UNICAMERAL UPDATE News published daily at Update.Legislature.ne.gov Vol. 44, Issue 10 / March 9 - 12, 2021 Legalization of medical cannabis proposed bill that would approve cer- LB474, introduced by Lincoln Sen. that more than 70 percent of Nebras- tain forms of cannabis for , would create a frame- kans support legalizing medical canna- A medical use was heard by work for legalizing medical cannabis bis. While supporters span the politi- members of the Judiciary Committee use in . cal, age and geographic spectrums, she March 10. Wishart said a 2017 study showed said, they all share a common desire to assist those struggling with chronic illnesses who could be helped by medi- cal cannabis. “I’m here for the fifth year in a row to have Nebraska’s elected leaders step up and represent the will of the people and pass a safe and regulated medical cannabis system,” Wishart said. To qualify for a medical cannabis registration card under the bill, a per- son must receive written certification that medical cannabis would improve their condition from a health care practitioner with whom they have an established, bonafide relationship. Registered medical cannabis users could purchase cannabis through regu- Sen. Anna Wishart said the vast majority of Nebraskans support legalizing medical cannabis. (continued page 3) Bill broadened to include to-go alcohol sales, advanced awmakers amended a bill to create a package of [Nebraska] Liquor Control Commission,” he said. changes to Nebraska’s liquor laws before advancing A General Affairs Committee amendment, adopted L it from general file March 9. 30-1, added provisions of two additional bills. LB274, as introduced by Sen. John Lowe of Kearney, LB72, introduced by Sen. of Lincoln, would create a new promotional farmers would allow the holder of a Class C market special designated license. Under liquor license to sell alcohol not in the bill, farm wineries, craft breweries the original package — such as a mixed and micro-distilleries that currently are drink or cocktail — for consumption off licensed to manufacture alcoholic bev- the premises. The holder of a Class I erages could apply for the SDL, which liquor license could do the same if the would allow sales at any farmers market alcohol is not partially consumed and for one year, subject to local approval. Sen. John Lowe is purchased with food. Sen. Suzanne Geist Currently, such entities must apply for an SDL for Farm winery license holders would be allowed to sell each event at which they sell alcohol. Lowe said some products such as sangria or wine slushies for consumption farm wineries apply for 100 SDLs a year and virtually all off premises under the amendment. All alcohol sold would of them are approved. be in a sealed, labeled container with a tamper-evident “This is a waste of time for small business and for the (continued page 2)

INSIDE: Telehealth expansion clears first round • School safety reporting bill advanced March 9 - 12, 2021

Bill broadened to include to-go Find Your Senator alcohol sales, advanced (continued from front page) NebraskaLegislature.gov provides lid, cap or seal and, if placed into a alcohol by volume. an easy tool for locating your car, be out of reach of the driver or “We are overtaxing this specific district and senator. passengers. product and it is making it cost pro- Enter your full address into the Geist said the provisions would hibitive for [manufacturers] to be able “Find Your Senator” search make permanent an executive order to enter into the market,” Vargas said. field located on the right side of signed by the governor during the Sen. of North Platte the home page. This opens a pandemic that helped bars and res- said he supported the underlying bill map that shows your legislative district and a picture of your taurants survive. and the amended provisions. He said senator, along with a link to that “The whole intention of bringing LB274 would allow small businesses senator’s web page. the bill was to help recoup the revenue to expand their customer base while stream that was lost by these estab- LB72 would help restaurants recover This page includes senators’ lishments because of the [pandemic- from the ongoing COVID-19 pan- contact information and links to related] shutdown,” Geist said. demic. Lowering the excise tax on their biography and photos. It Also included in the amendment ready-to-drink cocktails is a matter of also provides a list of committees were provisions of LB578, introduced fairness, he said. they serve on and bills they’ve by Omaha Sen. . The provi- Sen. of Omaha introduced. sions would create said lowering the tax on ready-to-drink a new category of cocktails would lead to alcohol abuse alcoholic beverage and drunk driving and would cost the and set the excise state an estimated $5 million annu- tax at 95 cents per ally in lost tax revenue. He offered an gallon. Ready-to- amendment to strip those provisions drink cocktails from the bill, which failed on a vote would be charged Sen. Tony Vargas of 2-17. $3.75 per gallon without creation of the Following a failed motion by Hilke- new category, which defines a ready-to- mann to recommit LB274 to commit- drink cocktail as spirits in an original tee, the bill advanced to select file on container with up to 12.5 percent a vote of 33-0. n

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.

Clerk of the Legislature: Patrick J. O’Donnell Editor: Kate Heltzel; Writers: Kyle Harpster, Ami Johnson, Mike Malloy; Photographer: Bess Ghormley

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

Senators may be contacted by mail at this address: Senator Name, District #, State Capitol, P.O. Box 94604, Lincoln, NE 68509-4604

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PAGE 2 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 107TH LEGISLATURE March 9 - 12, 2021

Legalization of medical cannabis proposed (continued from front page) lated in-state dispensaries or home ing marijuana early in his professional dosing — that are already available to delivery from out-of-state suppliers. career, he said, and began sleeping Nebraska clinicians to prescribe for Patients would be limited to no more better, recovering faster and dealing patients whom evidence has demon- than two and one-half ounces of can- with less pain. strated will have a clinical benefit,” nabis — or a greater amount approved “I believe to my core that this plant Kuehn said. by a medical necessity waiver — or was given to us to promote healing,” Nebraska State Patrol Superin- cannabis infused products with no Wistrom said. “We have an opportu- tendent John Bolduc also spoke in more than 2,000 milligrams of THC. nity to end emotional and physical opposition. He said that other states Cannabis infused edible products pain through plant-based medicine for with approved medical marijuana pro- — other than pills — and cannabis used thousands of good, kind, hard-working grams have issues with the sale of legal in vaporizers would not be permitted. citizens in this state that I love.” marijuana to unqualified individuals. LB474 would prohibit any regis- Nicole Hochstein, speaking on “Because of the demand and tered user of medical cannabis from behalf of Nebraska Families for Medi- potential profit, decriminalizing the driving, operating a boat, train or cal Cannabis, also testified in support distribution and possession of even aircraft or undertaking any task that of the bill. She said the evidence in medical marijuana contributes to the would be negligent or constitute mal- favor of medical cannabis use is clear, dangerous problem the black market practice while under the influence of concise and plentiful. poses to public safety, including the cannabis. They also could not work on “Our children deserve medications rise in violent crime,” Bolduc said. transportation equipment, property that could provide them with relief The committee took no immediate or facilities. [from] these debilitating seizures, but action on LB474. n Medical cannabis would not be their zip code is preventing it,” Hoch- covered by Medicaid under the bill stein said. and private insurers would not be re- Speaking in opposition to LB474 Search for Bills quired to cover its costs. Any registered was Gary Anthone, chief medical offi- user who sells their medical cannabis cer for the state Department of Health Learn more about bills considered would suffer immediate revocation of and Human Services Division of by the Unicameral by logging on to NebraskaLegislature.gov. their registration card. Public Health. He said that legalizing Amanda McKinney, a physician and marijuana for any purpose — includ- The Legislature’s website offers medical educator specializing in medi- ing medicinal use — poses risks for the a bill search on the upper-right cal cannabis, spoke in support of the health and safety of Nebraskans. portion of the home page. Entering bill. She said the government should “Doctors and pharmacists are not a bill number will retrieve the bill’s stop forcing otherwise law-abiding able to prescribe drugs like marijuana text, fiscal note, statement of citizens to become criminals when they as a treatment because they are not intent, votes, transcripts and more. drive across state lines to purchase “life- federally approved and dosing and sustaining” medications. drug interactions remain unknown,” You also can search current laws “We are fortunate to have the Anthone said. using the keyword search found below the bill search. medical and industry experience in , speaking on behalf [Nebraska] to create a program that is of Smart Approaches to Marijuana- well regulated and safe for consumers Nebraska, opposed the bill, which he and patients while also providing rev- said seeks to establish a commercial enue that can offer relief in other areas, industry for the sale of THC products such as property taxes,” McKinney said. under the guise of medicine. Former college and professional “The FDA has currently approved football player Grant Wistrom also forms of THC and CBD — verified for supported LB474. He started consum- their purity, safety and standardized

107TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 3 March 9 - 12, 2021

answer that bell — they go to that call an existing school safety pilot program. and they never come home to their LB322, sponsored by Gothen- families — that we’re gonna give your burg Sen. Matt family $50,000,” McDonnell said. “I Williams, would Compensation for first don’t think $50,000 is enough but require the state responders’ families advanced at least ... they know we stepped up Department of and did something to recognize their Education to es- Lawmakers gave first-round ap- service and their ultimate sacrifice.” tablish a statewide, proval March 10 to a bill that would Sen. of Henderson ex- anonymous report- provide a one-time death benefit to pressed concerns that a one-size-fits-all ap- ing system to sup- Sen. Matt Williams families of Nebraska first responders proach could lead to duplicative benefits. port threat assessment teams with the killed in the line of duty. He also suggested that technical changes goal of reducing violent incidents. LB255, introduced by Lincoln be made to ensure that only individu- The reporting system — to be named Sen. , als who die in the line of active duty the Safe2HelpNE report line — would would provide mon- would receive benefits under LB255. allow students, school staff, parents etary compensation “We have to remember that there and community members to report in- to the family of a are departments out there who do formation about concerning behavior law enforcement of- provide very adequate benefits on life or possible harm to people or property ficer, firefighter or insurance policies ... so we are dupli- anonymously and free of charge by tele- public EMS ambu- cating, in some cases, what they might phone, mobile app, website or email. lance squad mem- Sen. Matt Hansen be receiving,” Friesen said. “National statistics show that in ber killed in the line of duty, including Opposing the bill was Thurston most school incidents — in fact [in] those who work on a voluntary basis. Sen. . Many fire depart- over 80 percent of violent school inci- The concept is common practice in ments have negotiated contracts that dents — someone has leaked the infor- other states, Hansen said, and is long already provide death benefits, she mation prior to the actual incident,” overdue in Nebraska. said, echoing concerns that the state Williams said. “Safe2HelpNE will give “Many of our neighboring states would be providing monetary pay- Nebraska schools a tool to receive that have some form of compensation for ments to families on top of generous information and safely help someone those who die in the line of duty,” he local, agency-provided benefits. before a tragedy occurs.” said. “I believe it is time for Nebraska to “In our communities that lose a He said the bill is modeled after a join our neighbors and make sure those loved one that was on a volunteer successful pilot program in Douglas first responders know that we value firefighter department or a police County that logged 470 reports includ- their work, their service and their lives.” officer in our local towns — if some- ing suicide threats, drug use, bullying, Under the bill, a qualifying family thing happens — Nebraska rises to the mental health issues and threats against member must file for compensation occasion,” Albrecht said. “They can property. He said that 81 percent of the within one year of the death. For first have money raised for these folks in resulting contacts were diverted away responders killed in 2022, compensa- minimal amounts of time.” from law enforcement interaction. tion provided would be $50,000. For Senators advanced LB255 to select Similarly, information provided each following year, compensation file on a 37-1 vote. through the report line under LB322 would be equal to the previous year’s would go directly to individuals compensation increased by the per- trained in crisis management, Wil- centage increase in the consumer price liams said, rather than directly to law index for all urban consumers. enforcement. The report line would Omaha Sen. Mike McDonnell spoke be available to any public or nonpublic in support of the bill. He said it was a Statewide school safety school that has a threat assessment small way to thank first responders, es- reporting system advanced team and maintains a current list of pecially the many volunteers who receive contact information for at least five no compensation for their work. Lawmakers gave first-round approval team members designated to receive “[This bill] is telling them ... if they March 11 to a bill that would broaden alerts from report line staff 24/7.

PAGE 4 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 107TH LEGISLATURE March 9 - 12, 2021

Fremont Sen. sup- he said. “It’s easy to talk about dollars permit for a military spouse would ported the bill, which she said reflects and cents … with this bill, I would be valid for at least three years and a top state priority of student and prefer to talk about dollars and sense.” include the same or similar endorse- teacher safety by helping to identify Following the 35-4 adoption of ments to teach in all subject areas for potential crisis situations. an Education Committee amend- which the applicant had been certified “Equally important, it makes it pos- ment that made a series of technical in the other state if Nebraska offers a sible for us to then provide the neces- changes, senators advanced LB322 to similar endorsement. sary wrap-around services and supports select file on a 33-5 vote. The board would issue a prelimi- to kids who might not otherwise get the nary permit after submission of an help that they need,” Walz said. “I’m Teaching certification application, payment of any fees confident that it’s a bill that will save reciprocity for military and completion of a criminal his- lives and keep our schools safe.” spouses advanced tory record check. It would remain Sen. Mike Groene of Norfolk op- in force until the state commissioner posed the bill, which he said could Lawmakers gave first-round approv- of education finishes reviewing the have long-term repercussions for al March 9 to a bill intended to speed other requirements and either issues young people based on anonymous the issuance of teaching certificates to a certificate or permit or notifies the accusations that may not be accurate. military spouses. applicant of why it cannot be issued. “This could follow a kid his entire LB389, introduced by Bellevue Sen. The bill also would require the life,” Groene said. Rita Sanders at the request of Gov. Pete board to regulate and expedite the LB322 would appropriate $899,000 Ricketts, would processing of applications submitted in general funds for the reporting sys- require the State by an individual whose spouse is serv- tem in fiscal year 2021-22 and FY22- Board of Educa- ing on active duty. 23. The bill includes intent language tion to issue a cer- Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont sup- that the Legislature would fund the tificate or permit to ported LB389. She said it would help system for ten years. At the end of that a military spouse address Nebraska’s teacher shortage, time, the department would report who, among oth- which the pandemic has worsened cost-benefit data and recommenda- er requirements, Sen. Rita Sanders over the past year. tions to the Legislature regarding the holds a valid certificate or permit cur- “Reciprocity will help us fill the continued viability of the report line. rently in force in another state to teach, needs of teachers for our schools and Bayard Sen. expressed administer or provide special services. help us continue to provide the high concern over the annual cost and the An applicant also must have held quality of education that Nebraska long-term commitment of state dollars. the certificate or permit for at least enjoys and appreciates,” Walz said. “We’re adding to the base of our one year, be in good standing in all Senators voted 46-0 to advance the spending because we have all the states where the certificate or permit bill to select file. CARES Act money and all the rev- is held, have no pending investigations enue that we have today … and then we or complaints, meet all residency and move forward a year or two and when background check requirements and the economy changes and we have no pay applicable fees. more CARES [Act] money, then we’ve Sanders said the bill would help established a base that we may not be military spouses who are teachers able to fund,” Erdman said. receive their Nebraska certification Fines for late reports clear first Williams acknowledged the cost quickly and with minimal burden. The round of the program, which he said is the changes would meet U.S. Department equivalent of approximately $2 per of Defense policy goals meant to make Cities, counties and other political student, and said he would continue Nebraska more friendly to military subdivisions in Nebraska could be to look for alternative funding sources. spouses and help schools by increas- fined for filing late reports with the “That’s less than a gallon of gas; less ing the number of qualified teaching state under a bill advanced from gen- than a gallon of milk; less than one candidates, she said. eral file March 9. lunch at the school on a daily basis,” Under LB389, the certificate or Government entities that fail

107TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 5 March 9 - 12, 2021

to file required re- for audiologists and speech-language Telehealth expansion clears ports with the state pathologists advanced from general first round auditor of public file March 9. accounts could be LB14, introduced by Bellevue Nebraskans would have greater ac- fined $20 a day — Sen. , cess to telehealth services under a bill up to $2,000 total would adopt the advanced from general file March 9. per filing — under Audiology and LB400, introduced by Sen. John LB368, introduced Sen. Rita Sanders Speech-Language Arch of La Vista, by Bellevue Sen. Rita Sanders. Pathology Inter- would allow indi- Sanders said 309 reports were filed state Compact. viduals to receive late in the 2019 fiscal year and 19 sub- Under the com- audio-only tele- divisions have yet to file for that year. pact, individuals Sen. Carol Blood health for behavior- “Chasing these reports down can licensed in a member state could prac- al health services. be frustrating and expensive for the tice in any other member state without The bill also auditor’s office and it prevents the having to obtain a separate license. would allow an in- Sen. John Arch public from seeing the results of an Ten states are required to join the dividual to receive telehealth services audit in a timely manner,” she said. compact for it to take effect and Blood with verbal approval during a patient’s “There’s currently no enforcement said six states have joined already. She first telehealth visit. Under current mechanism for those that choose to said the bill would benefit military law, Nebraskans must give written ignore the set deadline.” spouses who relocate frequently with- consent to receive telehealth services Norfolk Sen. Michael Flood sup- out lowering the quality of service that prior to those services being provided. ported the bill, saying it would make practitioners provide. LB400 would require that written ap- political subdivisions better stewards “Nebraska will continue to regu- proval be received within 10 days of a of taxpayer dollars. late the actual practice of audiology patient giving verbal consent. “If you’ve got some renegade or lazy and speech-language pathology and In addition, LB400 would prohibit or non-conforming board that doesn’t maintain their individual scopes of insurers from excluding coverage solely think they’re subject to the transparency practice,” she said. based on a patient’s originating location. requirements of the auditor’s office, there Glenvil Sen. Dave Murman spoke Arch said telehealth utilization should be some accountability,” he said. in support, saying the bill would ex- has increased dramatically during Sen. Mike Groene said he sup- pand the pool of health care workers the COVID-19 pandemic — particu- ported giving the state auditor the in the state. larly behavioral health services — and flexibility to impose a fine on subdivi- “I think we all recognize that Ne- LB400 would improve access to care sions that are negligent while possibly braska has a shortage of health care by making permanent some of the waiving fines on those that file late professionals,” he said. “Compacts emergency measures put in place at because of an oversight. in general, and LB14 specifically, are the start of the pandemic. Lawmakers adopted a technical tools for addressing this shortage.” “Studies show most behavioral amendment 36-0 and advanced A Health and Human Services health services can be delivered effective- LB368 to select file on a 37-0 vote. Committee amendment, adopted ly through audio-only means,” he said. 41-0, would require that the compact Sen. of Seward commission approve the educational supported the bill. Telehealth access institutions at which a covered service will become even more critical as provider could earn a degree. It also Nebraska expands broadband services would allow a member state to take into rural areas, he said. disciplinary action against a provider’s “Telehealth is a way that we can Audiology, speech therapy license based on the findings of an- deliver health care services across the compact advances other member state. state to everyone,” Kolterman said. Lawmakers advanced LB14 to se- Lawmakers adopted an amend- A bill that would pave the way for lect file on a 43-0 vote. ment 46-0 that narrowed the defini- Nebraska to join an interstate compact tion of audio-only behavioral health

PAGE 6 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 107TH LEGISLATURE March 9 - 12, 2021

services to individual services pro- that imposes an undue burden on a “The health and safety of women vided to established patients only. woman’s right to access abortion care and pre-born lives should be protect- Arch said the change would ensure is unconstitutional. ed,” Bowling said. “Mail-in, delivered that group therapy was not included Of Nebraska’s 93 counties, Conrad and self-managed abortion should not in the bill’s provisions. said, only three provide access to abor- be the standard of care in Nebraska.” LB400 advanced to select file on a tion. The current ban on telehealth The committee took no immediate vote of 46-0. abortion services was introduced in action on the bill. 2011 based on the bill sponsor’s re- ligious beliefs, she said, which makes Bill would ban release of the resulting burden on women’s ac- private donor information cess constitutionally suspect. Also testifying in support of the A proposal meant to protect the pri- proposal was Tiffany Joekel, speak- vacy of certain personal information Telehealth access proposed ing on behalf of the Women’s Fund was heard March 11 by the Judiciary for medical abortion of Omaha. Laws should safeguard Committee. A bill that would allow patients women’s health, she said, while at the Under LB370, sponsored by Bel- to receive medical abortion services same time not inhibit access to safe levue Sen. Rita Sanders, local or state through telehealth was considered by and effective medical care. government agencies could not compel members of the Judiciary Committee “We support this effort to elimi- a nonprofit organization to release the March 12. nate medically unnecessary barriers personal information of its members, LB276, sponsored by Omaha that have singled out a woman’s supporters, volunteers or donors. Sen. , decision to access medication abor- Sanders said the U.S. Supreme would remove a tion care for more onerous treatment Court consistently has upheld the in- current require- through telemedicine,” Joekel said. dividual right to privacy in association. ment that a physi- “Ultimately, this in-person require- “There is a vital relationship be- cian be physically ment simply creates more burdens and tween the freedom to associate and present to adminis- barriers for women and their families privacy in one’s associations,” she said. ter the first of two in accessing the care that they need.” “Transparency is for the government, medications used Sen. Megan Hunt Speaking in opposition to the bill but privacy is for the people.” in a medical abortion. The second was Marion Miner, representing the The bill’s provisions would not medication typically is taken by the Nebraska Catholic Conference. He apply to legally required disclosures patient at home at a later time. said the lack of an in-person meeting under the Nebraska Political Account- Hunt said the prohibition on tele- between an abortion provider and a ability and Disclosure Act or for use in health abortions in Nebraska is based woman seeking care would increase criminal or civil investigations. in moral and political opinions about the likelihood that sexual abuse, Sanders offered an amendment abortion rather than science. trafficking or coercion would go un- to the committee that, if adopted, “Under current Nebraska statute, detected. also would exempt the University of all treatments and consultations that “When abortion pills can be pre- Nebraska, the secretary of state and do not involve a physical procedure scribed over video conference or tele- auditor of public accounts from dis- can be performed through telemedi- phone, it is not difficult for an abuser closure restrictions under LB370 when cine, except for medical abortion,” to be present and to listen to the otherwise legally required. she said. “This means patients that are conversation without the knowledge Doug Kellogg, speaking on behalf seeking abortions early in a pregnancy of the provider,” Miner said. of Americans for Tax Reform, testified have to be in the same room as a doc- Karen Bowling, executive director of in support of the bill. He said the tor just to swallow a pill and go home.” Nebraska Family Alliance, also spoke in courts alone cannot be relied upon Danielle Conrad, executive direc- opposition to LB276. Women deserve to protect Nebraskans from harass- tor of the ACLU of Nebraska, testified the best standard of care when pursu- ment based on disclosure of their in support of LB276. She said the U.S. ing a medication abortion, she said, associations. Supreme Court has found that any law including the presence of a physician. “While often sold under the wrap-

107TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 7 March 9 - 12, 2021

ping of ethics reform, disclosure is an income to the extent it is included in committee is considering proposals anti-ethics and anti-transparency policy,” federal adjusted gross income. to exempt Social Security income Kellogg said. “Whether it is doxing or LB387, intro- from state income tax and cut state hackers — online or real mobs — unfor- duced by Gordon inheritance tax rates. tunately, it has been made perfectly clear Sen. at Friesen said approving those mea- that people can and will be targeted for the request of Gov. sures and others could limit the Leg- their beliefs, if made public.” , would islature’s ability to provide additional Also testifying in support was Spike allow individuals to property tax relief in future years. Eickholt, representing the ACLU of exclude 100 percent “I know we’re all feeling giddy Nebraska. He said LB370 represents of that income. Sen. Tom Brewer about the huge budget increases that an important protection of First Brewer said the bill would help Ne- we’re going to see this year because of Amendment rights. braska retain U.S. Strategic Command the revenue that’s coming in above “This bill provides for an affirma- at Offutt Air Force Base and increase projections,” he said. “Down the road tion of freedom of association and does its chances for being selected to host … somebody’s going to have to figure balance [that with] the idea that the gov- U.S. Space Command headquarters. out how to pay for all this in a sustain- ernment can compel information from The state Department of Revenue able manner.” nonprofits and other organizations for estimates that LB387 would reduce North Platte Sen. Mike Groene certain purposes, including campaign state income tax revenue by approxi- said he supports the bill because it finance disclosures,” Eickholt said. mately $13 million in fiscal year 2022- would improve the state’s workforce. Opposing the proposal was Korby 23, $13.7 million in FY23-24 and However, he said, it would not benefit Gilbertson, testifying on behalf of Media $14.4 million in FY24-25. the many Nebraska veterans who do of Nebraska. Some nonprofit groups Senators voted 45-0 to adopt a not receive military retirement pay. have blurred the lines between legally ac- Revenue Committee amendment Lawmakers voted 45-0 to advance ceptable educational activity on political that includes provisions of LB6, intro- LB387 to select file. issues and electioneering, she said, while duced by Bellevue maintaining tax-exempt status. Sen. Carol Blood. “It’s not that we don’t believe in They would allow people’s First Amendment rights,” Gil- a military retiree bertson said. “We don’t believe people to provide a form [should] have no accountability for ex- 1099 from either ercising their First Amendment rights.” the U.S. Depart- Extended TIF repayment The committee took no immediate ment of Defense Sen. Carol Blood approved action on the bill. or the Office of Personnel Manage- ment to claim the exemption. Lawmakers passed a bill March 11 Creighton Sen. Tim Gragert sup- that implements the provisions of a ported the bill. He said it would show constitutional amendment approved gratitude to service members and by Nebraska voters in 2020. encourage talented and disciplined LB25, introduced by Omaha Sen. military retirees to start their civilian Justin Wayne, ex- Full tax exclusion for military careers in Nebraska. tends the maximum retirement pay advanced “The increased revenue the state repayment period Nebraskans could exclude all of will receive from income taxes paid at for tax-increment their military retirement benefit pay their new jobs will more than offset financing from 15 from state income tax under a bill the income tax exemption for the mili- years to 20 if more that advanced from the first round of tary retirement benefits,” Gragert said. than one half of the debate March 10. Sen. Curt Friesen of Henderson land in a project is Sen. Justin Wayne Beginning in taxable year 2022, said he voted against advancing the designated as extremely blighted. individuals may exclude 50 percent bill from the Revenue Committee. LB25 passed on a 48-0 vote and of their military retirement benefit In addition to LB387, he said, the takes effect immediately. n

PAGE 8 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 107TH LEGISLATURE March 9 - 12, 2021 Senator Contact Info

Sen. Raymond Aguilar Sen. Sen. Mike Groene Sen. Sen. Grand Island, District 35 Omaha, District 6 North Platte, District 42 Omaha, District 18 Lincoln, District 28 Room 1118 11th Floor Room 1302 Room 2015 Room 1016 (402) 471-2617 (402) 471-2714 (402) 471-2729 (402) 471-2618 (402) 471-2633 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist35 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist06 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist42 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist18 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist28

Sen. Joni Albrecht Sen. Robert Clements Sen. Sen. Sen. Rita Sanders Thurston, District 17 Elmwood, District 2 Hastings, District 33 Elkhorn, District 39 Bellevue, District 45 Room 1404 Room 1120 Room 1022 Room 1116 Room 1406 (402) 471-2716 (402) 471-2613 (402) 471-2712 (402) 471-2885 (402) 471-2615 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist17 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist02 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist33 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist39 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist45

Sen. John Arch Sen. Sen. Ben Hansen Sen. John Lowe Sen. La Vista, District 14 Omaha, District 49 Blair, District 16 Kearney, District 37 Peru, District 1 Room 1402 Room 1018 Room 2010 Room 2011 11th Floor (402) 471-2730 (402) 471-2725 (402) 471-2728 (402) 471-2726 (402) 471-2733 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist14 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist49 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist16 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist37 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist01

Sen. Carol Blood Sen. Wendy DeBoer Sen. Matt Hansen Sen. John McCollister Sen. Bellevue, District 3 Bennington, District 10 Lincoln, District 26 Omaha, District 20 Gering, District 48 Room 1021 Room 1114 Room 1015 Room 1017 Room 1004 (402) 471-2627 (402) 471-2718 (402) 471-2610 (402) 471-2622 (402) 471-2802 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist03 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist10 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist26 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist20 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist48

Sen. Eliot Bostar Sen. Myron Dorn Sen. Sen. Mike McDonnell Sen. Tony Vargas Lincoln, District 29 Adams, District 30 Lincoln, District 21 Omaha, District 5 Omaha, District 7 Room 1012 11th Floor Room 2103 Room 2107 Room 1000 (402) 471-2734 (402) 471-2620 (402) 471-2673 (402) 471-2710 (402) 471-2721 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist29 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist30 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist21 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist05 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist07

Sen. Sen. Steve Erdman Sen. Robert Hilkemann Sen. Terrell McKinney Sen. Lynne Walz Brainard, District 23 Bayard, District 47 Omaha, District 4 Omaha, District 11 Fremont, District 15 Room 1117 Room 1124 Room 2028 11th Floor Room 1107 (402) 471-2719 (402) 471-2616 (402) 471-2621 (402) 471-2612 (402) 471-2625 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist23 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist47 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist04 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist11 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist15

Sen. Tom Brandt Sen. Michael Flood Sen. Dan Hughes Sen. Sen. Justin Wayne Plymouth, District 32 Norfolk, District 19 Venango, District 44 Lincoln, District 46 Omaha, District 13 Room 1528 11th Floor Room 2108 Room 1008 Room 1115 (402) 471-2711 (402) 471-2929 (402) 471-2805 (402) 471-2720 (402) 471-2727 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist32 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist19 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist44 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist46 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist13

Sen. Tom Brewer Sen. Curt Friesen Sen. Megan Hunt Sen. Mike Moser Sen. Matt Williams Gordon, District 43 Henderson, District 34 Omaha, District 8 Columbus, District 22 Gothenburg, District 36 Room 1101 Room 1110 Room 1523 Room 1529 Room 1401 (402) 471-2628 (402) 471-2630 (402) 471-2722 (402) 471-2715 (402) 471-2642 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist43 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist34 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist08 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist22 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist36

Sen. Sen. Suzanne Geist Sen. Mark Kolterman Sen. Dave Murman Sen. Anna Wishart Albion, District 41 Lincoln, District 25 Seward, District 24 Glenvil, District 38 Lincoln, District 27 Room 1019 Room 2000 Room 2004 Room 1522 Room 1308 (402) 471-2631 (402) 471-2731 (402) 471-2756 (402) 471-2732 (402) 471-2632 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist41 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist25 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist24 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist38 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist27

Sen. John Cavanaugh Sen. Tim Gragert Sen. Sen. Rich Pahls Omaha, District 9 Creighton, District 40 Omaha, District 12 Omaha, District 31 Room 1306 11th Floor Room 1103 Room 1403 (402) 471-2723 (402) 471-2801 (402) 471-2623 (402) 471-2327 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist09 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist40 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist12 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist31

107TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 9 March 9 - 12, 2021 LEGISLATIVE GLOSSARY “A” Bill - see Appropriation Bill. Engrossment - the process of preparing a bill for Final Read- Amendment On File - an amendment of 10 or more pages, ing by incorporating all adopted amendments. not printed separately or in the Journal, that is available in Enrollment and Review (E&R) - the process of incorporating the Clerk’s Office (Room 2018). adopted amendments into a bill and reviewing the bill for Amendment Printed Separate - an amendment of 10 or more technical and grammatical accuracy. pages, printed separately from the Journal, that is available Executive Session - a closed meeting of a committee to dis- in the Bill Room (Room 1102). cuss and act on bills and resolutions. An executive session Appropriation Bill (“A” Bill) - a bill to appropriate funds to is open only to committee members, committee staff and finance another bill bearing the same number. the media. Attorney General’s Opinion - a written analysis of a question Final Reading - the third and last stage at which a bill is of law prepared by the attorney general for the governor, considered by the entire Legislature. The clerk reads the the head of an executive department or any state senator. entire bill aloud, unless final reading is waived, and sena- Bill - see Legislative Bill. tors vote without debate on whether to submit the bill to Bracket - to delay consideration of a bill. the governor. Call of the House - a procedure used to compel attendance Fiscal Note - a statement prepared by the Legislative Fiscal of unexcused senators in the chamber. Office estimating the effect a bill would have on state and/ Carry-over Legislation - bills and resolutions introduced or local expenditures and revenue. during the regular session in an odd-numbered year and Floor - the area of the legislative chamber where the senators held over for consideration during the regular session in sit. When a committee advances a bill “to the floor,” it means an even-numbered year. the bill is being sent to the full Legislature for consideration. Chair - the presiding officer. General File - the first stage at which a bill is considered by Cloture - a parliamentary action to cease debate on a bill and the full Legislature. Bills on General File may be amended, vote immediately on its advancement. A motion for cloture returned to committee, indefinitely postponed or advanced may be made after eight hours of to Select File. debate on most bills and after 12 Hearing - a regularly scheduled hours on appropriation bills in- committee meeting to receive troduced by the Appropriations public comment on proposed bills Committee. and resolutions. Constitutional Amendment Reso- House Under Call - the term used lution - a proposal to amend when all unexcused senators are the state constitution, ratify or required to be in their seats in reject an amendment to the U.S. the chamber and unauthorized Constitution, or petition Con- personnel must leave the floor. gress about amending the U.S. Indefinitely Postpone (IPP) - to Constitution. State CA resolu- kill a bill. tions have the suffix “CA” by Interim - the period between regu- the resolution number, and they lar legislative sessions. must be approved by the voters as well as the Legislature. Interim Study Resolution - a resolution authorizing a Consent Calendar - a portion of the agenda in which relatively committee to study an issue following adjournment of a noncontroversial bills are considered and quickly advanced legislative session. to the next legislative stage. Usually, a bill on consent cal- IPP - see Indefinitely Postpone. endar can be debated for no more than 15 minutes. Journal - see Legislative Journal. “E” Clause - see Emergency Clause. Laws of Nebraska (Session Laws) - bound compilation of all E&R - see Enrollment and Review. laws and constitutional amendment resolutions passed in Emergency Clause (“E” Clause) - a provision that allows a a legislative session, the state Constitution, and subject bill or a portion of a bill to take effect immediately after and section indexes. the governor signs it or after the Legislature overrides the Legislative Bill (LB) - a proposal to create, change or delete governor’s veto. one or more laws.

PAGE 10 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 107TH LEGISLATURE March 9 - 12, 2021

Legislative History - the committee and floor debate records may be printed in the Legislative Journal. for any bill. A history includes transcripts of the bill’s hear- Select Committee - a permanent committee with a subject- ing and all floor debate. matter jurisdiction related to the administration of the Legislative Journal - official record of legislative floor Legislature. action, including all motions, the number of yeas Select File - the second stage at which a bill is con- and nays on each vote, etc. sidered by the entire Legislature. Bills on Select Legislative Resolution (LR) - a proposal to File may be amended, returned to committee, make a formal expression of opinion, in- indefinitely postponed or advanced to Final tent or recognition; amend the state or Reading. federal constitution; or authorize a study Session - a period of time, usually a num- of an issue during the interim. See also ber of days, during which the Legislature Constitutional Amendment Resolution, meets and transacts business. Interim Study Resolution. Session Laws - compilation of all laws Line-Item Veto - the power of the governor and constitutional amendment resolu- to make specific reductions in any part tions passed in a session. of a budget bill passed by the Legislature. Sine Die - without setting a future date Machine Vote - a vote taken by electronic for reconvening. When the Legislature voting system. The voting board shows adjourns sine die, the legislative session how each senator voted, but only vote is finished for the year. totals are entered in the Legislative Journal. Slip Law - a bill or constitutional amend- Major Proposal - a bill or constitutional amend- ment resolution printed individually in its ment resolution that the speaker designates as approved form after being enacted into law or important enough for scheduling priority. Each submitted to voters. session, up to five bills may be chosen as major proposals, Speaker of the Legislature - the officer of the Legislature, all of which must be senator priority bills and must get the elected from among the senators, who prepares the daily approval of two-thirds of the Executive Board. agenda and the session calendar and presides in the absence One-liner - a one-line description of a bill or resolution. of the lieutenant governor. Override a Veto - see Veto Override. Special Committee - a committee created by law for a specific President of the Legislature - the lieutenant governor. While reason. Except for the Executive Board, special committees senators address whomever is in the chair as Mr. or Madam have no jurisdiction over bills or resolutions. President, the lieutenant governor alone holds the official Special Session - a limited legislative session called for a spe- title. cific purpose by the governor or two-thirds (33 members) Presiding Officer - the senator currently presiding over leg- of the Legislature. islative proceedings. Standing Committee - a permanent committee with subject- Priority Bill - a bill that has priority status and generally is matter jurisdiction related to an area of public policy. considered ahead of other bills in debate. Each senator may Almost all bills and resolutions are referred to one of the select one priority bill, each committee may select two prior- 14 standing committees. ity bills, and the speaker may select up to 25 priority bills. Summary Sheet - a daily list of all legislative activity that has Record Vote - a vote on which a record is kept of how each taken place in one legislative day, including action taken senator voted. The vote is taken by electronic voting system on bills and resolutions. and the senators’ names and corresponding votes are then Veto - the power of the governor to reject bills passed by the printed in the Legislative Journal. Legislature. The governor has five days, excluding Sundays, Regular Session - the annual session that begins the first to either sign or veto a bill. The Legislature then has an Wednesday after the first Monday in January. opportunity to override the veto. Resolution - see Legislative Resolution. Veto Override - the power of the Legislature to pass a bill over Revisor Bill - a bill, prepared by the Office of the Revisor of the governor’s veto. A veto override requires the approval Statutes, proposing a technical correction or the repeal of of three-fifths (30 members) of the Legislature. an obsolete statute. Voice Vote - a vote in which senators cast their votes orally Roll Call Vote - a vote during which the senators vote one at and no totals are recorded. a time as the clerk reads their names. Senators cast their Worksheet - a list, prepared daily, that indicates the status of votes verbally, and their names and corresponding votes all bills and resolutions at the end of that legislative day.

107TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 11 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