What’s Happening in Your Legislature

 First Round of Debate
The following bills were debated on the floor last week and moved to Select File for a second round of votes

LB774: Change requirements regarding credit for reinsurance
LB705: Provide for distribution of funds upon death from an achieve a better life experience account
LB1028: Change filing procedure for actions in Small Claims Court
LB1130: Change provisions relating to agreements and application deadlines under the Mutual Finance Assistance Act
LB911: Provide for acquisition of former Nebraska Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Grand Island
LB889: Change appeal provisions under the Administrative Procedure Act
LB1166: Change school district membership requirements as prescribed
LB1080: Require school policies that prohibit sexual conduct with students and former students
LB1185: Change provisions relating to criminal history record information checks for child care staff members
LB1060: Include hair textures and protective hairstyles within the definition of race under the Nebraska Fair Employment Practice Act
LB1183: Create the Health Information Technology Board and change prescription drug monitoring program provisions
LB912: Change provisions relating to examination of witnesses by telephonic, videoconferencing, and similar methods
LB835: Change provisions of the Nebraska Pure Food Act
LB912: Change provisions relating to examination of witnesses by telephonic, videoconferencing, and similar methods
LB1140: Provide requirements for youth rehabilitation and treatment centers
LB1144: Change provisions affecting the Public Counsel and the Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare
LB1188: Provide duties for the Office of Juvenile Services relating to education and change the definition of interim program school
LB1148: Change provisions relating to the Office of Juvenile Services and the placement of juveniles at youth rehabilitation and treatment centers
LB918: Create the Commission on African American Affairs and require a study
LB832: Provide immunity for removal of a child from a motor vehicle
LB247: Adopt the Advance Mental Health Care Directives Act
LB1152: Change licensing, cultivation, testing, transportation, violation and penalty, and powers and duties provisions relating to hemp
LB1055: Change provisions for voting by mail in certain counties
LB780: Change provisions relating to appropriations from the Nebraska Arts and Humanities Cash Fund
LB1198: Appropriate funds to the Department of Administrative Services
LB1003:  Provide annexation powers to cities of the second class and villages for relocation due to catastrophic flooding
LB1008: Provide, change, and eliminate provisions relating to appropriations (This is one of the legislature’s budget bills.)
LB247: Adopt the Advance Mental Health Care Directives Act
LB865: Change income tax provisions relating to the Nebraska educational savings plan trust and authorize employer contributions to the trust
LB797:  A city of the first class, city of the second class, or village which elects its city council or village board of trustees by district could not annex any territory during the period from five months prior to the primary election through the general election if such annexation would bring sufficient new residents.
LB848: Change Columbus Day to include Indigenous People’s Day

District 3 Bills Out of Committee and Ready for Debate
The following bills await floor debate by the full Legislature; scheduling handled by the Speaker’s office

LB751: Provide for a mental health exception for discussion of repeated absences between school officials and guardians of students helping to destigmatize mental health in our youth. (The Speaker has designated this one of his priority bills)LB745: Provide tools for law enforcement and prosecutors regarding federal forms relating to victims of violent crimes and creating a consistent program across the state.
LB755: Provide for and change home services permits so barbers may come to the home of clients with persistent conditions who are unable to go to barbershops as well as their caretakers. (This is my priority bill for the session)
LB752: Provides for a duty for the Nebraska Department of Veteran’s Affairs and the Department of Health and Human Services to better address the needs of Nebraska Veteran’s and their families

Would you like to watch the floor debates live? You can do so on your smart phone with the NETCapitol app, or on your computers at netnebraska.org 

Please NOTE: If you receive our newsletter via US Mail and would like to receive a paper copy of any of the above bills, please contact our office and we will be happy to provide those documents.

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COVID-19 Briefing
Tuesday, March 10^th, Senators and staff were briefed on the virus known as COVID-19. Presented by the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and Nebraska Medicine speakers included experts in emergency management and public health. Social distancing and pleas for those feeling ill to remain isolated in the home, was stressed by all. We were left with the feeling that Nebraska is prepared to handle whatever this infectious disease brings our way. UNMC is known worldwide for its biocontainment capabilities, but as was strongly urged, we must do our part to remain healthy and to help protect those with pre-existing conditions that may leave them more vulnerable to this virus.  As always, if you feel ill, contact your physician or a member of the medical community and STAY HOME! 

For More Information see the websites for the CDC and Nebraska Medicine, both have excellent information regarding Covid – 19

Students from Peter Sarpy Elementary Visit the Capitol
Another Wednesday, another group of excited and well-informed 4th graders visit the Capitol. Every question the students were asked regarding our Unicameral, the Three Branches of Government, the Nebraska State Senators, were answered correctly. These young people from Peter Sarpy Elementary know their Nebraska Legislature almost as well as those of us who work here do. It is always fun to watch young minds at work!

Lunch with members of the Nebraska Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Three students and their adviser came to our office bearing the gift of a delicious sack lunch to share, along with their gratitude for work we have done on past legislation and to stress the importance of other bills currently up for debate. Each one shared what drew them to seek a career as a Speech-language pathologist, and their hopes for the future in this field of healthcare. Speech-Language Pathologists work with all ages from infant to the elderly, helping with feeding disorders, speech delays as well as voice and fluency disorders. We wish these students the very best as they continue their educations.
A Visit from the Nebraska Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) has chapters in all 50 states, and it is always heartwarming to welcome Amie Nelson and Blivan Roman to our office. This year Amie and Blivan brought with them, Jason Orton, a part of the Lincoln chapter. Each shared their stories and brought us up to date on what they are doing to survive and to thrive. Finding light in their advocacy, the hope is to make sure Suicide Stops Here.

     Did you know March is Brain Injury Awareness Month?

UNICAMERAL YOUTH LEGISLATURE 2020
Join us in the Capitol for the ultimate lawmaking experience!
For more information visit: nebraskalegislature.gov

MEET OUR TEAM

Senator Carol Blood, District 3

Dee Austin – Administrative Assistant

Oliver VanDervoort – Legislative Aide

We are here to serve the residents of District 3

What’s Happening in Your Legislature

Tuesday began the first of what will be all-day debate on bills introduced in January and those laid over from last session.

First Round of Debate
The following bills were debated on the floor last week and moved to Select File for a second round of votes

LB1131: Serves as a school cleanup bill as well as adding requirements for multicultural curriculum and adds a suicide hotline.
LB931: Changes a harvested products maximum weight overload exception under the Nebraska Rules of the Road
LB461: Repeals the requirement that common and contract motor carriers obtain certificates of public convenience and necessity before they can lawfully operate in Nebraska.
LB1042: Amends portions of the 529 savings program to expand educational opportunity for students in Nebraska.
LB803: Creates the Pulse Crop Resources Act. The act is intended to create a checkoff for pulse crops which include field peas, lentils, chickpeas, faba beans, and lupine
LB43: Adopt the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights Act and change certain rules of procedure
LB755: Provide for and change home services permits for barbers, cosmetology, and nail technology
LB899: Provide certain powers to public power districts relating to biofuels and biofuel byproducts
LB848: Change Columbus Day to include Indigenous People’s Day
LB247: Adopt the Advance Mental Health Care Directives Act
LB865: Change income tax provisions relating to the Nebraska educational savings plan trust and authorize employer contributions to the trust
LB797:  A city of the first class, city of the second class, or village which elects its city council or village board of trustees by district, could not annex any territory during the period from five months prior to the primary election through the general election if such annexation would bring sufficient new residents.
LB832: Provide immunity for removal of a child from a motor vehicle
LB247: Adopt the Advance Mental Health Care Directives Act
LB1152: Change licensing, cultivation, testing, transportation, violation and penalty, and powers and duties provisions relating to hemp
LB1055: Change provisions for voting by mail in certain counties

Second Round of Debate
The following bills were debated on the floor last week and moved to Final Reading for a third and final round of votes

LB944: Change provisions relating to motor vehicles
LB909: Change provisions relating to banking and finance
LB1016: Explicitly states a prohibition on retaliation against employees who file a complaint and other provisions of employment law.
LB962: Allows college athletes to earn money off their image and likeness and hire agents to help with endorsement deals.
LB996: Will ensure that the State of Nebraska is accurately represented in federal broadband grant programs, including grants from the federal Universal Service Fund, the Broadband Data Improvement Program is created.
LB344: Adopt the Animal Health and Disease Control Act to update definitions, treatments and funds devoted to animal diseases.
LB870: Change provisions relating to direct borrowing by cities and villages from financial institutions in order to fund repairs following calamities and disasters.
LB997: Avoids consumers being subjected to “surprise billing” in emergencies by out-of-network providers or facilities.
LB1061: Change the Child Protection and Family Safety Act including elimination of the sunset date, clearer definitions of response pathways for reports of child abuse and neglect.
LB1014: Creates the statutory authority for the Nebraska Department of Insurance to authorize and regulate group health insurance plans that allow self-employed individuals to participate in a multiemployer healthcare arrangement under Nebraska law
LB963: Change provisions relating to workers’ training to withstand and treatment of PTSD for first responders.
LB840: Adds the use of electronic smoking devices (Vaping) to the indoor clean air act so that vaping may not be done in public buildings and businesses

District 3 Bills Out of Committee and Onto the Floor for Debate

LB751: Provides for a mental health exception for discussion of repeated absences between school officials and guardians of students helping to destigmatize mental health in our youth.
LB745: Provides tools for law enforcement and prosecutors regarding federal forms relating to victims of violent crimes and creating a consistent program across the state.
LB755: Provides for changes to service permits to allow barbers, cosmetologists, and nail techs to go into the homes of clients with persistent conditions who are unable visit a salon/barber shop, to include caretakers as well.
LB752: Provides for a duty for the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Department of Health and Human Services to better address the needs of Nebraska Veterans and their families.

Would you like to watch our floor debates live? You can do so on your smart phone with the NETCapitol app, or on your computers at netnebraska.org 

Please NOTE: If you receive our newsletter via US Mail and would like to receive a paper copy of any of the above bills, please contact our office and we will be happy to provide those documents. You can find all bills and laws online at nebraskalegislature.gov 

Did you know that there is a long list of items available free to the public relating to the Nebraska Legislature? Below is a list of only a few you may find interesting. To access these publications online, you can go to the nebraskalegislature.gov website where they can be found in the “For Citizens” section. To receive these items via mail, call our office at 402-471-2627 and we will be happy to send the requested items to your home.

The Publications:
1. Unicameral Update
2. About the Legislature
3. Unicam Kids
4. Inside Our Nation’s Only Unicameral
5. Poster of Nebraska Senators
6. Membership & Committees Card
7. Lines of Government

UNO Women’s Policy Forum
Monday, March 2nd, The UNO School of Public Administration  hosted a Women’s Policy Forum as part of UNO’s Women and Public Policy Week and invited the women of the Nebraska Legislature to take participate. I was honored to help kick off this exciting week. The Forum’s goal was to raise awareness regarding current bills and policy issues in the Nebraska Legislature that disproportionately affect women.

Photo Credit: Ryan Soderlin, UNO

For the Love of Reading
Also on Monday, I joined other community volunteers to be a “guest reader” to students at Chandler View Elementary in Bellevue. Our job was to nurture the student’s love of reading. When finished, we had the chance to answer student questions and to share what reading has meant to us. I enjoyed reading from a biography about beloved children’s television personality, Mr. Fred Rogers. I also had the great pleasure to donate “Grace Goes to Washington” a book by Kelly DiPucchio to the school library.

Anderson Grove 4^th Graders Visit the Capitol
Wednesday I had the pleasure of welcoming 52 excited fourth graders from Bellevue’s Anderson Grove Elementary. We talked about how a bill becomes law and I shared with them that I decided I wanted to be a Nebraska Senator on the very day of my school visit in 4th grade.

Bellevue Pastor Becomes the Legislature’s Chaplain of the Day
Thursday morning Pastor Joseph Gastineau of Revival Tabernacle Church in Bellevue led the body in thoughtful prayer to begin what was a very busy day. It is always a chance to reflect upon the work we do and the lives we touch. We extend a heartfelt gratitude to the Pastor for joining us.

Pastor Gastineau and Sergeant at Arms, Laurie Klosterboer

MEET OUR TEAM

Senator Carol Blood, District 3

Dee Austin – Administrative Assistant

Oliver VanDervoort – Legislative Aide

We are here to serve the residents of District 3

What’s Happening in Your Legislature

Public Hearings for the 106^th Legislature – Second Session are complete, we now move to all-day debate on the floor

First Round of Debate – The following bills were debated on the floor last week and moved to Select File for a second round of votes

LB790: Authorizes the Department of Administrative Services the use of group contracts entered into with political subdivisions of other states. The bill also authorizes the state purchasing bureau to take the lead in negotiations with other government entities.
LB962: Allows college athletes to earn money off their image and likeness and hire agents to help with endorsement deals.
LB344: Adopt the Animal Health and Disease Control Act to update definitions, treatments and funds devoted to animal diseases.
LB870: Change provisions relating to direct borrowing by cities and villages from financial institutions in order to fund repairs following calamities and disasters.
LB963: Change provisions relating to workers’ training to withstand and treatment of PTSD for first responders.
LB840: Adds the use of electronic smoking devices (Vaping) to the indoor clean air act so that vaping may not be done in public buildings and businesses.

District 3 Bills Out of Committee and Ready for Debate – The following bills await floor debate by the full Legislature, scheduling is handled by the Speaker’s office

LB751: Provide for a mental health exception for discussion of repeated absences between school officials and guardians of students helping to destigmatize mental health in our youth. (The Speaker has designated this one of his priority bills)
LB745: Provide tools for law enforcement and prosecutors regarding federal forms relating to victims of violent crimes and creating a consistent program across the state.
LB755: Provide for and change home services permits so barbers may come to the home of clients with persistent conditions who are unable to go to barbershops as well as their caretakers. (This is my priority bill for the session) Scheduled for Floor Debate on Tuesday, March 3rd
LB752: Provides for a duty for the Nebraska Department of Veteran’s Affairs and the Department of Health and Human Services to better address the needs of Nebraska Veteran’s and their families.

Would you like to watch the hearings and floor debates live and on demand? You an do that with your smart phone with the NETCapitol app, or on your computers at netnebraska.org

Please NOTE: If you receive our newsletter via US Mail and would like to receive a paper copy of any of the above bills, please contact our office and we will be happy to provide those documents.

Legislative Conference Breakfast

On Monday, I was honored to be the keynote speaker at the 34^th Annual Nebraska State AFL-CIO Legislative Conference Breakfast. This body of nearly 500 state and local labor councils work together to represent the interests of working people from across the state of Nebraska.

Did you know there is a long list of items available free to the public relating to the Nebraska Legislature? Below is a list of only a few you may find interesting. To access these publications online, you can go to the Nebraskalegislature.gov website where they are found in the “For Citizens” section. To receive these items via mail, call our office at 402-471-2627 and we will be happy to send the requested items to your home.

The Publications:

1. Unicameral Update
2. About the Legislature
3. Unicam Kids
4. Inside Our Nation’s Only Unicameral
5. Poster of Nebraska Senators
6. Membership & Committees Card
7. Lines of Government

MEET OUR TEAM

Senator Carol Blood, District 3

Dee Austin – Administrative Assistant

Oliver VanDervoort – Legislative Aide

We are here to serve the residents of District 3 and we are happy to respond to any questions or concerns you may have.

What’s Happening in Your Legislature

First Round of Debate
The following bills were debated on the floor last week and moved to Select File for a second round of votes

LB909: Change provisions relating to banking and finance
LB996: Create the Broadband Data Improvement Program
LB997: Adopt the Out-of-Network Emergency Medical Care Act
LB1016: Change provisions regarding the worker training program
LB1061: Change provisions relating to alternative response to reports of child abuse or neglect

Second Round of Debate
The following bills were debated on the floor last week then moved to Final Reading where they await passage

LB1054: Define the required beginning date and change deferment of payment provisions under certain retirement plan
LB944: Change provisions relating to motor vehicles
LB924: Change provisions relating to racial profiling and require law enforcement training
LB770: Provide for the Game and Parks Commission to issue disabled veteran permits as prescribed

Upcoming Hearings for District 3 Bills:

LB742: Change penalty, sentencing, and hearing application provisions relating to offenses against animals (Wednesday, February 26 @ 1:30 PM in front of the Judiciary Committee in Room 1113)
LB749: Adopt the Nebraska Anti-Terrorism Act (Wednesday, February 26 @ 1:30 PM in front of the Judiciary Committee in Room 1113)
LB750: Prohibit discrimination based on military or veteran status (Thursday February 27 @ 1:30 PM in front of the Judiciary Committee in Room 1113)
LB744: Authorize appointment of county engineer in certain counties and change powers and duties (Thursday, February 27 @ 1:30 PM in front of the Government Committee in Room 1507)
LB752: Provide duties and programs relating to Veterans (Thursday February 27 @ 1:30 PM in front of the Government Committee in Room 1507)

District 3 Bills Out of Committee, Onto the Floor, and Ready for Debate:

LB751: Provide for a mental health exception to compulsory education requirements
LB745: Provide tools for law enforcement and prosecutors regarding federal forms relating to victims of violent crimes
LB755: Provide for and change home services permits for barbers, cosmetology, and nail technology. (This is my priority bill for the session)

Would you like to watch the hearings and floor debates live? You can do that with the NETCapitol app on your smart phone, or on your computers at netnebraska.org 

Please NOTE: If you would like to receive a paper copy of any of the above bills, please contact our office and we will be happy to provide those documents.

We are Halfway Done!
We are halfway through our 60-day session. The time has passed quickly and as we wrap up our public hearings, we will soon enter full days of debate. Now is the time for strategy as each Senator can have only one personal priority bill, and the Speaker only allows a handful of Speaker priority bills to a few lucky Senators. Many of us will try to amend our bills into other like-minded bills and unfortunately, some bills will not reach the floor for debate. I encourage you to reach out to our office should you need additional information on any of the bills that hit the floor in the next 30 days. It’s going to get interesting and worth a watch if you have the time.

Did you know that there is a long list of items available free to the public relating to the Nebraska Legislature? Here is a list of only a few that you might find interesting. If you are receiving our newsletter by email, you should be able to link to the information from your newsletter. If not, we are happy to mail any of these items to your home when requested.

1. Unicameral Update
2. About the Legislature
3. Unicam Kids
4. Inside Our Nation’s Only Unicameral
5. Poster of Nebraska Senators
6. Membership & Committees Card
7. Lines of Government

For hard copies of these documents, please call my office at 402-471-2627 and we will be happy to place one in the mail to your home address.

MEET OUR TEAM

Senator Carol Blood, District 3

Dee Austin – Administrative Assistant

Oliver VanDervoort – Legislative Aide

We are here to serve the residents of District 3 and we are happy to respond to any questions or concerns you may have.

What’s Happening In Your Legislature

First Round of Debate
The following bills were debated on the floor last week and moved to Select File for a second round of votes.
LB1054: Define the required beginning date and change deferment of payment provisions under certain retirement plans
LB329: Change eligibility provisions for transitional child care assistance under the federal child care subsidy program
LB607: Change provisions relating to nail technology and body art
LB106: Change provisions relating to disclosure of DNA records under the DNA Identification Information Act
LB219: Change requirements for foster care transition proposals and provide immunity from liability for caregivers
LB448: Change provisions relating to compensation for burial expenses under the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Act
LB515: Change provisions relating to the Student Discipline Act
LB944: Change provisions relating to motor vehicles
LB329: Change eligibility provisions for transitional child care assistance under the federal child care subsidy program
LB924: Change provisions relating to racial profiling and require law enforcement training
LB770: Provide for the Game and Parks Commission to issue disabled veteran permits as prescribed
LB540: Change the termination date of a developmental disability service
LB643: Change death and disability-related prima facie evidence provisions relating to emergency responders
LB238: Change certain provisions relating to minimum sentences

Second Round of Debate
The following bills were debated on the floor last week then moved to Final Reading where they await passage
LB312: Change and eliminate provisions relating to dental hygienists
LB126: Provide for special landowner deer hunting permits as prescribed

Bills Passed
The following bills were passed on the floor last week and presented to the Governor for his signature
LB287: Change and provide duties for the Game and Parks Commission and change provisions relating to stamps, permits, fees, and hunter orange display requirements as prescribed
LB310: Change procedures for tax credits under the Nebraska Job Creation and Mainstreet Revitalization Act
LB381: Change expense reimbursement provisions for state officers and agencies
LB387: Change and modernize provisions relating to juries
LB734: Provide for licensure of charter or special party bus services under the Nebraska Liquor Control Act
LB541: Provide a duty for the Department of Health and Human Services relating to bone marrow
LB643: Change death and disability-related prima facie evidence provisions relating to emergency responders

2020 Bills from District 3 Awaiting Hearings:
LB744: Authorize appointment of county engineer in certain counties and change powers and duties
LB752: Provide duties and programs relating to veterans

Upcoming Hearings for District 3 Bills:
LB742: Change penalty, sentencing, and hearing application provisions relating to offenses against animals (Wednesday, February 26 @ 1:30 PM in front of the Judiciary Committee in Room 1113)
LB749: Adopt the Nebraska Anti-Terrorism Act (Wednesday, February 26 @ 1:30 PM in front of the Judiciary Committee in Room 1113)
LB750: Prohibit discrimination based on military or veteran status (Thursday February 27 @ 1:30 PM in front of the Judiciary Committee in Room 1113)

District 3 Bills Out of Committee and Onto the Floor for Debate:
LB751 – Provide for a mental health exception to compulsory education requirements
LB745 – Provide tools for law enforcement and prosecutors regarding federal forms relating to victims of violent crimes

Would you like to watch the hearings and floor debates live? You can do that with the NETCapitol app on your smart phone, or on your computers at netnebraska.org 

Recess Day in District 3   Ladies Day Out
An amazing group of volunteers joined me for “a special Valentine’s Ladies Day Out” at Hillcrest Mable Rose Assisted Living in Bellevue. As always, we painted nails, applied makeup, and fluffed up hair as requested. We listened to stories of days gone by and we left a gorgeous group of women feeling rosy. Thank you to this group of volunteers for giving their hearts and valuable time to our friends at Mable Rose!

We are here to serve the residents of District 3 and we are happy to respond to any questions or concerns you may have.

Did you know that there is a long list of items available for free to the public relating to the Nebraska Legislature? Here is a list of only a few that you might find interesting. If you are receiving our newsletter by email,  you should be able to link to the information from your newsletter. If not, we are happy to mail any of these items to your home when requested.
1. Unicameral Update
2. About the Legislature
3. Unicam Kids
4. Inside Our Nation’s Only Unicameral
5. Poster of Nebraska Senators
6. Membership & Committees Card
7. Lines of Government

For hard copies of these documents, please call my office at 402-471-2627 and we will be happy to place one in the mail to your home address.

MEET OUR TEAM

Senator Carol Blood, District 3

Dee Austin – Administrative Assistant

Oliver VanDervoort – Legislative Aide

We are here to serve the residents of District 3

What’s Happening In The Legislature

Bills Passed 
The following bills were passed on the floor this week and presented to the Governor for his signature.
LB541: Provide a duty for the Department of Health and Human Services relating to bone marrow
LB880: Change dates related to certifications and distributions of state aid to schools
LB4: Change mileage reimbursement and filing fees and eliminate certain notice requirements under the Tax Equalization and Review Commission Act
LB30: Change and eliminate provisions under the Professional Landscape Architects Act
LB93: Provide for intervention by a biological parent in certain juvenile proceedings
LB230: Provide for room confinement of juveniles as prescribed
LB582: Change provisions relating to stolen firearms
LB740: Revisor bill to repeal obsolete provisions relating to transfers of funds
LB741: Revisor bill to repeal obsolete provisions relating to the Subsidized Employment Pilot Program
LB68: Change provisions of the Business Improvement District Act as prescribed
LB76: Change provisions relating to the nameplate capacity tax
LB107: Change provisions relating to city and village plumbing boards and change a penalty
LB148: Change requirements for public hearings on proposed budget statements and notices of meetings of public bodies
LB236: Change access to sales and use tax information with respect to the Nebraska Advantage Transformational Tourism and Redevelopment Act
LB731: Change provisions relating to new or updated comprehensive plans adopted by municipalities and counties

First Round of Debate
The following bills were debated on the floor this week and were moved to Select File for a second round of votes.
LB312: Change and eliminate provisions relating to dental hygienists
LB126: Provide for special landowner deer hunting permits as prescribed
LB540:Change the termination date of a developmental disability service
LB643: Change death and disability-related prima facie evidence provisions relating to emergency responders

Second Round of Debate
The following bills were debated on the floor this week and were moved to Final Reading and are awaiting passage.
LB310: Change procedures for tax credits under the Nebraska Job Creation and Mainstreet Revitalization Act
LB387: Change and modernize provisions relating to juries
LB734: Provide for licensure of charter or special party bus services under the Nebraska Liquor Control Act
LB518 – Adopt the Support for Trafficking Survivors Act (My LB745 was attached to this bill as an amendment)
LB541 – Provide a duty for the Department of Health and Human Services relating to bone marrow
LB540 – Change the termination date of a developmental disability service

2020 Bills From District 3 Awaiting Hearings:

LB742: Change penalty, sentencing, and hearing application provisions relating to offenses against animals
LB744: Authorize appointment of county engineer in certain counties and change powers and duties
LB749:  Adopt the Nebraska Anti-Terrorism Act
LB750: Prohibit discrimination based on military or veteran status
LB752: Provide duties and programs relating to veterans

Upcoming Hearings For District 3 Bills

LB1090: (Allow local governing bodies to suspend liquor licenses for nonpayment of taxes, fees, and special assessments) Tuesday, February 11th @ 1:30PM in Room 1510/General Affairs
LB743 (Adopt updated electrical standards) Tuesday, February 11th @ 1:30 pm in Room 1510/Urban Affairs: Updating Nebraska Electrical Standards for the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment.

District 3 Bills Out of Committee and Onto the Floor

LB751 – Provide for a mental health exception to compulsory education requirements
LB745 – Provide tools for law enforcement and prosecutors regarding federal forms relating to victims of violent crimes

Would you like to watch the hearings and floor debates live and on demand? You an do that with your smart phone or computers at http://netnebraska.org/basic-page/television/live-demand-state-government 

Please NOTE: If you receive our newsletter via US Mail and would like a hard copy of any of these bills, please contact our office and we will be happy to provide you with the document.

Recess Day In District 3
We wrapped up our week in District 3 with a full day of community outreach activities. The morning started with the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast and ended that night with the Bellevue Public Safety Foundation Souper Soup Competition, where our Shuffle Off to Buffalo Chicken Soup placed 3rd in the Chef’s favorite category. We love spending the day with our constituents and area businesses.

We are here to serve the residents of District 3 and we are happy to respond to any questions or concerns you may have.

Did you know that there is a long list of items available for free to the public relating to the Nebraska Legislature? Here is a list of only a few that you might find interesting. If you are receiving our newsletter by email, you should be able to link to the information from your newsletter. If not, we are happy to mail any of these items to your home when requested.

1. Unicameral Update
2. About the Legislature
3. Unicam Kids
4. Inside Our Nation’s Only Unicameral
5. Poster of Nebraska Senators
6. Membership & Committees Card
7. Lines of Government

For hard copies of these documents, please call my office at 402-471-2627 and we will be happy to place one in the mail to your home address.

Nebraska Veterans’ Legislative Day

During a ceremony that took place in the Warner Chamber on Friday, I was honored to speak before a group of distinguished Nebraska Veterans. Along with other colleagues I shared Legislation I have introduced that will lighten the burdens for our veterans and their families. It is always a humbling experience to be among such bravery. In addition, Governor Ricketts officially signed the paperwork renaming a portion of Nebraska Highway 20 as the “Nebraska Medal of Honor Highway,” a project I was proud to support. 

What’s Happening in the Legislature 

First Round of Debate
The following bills were debated on the floor this week and were moved to Select File for a second round of votes.

LB310 – Change procedures for tax credits under the Nebraska Job Creation and Mainstreet Revitalization Act
LB518 – Adopt the Support for Trafficking Survivors Act
LB541 – Provide a duty for the Department of Health and Human Services relating to bone marrow
LB312 – Change and eliminate provisions relating to dental hygienists
LB126 – Provide for special landowner deer hunting permits as prescribed
LB540 – Change the termination date of a developmental disability service
LB643 – Change death and disability-related prima facie evidence provisions relating to emergency responders
LB387 – Change and modernize provisions relating to juries

Second Round of Debate
The following bills were debated on the floor this week and were moved to Final Reading and are awaiting passage.

LB381 – Change expense reimbursement provisions for state officers and agencies
LB477 – Provide an income tax exemption for Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards
LB68 – Change provisions of the Business Improvement District Act as prescribed
LB107 – Change provisions relating to city and village plumbing boards and change a penalty
LB148 – Change requirements for public hearings on proposed budget statements and notices of meetings of public bodies
LB76 – Change provisions relating to the nameplate capacity tax
LB236 – Change access to sales and use tax information with respect to the Nebraska Advantage Transformational Tourism and Redevelopment Act
LB266 – Change the School Readiness Tax Credit Act
LB731 – Change provisions relating to new or updated comprehensive plans adopted by municipalities and counties
LB534 – Require public postsecondary educational institutions to submit reports regarding sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking
LB287 – Change and provide duties for the Game and Parks Commission and change provisions relating to stamps, permits, fees, and hunter orange display requirements as prescribed
LB880 – Change dates related to certifications and distributions of state aid to schools
LB236 – Change access to sales and use tax information with respect to the Nebraska Advantage Transformational Tourism and Redevelopment Act
LB76 – Change provisions relating to the nameplate capacity tax
LB734 – Provide for licensure of charter or special party bus services under the Nebraska Liquor Control Act
LB731 – Change provisions relating to new or updated comprehensive plans adopted by municipalities and counties
LB534 – Require public postsecondary educational institutions to submit reports regarding sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.

The Citizen’s Legislature

Would you like to watch the hearings and floor debates live and on demand? You an do that with your smart phone using the NET Capitol App, or on a computer at: http://netnebraska.org/basic-page/television/live-demand-state-government

LB76 – Change provisions relating to the nameplate capacity tax
LB236 – Change access to sales and use tax information with respect to the Nebraska Advantage Transformational Tourism and Redevelopment Act
LB266 – Change the School Readiness Tax Credit Act
LB734 – Provide for licensure of charter or special party bus services under the Nebraska Liquor Control Act
LB731 – Change provisions relating to new or updated comprehensive plans adopted by municipalities and counties
LB534 – Require public postsecondary educational institutions to submit reports regarding sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.

Second Round of Debate
The following bills were debated on the floor this week and were moved to Final Reading and are awaiting passage

LB 30-Changes the Professional Landscape Architects Act to better define what is required to become a professional landscape architect.
LB93-Allows anyone claiming to be a parent of a juvenile involved in a court proceeding to file a motion to intervene.
LB230– Bans the use of room confinement in juvenile facilities, except when necessary to eliminate a juvenile’s substantial and immediate risk of harm to self or others.
LB740 – Revisor bill to repeal obsolete provisions relating to transfers of funds
LB741 – Revisor bill to repeal obsolete provisions relating to the Subsidized Employment Pilot Program
LB582 – Change provisions relating to stolen firearms
LB153 – Change provisions relating to the taxation of military retirement benefits
LB4 – Change mileage reimbursement and filing fees under the Tax Equalization and Review Commission Act

Upcoming Hearings For District 3 Bills

LB748 (Adopt the Nebraska Fertility Fraud Act) Thursday, January 30th @ 1:30 pm in Room 1113/Judiciary Committee: Legislation to protect nonconsenting women from being inseminated by the doctor’s own spermatozoon/ovum or that from another patient’s partner.
LB 751 (Provide for a mental health exception to compulsory education requirement) Thursday, January 30th @ 1:30 pm in Room 1113/Judiciary Committee: Helping to remove the stigma involved with our children and mental health.
LB745 (Provide duties for law enforcement and prosecutors regarding federal immigration forms relating to victims of certain crimes) Friday, January 31st @ 1:30 pm in Room 1113/Judiciary Committee: Supporting law enforcement and victims of violent crimes.
LB743 (Adopt updated electrical standards) Tuesday, February 11th @ 1:30 pm in Room 1510/Urban Affairs Committee: Updating Nebraska Electrical Standards for the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment.

State of the Judiciary Address

On Wednesday, Chief Justice Mike Heavican delivered the annual State of the Judiciary Address to the legislative body. He discussed the Supreme Court’s Language Access Program, child welfare in the courts and the expansion of services and programming within the Judicial Branch despite challenges like the flooding last spring. It was very exciting to also hear about the outreach programs across Nebraska working to improve the juvenile court system. I look forward to seeing those programs expand and improve over the next few years.

Would you like to watch the hearings and floor debates live and on demand? You an do that with your smart phone or computers at http://netnebraska.org/basic-page/television/live-demand-state-government

We are here to serve the residents of District 3 and we are happy to respond to any questions or concerns you may have.

The Citizen’s Legislature

Did you know that there is a long list of items available for free to the public relating to the Nebraska Legislature?

Here is a list of only a few that you might find interesting. If you are receiving our newsletter by email, you should be able to link to the information from your newsletter. If not, we are happy to mail any of these items to your home when requested.

1. Unicameral Update
2. About the Legislature
3. Unicam Kids
4. Inside Our Nation’s Only Unicameral
5. Poster of Nebraska Senators
6. Membership & Committees Card
7. Lines of Government

For hard copies of these documents, please call my office at 402-471-2627 and we will place one in the mail to your home address.