UNICAMERAL UPDATE Stories published daily at Update.Legislature.ne.gov Vol. 38, Issue 19 / May 12 - 15, 2015 Licenses Medical marijuana for young legalization advanced immigrants edical marijua- advanced Mna would fter prolonged debate, law- be available in Ne- makers gave first-round ap- braska under a bill A proval May 14 to a bill that amended and ad- would allow young immigrants to vanced from general drive in Nebraska. file May 12. Introduced by Omaha Sen. Jeremy Introduced by Nordquist, LB623 would allow Ne- Bellevue Sen. Tom- braska residents of driving age who my Garrett, LB643 are covered by the federal Deferred would authorize the Action of Childhood Arrivals (DACA) state Department of program to secure a driver’s license or Health and Human state identification card. Services to regulate Administered by the U.S. Depart- the manufacture ment of Homeland Security, the and use of canna- DACA program is designed to protect bis in Nebraska for from deportation individuals who medical purposes. were brought into the country illegally The department as children. would be required In August 2012, then Governor to specify terms and Dave Heineman directed the state legal protections for Sen. Tommy Garrett said medical marijuana would give relief to ailing Nebraskans who have exhausted all of their clinical options. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) medical cannabis to deny driver’s licenses to DACA use by practitioners and patients. Garrett said his staff reviewed recipients on the grounds that state Garrett said that medical mari- medical marijuana legislation passed law forbids granting public benefits juana reduces seizures for people suf- by 24 states, resulting in a “rock solid” to illegal aliens. Lawsuits are pending fering from epilepsy and helps others measure that would tightly control against Heineman and the department manage the side effects from cancer the manufacture and distribution of to stop the withholding of the licenses. treatment and prescription narcotics. the drug. Like Minnesota’s medical Nordquist said the state is treating He cited a study showing that 70 per- marijuana law, he said, LB643 would DACA recipients differently from cent of children who use Cannabidiol not permit the smoking of marijuana other similarly situated groups. (CBD), an oil made from cannabis, as a treatment. “We have young, talented people experienced a 50 percent reduction “This is not about stoners and get- in our state who are authorized to stay in seizures. ting high; this is about medicine and here and obtain work permits but our “There are a lot of sick and ailing helping people,” Garrett said. “We’ll state is refusing to allow them to apply Nebraskans who are out of options,” make [the bill] airtight.” for driver’s licenses,” he said. “These Garrett said. “These Nebraskans are A Judiciary Committee amend- are well educated young adults who begging for our help.” ment, adopted 27-10, replaced the (continued page 3) (continued page 2)

INSIDE: Budget approved • Senators override veto; fuel tax increased • Lower wage for young workers fails May 12 - 15, 2015 Medical marijuana legalization advanced (continued from front page) bill. The measure would require the Patients would pay a $200 registry remaining option is brain surgery, she department to: enrollment fee, while those receiving said. If doctors don’t think cannabis • permit the delivery of medical Social Security or other medical ben- is an appropriate medication, she cannabis in liquid, oil or pill efit payments would be charged a $50 said, they would not be required to form; enrollment fee. A $20,000 fee would prescribe it. • register two medical cannabis be charged to each entity applying for “This is one extra tool in a physi- manufacturers in the state by registration as a manufacturer. cian’s tool bag,” Pansing Brooks said. Dec. 1, 2015; Bancroft Sen. Lydia Brasch op- Omaha Sen. Heath Mello, whose • require each manufacturer to posed the bill, saying the Federal mother has epilepsy, also spoke in operate four distribution fa- Drug Administration (FDA) has support of LB643. Although more cilities with at least one facility not approved marijuana for use as work on the bill may be needed to distributing medical cannabis a medication. Medical associations make lawmakers comfortable with the by July 1, 2016, and all facili- have expressed reservations about the issue of medical marijuana, he said, no ties being operational by July use of unproven and untested drugs, one can deny that a problem exists in 1, 2017; she said, because of concerns that Nebraska. • establish a patient registry cannabis could damage the brains of “Sen. Garrett has raised an issue and define qualifying medical younger patients. Instead, patients that can’t go unnoticed any longer,” conditions required to be en- should explore FDA-approved options Mello said. “There are parents and rolled in the registry to include such as Marinol, a drug that contains children that need our help one way seizures, severe or chronic pain a synthetic version of tetrahydrocan- or another and we’ve got to help them and nausea associated with nabinol, the active chemical in can- out.” cancer, acquired immune de- nabis, she said. Senators advanced the bill to select ficiency syndrome or epilepsy; “Are we in such a hurry that we file on a 27-12 vote. g • establish qualifications for would bypass the medically-approved caregivers to administer medical marijuana drugs out there today?” cannabis for those unable to Brasch said. “Let’s not rush into some- acquire or self-administer; and thing that still has a very short history • create a five-person, governor- of regulation.” appointed Medical Cannabis Sen. of Lin- Board to advise the department coln supported the bill. Medical mari- regarding medical cannabis juana would provide an additional regulations. choice for some patients whose only UNICAMERAL UPDATE The Unicameral Update is a free, weekly newsletter published during the legislative session. It is produced by the Clerk of the Legislature’s Office through the Unicameral Information Office. For print subscriptions, call 402-471-2788 or email [email protected]. Visit us online at Update.Legislature.ne.gov and follow us on Twitter.com/UnicamUpdate.

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PAGE 2 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 104TH LEGISLATURE May 12 - 15, 2015 Licenses for young immigrants advanced (continued from front page) are making significant contributions to their economy but they have the potential to do more.” Those who meet DACA guidelines are eligible for a work permit and may request deferred action for two years, subject to renewal. To qualify for the program residents must have: • lived in the U.S. continuously since June 15, 2007; • been no older than 31 as of June 15, 2012; • entered the country prior to their 16th birthday; • attended school, earned a di- ploma or general education cer- tificate or been honorably dis- charged from the U.S. Armed Forces; and Sen. Jeremy Nordquist said obtaining driver’s licenses will allow DACA recipients to contribute to • not been convicted of a felony their communities and state. or significant misdemeanors. that being a citizen is a privilege.” Sen. Beau McCoy of Omaha op- Under a Transportation and Tele- Gothenburg Sen. Matt Williams posed the bill. He said Nebraska is communications Committee amend- supported the bill, saying it is essential the only state to have “hardwired” the ment, adopted 34-0, DACA recipients to the state’s economic development. federal policy in state statute. would be required to relinquish a state “Our entire state has a low unem- “Our state law prohibits this. This driver’s license or identification card if ployment issue, which is great,” he said. bill could advance and I would argue their lawful status were to be revoked “At the same time, we have many jobs that these individuals still would not re- by the federal government. in our state that are going unfilled be- ceive licenses because [LB623] still does North Platte Sen. intro- cause we don’t have enough workers to not change in statute all of the areas duced an amendment that would have fill them. If we’re to continue expand- that talk about lawful status,” he said. offered a driving privileges card instead ing our agricultural base in our state, Papillion Sen. Bill Kintner intro- of a driver’s license. The card would we must address the lack of necessary duced several amendments in an clearly indicate that the cardholder has employees to make that happen.” attempt to extend debate on the bill, temporary privileges. It also would au- Saying that DACA recipients want saying that the state instead should thorize the DMV to revoke any driver’s to stay and work in Nebraska, Crete encourage an easier path to legal im- privileges card if a DACA recipient’s Sen. Laura Ebke also supported the migration. lawful status were to be revoked. bill. After eight hours of debate span- Groene said it must be made clear “The knee-jerk reaction of saying ning two days, Nordquist introduced a that DACA recipients do not have all these kids are illegal and shouldn’t get motion to invoke cloture—or cease de- of the rights afforded to citizens. benefits almost makes sense because bate and force a vote on the bill—which “They are here because their par- we don’t want to encourage illegal senators approved on a 39-6 vote. A ents brought them. They’re here by activity,” she said, “but these [DACA successful cloture motion requires at executive order, not congressional recipients] are trying to live the Ameri- least 33 votes in support. action,” Groene said. “It’s not clear can dream. They want to do all the Following the adoption of a tech- [on the license] that these individuals things in Nebraska that we say we wish nical amendment, senators advanced are not citizens. We must make it clear more kids would.” the bill to select file on a 37-8 vote. g

104TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 3 May 12 - 15, 2015

• LB389, originally introduced passed 48-1; by Heartwell • LB660, which funds capital Sen. John construction and property ac- Kuehn, which quisition, passed 48-0; implements a • LB661, which makes various New commercial pet breeder re-inspection cash fund transfers, passed 40-9; regulations adopted fee of $150, • LB662, which provides transfers plus mileage from the cash reserve, passed Senators passed a bill May 14 that charges neces- Sen. John Kuehn 42-7; changes the Commercial Dog and Cat sary to complete the re-inspec- • LB663, which provides salaries Operator Inspection Act. tion; and for judges, passed 47-2; and LB360, intro- • LB377, originally introduced by • LB554, which provides for pay- duced by Wahoo Seward Sen. , ment of claims against the state, Sen. Jerry Johnson, which estab- passed 49-0. lists the following lishes a judi- The governor has five calendar as examples of “sig- cial process days, excluding Sunday, to sign, veto in nificant threat” to for owners total or line-item veto appropriations the health or safety whose ani- within the budget bills. of dogs or cats: Sen. Jerry Johnson mals have If budget bills are returned to the • not providing shelter or protec- been im- Legislature with line-item vetoes, the tion from extreme weather; pounded in Sen. Mark Kolterman Appropriations Committee must re- • refusing to seek treatment for cases of alleged neglect or abuse. port on the fiscal impact of the vetoes acute injuries involving poten- The bill passed on a 48-0 vote. within one day and may offer a motion tially life-threatening, hemor- to override any or all of them. Thirty rhaging or medical emergencies; votes are required to override a veto. • not providing food or water resulting in starvation or severe dehydration; • egregious abuse resulting in trauma from beating, torturing, Budget package approved mutilating or burning; or • failing to maintain sanitation Lawmakers gave final approval standards that result in animals May 14 to nine bills comprising the Crowdfunding investments for walking, lying or standing in state’s $8.6 billion budget package. small business advanced feces. The state budget is structured on a The bill also establishes an annual two-year basis, with the budget enacted Small businesses could seek startup fee beyond the initial license fee, on a during legislative sessions held in odd- capital through new avenues under a graduated schedule, starting at $150 numbered years. bill advanced from general file May 14. for facilities with up to 10 dogs or cats, Included in the budget package Under LB226, increasing to $2,000 for facilities hous- were: introduced by Lin- ing 500 or more animals. • LB656, which provides for defi- coln Sen. Colby It also incorporates provisions of cit appropriations, passed 49-0; Coash, small busi- three other bills: • LB657, which appropriates nesses could raise • LB359, introduced by Johnson, funds for state government up to $2 million which increases a fee remitted to expenses, passed 49-0; each year from ac- Sen. Colby Coash the Commercial Dog and Cat • LB658, which provides funds credited or unac- Operator Inspection Program for the salaries of Nebraska state credited investors. Cash Fund from $1 to $1.25 senators, passed 49-0; Coash said Nebraska ranks 35th in per licensed animal; • LB659, which provides salaries access to capital, leaving many entre- for state constitutional officers, preneurs with no means of realizing

PAGE 4 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 104TH LEGISLATURE May 12 - 15, 2015 their dreams and contributing to the Introduced by Crete Sen. Lau- funding to any entity, other than an state’s economy. Crowdfunding—rais- ra Ebke, LB599 educational institution, that runs a ing capital via an Internet portal—can would have permit- qualified high school equivalency significantly broaden access to startup ted employers to training program. Cook said it is funds, he said. pay workers ages important to continue providing easy “Crowdfunding is a way to spur 18 and younger ei- access to educational opportunities innovation,” Coash said. ther $8 an hour or across the state. A Banking, Commerce and Insur- 85 percent of the “We need to recognize the vital ance Committee amendment, ad- federal minimum Sen. Laura Ebke challenge in preparing an adult work- opted 25-0, made numerous technical wage, whichever is higher, beginning force in which all individuals possess changes and replaced the bill. Jan. 1, 2016. No more than 25 percent basic reading, writing, mathematics All projects attempting to raise of the worker’s total hours could have and computer skills,” she said. “If money would require approval from been paid at the new rate. we want to continue to attract jobs the state Department of Banking and Following the approval of Initiative and employers to the state, it is es- Finance. Individuals investing money 425 by Nebraska voters last November, sential that we provide easy access under LB226 would receive a propor- the state’s minimum wage increased to educational opportunities for all tionate security stake in the company in to $8 per hour this year and is set to Nebraskans.” exchange for their investment, without increase again in 2016 to $9 per hour. An Education Committee amend- registration under state and federal The ballot initiative was the result of a ment, adopted 30-0, would authorize securities laws. Unaccredited investors successful petition drive that followed a transfer of $400,000 from the Job would not be allowed to invest more the 2014 Legislature’s rejection of a bill Training Cash Fund to support the than $5,000 in a particular company. to increase the state’s minimum wage. grant program. The amount of grant Investors must be residents of Ne- LB599 would have applied to em- funding would depend on the number braska and would be required to sign a ployees age 18 and younger who do of enrolled students. certificate acknowledging the potential not have a high school diploma and Literacy Center of the Midlands in for the complete loss of investment. have no dependent children. Omaha currently is the only program Gothenburg Sen. Matt Williams The bill failed to pass on a 29-17 that would qualify for funding under supported the bill and the amend- vote. Because LB599 would have the bill. ment. Williams said that as a banker amended a law enacted by voter ini- Senators advanced the bill to select he had seen many individuals with cre- tiative, it required at least 33 votes on file on a 30-0 vote. ative ideas who were unable to obtain final reading for passage. traditional business loans. “This [bill] opens up the oppor- tunity for them to obtain a level of financing to move forward and bring an idea to the table,” he said. LB226 advanced from general file Bill to strengthen audit 33-0. Funding for GED programs advanced authority advanced

A bill that would allocate fund- Lawmakers gave first-round ap- ing to private entities offering high proval May 14 to a bill intended to school equivalency strengthen the audit authority of the programs was ad- Legislative Audit Office (LAO) and Lower wage for young vanced from gen- the state Auditor of Public Accounts workers fails eral file May 12. (APA). LB382, intro- Syracuse Sen. Dan Watermeier, A bill that would have created a duced by Omaha sponsor of LB539, said the bill would lower wage for young workers in Ne- Sen. Tanya Cook, better equip the LAO and the APA braska failed to advance May 15. would provide grant Sen. Tanya Cook to carry out their respective tasks by

104TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 5 May 12 - 15, 2015 ensuring that the issue subpoenas; Election law changes approved offices are equal- • LB552, originally introduced by ly empowered to Omaha Sen. Jeremy Nordquist, Lawmakers gave final approval May require audited which would clarify that it is 14 to a bill that makes a number of entities to re- optional technical changes to the state’s elec- spond quickly for the tion laws. and responsibly auditor to Among other to requests for Sen. Dan Watermeier prepare changes, LB575, audit records and documentation. a written sponsored by The bill would require state agen- review of Gretna Sen. John cies to respond to a request for infor- the public Murante, will: mation from the LAO or APA within retirement Sen. Jeremy Nordquist • clarify that three business days of the request. system plan reports that must be vacancies Sen. John Murante For particularly difficult or extensive submitted if a political subdivi- for all offices must be filled requests, the agency would have up to sion’s defined benefit plan is within 45 days; three weeks to provide the requested underfunded; and • replace “a majority” with “one- information. Failure to comply with • LB487, originally introduced by half or more” for vacancies that the bill’s deadlines or other willful Ogallala Sen. trigger special election; obstruction of an audit would be a Ken Schilz, • replace 10 days prior to election Class II misdemeanor. which would with “second Friday” as the A supervisor or manager who takes allow the APA deadline for write-in affidavits; retaliatory action against a state or to examine • allow early voting requests to be political subdivision employee who the books, ac- submitted via e-mail; provides information to the LAO or counts, vouch- • require voter history to be com- APA would be guilty of a Class III ers, records Sen. Ken Schilz pleted within 30 days rather misdemeanor and dismissed from and expenditures of any service than 60 days after an election; employment with the state. contractor or subrecipient of • remove outdated language re- Watermeier said the changes are state or federal funds. garding county commissioners; important to adequately shield from The amendment defines service • close the potential for fusion retaliation individuals who provide contractor or subrecipient as any en- candidates; information to either office. tity that expends state or federal funds • allow poll workers to allocate “It is important to have these to carry out a state or federal program their pay to a nonprofit entity; protections for each audit office,” or function. • remove primary election infor- Watermeier said, “because the current Bellevue Sen. offered mation from early voter return whistleblower act does not cover all of an amendment, adopted 35-1, which envelopes; these audits.” would allow the APA to audit tax • require election commissioners A Government, Military and Vet- increment financing (TIF) projects. in counties with a population erans Affairs Committee amendment, Crawford explained that the use of more than 100,000 to wait 30 adopted 34-0, added provisions from TIF requires creation of a community days after leaving office before three additional bills related to the redevelopment authority or limited running for or holding elective APA: community redevelopment author- office; • LB503, origi- ity, which are separate entities from a • add language allowing the Ne- nally intro- municipality. braska secretary of state to des- duced by The amendment adds those au- ignate a meeting location within Omaha Sen. thorities to the list of entities that the the Capitol building for state Bob Krist, APA is empowered to audit. canvassing board meetings; and which would Following adoption of the amend- • allow the state Department of authorize ments, lawmakers advanced LB539 to Motor Vehicles to furnish com- the APA to Sen. Bob Krist select file 37-0. mercial driver’s license informa-

PAGE 6 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 104TH LEGISLATURE May 12 - 15, 2015

tion to the secretary of state’s practice in shortage areas,” she said. office for election law purposes. The bill also would increase the The bill contains provisions of financial assistance limits of two exist- LB578, introduced by Murante, which ing programs under the act. will: Limits on student loans would • allow poll workers to choose increase from $20,000 to $30,000 not to be paid or to allocate Medical residency loan per year, not to exceed $120,000 their pay to an organization program advanced for medical, dental or doctoral-level contracted to recruit poll works; mental health students. Limits on A bill that would create a loan • allow election officials and loan repayment for physicians, dentists repayment program for medical members of law enforcement to and psychologists would increase from residents advanced from general file make copies of a voter’s registra- $20,000 to $30,000 per year of full- May 13. tion form for list maintenance time practice in a designated health LB196, introduced by Lincoln Sen. and law enforcement purposes; profession shortage area, not to exceed Kathy Campbell, • allow for the removal of certain $90,000 per recipient. would amend the information on an early ballot Loan repayment limits would in- Rural Health Sys- application; and crease from $10,000 to $15,000 per tems and Profes- • raise the minimum rate that year, not to exceed $45,000 per re- sional Incentive a political subdivision can be cipient, for physician assistants, nurse Act by creating a charged for an election from practitioners, pharmacists, physical resident loan re- $50 to $100. therapists, occupational therapists and payment program. Sen. Kathy Campbell The bill also contains provisions of mental health practitioners. Campbell said the program would two additional bills: Campbell offered an amendment, serve as an incentive to medical • LB514, originally introduced adopted 38-2, that would cancel any residents to practice their specialties in by Omaha repayment obligations under the act designated shortage areas in Nebraska. Sen. Joni in the event of a recipient’s total and Under the bill, a qualified appli- Craighead, permanent disability or death. cant must be enrolled or accepted in which adds LB196 advanced to select file 40-2. an approved medical specialty resi- an option dency program in Nebraska and agree for voters to one year of full-time practice in a Child care funding guidelines who wish designated health profession short- amended, advanced to register Sen. Joni Craighead age area. The medical resident also to vote and vote early on the Senators gave first-round approval would be required to accept Medicaid same day; and May 12 to a bill that would provide patients in his or her practice. • LB319, intro- funding guidelines for child care Loan repayment would be limited duced by Sen. grants. to $40,000 per each year of residency, Jim Smith of Lincoln Sen. Kathy Campbell, not to exceed $120,000 per recipient. Papillion, sponsor of LB547, said the bill would A resident who did not adhere to the which per- encourage partnerships between pri- terms of the act would be required mits election vate child care providers and school to repay the state 150 percent of the by mail for districts through grant funding. outstanding loan principal at an 8 special elec- Sen. Jim Smith Nebraska should invest more in percent annual interest rate from the tions involving candidates. quality early childhood development, date of default. LB575 passed on a vote of 43-2. Campbell said, which sets the stage Campbell said adding residents to for an individual’s preparedness for the state’s health care provider incen- educational and occupational oppor- tive program would help Nebraska tunities throughout their life. create a stronger health care system. “In future years, we need to have “The chief goal is to create an the best educated, best prepared incentive for health professionals to

104TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 7 May 12 - 15, 2015 workforce that we can put together,” vider enrolls in the Step Up to Quality The bill was gut- she said. Child Care Act system prior to the ted on general file As introduced, LB547 would allo- grant period. by an amendment cate federal Child Care and Develop- Child care providers also would offered by Lincoln ment Block Grant (CCDBG) funds be required to submit to training Sen. Kathy Camp- to the Early Childhood Education approved by the Early Childhood bell, approved 30-1, Endowment Cash Fund—commonly Training Center. to include a com- known as Sixpence—to support local Programs receiving grants would promise version of Sen. Kathy Campbell early childhood partnerships that be required to obtain a rating of step her LB89. include licensed child care providers. three or higher on the quality scale LB89 was intended to remove the The bill amends the Quality Child within three years of the start date of “cliff effect” in the state’s Aid to De- Care Act relating to CCDBG and sets the initial grant program and main- pendent Children (ADC) program. a funding schedule according to fed- tain that rating to continue to receive The bill passed April 23 on a 30-15 eral reauthorization amounts. funding. vote and was vetoed by Gov. Pete Campbell said the federal govern- Any school district entering into Ricketts on April 29. ment previously required states to agreements with child care providers Campbell said the governor indi- spend a minimum of 4 percent of under the bill would be required to cated in his veto letter that he believed CCDBG funds on efforts that im- employ or contract with a program the bill to have merit, but that he had prove the quality of licensed child care. coordinator who holds a certificate. concerns about the long-term sustain- In 2014, the program’s reauthorization Sullivan said allowing child care ability of LB89. increased that minimum to 7 percent providers to partner with school dis- The bill would have increased the in fiscal year 2015-16, 8 percent in tricts would provide more children maximum ADC benefit each year FY2017-18, and 9 percent in FY2019- with full-day, year-round quality child through 2019, after which it would 20 and subsequent years. care. The result, she said, would be have been set at 70 percent of the The reauthorization also will re- more children arriving at kindergarten standard need. The bill also would quire states to spend a minimum of prepared to learn. have changed the amount of gross 3 percent of their federal CCDBG “LB489, as incorporated into earned income that is disregarded for funds to improve the quality of care for this amendment, gives communities ADC applicants, increasing it to 50 infants and toddlers, Campbell said. another option for closing the achieve- percent once eligibility is established. A Health and Human Services ment gap for Nebraska’s youngest and Campbell said she worked with Committee amendment, adopted 32- most at-risk children,” Sullivan said. fiscal analysts from the Legislature 0, would require the state Department An amendment offered by Camp- and the governor’s office to reach a of Health and Human Services to al- bell, adopted 31-0, made technical compromise that would ensure the locate these higher required minimum adjustments and became the bill. Fol- measures’ sustainability through the percentages to early childhood educa- lowing its adoption, senators voted year 2025. tion programs. Funds would be split 34-0 to advance the bill to select file. Under the amendment, the maxi- between Sixpence and incentives and mum monthly ADC payment would support for programs under the Step Aid to dependent children increase to 55 percent of the standard Up to Quality Child Care Act. changes amended into bill of need. The amendment removed the The amendment also incorporates other increases that were included in LB489, introduced by Cedar Rap- A bill to create a consumer bill of the original LB89. ids Sen. Kate Sul- rights was scrapped May 13 in order to “So much work went into this to livan, which would replace it with a compromise version try and preserve my goal of serving expand eligibility of a public benefits bill vetoed by the Nebraska families who need our help— for Sixpence grants governor. particularly the children,” Campbell to early childhood LB607, introduced by Omaha Sen. said, adding that she realized the bill’s education programs Heath Mello, would have created a path was unusual. and school districts consumer bill of rights for individu- “But I believe that it represents the if the child care pro- Sen. Kate Sullivan als who receive home care services. sense of true compromise and coop-

PAGE 8 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 104TH LEGISLATURE May 12 - 15, 2015 eration between the legislative branch ing against individuals based on their and the executive branch,” she said. sexual orientation or gender identity. Hoskins Sen. Dave Bloomfield The bill would apply to employers with expressed concern regarding the influ- 15 or more employees, employers with ence of the executive branch inside the state contracts, the state of Nebraska, Legislative chamber. Human trafficking prevention governmental agencies and political “I believe that’s improper,” he said. measure passed subdivisions. Omaha Sen. Bob Krist acknowl- Currently, the Nebraska Fair Em- edged the unique manner in which Lawmakers passed a bill May 14 to ployment Practice Act prohibits work- the compromise was reached—coming strengthen human trafficking preven- place discrimination based on race, after LB89 was passed rather than tion efforts in Nebraska. color, religion, sex, disability, marital during debate on the proposal—but Introduced by Norfolk Sen. Jim status and national origin. urged lawmakers to focus on ADC Scheer, LB294 in- Morfeld said workplace discrimina- recipients. creases penalties tion threatens Nebraska’s economic de- “I support the amendment for all for solicitation of velopment by causing highly qualified those families and people who will be prostitution, pan- lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender served by those funds,” he said. dering and keeping (LGBT) employees to move to states The amendment retained provi- a house of prostitu- where equal protection exists. Work- sions of LB335, originally introduced tion and permits ers should be judged on their perfor- by Mello, establishing a task force to search warrants Sen. Jim Scheer mance, not their lifestyles, he said. study intergenerational poverty in and subpoenas to be issued for enti- “Nobody should be fired for how Nebraska. ties located outside of Nebraska. their creator made them or for whom The task force would include the The measure defines offenders’ they love,” Morfeld said. chairpersons of the Health and Hu- property that would be subject to for- Morfeld said that a technical man Services and Appropriations feiture and creates a human trafficking amendment introduced by the Judi- committees as well as three at-large victim assistance fund. Additionally, ciary Committee was designed only members appointed by the Executive the bill permits human trafficking as a to emphasize that religious entities in Board of the Legislative Council. defense to prosecution for prostitution Nebraska have been exempt from the Nonvoting members would include and requires the Foster Care Review state’s Fair Employment Practice Act representatives from the state depart- Office to collect information on child since 1965. According to the statute, ments of Labor, Health and Human trafficking victims. the act cannot apply to a religious Services and Education as well as a The bill passed with an emergency corporation, association or society variety of community stakeholders clause on a 49-0 vote. with respect to the employment of and policy experts. individuals of a particular religion. The task force would analyze the Workplace discrimination Lincoln Sen. Kathy Campbell ADC, Supplemental Nutrition As- protections stalled introduced an amendment to the com- sistance, child care assistance and mittee amendment that would exempt Employment First programs with a Debate stalled May 14 on a bill from the act the hiring or termination focus on helping children escape the that would protect employees from of individuals whose duties are min- cycle of poverty. A preliminary report discrimination based on sexual orien- isterial. Those duties include teach- would be presented to the Legislature tation and gender identity. ing theological doctrine, religious and the governor by Dec. 15, 2015, Introduced by governance, supervision of a religious and a final report—including a long- Lincoln Sen. Adam order, supervision of persons teaching range strategic plan—by Dec. 15, 2016. Morfeld, LB586 theological doctrine and supervision Following adoption of Campbell’s would prohibit of or participation in religious ritual or amendment, LB607 advanced to select employers, em- worship by any religious corporation, file on a 40-1 vote. ployment agencies association or society. and labor unions Another provision of the Camp- from discriminat- Sen. bell amendment would mandate that

104TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 9 May 12 - 15, 2015 the act not be interpreted to infringe a motion to reconsider the vote on the Mello, LB605 would make numerous upon the freedom of expressive asso- Campbell amendment. changes to Nebras- ciation or the free exercise of religion Sen. of Omaha, ka’s penal system. protected by the First Amendment of who supported the bill, opposed the re- Among other provi- the U.S. Constitution. consideration motion, saying religious sions, the bill would Under the amendment, an em- organizations should not be exempt have required that ployee would be permitted to express from the nondiscrimination policy. the minimum sen- his or her religious or moral beliefs “This is a bill that prohibits dis- tence limit imposed and commitments in the workplace crimination—yet it allows discrimina- by the court be no Sen. Heath Mello in a reasonable, non-disruptive, and tion,” Chambers said. more than one-third of the maximum non-harassing way on equal terms with Bellevue Sen. Sue Crawford sup- sentence limit. similar types of expression of beliefs or ported the motion, saying the amend- An amendment introduced on commitments allowed by the employer ment represented a carefully crafted select file by Sen. Les Seiler of Hast- in the workplace, unless the expression balance that protects both parochial ings, adopted 37-0, removed that were in direct conflict with the essential schools and religious expression in provision and replaced the bill. Under business-related interests of the employ- a workplace. Stating one’s beliefs the amendment, the court would be er. The amendment would not apply to should not be considered harassment, required to set maximum and mini- speech directed at customers, clients, or she said. mum sentence limits provided by the patients of any covered entity. “I don’t believe religious values law for all felony classes except Class Campbell said the amendment was encourage discrimination,” Crawford III, IIIA and IV. intended to add clarity to the current said. For an indeterminate sentence, the religious exemption by providing more Omaha Sen. Beau McCoy called court would be required to advise an specific definitions regarding religious the definitions provided in the Camp- offender of the minimum imprison- teaching and expression. bell amendment too vague to interpret ment to be served before attaining Malcolm Sen. Ken Haar supported accurately. parole eligibility and the maximum the bill and the amendment, saying “If anything, this amendment time to be served prior to mandatory policies that make Nebraska inclusive makes this legislation worse than the release. For a determinate sentence the are the key to a thriving business en- original bill and committee amend- court would be required to advise an vironment. ment,” McCoy said in opposition to offender of the imprisonment to be “We need talented people in the reconsideration motion. served prior to a term of post-release Nebraska,” Haar said. “If we are so Acknowledging that additional supervision and the length of the narrow-minded as to exclude some of work needs to be done on the bill, supervised term to be served before the best and brightest, we’re going to Morfeld said he would work with in- mandatory release. stay right where we are.” terested parties on the religious exemp- Offenders convicted of Class III, Sen. Joni Craighead of Omaha tions and would bring a compromise IIIA or IV felonies would be impris- opposed the bill and amendment. next session. oned within the applicable range and She said there are many groups that Senators moved on to other bills serve a sentence of post-release super- experience discrimination at the same on the agenda without taking further vision, unless probation is required. level as the LGBT community, but the votes on LB586. The amendment also would au- Legislature cannot address them all. thorize the Legislature to appropriate Additionally, since Omaha ad- Sentencing limits amended in $500,000 to a fund designed for use opted a similar workplace protection prison reform bill by county jails to offset costs from policy in 2012, she said, only 10 people potential population increases caused have filed complaints. A bill containing extensive revi- by implementation of LB605. Funds “We are creating a bill for a prob- sions to Nebraska’s correctional could not be used for capital con- lem that isn’t there,” Craighead said. system advanced to final reading May struction or the lease or acquisition Senators failed to adopt the Camp- 12 after being amended to address of facilities. bell amendment on a 20-12 vote. sentencing limits. Omaha Sen. Beau McCoy sup- Lincoln Sen. offered Introduced by Omaha Sen. Heath ported the amendment and the bill,

PAGE 10 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 104TH LEGISLATURE May 12 - 15, 2015 saying that the changes make the that do not charge sales taxes on pur- Seward Sen. Mark Kolterman measure more closely follow the guid- chases, he said. supported the bill, saying that levy ance of the Council of State Govern- Under a Revenue Committee authority is essential to public safety. ments (CSG) Justice Center, which amendment, adopted 34-0, the provi- “Without this, firemen and EMTs has proven to help states with justice sions of the bill would terminate three would have to go out and raise their system problems similar to Nebraska’s. years after implementation. own money to make sure equipment “It’s important to respect the CSG Sen. Galen Hadley of Kearney is purchased and training is paid for by adhering to their recommenda- spoke in favor of the bill. He said he because that’s what happens many tions,” McCoy said. hand-delivered resolutions encour- times when districts don’t have levy Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks of Lin- aging Congress to charge sales tax authority,” Kolterman said. coln also supported the bill, calling it for online purchases. Legislation to Calling it another property tax in- an important step toward preparing implement the tax has passed the crease, Hoskins Sen. Dave Bloomfield prisoners for reintroduction into so- Senate, but is stalled in the House of opposed the bill. ciety and making communities safer. Representatives, he said. “We’ve spent all year talking about “We still have a lot of work to do,” Senators advanced the bill to select property taxes, but we want to give Pansing Brooks said. “We need to file on a 37-0 vote. more people the opportunity to add make sure programming is in place.” on to them,” he said. “This is a deci- After adopting two technical Fire district levy authority sion that should be made by the coun- amendments, senators advanced advanced ties. If they don’t feel it necessary to LB605 on a voice vote. fund their volunteer fire departments, A bill advanced from general file May it’s not up to the state to take away that 12 would authorize rural and suburban decision from them.” fire districts to levy property taxes. Senators advanced the bill to select Currently, counties decide whether file on a 32-1 vote. to allocate property tax funds to fire districts. LB325, introduced by Hyan- Tax-free savings for the Allocation of Internet sales tax nis Sen. Al Davis, would give separate disabled advanced advanced property tax levy authority to districts that meet certain requirements. Senators advanced a bill from gen- Senators gave first-round approval Davis said at least eight counties eral file May 12 that would authorize May 14 to a bill that would allocate have denied property tax funding tax-free savings accounts for disabled tax revenue derived from Internet to fire districts, which compromises individuals in Nebraska. transactions. safety. LB591, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Federal legislation to authorize states “Fire protection is a vital service, , would establish Achieving to collect sales tax especially in rural Nebraska,” he said. a Better Life Ex- on all Internet trans- “This would ensure that fire protec- perience (ABLE) actions is currently tion districts can access levy authority accounts for indi- pending. LB200, in- to fund emergency services when not viduals with dis- troduced by Hyannis granted funding by the county.” abilities that devel- Sen. Al Davis, would LB325 would provide for a maxi- oped prior to age allocate the first year mum levy of 10.5 cents per 100 dollars 26. ABLE accounts of sales tax revenue Sen. Al Davis of taxable valuation located within the would offer tax-free Sen. Kate Bolz on such transactions to the state’s fire district. savings options for education, housing, Property Tax Credit Cash Fund upon A fire district would be eligible assistive technology and other needs. approval of the federal legislation. for levy authority only if it is located Bolz said the accounts are similar Davis said customers can be found within a county that had a levy of at to traditional college savings plans that shopping on their smartphones while least 40 cents in the previous year or Nebraska families have been able to in retail stores to compare prices on did not authorize any levy authority to utilize for years. items. Physical stores have a hard time the district in the previous year. “LB591 helps to empower individu- competing with online retail websites

104TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 11 May 12 - 15, 2015 als with disabilities to pursue higher Senators advanced the bill to select ties totals $4.2 million for fiscal year education, jobs and other goals and file 43-0. 2015-16, $16.9 million for FY2016-17, dreams,” Bolz said. $29.6 million for FY2017-18 and $42.3 A Revenue Committee amend- Senators override veto; fuel million for FY2018-19. ment, adopted 38-0, made several tax increased The increase to the department technical changes and became the bill. totals $2.1 million for FY2015-16, $8.5 Under a qualified program, any Senators successfully overrode a million for FY2016-17, $14.8 million person could make contributions veto May 14 of a bill that increases the for FY2017-18 and $21.2 million for to an account to meet the qualified fixed fuel tax by 1.5 cents annually for FY2018-19. disability expenses of the designated four years. Smith introduced a motion to over- beneficiary of an account. Currently, the fixed fuel tax ap- ride the governor’s veto, saying that The state treasurer and any desig- propriated to the state Department waiting is not an effective strategy to nated administrator would provide of Roads is 7.5 cents on each gallon address the problem of delayed roads investment options for the investment of gasoline, while cities and counties projects. of amounts contributed to an account. are allocated 2.8 cents. “I’m excited to work with the new The state investment officer would LB610, intro- director and hear his innovative ideas; have fiduciary responsibility to make duced by Papillion however, it’s unrealistic to expect such all decisions regarding the investment Sen. Jim Smith, gains to make up for the hundreds of of money in the administrative fund, increases the tax millions of dollars needed to catch up expense fund and program fund includ- allocated to the de- [with the backlog of projects],” he said. ing selection of all investment options. partment by one- “It’s also important to remember that Calling it one of the most impor- half cent per gallon the new director will have no jurisdic- tant measures that lawmakers could annually for four Sen. Jim Smith tion over city and county projects. The pass this session, Lincoln Sen. Colby years and to cities and counties by funding needs are massive and our Coash said the bill would save money one cent. communities are desperate for our in the long term. The bill passed May 7 on a 26-15 help now.” He said LB591 would give parents a vote, one vote more than the mini- Sen. of Henderson way to financially assist their children mum needed for passage. It immedi- supported the override motion. He with disabilities without jeopardizing ately was vetoed by Gov. Pete Ricketts. said there is a cost to taking no action. the children’s ability to qualify for In his veto letter to the Legislature, “When we have deficient roads public benefits such as Medicaid. In Ricketts said that LB610 would in- and bridges that wash out in a major addition, he said, it would incentivize crease the state’s gas tax by 23 percent, storm like the one we just had, we have parents to plan for their children’s se- giving Nebraska the 16th highest gas emergency costs that go above and curity when the parents are no longer tax rate in the country and surpassing beyond normal replacement costs,” able to provide for them. the national average. Friesen said. “We can continue to let “They need a tool for their children He recommended that the state our roads and bridges deteriorate and with disabilities to help plan for the look for more creative and innovative the cost to replace them will just go up future,” Coash said. ways to address roads funding issues. [in the future].” Bolz offered an amendment, ad- “Last week, I appointed a new Sen. Beau McCoy of Omaha op- opted 37-0, to authorize the transfer director of the department,” Rick- posed the motion, saying that good of start-up funds from the State etts wrote. “I intentionally selected tax policy never includes raising taxes. Investment Officer’s Cash Fund to a forward-thinking leader who will “This hits low-income and work- the ABLE Expense Fund. The funds take a fresh approach to our state’s ing Nebraska families harder than would be reimbursed when the pro- road construction needs. This is an anything else. It’s a knee-jerk reaction gram becomes self-sustaining, she said. area that is vital to our continued to the problem and it won’t even solve Bolz said the amendment would economic growth. I cannot, however, the problem,” he said. remove any general fund impact from support raising taxes as the first solu- Senators voted 30-16 to override the bill by using cash funds to launch tion to this issue.” the governor’s veto. Thirty votes were the ABLE program. The increase to cities and coun- needed.

PAGE 12 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 104TH LEGISLATURE May 12 - 15, 2015

“I’m not prepared to put this in the would require that airbags, a roll cage category of motor vehicles,” Chambers and three-point safety belt system be said. installed by the autocycle manufac- Sen. Dave Bloomfield of Hoskins turer and would permit either tandem supported the bill, saying autocycles or side-by-side seating. Classification for autocycles designed with two wheels in front are The amendment also would in- advanced a stable, safe method of transporta- crease from $6 to $15 the autocycle tion that should be allowed on any registration fee and would add auto- A new class of motor vehicle would roadway. cycles to the motor vehicle tax sched- be approved for use in Nebraska un- A Transportation and Telecom- ule with automobiles and motorcycles. der a bill advanced from general file munications Committee amendment, Senators advanced the bill to select May 14. adopted 36-1, replaced the bill. It file on a 37-1 vote. g Introduced by Papillion Sen. Jim Smith, LB231 would define an auto- cycle as a three-wheeled motor vehicle controlled with a steering wheel and Committee Hearings pedals with a driver and passenger *Current hearing schedules are always available at: sitting in tandem in an enclosed area nebraskalegislature.gov/calendar featuring a removable or fixed top, air- bag protection, roll cage, three-point Monday, May 18 Thursday, May 21 safety belt system and antilock brakes. Business & Labor Transportation & Telecommunications Room 2102 - 12:00 p.m. Room 1113 - 10:00 a.m. An autocycle would be required to Appointment: William G. Blake - Appointments: Lori G. Scherer, Joe have at least one but not more than Commission of Industrial Relations Kosiski - Neb. Motor Vehicle Industry two headlamps, at least one tail lamp, Licensing Board brake and turn signals. An autocycle Nebraska Retirement Systems could not be used for the driving skills Room 1525 - 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 26 test for an operator’s license exam. Appointments: Denis Blank, Dennis W. Health & Human Services Leonard, Kelli Ackerman, J. Russell Derr Room 2102 - 12:00 p.m. Registration fees and taxes would - Public Employees Retirement Board Appointments: Norman B. Weverka, have mirrored those for motorcycles: Stacie L. Ray - Commission for the $6 registration, $25 base motor vehicle Transportation & Telecommunications Deaf and Hard of Hearing tax and $10 base motor vehicle fee. Room 1113 - 9:00 a.m. Appointment: Craig A. Timm - Foster The bill was amended to increase the Appointment: Ricky Pearson - Motor Care Advisory Committee registration fee to $15. Vehicle Industry Licensing Board Smith said autocycles represent a Appointment: Lisa Kramer - Board Natural Resources of Public Roads Classifications and Room 1525 - 12:00 p.m. new transportation technology not Standards Appointments: Douglas M. Anderson, currently addressed by Nebraska Jeremy J. Buhl, Dennis D. Grams, statutes. Other states already have ap- Tuesday, May 19 John Kinter, Ronald J. Sheppard, John proved the vehicles for road use, he General Affairs C. Turnbull - Environmental Quality said, and the vehicles soon will arrive Room 1510 - 12:00 p.m. Council in Nebraska. Appointmenst: Darrel J. Huenergardt, “With the drive toward fuel ef- Reven Wright, Julie Jacobson, Sue Wednesday, May 27 Roush - Nebraska Arts Council Natural Resources ficiency, we have to look at this for a Room 1525 - 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. viable option for many of our citizens Wednesday, May 20 LB664 (Chambers) Provide duties for who need a more affordable means of Health & Human Services the Nebraska Oil and Gas Conservation transportation,” Smith said. Room 2102 - 12:00 p.m. Commission relating to disposal of Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers op- Appointment: Jim Trebbien - State wastewater g posed the bill, saying autocycle use Board of Health should carry restrictions similar to Appointment: John Hogue - Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing golf carts and not be permitted on interstates or highways.

104TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 13 May 12 - 15, 2015 LEGISLATIVE GLOSSARY “A” Bill - see Appropriation Bill. Engrossment - the process of preparing a bill for Final Amendment On File - an amendment of 10 or more Reading by incorporating all adopted amendments. pages, not printed separately or in the Journal, that is available Enrollment and Review (E&R) - the process of incor- in the Clerk’s Office (Room 2018). porating adopted amendments into a bill and reviewing the Amendment Printed Separate - an amendment of 10 bill for technical and grammatical accuracy. or more pages, printed separately from the Journal, that is Executive Session - a closed meeting of a committee available in the Bill Room (Room 1102). to discuss and act on bills and resolutions. An executive ses- Appropriation Bill (“A” Bill) - a bill to appropriate sion is open only to committee members, committee staff funds to finance another bill bearing the same number. and the media. Attorney General’s Opinion - a written analysis of a Final Reading - the third and last stage at which a bill is question of law prepared by the attorney general for the gover- considered by the entire Legislature. The clerk reads the entire nor, the head of an executive department or any state senator. bill aloud, unless final reading is waived, and senators vote Bill - see Legislative Bill. without debate on whether to submit the bill to the governor. Bracket - to delay consideration of a bill. Fiscal Note - a statement prepared by the Legislative Call of the House - a procedure used to compel atten- Fiscal Office estimating the effect a bill would have on state dance of unexcused senators in the chamber. and/or local expenditures and revenue. Carry-over Legislation - bills and resolutions introduced Floor - the area of the legislative chamber where the during the regular session in an odd-numbered year and held senators sit. When a committee advances a bill “to the floor,” over for consideration during the regular session in an even- that means the bill is being sent to the full Legislature for numbered year. consideration. Chair - the presiding officer. General File - the first stage at which a bill is considered Cloture - a parliamentary action to cease debate on a by the full Legislature. Bills on General File may be amended, bill and vote immediately on its advancement. A motion for returned to committee, indefinitely postponed or advanced cloture may be made after eight to Select File. hours of debate on most bills and Hearing - a regularly sched- after 12 hours on appropriation uled committee meeting to receive bills introduced by the Appropria- public comment on proposed bills tions Committee. and resolutions. Constitutional Amendment House Under Call - the term Resolution - a proposal to amend used when all unexcused senators the state constitution, ratify or are required to be in their seats in reject an amendment to the U.S. the chamber and unauthorized Constitution, or petition Congress personnel must leave the floor. about amending the U.S. Constitu- Indefinitely Postpone (IPP) tion. State CA resolutions have the - to kill a bill. suffix “CA” by the resolution num- Interim - the period between ber, and they must be approved by regular legislative sessions. the voters as well as the Legislature. Interim Study Resolution - a resolution authorizing Consent Calendar - a portion of the agenda in which a committee to study an issue following adjournment of a relatively noncontroversial bills are considered and quickly legislative session. advanced to the next legislative stage. Usually, a bill on con- IPP - see Indefinitely Postpone. sent calendar 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 E&R - see Enrollment and Review. of all laws and constitutional amendment resolutions passed Emergency Clause (“E” Clause) - a provision that al- in a legislative session, the state Constitution, and subject lows a bill or a portion of a bill to take effect immediately and section indexes. after the governor signs it or after the Legislature overrides Legislative Bill (LB) - a proposal to create, change or the governor’s veto. delete one or more laws.

PAGE 14 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 104TH LEGISLATURE May 12 - 15, 2015

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

104TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 15 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

Tibetan monks of Drepung Gomang Monastery performed “pujas,” or prayer rituals, in the Capitol Rotunda May 13. The event was sponsored by Unity Lincoln.