state board the authority ductions by participating in programs personality programming and work to intervene and fix problems.” approved by the state Department of programs. An Education Committee amend- Correctional Services. The bill would Lautenbaugh said the bill would ment, adopted 34-0, replaced the bill apply only to inmates convicted of simply shift more of the responsibil- and decreased the number of eligible violent crimes such as murder, man- ity for sentence reductions to certain priority designation schools from five slaughter, assault, kidnapping, sexual inmates. to three. Under the bill as amended, assault, robbery and using a deadly “It’s a philosophical approach for the intervention team — in conjunc- weapon to commit a felony. me, I think it just makes sense to have tion with school district staff — would Current law automatically awards [good time] be earned,” he said. be required to develop a progress plan all inmates a 50 percent sentence Mike Kenney, director of the Ne- to include specific action by the school reduction based on good behavior. braska Department of Correctional and district to remove the priority des- Under LB832, violent offenders Services, testified in support of the ignation. Any priority school would be instead would receive a 25 percent bill, saying it would hold the most required to comply with the progress (continued page 2) (continued page 3)

INSIDE: Committees proposed to investigate DHHS, Corrections • Committee hearing schedule February 10 - 13, 2014

Bill would require inmates to earn early release (continued from front page) violent offenders to a higher standard tive for early release will not succeed programming. of conduct while in prison. because inmates currently do not The committee took no immediate “Earned time would help to de- have adequate access to rehabilitative action on LB832. g velop, in prison, a pattern of behavior that is considerate of others and in keeping with good conduct in society,” Find Your Senator Kenney said. If you want to know which legislative district you live in, www. “With our current system violent NebraskaLegislature.gov provides an easy tool for locating your district offenders have little motivation to and senator. work on individually crafted rehabili- tation plans,” said John Freudenberg Clicking on the “Senators” ► “Find your senator” link on the left side of of the Attorney General’s the home page will open a map that permits you to enter your address Office. “If we want rehabilitation pro- or click on the area in which you live. grams to be effective, there has to be a reason for offenders to participate,” Once you click the map in the area marked by the location pin, a picture he said. of your senator will appear with a “More Info” link below the image. Chuck Freyermuth, uncle of mur- Clicking the “More Info” link will take you to the senator’s Web page. der victim Andrea Kruger, testified This page contains senators’ contact information and links to their in support of LB832, saying the bill biography and photos. It also provides a list of committees they serve focuses on the inmates who need the on and the bills they’ve introduced. most help before rejoining society. “This demographic is the breed- ing ground which gives rise to violent career criminals and it is the exact population that you have a responsibil- ity to protect us from,” he said. Alan Peterson of American Civil Liberties Union Nebraska called LB832 an “illusory nonsolution.” Testifying in opposition to the bill, he said using the programs as incen-

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PAGE 2 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 103RD LEGISLATURE February 10 - 13, 2014

Priority designation proposed for low-performing schools (continued from front page) plan for the school district to maintain accreditation. The State Board of Education would annually review progress plans and suggest any modifications. If a school is designated as a priority school for five consecutive years, the board would be required to reevaluate the progress plan. Sullivan said the current education system is good, but far from perfect. “I know we have shortcomings, but we need to address them in a collec- tive manner,” she said. “We often talk about the value of the resources we have in the state. Our most valuable resource is the human capital and the young people we have.” Scottsbluff Sen. John Harms sup- ported the bill, saying that investment in education, including early child- hood education, is paramount. “So many children come into our school systems with deficiencies,” he said. “If we don’t start to place dollars From left: Sens. Greg Adams, Al Davis and Tom Carlson discuss LB438. into early childhood education, many tervening in a couple of districts, but there are 90 to 150 of those children are starting five years behind.” schools that warrant our attention right now,” he said. Omaha Sen. Scott Lautenbaugh supported increased “This is meant to bring accountability, but what happens accountability but questioned whether the bill went far on the back end if they don’t perform?” enough. Following the adoption of a technical amendment, sena- “This bill will create the potentiality of the state in- tors voted to advance the bill to select file on a 35-0 vote. g

U.S. Congress contact information

Senator Mike Johanns Congressman Jeff Fortenberry Congressman Adrian Smith United States Senate (District 1) (District 3) 404 Russell Senate Office Building 1514 Longworth House Office Building 2241 Rayburn House Office Building Washington D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20515 Washington, D.C. 20515 Tel. (202) 224-4224 Tel. (202) 225-4806 Tel. (202) 225-6435

Senator Congressman Lee Terry United States Senate (District 2) 825 Hart Senate Office Building 2266 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20515 Tel. (202) 224-6551 Tel. (202) 225-4155

103RD LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 3 February 10 - 13, 2014

make choices for their families. LB891, intro- “I think it definitely should be duced by Fuller- labeled because there is enough of a ton Sen. Annette concern,” Rauner said. Dubas, would ap- April Segura also testified in sup- propriate funds BPA regulation proposed port, saying research shows that BPA to pay the state’s The Agriculture Committee heard creates a number of negative effects past due and cur- testimony Feb. 11 on a bill that would on fetuses and newborns. rent membership Sen. Annette Dubas regulate Bisphenol A – commonly “Consumers should know if prod- dues to the Midwest Passenger Rail called BPA – in Nebraska. ucts are made with this harmful Compact. LB696, intro- chemical,” Seguara said. “Not all of Dubas said Nebraska has not paid duced by Malcolm the effects of BPA are known but why its annual $15,000 dues since 2009 Sen. Ken Haar, should we have our children be the but legally remains a member of the would prohibit the lab rats?” compact. The dues were eliminated manufacture, sale Mick Mines, representing the Ne- from the state budget due to the eco- or distribution of a braska Grocery Industry Association, nomic downturn, she said, but contin- reusable food con- testified in opposition to the bill. He ue to accrue whether Nebraska actively tainer containing Sen. Ken Haar said the labeling required in LB696 participates in the compact or not. BPA as of Jan. 1, 2015. would convey a threat to human A negotiated amount to bring the After Jan. 1, 2016, the manufac- health from BPA that research does state current on its dues was part of ture, sale or distribution of any food not support. last session’s budget package, but was stored in packaging containing BPA Mines said a child would have to line-item vetoed by the governor. An that is marketed toward children consume 527 servings of chicken soup override attempt by Dubas failed. would be prohibited and all food per day to ingest BPA in excess of the “So we are basically back to square packaging containing BPA would be level considered safe. one with no resolution,” Dubas said. required to carry the following warn- “Based on research, BPA in prod- Milo Mumgaard of the city of Lin- ing: “This package contains Bisphenol ucts is not toxic, even to children,” coln Mayor’s Office testified in sup- A, a chemical that may harm fetal he said. port of the bill, saying the state should development, which can leach into Ron Sedlacek of the Nebraska be involved in planning discussions the food.” Chamber of Commerce also opposed regarding the growth of passenger rail. The state Department of Environ- the bill. If Nebraska were the only state “There is a tremendous amount of mental Quality would be responsible in the country with additional BPA activity already going on in the Mid- for enforcing the ban and violators labeling laws it would adversely affect west region,” Mumgaard said. would be subject to a civil penalty of commerce, he said. No one testified in opposition and $10,000. “We feel that this is truly more of a the committee took no immediate ac- Haar said the federal government national issue,” Sedlacek said. tion on the bill. already bans BPA in baby bottles, sippy The committee took no immediate cups and baby formula containers out action on the bill. Bill would provide black of concern for the chemical’s toxic history center matching funds effects. Nebraska should consider The Appropriations Committee extending those protections to older heard testimony Feb. 13 on a bill that children by clearly labeling products would provide state matching funds that contain BPA, he said. for a new black “The purpose of this bill is to pro- history center in tect children,” Haar said. Funds sought for rail compact Omaha. Bob Rauner of the Nebraska Medi- dues LB904, intro- The Appropriations Committee cal Association testified in support duced by Oma- heard testimony Feb. 13 on a bill of the bill. Consumers should know ha Sen. Rick seeking funds to pay Nebraska’s rail what products contain BPA, he said, Kolowski, would so they can weigh the evidence and compact dues. Sen.

PAGE 4 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 103RD LEGISLATURE February 10 - 13, 2014 establish the Great Plains Black His- James L. Calloway, son of the the norm. tory Endowment Fund to support the Great Plains Black History Museum’s “I disagree with the idea that car- design, development and construction founder, testified in opposition to the bon monoxide generated in the home of the Great Plains Black History Mu- bill. He said moving the museum out should qualify as pollution,” she said. seum, Science and Technology Center of North Omaha would be contrary to “I don’t believe that the policy of the in Omaha. his mother’s vision for the institution. state should deny coverage to a person The bill would appropriate $8 mil- Calloway said the museum’s col- who legitimately believes that their in- lion in general funds to the new fund lections could be made accessible to surance protects them from the risk.” to be available as matching grants. the public without spending large Cheryl Green of Clay Center The Nebraska State Historical Society sums of money on a new building, testified in support of the bill. She would administer the fund and would which he said could be better spent said she and her husband John were make a $1 million grant for each $2 addressing the needs of the African poisoned by carbon monoxide gas in million in matching funds collected American community in Omaha. their church-owned parsonage, which for the center, up to a total of $8 mil- “We’re sitting here talking $28 million her husband did not survive. Green lion in state funds. for a monument?” he said. “This is said the church’s insurance policy Kolowski said estimates indicate ridiculous.” contained a pollution exclusion and that a new center would draw 65,000 The committee took no immediate her claim has been denied. visitors a year and could have a sig- action on LB904. “Though I may appear fine on the nificant economic impact on Omaha. outside, the poisoning has left me with The possibility of matching state funds reduced brain function, memory loss, would inspire more donors, he said. decreased energy and increased levels “I believe it is important that the of pain,” she said. “Consumers buy state join in support of this effort,” insurance to feel protected, to cover Kolowski said. accidents and help recover and repair damage.” Jim Beatty, chairman and president Bill would ensure coverage for No one testified in opposition of the Great Plains Black History carbon monoxide Museum, testified in support of the Homeowners would receive addi- to the bill. The committee voted to bill. Beatty estimated that $28 million tional insurance protections under a advance the bill to general file with would be needed to complete the en- bill heard by the Banking, Commerce amendments on a 8-0 vote. visioned center that would replace the and Insurance Committee Feb. 10. museum’s previous physical location, LB876, introduced by Omaha Sen. which closed to the public in 1997. , would prohibit home- Beatty said state support for the owner insurance project would send a message that policies from ex- Nebraska values its citizens of color cluding coverage Veteran hiring incentive and their contributions. for injury or dam- “We, as African American, are increase proposed age resulting from Businesses would receive addition- often excluded in America and in carbon monoxide al incentives to hire and train veterans history books,” he said. or other gases re- under legislation heard by the Busi- Marty Bilek of the Omaha Mayor’s leased from a heat- Sen. Sara Howard ness and Labor Committee Feb. 10. Office also testified in support of the ing unit or ventilation system. LB1083, introduced by Bellevue bill, saying the museum’s collections Currently, some homeowner insur- Sen. Tommy Gar- contain valuable historical and educa- ance policies contain what is known as rett, would increase tion material about the contributions a “pollution exclusion,” which denies the maximum of African Americans to the city and coverage for damage resulting from a amount of job the state. carbon monoxide leak. training grants for “That history is valuable,” Bilek Howard said the issue is especially employers who hire said. “Everyone growing up here pressing in her district where older recently separated should be aware of it.” homes — and older furnaces — are veterans. The state Sen. Tommy Garrett

103RD LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 5 February 10 - 13, 2014

Department of Economic Develop- advanced from general file Feb. 13. the deadline from ment grants would be given only to Under LB740, as originally in- March 1 to April 10 businesses that hire veterans who have troduced by Bel- for certifying state been honorably discharged within two levue Sen. Sue aid, budget author- years prior to the grant application. Crawford, vet- ity and applicable Employers would receive an addi- erans who have allowable reserve tional $2,500 or $5,000 to train each separated from percentages under recently separated veteran. a branch of the TEEOSA for 2014 Sen. Kate Sullivan Citing a Nebraska Chamber of Armed Forces of only. Commerce study, Garrett said the the United States Sen. Sullivan said the deadline change bill addresses a lack of skilled labor in within the past two years would be would provide flexibility to the state Nebraska and the high unemployment eligible for in-state tuition. Department of Education. rate for veterans. To receive residency status, a “If we leave the March 1 date in “Recruiting military veterans is veteran must demonstrate intent to place, the [department] would be re- seen as part of a comprehensive solu- become a permanent resident of the quired to certify the aid by that date,” tion to resolve the impediment to state by registering to vote and obtain- she said. “Changing the deadline business growth in Nebraska,” he said. ing a state driver’s license. would provide some flexibility and is Richard Baier of the Nebraska An Education Committee amend- still ahead of the April 15 deadline to Chamber of Commerce testified in sup- ment, adopted 38-0, replaced the bill notify teachers of potential reductions port of the bill, calling it a marketing and clarified that it would not apply in force.” effort to make veterans more attractive to veterans who qualify for benefits The change also would apply to the to employers. Additional funds should under the Yellow Ribbon Program, deadline for the department to report be offered to employers, he said, to which pays the difference in tuition the necessary funding level to the gov- compensate for skill-set transferability and fees not covered under the Post- ernor, Appropriations Committee and issues that are unique to veterans. 9/11 GI Bill. Spouses and dependents Education Committee. Lt. Col. James Stevenson of the Na- of Yellow Ribbon benefit recipients Senators voted to advance the bill tional Guard Association of Nebraska still would be eligible under the bill. on a 35-0 vote. said the bill is needed to help veterans Omaha Sen. Bob Krist supported adapt to civilian life. the bill, saying that in the event of an Repeal of learning community “Anything that we can do to sup- economic downturn, providing these common levy proposed port those members as they transition benefits could keep Offutt Air Force Members of the Omaha Learning to full-time, part-time or complete Base open. Community would rely on individual civilian employment is something “This is absolutely critical,” he said. levies for funding under a bill heard that would be beneficial to the state,” “One factor can be the difference in by the Education Committee Feb. 11. Stevenson said. a base closure. This would tip the bal- Currently, the eleven member No one testified in opposition to ance in our favor.” school districts receive revenue raised the bill and the committee took no Senators voted to advance the bill from a common 95-cent levy, which immediate action on LB1083. on a 39-0 vote. is distributed proportionally based upon each district’s formula need Later school aid certification minus state aid and other receipts. date advanced LB865, introduced The deadline for certifying state by Papillion Sen. aid under the Tax Equity and Edu- Jim Smith, would cational Opportunities Support Act eliminate the com- Veterans would receive in- (TEEOSA) would be moved back one mon levy and re- state tuition rates under month under a bill advanced from turn each district to residency bill general file Feb. 12. an individual levy. Recently separated veterans, their LB838, introduced by Cedar Rap- Smith said the Sen. Jim Smith spouses and dependents would be ids Sen. Kate Sullivan, would delay current system pits school districts eligible for in-state tuition under a bill

PAGE 6 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 103RD LEGISLATURE February 10 - 13, 2014 against each other and fails to deliver opposed the bill, saying another solu- “The research and planning pro- the funds where they are needed most. tion is possible. cess recommended in this bill is neces- He said contrary to some speculation, “There is some commonality sary to ensure Nebraska’s educational the bill is not an attempt to abolish the among these member districts. There system continues to be relevant and learning community. are issues that affect all of them, even effective,” she said. “It will point us in “Don’t buy into the thought that to though they’re not the same in each a direction that will erase the achieve- eliminate the common levy, to address district,” he said. “Further examina- ment gap and initiate programs and the funding deficiencies, that you tion is well-warranted; it deserves more policies that will help more of my would have to get rid of the learning attention that just looking at it every classmates walk across the stage on community,” he said. “Let the learn- five or six years.” graduation day.” ing community do what it does and The committee took no immediate The committee would be required let the Legislature find a method to action on the bill. to submit a report to the clerk of the adequately address the learning needs Legislature by Dec. 31, 2014. of children living in poverty in the Visioning process proposed No one testified in opposition of member districts.” for state education the bill and the committee took no LB865 also would change the cal- A common statewide vision for immediate action on it. culation of state aid to schools under education is the focus of a bill dis- the Tax Equity and Educational Op- cussed during an Education Commit- portunities Support Act (TEEOSA). tee hearing Feb. 10. Currently, aid for the 11 member dis- LB1103, introduced by the Educa- tricts is calculated collectively. Under tion Committee, would authorize the bill, each member district’s aid members of the committee to conduct would be calculated individually. a strategic planning process to cre- Committees proposed to The current funding formula for ate the statewide vision. Committee investigate DHHS, Corrections Two proposals to establish special the learning community produces chairperson Kate Sullivan of Cedar investigative committees of the Legis- $461 million in property taxes. The Rapids said the Legislature must begin lature were discussed during an Execu- bill would increase state aid to schools the process to achieve the best possible tive Board hearing Feb. 10. by an estimated $3.8 million. The bill results for all students in the state. LR400, introduced by Fullerton also would repeal the maximum 2-cent “I believe strongly that Nebraskans Sen. Annette Dubas, would establish special building fund levy, which truly value and put a high priority on the ACCESSNe- currently produces $9.7 million in education,” she said. “With ever grow- braska Special In- revenue. ing needs and challenges, we must not vestigative Com- Papillion-La Vista School District only be wise in the use of our resources mittee of the Legis- Superintendent Andrew Rikli testified but also leverage those resources to get lature to study the in support of the bill. He said enroll- the most out of them.” ACCESSNebraska ment and student needs are increas- Members of the committee could system. ACCESS- ing in his district, while funding has conduct meetings, work sessions and Nebraska is an on- Sen. Annette Dubas remained stagnant. focus groups to discuss aspirational line and call center system developed “Most of the member districts are goals, visionary objectives, meaning- by the state Department of Health and already levying and taxing at the max,” ful priorities and practical strategies. Human Services (DHHS) in 2009 to he said. “[The common levy] produces The committee also would be require determine public benefit eligibility less state aid for member districts than to hold at least three public hearings and to deliver those benefits to clients. if they were funded individually. The throughout the state to receive testi- Under the proposal, the scope of distribution formula is sending the dol- mony from the general public. the investigation would include but lars in the wrong direction. Some of the Lincoln East High School senior not be limited to the: districts with the most profound needs Imani Wilson spoke in support of the • experiences of clients and their are getting some of the least resources.” bill, saying there still is a significant families; Ted Stillwell, chief executive officer achievement gap affecting minority • adequacy of the technology of the Omaha Learning Community, students. used within the ACCESSNe-

103RD LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 7 February 10 - 13, 2014

braska system; and Testimony also was heard on Marshall Lux, director of the state’s • adequacy of staffing and train- LR424, introduced by Omaha Sen. Ombudsman’s Office, testified in sup- ing of DHHS employees work- , port of the resolution. Lux said his ing within the system. which would es- office issued an extensive report on Dubas said the state has expe- tablish the De- the Jenkins case to the state Depart- rienced a variety of problems with partment of Cor- ment of Corrections and received a ACCESSNebraska since its incep- rectional Services three-sentence reply. tion, including long wait times for Special Investiga- “Our report actually only scratches callers, high worker turnover and lost tive Committee in the surface in regard to what can be paperwork. order to study the Sen. Steve Lathrop learned about our system from Mr. “This program needs a very com- circumstances of Nikko Jenkins’ in- Jenkins’ case,” he said, noting that prehensive [examination] to deter- carceration and release. Jenkins had been involved in both mine where we are at and what we Lathrop said the case – in which the state’s child welfare and juvenile need to do at multiple levels to take Jenkins allegedly committed four justice systems since the age of seven. corrective action,” she said. homicides in Omaha upon his release “What we’ll likely find out … is The committee would consist of from prison – highlights issues in the that there were failures as well in the seven members of the Legislature state’s correctional services that the juvenile justice system and in the appointed by the Executive Board. Legislature needs to examine. child welfare system in addressing this The committee would be authorized “There are systemic problems in young man’s issues,” Lux said. “His to hold hearings and issue subpoenas corrections that have to do with over- case is not unique.” as deemed necessary and would issue crowding, absence of programming No opposition testimony was given a report with its findings and recom- [and] absence of mental health care,” on either resolution. mendations to the Legislature no later Lathrop said. After voting 9-0 to amend LR424 to than Dec. 15, 2014. As introduced, the resolution increase membership of the investiga- James Goddard of Nebraska Ap- would establish an investigative com- tive committee from five members to pleseed supported the resolution. He mittee composed of five members seven, the Executive Board voted 9-0 to said an investigative committee would of the Legislature appointed by the advance the resolution to general file. provide an opportunity to thoroughly Executive Board and would issue a study the root problems with AC- report to the Legislature no later than CESSNebraska and discover possible Dec. 15, 2014. solutions. Among other issues, the commit- “LR400 represents the best ap- tee would study the following with proach to improve the ACCESSNe- respect to the state Department of braska system,” Goddard said. Correctional Services: Legalization of casino Thomas Pristow, director of Chil- • administration of good time gambling proposed dren and Family Services at DHHS, laws; The General Affairs Committee testified in a neutral capacity. • policies relating to the segrega- heard testimony Feb. 10 on a measure Pristow said the department has tion of inmates; that would authorize local-option ca- worked hard to improve the system but • adequacy of programs designed sino gaming in Nebraska. acknowledged that problems persist. to rehabilitate inmates; LR416CA, introduced by Wilber He said DHHS would be willing to • availability of mental health Sen. Russ Karpisek, work with an oversight committee to care and measures in place to would place a pro- continue to improve the system. ensure that inmates receive ap- posed amendment “I’d be happy to come before this propriate mental health care or to the Nebraska group or any other group to talk about confinement through the civil Constitution on ACCESSNebraska and how it’s do- commitment process; and the November 2014 ing,” he said. • transition of inmates from in- general election The committee voted 9-0 to ad- carceration to the community ballot authorizing Sen. Russ Karpisek vance LR400 to general file. at large. local-option casino gaming. If approved by voters, the amend-

PAGE 8 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 103RD LEGISLATURE February 10 - 13, 2014 ment would allow a local governing of low taxes forever that the propo- scoring if a veteran receives a passing body to place a measure on a local nents are promising.” score and makes a claim for preference ballot to authorize casino gaming The committee took no immediate on the application. within its jurisdiction. After regula- action on the proposal. If no examination or numerical tory expenses, revenue would be scoring is used, preference will be allocated according to the following given to a qualifying veteran if two or percentages: more equally qualified candidates are • 50 percent to reduce property being considered for a position. taxes; Notices of all positions of employ- • 25 percent to elementary and ment available for veteran preference secondary education; are required to state that the position • 12 percent to the Nebraska Automatic advancement for is subject to the preference. A veteran Game and Parks Commission; write-in candidates passed desiring to use the preference will be • 12 percent to the state Depart- Senators passed a bill Feb. 13 that required to provide the hiring author- ment of Natural Resources for allows for automatic advancement in ity with a copy of his or her Defense water funding; and the case of a small pool of candidates Department Form 214. • 1 percent to the Compulsive for county office. The bill also allows the spouse of a Gamblers Assistance Fund. If the number of county office can- veteran who has a 100 percent perma- Karpisek said the state is losing rev- didates from each party in a primary nent disability to claim the preference. enue to neighboring states that could election does not exceed the number LB588 passed on a 44-0 vote and be used to provide property tax relief of candidates that may be nominated takes effect Jan. 1, 2015. and education funding in Nebraska. by the party, those candidates auto- matically will advance to the general “Here is an idea to fix some of these Lower residency requirement election under LB56, a bill introduced problems or at least help,” he said, proposed for veterans’ homes adding that 70 percent of Nebraska’s by O’Neill Sen. Tyson Larson. More people would be eligible to population already lives within an The bill allows live in veterans’ homes under a bill hour’s drive of a casino. for a person to file heard by the Government, Military David Nicholson, a retired investi- as a write-in candi- and Veterans Affairs Committee gator with the Nebraska State Patrol, date in a partisan Feb. 13. testified in support of the measure, primary election Currently, an applicant for resi- saying his research indicates that Ne- within two days of dency must have been a resident of braska gamblers cross the border to the March 1 filing the state for at least two years. Under other states to visit casinos. deadline. Sen. Tyson Larson LB805, introduced “In the two-year study, 38 percent Senators passed the bill on a 41-2 by Lincoln Sen. Bill of the vehicles at Council Bluffs [ca- vote. Avery, a person with sino] were Nebraska vehicles,” he said. Nebraska resident Pat Loontjer of Gambling with the Veteran job preference parents or children Good Life opposed the bill. She said updates approved also would qualify. research shows that casino gaming Senators gave final approval Feb. Avery said the leads to increases in pathological gam- 13 to a bill that updates laws pertain- bill would allow vet- Sen. Bill Avery bling, alcohol and drug use, incidents ing to preferences for veterans seeking erans to be near family members in of domestic violence and many other employment. their waning years. societal ills. LB588, intro- “[This bill would] provide an op- “This is not the quality of life that duced by Syracuse portunity for families in Nebraska to we need in Nebraska,” Loontjer said. Sen. Dan Water- bring their parents or children back to Loretta Fairchild, a retired econom- meier, requires the state,” he said. “They have served ics professor, agreed. that 5 percent be their country and it makes no sense to “Casinos are a bridge to nowhere,” added to all parts not allow them to have the comfort of Fairchild said, “not the promised land of an examina- living close to their loved ones.” tion or numerical Sen. Dan Watermeier

103RD LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 9 February 10 - 13, 2014

Terry Schifferns, the daughter of a proposed on or after Jan. 1, 2013. home location was open and fair. He veteran, supported the bill. She said “It’s no secret that the impetus [for said each of the interested cities agreed the current residency requirements the bill] comes from the proposed re- to be scored in nine different catego- prevented her family from bringing location of the Grand Island Veterans’ ries, with Kearney scoring 16 percent- her father back to Nebraska from a Home,” he said. “I’m working to fix age points higher than Grand Island. veterans’ home in Iowa. what I consider a flawed process. It “We have a responsibility to do the “I’ve lived here since 1974. We would provide necessary oversight for best we can for the people of Nebras- could have had someone visit him a process with no public input from ka,” he said. “If we’re going to change every day,” she said. “My father didn’t the residents of the Grand Island the rules and go back and change the fight for Iowa or Nebraska. He went home.” decision that was made, we’re going to to Korea when he was asked and he A request for relocation would be have to answer to citizens as to why the fought for his country.” submitted to the Legislature’s Execu- decision that was made was incorrect.” Dennis Schissel, state council vice tive Board and must include: The committee took no immediate president of the Vietnam Veterans of • a description of the proposed action on the bill. America, opposed the bill. He said if relocation; veterans want to live in a Nebraska • justification for the relocation; veterans’ home, they should become • a review of the long-term costs; state residents and take their place on • measurable goals for improving a waiting list. the quality of the service; “It is inequitable to the residents of • an assessment of the feasibility this state who are qualified at the time of alternatives within the state Debt recovery program of their application,” he said. “Chang- agency to moving the service; proposed ing the requirements could displace • any known or foreseeable legal, Lottery winnings and other state- current residents and lead to an influx environmental or other issues paid funds could be withheld to settle of veterans from other states.” related to the proposed move; debts under legislation heard by the The committee took no immediate and Judiciary Committee Feb. 13. action on the bill. • a description of economic de- LB870, introduced by Lincoln Sen. velopment efforts to use any , would Legislative approval proposed facility abandoned by the move. create the Public for moving state services The approval process would not Debt Recovery The relocation of state services or apply to the University of Nebraska, Program, which agencies costing more than $15 mil- the Nebraska state colleges, the courts, would use state lion would require legislative approval the Legislature or any officer or state treasury funds to under a bill heard by the Government, agency established by the state con- satisfy an indi- Military and Veterans Affairs Commit- stitution. vidual’s debt to a Sen. Kate Bolz tee Feb. 13. Duane Hodge, a former adminis- public entity. The funds could include Under LB935, introduced by trator at the Grand Island Veterans income tax refunds, lottery prizes, pay- Grand Island Sen. Mike Gloor, the Home, testified in support of the bill, roll, contract payments and unclaimed Legislature would saying there needs to be more strategic property and would be used to pay have the authority planning involved in a move of this only debts owed to state agencies, to approve or deny magnitude. courts and political subdivisions. a major relocation “The economic consequences will “My office has identified over $8.7 from one communi- have a ripple effect throughout the city million in debts owed to Nebraska ty to another. Gloor and surrounding areas with the loss of municipalities,” Bolz said. “I think said the bill would jobs,” he said. “Evoking authority at it’s only fair that people pay their add a layer of justi- Sen. Mike Gloor the executive level at the expense of debts and I think it’s important that fication, validation and transparency our veterans is irresponsible.” funds go to their intended purposes,” to the process. Kearney Sen. Galen Hadley testified she said. The bill would apply retroactively in opposition to the bill, saying the Bolz said the bill would create to any move of a state service or agency process used to determine the veterans’ a new centralized office within the

PAGE 10 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 103RD LEGISLATURE February 10 - 13, 2014

State Treasurer’s Office and would be to be used for production also would Nebraska and build homes with this modeled after other states’ successful be required. Individuals with a prior material,” Feldman said. programs. criminal conviction would not be Grant County Sheriff Shawn Gary Krumland of the League of eligible. Hebbert provided neutral testimony Nebraska Municipalities testified in LB1001 would direct the depart- on the bill. He said marijuana is a support of LB870. He said Nebraska ment to create regulations for licens- quickly spreading weed that may be communities’ largest area of past due ing, testing for THC levels and docu- difficult to control when grown in debt is for utilities and it sometimes menting seed varieties. large amounts and may cause conflicts takes years to collect those debts Wallman said industrial hemp is a between neighboring landowners. He through property liens. sustainable energy source that can be was also concerned about the potential “With utilities, if somebody doesn’t used in a wide variety of products, so health risks involved in fighting hemp pay, then everybody else has to pay Nebraska should join nine other states field fires. little more—so having an extra tool in investigating the plant’s economic No one testified in opposition to to collect this money would be very benefits. the bill and the committee took no helpful,” he said. “I believe there is a market for this immediate action on LB1001. State Treasurer Don Stenberg testi- product and I’d like to see Nebraska fied in opposition to the bill, saying the jump in at the beginning and start state already has laws permitting state testing it to see if it would be good for agencies to use collection agencies to our state,” he said. recover debts. He also questioned the Wallman said the bill is not intend- cost effectiveness of the bill, saying ed to begin the process of legalizing it would create a “very large hearing recreational use of marijuana. agency” whose duties currently are “Yes, [hemp and marijuana] both Changes to school retirement carried out by each municipality. come from the cannabis plant, but that is where the similarities end,” plans discussed The committee took no immediate The Nebraska Retirement Systems he said. action on LB870. Committee heard testimony Feb. 12 Bill Hawkins, an organic farmer, on two bills that would make changes testified in support of LB1001. He Industrial hemp considered to the state’s school retirement plans. said growing and marketing indus- Industrial hemp could be grown in LB1041, introduced by Omaha trial hemp would revitalize Nebraska Nebraska under a bill discussed in a Sen. Jeremy Nordquist, would change communities by creating jobs and Judiciary Committee hearing Feb. 12. the length of ser- locally-produced goods. Hemp also LB1001, introduced by Cortland vice required for has ecological benefits, he said. Sen. Norm Wallman, would allow new employees “Industrial hemp is a drought-resis- industrial hemp to be grown in Ne- of the School tant, weed-suppressing, soil-building braska for commer- Employees Re- crop that will give our farmers a much cial purposes. Only tirement Plan needed rotation in their corn and plants containing and the Class V soybeans,” Hawkins said. one percent or less (Omaha) School Sen. Jeremy Nordquist UNL student Jason Feldman said of tetrahydrocan- Employees Retirement Plan to be wall panels made from hemp are nabinols (THC), eligible to purchase additional service a durable, healthy and sustainable the active ingredi- credit. Sen. Norm Wallman alternative to traditional building ent of the cannabis Beginning July 1, 2014, new em- materials. Speaking in support of the plant, would be approved for use. ployees of the two plans would not bill, Feldman said it is expensive to Those wishing to grow hemp would be eligible to purchase service credit import hemp to the United States and be required to obtain a license from – also known as “air time” – until LB1001 would allow him to make the the state Department of Agriculture they have acquired 10 years of credit- product locally. and submit fingerprints and other able service. Employees hired before “The market would be transformed information to the Nebraska State the deadline still would be eligible to if we can grow the material here in Patrol. A legal description of the land purchase air time after acquiring five

103RD LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 11 February 10 - 13, 2014 years of creditable service. the bill. Nordquist said the change was nec- LB1042, also introduced by Nor- essary because the school retirement dquist, would change the cost for plans receive significant general fund repurchase of relinquished creditable dollars from the state. service in the School Employees Re- “We really think that this is a fun- tirement Plan. He said the Nebraska Bill would provide grad school damental fairness issue,” he said, add- Public Employees Retirement System loan tax deduction ing that employees should be required has calculated that the cost currently The Revenue Committee heard to invest a meaningful amount of time assessed is not adequately covering testimony Feb. 12 on a bill intended to in the system before they are able to the cost of restoring the service credit. encourage highly educated individuals purchase air time. Service credits are relinquished to live in Nebraska. The bill also would make several when a member terminates employ- Under LB787, introduced by Co- technical changes to the Class V plan, ment and withdraws all accumulated lumbus Sen. Paul Schumacher, federal including: contributions, Nordquist said. If the adjusted gross • inserting references to the In- person again becomes a school em- income would ternal Revenue Code regarding ployee, he or she has the option to buy- be reduced by the duties and responsibilities back the relinquished service credits. an amount equal of the trustees who administer LB1042 would change the cost of to the principal the plan; repurchase to the actuarial cost to the paid by a taxpay- • clarifying that school board or school retirement system for restora- er on any quali- board of trustees members will tion of the relinquished creditable fied education Sen. Paul Schumacher not be personally liable for their service. loan during a taxable year. actions related to retirement Nordquist said the committee A qualified education loan is de- system duties except in cases of would need to determine a date for fined as any indebtedness owed to a willful dishonesty, gross negli- the change to take effect, adding that nonrelated entity that is incurred by a gence or intentional violations approximately 2,400 employees had taxpayer solely to pay for costs neces- of the law; and rejoined the school retirement system sary to obtain a graduate degree from • requiring annual presentation and would be eligible to buy back their an institution of higher education. of a Class V school board’s most service credits. The reduction would be available recent actuarial valuation report “So, where do we draw the line for for the first 10 taxable years after a to the committee at a public those people?” he said. “That’s what taxpayer completes a course of study hearing, beginning March 1, we’re going to have to deliberate on.” resulting in a graduate degree. 2015. Jason Hayes of the Nebraska State Schumacher said the idea came David Kramer, outside counsel to Education Association testified in from a conversation he had with a Omaha Public Schools, testified in support of the bill, saying the few young woman struggling with a six- favor of the bill. He said the liability members of the retirement plan who figure student loan debt from law standard in the bill for the school leave the system and then return and school. board and board of trustees is the purchase their service credits should “She had done all the right things same as that which currently applies not be subsidized by the rest of the and we were taxing her on the money to the Public Employees Retirement members. she made to pay that student loan Board and the Nebraska Investment “LB1042 represents another com- down,” he said. “It occurred to me Council. mon sense pension reform … that will that if she’d paid that six figures of “Those two entities serve the same help ensure the continued financial debt researching and developing some functions for the Nebraska Public soundness of the school employees computer program, we’d have let her Employees Retirement System that retirement plan,” Hayes said. write it off … we’d have called it eco- the Omaha board does for the Oma- No one testified in opposition to nomic development.” ha Public Schools retirement system,” LB1042 and the committee took no Schumacher said encouraging po- Kramer said. immediate action on either bill. tential high-wage earners to put down No one testified in opposition to roots in Nebraska would pay off in

PAGE 12 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 103RD LEGISLATURE February 10 - 13, 2014 greater tax revenue in the future. ally designated high priority corridors not enable projects that have not been Caryn Vincent, a University of and the expressway system through designed yet to be conveniently ready Nebraska Medical Center graduate Chadron, Alliance and Scottsbluff. for construction years before they were student, testified in support of the bill. Dubas said relying on revenue ready,” he said. “It would be desir- Vincent said she will have significant from the state’s gas tax is no longer able to have state funds unfettered by loan debt when she graduates and that a stable funding source for road im- debt service to maintain maximum LB787 would provide an incentive for provements. flexibility.” young professionals in similar situa- “Nebraska’s highway system plays a The committee took no immediate tions to stay in the state. critical role in our citizens’ lives and action on the bill. “We have to be able to recruit our state’s economic development,” the kind of talent necessary to grow she said. “We’ve operated as a pay-as- Nebraska’s future economy,” she said. you-go state for decades but because Liz Neeley, executive director of the of changes in travel habits and more Nebraska State Bar Association, also fuel-efficient vehicles, those revenues supported the bill, saying it could be have been declining.” an important tool for attracting new The bonds would be repaid with lawyers to rural parts of the state. Law revenue from the State Highway Bill to repeal helmet law stalls A bill that would repeal Nebraska’s school debt has nearly doubled in the Capital Improvement Fund, which helmet law stalled on general file Feb. last 10 years, she said, with debt loads currently receives .25 percent of the 11 after several days of debate. averaging $150,000 to $200,000. state sales and use tax. LB1092 also LB393, introduced by Hoskins As a result, Neeley said, most recent would pledge the revenue from all Sen. Dave Bloomfield, would give graduate cannot afford to practice in fuel taxes, registration fees and other motorcycle riders rural Nebraska where salaries are low. highway user fees for the purpose of 21 years old and “New lawyers are pressed instead to bond repayment. older the option look for jobs in larger cities,” she said. The bill would limit the annual to not wear a pro- No one testified in opposition to debt service to $30 million, not to tective helmet. LB787 and the committee took no exceed 19 years. No bonds could be Riders under 21 immediate action on it. issued after June 30, 2020, and all still would be re- bonds must be paid off by June 30, quired to wear a Sen. Dave Bloomfield 2033. Bonds proposed for faster helmet. The bill also would require Nate Eckloff, managing director highway construction motorcycle riders to use eye protection Bond financing would be employed of RBC Capital Markets, testified in such as goggles, a windshield or a face to accelerate the completion of high- support of the bill, saying it would shield attached to a helmet. way construction projects under a bill provide a more stable funding source A pending Transportation and heard by the Revenue Committee for needed improvements. Telecommunications Committee Feb. 12. “Bonding gives the option to the amendment also would have prohib- LB1092, introduced by Fullerton state of Nebraska to bond against an ited motorcyclists from carrying pas- Sen. Annette Dubas, would authorize already existing revenue stream for sengers less than 48 inches tall unless the State Highway already identified projects at a low in- the passenger is at least 16 years old. Commission to terest rate,” he said. “There’s a strong Bloomfield said the bill would give issue up to $400 multiplier effect for putting money Nebraska’s 92,000 motorcyclists the million of bonds into the economy through highway freedom to choose when it comes to to fund the acceler- construction.” wearing helmets. ated completion of State Department of Roads Direc- “We as a state and as lawmakers in highway construc- tor Randy Peters testified in opposi- the state have a duty and an obligation tion projects under Sen. Annette Dubas tion to the bill, saying the traditional to protect and not infringe on the the Build Nebraska Act. At least 25 pay-as-you-go funding system has principles of liberty and the pursuit percent of the bond proceeds would served the state well. of happiness,” he said. be dedicated to construction of feder- “Bonding authority by itself would Omaha Sen. Steve Lathrop op-

103RD LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 13 February 10 - 13, 2014 posed the bill, saying traumatic brain failed on a 23-23 vote. Bobby Hoest of Daws Trucking in injuries suffered in motorcycle acci- After eight hours of debate span- Milford testified in support of the bill, dents are particularly devastating to ning four days, Bloomfield filed a mo- saying the different sets of load regula- the people left to care for the victims. tion to invoke cloture, which would tions that apply to commercial carriers “I cannot tell you the horrors we cease debate and force a vote on the and farm implement dealers create will unleash on so many families if bill. The motion failed on a 25-22 unnecessary confusion and delays. this bill passes,” he said. vote, as 33 votes were needed. “We didn’t really see why it would Approximately 525 motorcycle ac- A failed cloture motion results in make any difference that a piece of cidents occur annually in Nebraska, debate on a bill ceasing for the day. equipment was on a truck owned by Lathrop said, and the motorcyclists LB393 remains on general file but the equipment dealer or a truck owned are rarely at fault. No rider plans to is unlikely to be debated again this by a commercial carrier,” Hoest said. be in an accident, he said. session. Because fewer implement dealers “If he did, he’d wear a helmet,” are available to move equipment, Lathrop said. “He would put every Farm equipment Hoest said, the bill would benefit both protective device on imaginable to transportation rules discussed the equipment dealers and the haulers protect himself if he knew he was go- Load limits would be expanded for during peak seasons when equipment ing to be in a wreck.” farm equipment haulers under legis- repairs and deliveries are numerous. “Head injury is the leading cause lation heard by the Transportation “We are just asking that you would of death in motorcycle accidents,” and Telecommunications Committee level the playing field for the commer- said Lincoln Sen. Bill Avery, citing Feb 10. cial carrier and the equipment dealer national Department of Transporta- LB1039, introduced by Fullerton so we can be of more service to them,” tion statistics. Speaking in opposition Sen. Annette Dubas, would allow he added. to LB393, Avery said that helmetless farm equipment State Department of Roads Direc- motorcyclists are 40 percent more dealers to desig- tor Randy Peters testified in a neutral likely to die in an accident. nate commercial capacity. He recommended that ori- Because insurance often does not haulers as their gin, destination and load description cover long-term medical care, Avery agents when mov- details also should be required on the said, motorcycle accidents cost Ne- ing their equip- authorization statement issued by the braska taxpayers nearly $50 million ment. Haulers equipment dealer. in medical expenses in 2011. would be required Sen. Annette Dubas No one testified in opposition to “If you consider yourself a fiscal to carry documentation signed by the bill and the committee took no conservative, how can you vote to the dealers identifying them as dealer immediate action on LB1039. repeal the helmet law?” he asked. representatives. Wilber Sen. Russ Karpisek spoke The bill also would permit com- in favor of the bill. mercial haulers to follow the same “This bill is about personal choice, width, height and length restrictions personal freedom. If someone wants reserved specifically for farm equip- to ride and splatter their head on the ment dealers. cement, they can,” he said. Dubas said she brought the bill be- MUD district elections Karpisek said government should cause current regulations were created proposed stop telling people what to do. more than 50 years ago, when there The Urban Affairs Committee “There’s all sorts of other things were more farm implement dealers heard testimony Feb. 11 on a bill that that people do that get themselves in and only those dealerships had the would authorize district elections a bad state of health—but we let them equipment and expertise to move for the metropolitan utilities district do it,” he said. farm equipment. (MUD) board of directors. On the second day of debate, “What the law did not consider LB1014, introduced by Omaha Grand Island Sen. Mike Gloor offered was the instance where a farm equip- Sen. , would authorize a motion to bracket LB393 until April ment dealership enlists the help of a the MUD board of directors to divide 17, saying continued debate likely private hauler to move farm machin- the district’s territory into seven elec- would not sway the vote. The motion ery,” she said. tion subdivisions.

PAGE 14 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 103RD LEGISLATURE February 10 - 13, 2014

Under the tricts until 2023. The board would be said. bill, the board responsible for redistricting following Ron Wanek, a current candidate would have until each federal decennial census. for the MUD board, testified in sup- Feb. 1, 2016, to Murante said the MUD board port of the bill, saying district elections establish districts sees the value that district elections would promote greater accountability composed of sub- have for providing voters with better and transparency. stantially equal representation, but they currently lack “When you live in the same district population and Sen. John Murante the authority to make the change. as your neighbors … you’re certainly compact and contiguous territory. The At-large districts tend to leave some more accessible and people can reach board would assign each member a populations without adequate repre- out to you and talk to you,” Wanek numbered subdivision for the remain- sentation, he said. said. der of their current term of office. “There are hundreds of thousands No opposition testimony was of- Assignments would be made so of us who don’t have anyone from our fered and the committee took no im- as to stagger elections to the new dis- community representing us,” Murante mediate action on the bill. g

Live video streaming of the Unicameral ebraska Educational Telecommunications (NET) provides live video Ncoverage of hearings and floor debate on the Legislature’s website. To watch, click on the “Live Video Streaming” link on www. NebraskaLegislature.gov. Then click on the room you would like to Qualifications observe. to run for the Legislature Constitutionally, a candidate for the Nebraska Legislature must meet the following qualifications:

• be at least 21 years of age; • be registered to vote; and • be a resident of Nebraska -- specifically a resident of the legislative district he or she wishes to serve -- for at least one year prior to the general election.

For more detailed information on qualifications and filing for office, please contact your local county clerk or election commissioner, or visit the Nebraska Secretary of State’s website at www.sos. ne.gov.

103RD LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 15 February 10 - 13, 2014 Committee Hearings *Current hearing schedules are always available at: nebraskalegislature.gov/calendar Tuesday, February 18 education programs Appointment: Groene, Michael - Neb. Agriculture LB1064 (Lautenbaugh) Adopt the Teach Exchange Stakeholder Commission Room 1510 - 1:30 p.m. for Nebraska Program Act Appointment: Gyhra, Laura S. - Neb. LB942 (Schilz) Change provisions LB842 (Davis) Change provisions Exchange Stakeholder Commission relating to packers under the relating to allocations to the Excellence Appointment: Kollmorgen, Kyle - Neb. Competitive Livestock Markets Act in Teaching Cash Fund Exchange Stakeholder Commission LB1080 (Bloomfield) Provide for nonprofit Appointment: Thedinger, Britt A. - Neb. nursery stock distributors under the Nebraska Retirement Systems Exchange Stakeholder Commission Plant Protection and Plant Pest Act Room 1525 - 9:00 a.m. Appointment: Wupper, Sherry - Neb. LB941 (Schilz) Provide for a dairy Appointment: Werner-Robertson, Gail - Exchange Stakeholder Commission growth study Neb. Investment Council Appointment: Leonard, Dennis W. - Government, Military & Veterans Affairs Appropriations Public Employees Retirement Board Room 1507 - 1:30 p.m. Room 1524 - 1:30 p.m. Appointment: Loudon, Andrew - Neb. Ac- LB1091 (Conrad) Transfer funds from Transportation & Telecommunications countability and Disclosure Commission the Cash Reserve Fund to the Job Room 1113 - 1:30 p.m. LB980 (Johnson) Change provisions re- Training Cash Fund and change job LB892 (Smith) Change enforcement lating to termination of a township board training grant provisions provisions of the One-Call Notification LB773 (Davis) Provide for partisan LB1094 (Davis) Change a fund transfer System Act ballots for unaffiliated voters at primary to the Property Tax Credit Cash Fund LB930 (Watermeier) Require an opera- elections LB1086 (Pirsch) Transfer cash reserve tor’s presence at an excavation under LB1013 (Murante) Permit counties funds to the Property Tax Credit Cash Fund the One-Call Notification System Act to regulate peddlers, hawkers, and LB669 (McCoy) Transfer cash reserve LB1045 (B. Harr) Redefine the term solicitors by ordinance funds to the Property Tax Credit Cash Fund underground facility for purposes of the LB940 (Schilz) Create the Water One-Call Notification System Act Health & Human Services Sustainability Fund and transfer cash Room 1510 - 1:30 p.m. reserve funds Urban Affairs LB1054 (Karpisek) Redefine treatment LB1046 (Carlson) Create the Water Sus- Room 2102 - 1:30 p.m. under the Health Care Facility tainability Fund and transfer General Funds LB823 (Lautenbaugh) Terminate metro- Licensure Act politan utilities districts on Jan. 1, 2015 LB1107 (Conrad) Change medicaid Banking, Commerce & Insurance payment provisions for federally Room 1507 - 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 19 qualified health centers as prescribed LB831 (Christensen) Provide a require- Appropriations LB852 (Crawford) Change provisions ment relating to coverage of medical Room 1003 - 1:30 p.m. relating to asbestos regulation equipment and prohibit unreasonable de- Agency 23: Dept. of Labor lays relating to preapproval of coverage LB1023 (Mello) Change certain Judiciary LB858 (Howard) Provide requirements budgetary reports Room 1113 - 11:00 a.m. relating to pharmacists and health care LB1047 (Carlson) Appropriate funds to Appointment: Casmer, Esther - Board services in health insurance the Department of Natural Resources of Parole LB883 (Nordquist) Eliminate a termination LB1114 (Mello) Change and state date on coverage requirements for intent relating to funding for economic Judiciary anticancer medication development programs and change a Room 1113 - 1:30 p.m. LB953 (Howard) Adopt the Health Infor- termination date LB1089 (Conrad) Provide for mation Initiative Act and provide funding LB1019 (Schumacher) Adopt the Devel- disposition of residual funds in class LB926 (Howard) Change provisions opment and Venture Enterprise Act action litigation and charitable trusts relating to rules and regulations of the LB988 (Schumacher) Provide for certain Department of Insurance Banking, Commerce & Insurance access to decedent’s safe deposit box Room 2102 - 12:00 p.m. LB1044 (Schilz) Provide procedures for Education Appointment: Booth, Patrick - Neb. abandoned mobile homes Room 1525 - 1:30 p.m. Exchange Stakeholder Commission LB839 (Janssen) Extend the effective LB1106 (McGill) Change provisions Appointment: Buescher, Craig D. - Neb. period for a continuing lien for a relating to career academies Exchange Stakeholder Commission garnishment in aid of execution LB826 (McCoy) Provide for a study Appointment: Flowers, Shari - Neb. LB962 (Brasch) Change provisions relat- relating to education incentives for Exchange Stakeholder Commission ing to personal property exemptions in high-need occupations Appointment: Green, James “JJ” - Neb. cases of attachment, execution, or sale LB754 (Smith) Provide funds for career Exchange Stakeholder Commission

PAGE 16 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 103RD LEGISLATURE February 10 - 13, 2014 Committee Hearings *Current hearing schedules are always available at: nebraskalegislature.gov/calendar Natural Resources relating to procedures for acquiring towards transformation of Nebraska’s Room 1525 - 1:30 p.m. private property for public use health care system LB840 (K. Haar) Require rules and LB868 (Karpisek) Prohibit peace regulations for mandatory water well officers from using government-issued Judiciary permits in management areas equipment for private employment Room 1113 - 1:30 PM LB959 (Carlson) Provide a permit LB1034 (McGill) Change provisions and LB808 (Conrad) Change provisions of application exemption for certain water penalties relating to unlawful intrusion the Legal Education for Public Service storage reservoirs LB1006 (McGill) Change a provision of Loan Repayment Act and transfer funds the Private Prison Contracting Act and from the State Settlement Cash Fund Revenue prohibit state agencies from entering into LB927 (Nordquist) Provide that judges Room 1524 - 1:30 p.m. contracts that include certain provisions retirement fees cannot be waived LB723 (Christensen) Change property LB1105 (McGill) Create veterans and LB1015 (Kintner) Include certain fire tax provisions relating to the valuation of servicemembers court programs and rescue departments under the irrigated cropland and comparable sales Political Subdivisions Tort Claims Act LB922 (Christensen) Change Natural Resources LB893 (Seiler) Change the amount qualification provisions under the Room 1525 - 1:30 p.m. recoverable under the Nebraska Beginning Farmer Tax Credit Act Appointment: Spurgin, Mark - Game & Hospital-Medical Liability Act LB938 (Janssen) Provide an income tax Parks Commission LB862 (Lathrop) Change the amount credit to individuals who pay a federal LB985 (Davis) Provide standing to recoverable under the Nebraska health insurance penalty natural resources districts and provide Hospital-Medical Liability Act LB956 (Conrad) Increase the earned requirements for water appropriations income tax credit LB1111 (Christensen) Provide duties Natural Resources relating to integrated management plans Room 1525 - 1:30 p.m. Thursday, February 20 LB1003 (Kolowski) Provide for natural Government, Military & Veterans Affairs Revenue resources districts to issue general Room 1507 - 1:30 p.m. Room 1524 - 1:30 p.m. obligation bonds Appointment: Blaha, Sherry - LB812 (Hansen) Terminate the Emergency Response Commission inheritance tax Monday, February 24 LB1065 (Lautenbaugh) Eliminate secret LB960 (Carlson) Change inheritance tax Banking, Commerce & Insurance ballot provisions under the Open rates Room 1507 - 1:30 p.m. Meetings Act LB1053 (Karpisek) Provide state aid to LB880 (Harms) Require notice of debit LB1066 (Lautenbaugh) Require a record- municipalities, counties, and natural and preauthorization hold amounts as ed roll call vote by certain county boards resources districts prescribed and provide for a violation LB1075 (B. Harr) Prohibit employment of to be a deceptive trade practice certain persons leaving public positions Friday, February 21 LB991 (Nordquist) Prohibit collection Government, Military & Veterans Affairs of interchange fees by payment card Health & Human Services Room 1507 - 1:30 p.m. networks on certain taxes and fees Room 1510 - 1:30 p.m. LR393CA (Murante) Constitutional LB886 (B. Harr) Change provisions relat- Appointment: Piskorski, Noah L. - Neb. amendment to change signature ing to the Nebraska Condominium Act Rural Health Advisory Commission requirements for initiative petitions LB900 (Janssen) Change a Nebraska Appointment: Mlnarik, Lisa L. - Neb. LR395 (Brasch) Recognize Feb. 10, Uniform Trust Code provision governing Rural Health Advisory Commission 2014, as the 60th anniversary of the charitable trusts Appointment: Hanus, Mary Beth - Neb. addition of the words “under God” to Child Abuse Prevention Fund Board the Pledge of Allegiance Business & Labor Appointment: Hiemer, Troy - Board of LR411CA (Karpisek) Authorize Room 2102 - 1:30 p.m. Emergency Medical Services municipalities and counties to exercise Appointment: Carlson, Joel - Appointment: Hoffman, Timothy - powers in matters of local concern and Commission of Industrial Relations Board of Emergency Medical Services to eliminate home rule charters LB949 (Business & Labor) Approve Appointment: LaFollette, Charles - claims against the state Board of Emergency Medical Services Health & Human Services LB950 (Business & Labor) Deny claims Appointment: Moravec, Anthony - State Room 1510 - 1:30 p.m. against the state Board of Health LR422 (Campbell) Provide the Health & LB955 (Dubas) Adopt the Paid Family Human Services Committee, in coop- Medical Leave Act Judiciary eration with the Banking, Commerce & LB1090 (Conrad) Adopt the Healthy Room 1113 - 1:30 PM Insurance Committee, be designated Families and Workplaces Act LB890 (Dubas) Change provisions to develop policy recommendations LB1036 (Wallman) Provide for biennial

103RD LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 17 February 10 - 13, 2014 Committee Hearings *Current hearing schedules are always available at: nebraskalegislature.gov/calendar contracts for cities of the primary class Appointment: Wootton, Edward - Board the Low-Income Home Energy under the Industrial Relations Act of Public Roads Classifications and Conservation Act LB1073 (Lathrop) Require employers to e- Standards LB979 (B. Harr) Change provisions verify immigration status of new employees LB925 (Coash) Provide for transfer of relating to tax sales for delinquent motor vehicle registration duties to property taxes Education county treasurers LB1043 (Nelson) Exempt certain deeds Room 1525 - 1:30 p.m. LB954 (Dubas) Change rotating or flashing from the documentary stamp tax Appointment: Harwood, Frank - light provisions for certain vehicles LB1067 (Hadley) Extend the sunset Technical Advisory Committee for dates under certain tax incentive laws Statewide Assessment Tuesday, February 25 Appointment: Hain, Jim - Board of Agriculture Thursday, February 27 Educational Lands and Funds Room 1510 - 1:30 p.m. Natural Resources LB1081 (Karpisek) Change provisions LB1002 (Wallman) Add enforcement Room 1525 - 1:30 p.m. relating to school-sponsored activities powers under the Commercial Dog and LB1112 (Christensen) Change LB789 (Bolz) Provide for a survey Cat Operator Inspection Act provisions relating to an occupation tax relating to paraeducators LR413 (Davis) Request the United on irrigated land LB958 (Cook) Provide for appointment States Department of Agriculture LB1113 (Christensen) Provide powers of a student achievement coordinator immediately withdraw its proposed rule and duties relating to surface water LB834 (Avery) Change provisions relating entitled “Importation of Beef from a appropriations to funding for school breakfast programs Region in Brazil” LB1009 (K. Haar) Establish a pilot pro- LR414 (Davis) Request the federal Revenue gram relating to problem-based learning government to reject changes to the Room 1524 - 1:30 PM current law governing country of origin LB708 (Kintner) Exempt social security General Affairs meat labeling benefits from state income taxation Room 1510 - 1:30 p.m. LB709 (Kintner) Exempt military retire- Appointment: Dinsdale, Kim West - Education ment benefits from state income taxation Neb. Arts Council Room 1525 - 1:30 p.m. LB836 (Legislative Performance Audit) Appointment: Pflueger, Paula L. - Neb. Appointment: Buckendahl, Chad W. Provide and change provisions relating Arts Council - Technical Advisory Committee for to legislative findings for tax incentive Appointment: Anselmo, Matthew - Neb. Statewide Assessment programs Commission on Problem Gambling LB1060 (Lautenbaugh) Change from LB885 (B. Harr) Require the use of the Appointment: Bruder, Marla - Neb. elected to appointed boards for income approach to value certain real Commission on Problem Gambling educational service units property for tax purposes Appointment: Canada, Mark - Neb. LB972 (Lautenbaugh) Adopt the Commission on Problem Gambling Independent Public Schools Act Friday, February 28 Appointment: Holt, Janelle - Neb. LB973 (B. Harr) Change and eliminate Commission on Problem Gambling Revenue provisions relating to classification of Room 1524 - 1:30 p.m. Appointment: Leckband, Paul - Neb. school districts Commission on Problem Gambling LB1025 (Bolz) Change the distribution LB1099 (K. Haar) Provide for a study of sales and use tax revenue Appointment: Lutz, Susan - Neb. relating to state aid to schools Commission on Problem Gambling LB1031 (Kintner) Change the Appointment: Scoville, Terry - Neb. distribution of sales and use tax Commission on Problem Gambling Wednesday, February 26 revenue and provide for decreased Appointment: Teutsch, Teresa “Teri” A. - Natural Resources income tax rates Neb. Commission on Problem Gambling Room 1525 - 1:30 p.m. LB1057 (Davis) Change the distribution LB1005 (Avery) Create the Surface of sales and use tax revenue and Transportation & Telecommunications Water and Ground Water Review Board provide duties for the Department of Room 1113 - 1:30 p.m. and provide powers and duties Revenue Appointment: Keegan, Barbara J. - LB1098 (Carlson) Change membership LR423CA (Nordquist) Constitutional Board of Public Roads Classifications and powers and duties of the Neb. amendment to provide that residential and Standards Natural Resources Commission real property may be classified g Appointment: Litchfield, James - Board separately for property taxation of Public Roads Classifications and Revenue Standards Room 1524 - 1:30 PM Appointment: Syslo, Mick - Board of Public LB978 (B. Harr) Authorize funding Roads Classifications and Standards for on-bill payment programs under

PAGE 18 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 103RD LEGISLATURE February 10 - 13, 2014 How a Bill Becomes Law

103RD LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 19 Unicameral Information Office PRESRT STD Nebraska Legislature U.S. POSTAGE PAID P.O. Box 94604 LINCOLN, NE Lincoln, NE 68509 PERMIT NO. 212 03-23-05

Located at the west entrance to the Nebraska State Capitol, the Lincoln Monument was created by architect Henry Bacon and sculptor Daniel Chester French in 1912. The monument predates the present Capitol building and is a symbol of Nebraska’s pride in having its capital city named after the 16th president of the United States. Wednesday, Feb. 12 saw the commemoration of Lincoln’s 205th birthday.