NEBRASKA LEGISLATURE
The official site of the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature
Sen. Carol Blood
District 3
The content of these pages is developed and maintained by, and is the sole responsibility of, the individual senator's office and may not reflect the views of the Nebraska Legislature. Questions and comments about the content should be directed to the senator's office at cblood@leg.ne.gov
February 28th, 2020
What’s Happening in Your Legislature
Public Hearings for the 106th 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 34th 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:
- Unicameral Update
- About the Legislature
- Unicam Kids
- Inside Our Nation’s Only Unicameral
- Poster of Nebraska Senators
- Membership & Committees Card
- 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.
February 24th, 2020
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.
- Unicameral Update
- About the Legislature
- Unicam Kids
- Inside Our Nation’s Only Unicameral
- Poster of Nebraska Senators
- Membership & Committees Card
- 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.
February 18th, 2020
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
February 10th, 2020
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.
- Unicameral Update
- About the Legislature
- Unicam Kids
- Inside Our Nation’s Only Unicameral
- Poster of Nebraska Senators
- Membership & Committees Card
- 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.
February 3rd, 2020
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.
2020 Bills From District 3 Awaiting Hearings:
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
LB746: (Adopt the Nebraska Consumer Data Privacy Act) Tuesday, February 4th @ 1:30 pm in Room 1113/Judiciary
LB757: (Prohibit certain fraudulent acts under the Nebraska Criminal Code and the Insurance Fraud Act) Tuesday, February 4th @ 1:30 pm in Room 1507/Banking, Commerce and Insurance
LB1090: (Allow local governing bodies to suspend liquor licenses for nonpayment of taxes, fees, and special assessments) Tueday, February 11th @ 1:30PM in Room 1510/General Affairs
LB743 (Adopt updated electrical standards) Updating Nebraska Electrical Standards for the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment. Tuesday, February 11th @ 1:30 pm in Room 1510/Urban Affairs Committee
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
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
January 27th, 2020
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
LB744: Authorize appointment of county engineer in certain counties and change powers and duties
LB746: Adopt the Nebraska Consumer Data Privacy Act
LB749: Adopt the Nebraska Anti-Terrorism Act
LB750: Prohibit discrimination based on military or veteran status
LB752: Provide duties and programs relating to veterans
LB1090: Allow local governing bodies to suspend liquor licenses for nonpayment of taxes, fees, and special assessments
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.
January 21st, 2020
The following bills were debated on the floor this week and were moved to Select File for a second round of votes.
LB153– Exempts 50% of Military Retirement
LB30– 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.
LB206– Relates to student journalists’ rights of freedom of speech and freedom of the press
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.
LB322– Establishes a uniform process for tobacco compliance checks to be performed in order to deter selling nicotine products to underage buyers.
LB477– Provides an income tax exemption for the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
LB68– Updates statutes referencing Business Improvement Districts to allow their boards to change their “functions or provisions” in addition to the existing abilities.
LB107– Changes provisions dealing with the plumbing board including length of term, appointment date and other factors.
2020 Bills From District 3 Awaiting Hearings:
LB743: Adopt updated electrical standards
LB744: Authorize appointment of county engineer in certain counties and change powers and duties
LB745: Provide duties for law enforcement and prosecutors regarding federal immigration forms relating to victims of certain crimes
LB746: Adopt the Nebraska Consumer Data Privacy Act
LB747: Change the definition of microbusiness under the Nebraska Advantage Microenterprise Tax Credit Act
LB748: Adopt the Fertility Fraud Act
LB749: Adopt the Nebraska Anti-Terrorism Act
LB750: Prohibit discrimination based on military or veteran status
LB751: Provide for a mental health exception to compulsory education requirement
LB752: Provide duties and programs relating to veterans
LB753: Adopt the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact
LB754: Provide for a new certificate of birth and amendment of a certificate of birth
LB755: Provide for and change home services permits for barbers, cosmetology, and nail technology
LB756: Authorize persons eighteen years of age or older to buy and sell stocks and bonds
LB757: Prohibit certain fraudulent acts under the Nebraska Criminal Code and the Insurance Fraud Act
LB1000: Direct any registration fees from fantasy contests to early childhood care and education workforce
Upcoming Hearings For District 3 Bills
LB753 (Adopt the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact) Wednesday, January 22nd @ 1:30 pm in Room 1510/HHS Committee
LB756 (Authorize persons eighteen years of age or older to buy and sell stocks and bonds) Wednesday, January 22nd @ 1:30 pm in Room 1113/Judiciary Committee
LB755 (Provide for and change home services permits for barbers, cosmetology, and nail technology) Thursday, January 23rd @ 1:30 pm in Room 1510/HHS Committee
LB747 (Change the definition of microbusiness under the Nebraska Advantage Microenterprise Tax Credit Act) Thursday, January 23rd @ 1:30 in Room 1524/Revenue Committee
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.
Would you like to track the life of one of the bills mentioned in this newsletter or from another Senator? It’s easy when you use Nebraska Bill Tracker. You can register HERE for free and follow up to 15 bills at a time.
MEET OUR TEAM
Senator Carol Blood, District 3
Dee Austin-Administrative Aide
Oliver VanDervoort-Legislative Aide
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
June 27th, 2019
SINCE End of Session…
The 2019 Legislative session officially ended a little more than a month ago. The work we did was hard, but as a whole the 106th Legislature accomplished a great deal. Of course this doesn’t mean our work is done, far from it. We are well into the next phase as my office works on details and decisions regarding what bills to bring come January. If you have a topic you think needs attention, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. As always, the sooner you call, the better, I like having our ducks in a row before the new session begins. Wishing you all a relaxing summer of fun!
Farmers’ Market
Every Saturday – May 25, 2019 to September 7, 2019
7:45 am to Noon – Rain or Shine
Live music at 9 AM
Washington Park located at 20th and Franklin in Bellevue, Nebraska
Early Birds welcome, and get the pick of the best produce.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 402-517-1446
Senator Carol Blood, Volunteer Market Manager
We hope to see you there!
Working to Keep the Wheels Moving for District 3
On June 18th I attended a public meeting to address a loss of funding for the Rural Transportation Program (RTP) a ridership program provided by The Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging (ENOA) currently serving Cass, Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington Counties. RTP is utilized by the general public, elderly and individuals with disabilities for any transportation needs they may have.
On May 12th ENOA was notified they must stop service to some areas by July 1st in order to remain in compliance with the federal grant distributed by the NDOT, who receives their money from the Federal Transit Agency (FTA). ENOA matches these grants with funds received from passenger fares, and revenue from each county served. Problems arose following the last census taken in 2010 when certain service areas were re-classified from rural to urban, those changes directly affect parts of Bellevue, Western Omaha, Papillion and Gretna.
Questions I had during this meeting led me to begin reaching out to the different agencies overseeing the program and its monies, while bringing in stakeholders to help find a stop-gap solution until one more long-term, can be found. I, along with my staff and a host of other concerned individuals are working diligently to find adequate service solutions for those who might otherwise be forced to find other means of travel. Feel free to reach out to our office for updates or if we can answer any questions. We will share a synopsis of the results in our next interim newsletter. Nebraskans with disabilities and our seniors deserve better.
2019 Early Childhood Leadership Summit
New Orleans, Louisiana
This ceremony came one day after Nebraska lost dedicated patrolman, Trooper Jerry Smith. “Through that tragedy, we look upon these 14 new troopers starting their careers and truly understand what it means to serve.” Offered Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol.
Each member of the class of Camp 60 completed 22 weeks of training at the NSP Training Academy in Grand Island. Those newly-badged patrolman will now undergo six months of on-the-job training with veteran troopers in the field.
Thomas Rogers Kimball was an American architect and first Nebraskan to serve as the National President of the American Institute of Architects. He was credited with 871 commissions, but Kimball’s greatest contribution to Nebraska was his position as architectural adviser to the Capitol Commission, where he oversaw and administered the construction of our Nebraska State Capitol.
On June 25th, TRK, as his great nephew calls him, was inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the lives and history of the great state of Nebraska. At the ceremony to honor Mr. Kimball, those who gathered for the celebration were gifted the opportunity to hear a little of his life and history. Mr. Kimball will be remembered with the placing of a bust sculpted in his honor by John Lajba, of Omaha. Many thanks to Lana Hatcher with History Nebraska, for the invitation to attend the ceremony.
Top L-R Deb and Senator John McCollister, Angie Lauritsen,
Angelina Ramos, Lorri and Kelly Sell, and Edward Ventura, JR.
Pledge to #ListenFirst by joining the movement to mend
the frayed fabric of America one conversation at a time
Girls State 2019
Wednesday, June 5th I had the distinct honor of speaking to almost 400 young women from all over Nebraska who were in Lincoln to attend the American Legion Auxiliary Cornhusker Girls State 2019.
Modeled on a citizenship training program originally formed for young men, the American Legion Girls State offers training in the process of governing and citizenship. Each summer approximately 25,000 young women participate in Girls State sessions across the country. At Girls State the delegates study local, county and state government. The young women participate in mock political parties, hold mock elections, filling positions just as we do in city, county and state government.
The time I spent with these young women left me feeling great pride. The enthusiasm they openly shared with me during my speech filled me with hope and further motivates me to continue to support Nebraska’s young women to run and win in our upcoming elections.
Honored to be escorted out to a standing ovation following my speech.
L-R: Emilie Whightman, Omaha; Future Leadership and Lexi Collins, Papillion
National Foundation of Women Legislators Student Scholarship
Senator Blood Encourages Young Women to Participate
The National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) is launching their 2019 Annual Student Scholarship Program in early June. Scholarships will provide six women high school juniors or seniors a $3,000 college scholarship, an all-expense-paid trip to NFWL’s Annual Conference, and an award to be presented at the event.
Nebraska Students must be nominated by a currently elected woman serving in Nebraska, before they are invited to apply for the scholarship (which includes completing a short essay and submitting a recommendation letter from a teacher or employer).
I am encouraging all young women in the state who are interested in policy or public service to participate by seeking an elected woman to nominate them to receive one of these six available scholarships.
All nominees must be:
- High School Junior (class of 2020) or Senior (class of 2019) Girl
- U.S. citizen
- Able to attend the 2019 Annual Conference November 18-21 in San Antonio, Texas
- Participants should go to the NFWL website for more information at WomenLegislators.org/programs/scholarships
MEET OUR TEAM
Senator Carol Blood, District 3
Dee Austin-Administrative Aide
Oliver VanDervoort-Legislative Aide
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
May 31st, 2019
SINCE LAST WEEK…
This was officially the final week of the 2019 Legislative session. It has been a lot of hard work but the legislature as a whole has accomplished a great deal. That doesn’t mean that our work is done by any means. We simply enter a new phase. My office actually started the hunt for bill topics earlier this spring and now we’ll be ironing out the details and deciding what to bring in January. If you have a topic you think needs to be looked into, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. The sooner the better, as I like to make sure we have our ducks in a row before the session begins.
What we passed in 2019
In total, we had eight of my bills passed and become law and a ninth bill was amended into another and is on its way to the Governor’s desk for signature.
LB15: This is a bill that will require insurance companies to cover hearing aids and hearing aid fitting and repair for children who would not be covered otherwise as long as the cost of the device and services doesn’t surpass one percent of a company’s total premiums collected.
LB11: Allows for counties and municipalities to enter into interlocal agreements with the aim of forming a cooperative action to abate, remove, or prevent nuisances. The goal is to allow for shared resources ultimately saving taxpayer dollars.
LB8: This is a bill that allows for physician medical directors to use flashing lights when they are en route to an accident, so they can also arrive in a timely manner and continue to improve emergency protocol to protect our residents. In order to qualify for this bill, they would have to receive a safety certification and have it approved by the sheriff of the county where they operate.
LB6: This allows the dependents of an active duty military member to receive in-state tuition rates to Nebraska colleges as long as they lived in the state when they were accepted for admission; even if they have since moved out of Nebraska.
LB115: This law makes it so that if a military family is planning on moving into Nebraska and they have a child that is going to be attending public grade school here, they can start the enrollment process before they have actually established residency. In other words, it makes sure that children of military families are not having to sit out a semester and wait simply because of red tape nor miss out on opportunities that pertain to curriculum or extracurricular activities.
LB7: Defines what is an acceptable airbag to be installed in your car and creates penalties if a person or company intentionally install a counterfeit airbag. There have been cases around the country where criminals have literally replaced an airbag with a trash bag full of random hunks of scrap. People can be seriously injured or even die if they get into an accident and these counterfeit airbags are deployed. Bottom line is that it holds bad guys accountable and protects unknowing consumers.
LB12: This allows for active duty military members and their spouses to waive the licensing fee for becoming a realtor in Nebraska, as long as they are already a licensed realtor in another state.
LB138: This creates several new medals of honor license plates for those who served in Iran, Afghanistan, the Persian Gulf War, the Vietnam War and the Global War on Terror. In addition to these plates, it also creates a “Support Our Troops” plate that anyone cam purchase. The proceeds from the Support Our Troops plates will go toward a new fund that is created to help recruit and retain retiring military to live, work and stay in Nebraska.
LB13: This bill, which was amended into LB209, eliminates breastfeeding women from Nebraska’s public indecency laws. Considering all the science that proves the importance of breastfeeding, Nebraska owes it to mothers to make sure they are getting their children the nutrition they need without fear of being publicly shamed or cited. LB209 passed final reading on Thursday and is expected to be signed by Governor Ricketts in the next few days.
First up for 2020
There are still three bills I introduced this session that have been voted out of committee but that we didn’t have the time to get to this year. These are still alive and at the front of the line for debate when we kick off 2020 next January.
LB137: This bill makes it so that any Daily Fantasy Sports Contest company that is operating in Nebraska has to register with the state and pay a $10,000 registration fee. They would then have to pay an annual fee to continue doing business here. That fee would be six percent of their gross receipts for the previous 12 months. This is something that could end up being quite a revenue generator for Nebraska should it pass. Since these companies are already here and doing business, they should be regulated.
LB594: My truth in meat advertising bill simply makes sure that a company that is selling a vegetarian alternative to a meat patty or hot dog does not label their food as “meat-product.”
LB9: Dealing with Digital Ledger Technology, this would make sure that cities and counties cannot tax the tech beyond what the state has taxed it at. This isn’t the kind of thing we need to have a patchwork of laws covering.
Milk is Milk
Another piece of legislation that passed this session, somewhat in the vein of my LB594 was LR13. Brought by Senator Murman, this is kind of a truth in milk advertising piece that asks the federal government to craft better, more restrictive language so that Almond Milk is not passed off as a product that contains dairy milk in it. I cosponsored this because I believe companies should not be attempting to mislead consumers.
Reducing the burden on Veterans
One other bill that will be among the first we take up in 2020 will be LB153. Brought on behalf of Governor Ricketts’, Senator Brewer and I )and others) cosponsored this bill because we need real reform when it comes to the retirement benefits of our military families.
The bill repeals what we currently have in place for military retirement in Nebraska with a 50 percent across the board exemption on retirement pay. This is on General File and will be taken up next session. I’ll be fighting to make sure it passes.
Phone Spoofing
Senator Halloran’s LB693 is a bill that passed earlier this month that I cosponsored that has to do with phone spoofing. The law means that people (generally scammers and telemarketers) cannot call from outside Nebraska but use technology that makes it look as though it’s based inside our state. Their hope, when they use this technology is that people will be more likely to answer the call if they think it’s a local number.
The above three bills referenced are just part of a long list of legislation I’ve cosponsored this year. The Speaker of Legislature talked in his farewell address for the session about the need for State Senators to trust each other and work together in a bipartisan fashion. Those are principles I’ve always believed in and practiced.
Every Saturday – May 25, 2019 to September 7, 2019
7:45 am to Noon – Rain or Shine
Live music at 9 AM
Washington Park located at 20th and Franklin in Bellevue, Nebraska
Early Birds welcome, and get the pick of the best produce.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 402-517-1446
Senator Carol Blood, Volunteer Market Manager
Friends, please take a moment and review the information below. I’m hosting the ONLY showing of this movie in Nebraska.
It’s a small theater and there are only 60 seats left. An individual ticket is only $13.38 each. The event will be held at Village Pointe Cinema located at 304 N. 174th St on June 12th @ 6:30 p.m ONLY!
You MUST order your tickets in advance. After the movie, we will have a live discussion from Washington DC with other participants across the US on this ONE DAY ONLY nationwide screening of the film. We will have handout materials after the film. NOTE: Fun fact, a woman from Norfolk, Nebraska was one of the travelers.
Pledge to #ListenFirst by joining the movement to mend
the frayed fabric of America by bridging divides
one conversation at a time
The Listen First Project (LFP) seeks to encourage conversations that prioritize understanding and help build trust and cooperation among schools, workplaces and society as a whole. LFP consists of 225 partner organizations and thousands of individuals with the National Conversation Project.
I am honored to be included among the list of cultural influencers who have joined the #ListenFirst movement and are recognized as Listen First Leaders by LFP. Among those recognized alongside me are: Dominique Wilkins, Bret Baier, Michael Steele, Van Jones, Katie Couric Robyn Tannehill and Senator Carol Blood. Listen First is nonpartisan and never endorses or campaigns for any candidate or issue.
ROCKING IT FOR RECOVERY – TOMORROW!
Fun and Fundraising for Knights of Columbus and Catfish Lake Flood Recovery
MEET OUR TEAM
Dee Austin-Administrative Aide
Senator Carol Blood, District 3
Oliver VanDervoort-Legislative Aide
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
May 24th, 2019
SINCE LAST WEEK…
This week is the final full week of the legislative session. Next week we will have a few days to wrap things up, but most of our work is coming to an end for the legislative session. On a happy note, that included the passage of LB15 on final reading Thursday afternoon.
The bill passed on a 48-0 vote and now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature. When signed and it becomes law. It will mean that Nebraska insurance companies will have to include coverage of hearing aids for children in their policies. While researching this bill, I was surprised to discover they currently are not covered. I am very pleased it’s going to be a reality now. This is the kind of bill that would not get passed without a lot of work from a lot of different people and I’m truly thankful for the supporters of the bill who helped push it along.
Why we do what we do!
LtoR: Senator Blood, Olivia Versaw & Brad Meurrens of Disability Rights Nebraska
Olivia Versaw, (left) deaf since birth, is currently a college student and intern with Disability Rights Nebraska.
Breast is Best
LB209, a bill by Senator Albrecht, was amended during Select File with my bill LB13 this week. LB13 exempts breastfeeding mothers from Nebraska’s Public Indecency Laws. It will provide additional protection for these mothers as they provide nourishment to Nebraska’s future. Breastfeeding may not be the choice for all women, but it’s definitely the best choice for our babies.
Every Saturday – May 25, 2019 to September 7, 2019
7:45 am to Noon – Rain or Shine
Live music at 9 AM
Washington Park located at 20th and Franklin in Bellevue, Nebraska
Early Birds welcome, and get the pick of the best produce.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 402-517-1446
Senator Carol Blood, Volunteer Market Manager
Friends, please take a moment and review the information below. I’m hosting the ONLY showing of this movie in Nebraska.
It’s a small theater and there are only 60 seats left. An individual ticket is only $13.38 each. The event will be held at Village Pointe Cinema located at 304 N. 174th St on June 12th @ 6:30 p.m ONLY!
You MUST order your tickets in advance. After the movie, we will have a live discussion from Washington DC with other participants across the US on this ONE DAY ONLY nationwide screening of the film. We will have handout materials after the film. NOTE: Fun fact, a woman from Norfolk, Nebraska was one of the travelers.
Pledge to #ListenFirst by joining the movement to mend
the frayed fabric of America by bridging divides
one conversation at a time
The Listen First Project (LFP) seeks to encourage conversations that prioritize understanding and help build trust and cooperation among schools, workplaces and society as a whole. LFP consists of 225 partner organizations and thousands of individuals with the National Conversation Project.
I am honored to be included among the list of cultural influencers who have joined the #ListenFirst movement and are recognized as Listen First Leaders by LFP. Among those recognized alongside me are: Dominique Wilkins, Bret Baier, Michael Steele, Van Jones, Katie Couric Robyn Tannehill and Senator Carol Blood. Listen First is nonpartisan and never endorses or campaigns for any candidate or issue.
Students from Pawnee Elementary visit the Capitol
Looking forward to summer vacation, these students from Pawnee Elementary spent the day visiting the capitol and a few moments with their State Senator. Speaking with those who are our future is one of the greatest honors of my job in the Legislature.
5K/1Mile Walk, Run, Roll
Cost: $35 Early Registration $45 Day of Race Teams Welcome!
Location: Zorinsky Lake Park Shelter #5 Challenge friends & coworkers
3808 S 154th St (156th & F Streets) Omaha to join you for this great cause.
Race Times: 5K: 7AM-9AM 1mile: 8AM-10AM ALL profits benefit BIA-NE
National Foundation for Women Legislators Student Scholarship
Senator Blood Encourages Young Women to Participate
The National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) is launching their 2019 Annual Student Scholarship Program in early June. Scholarships will provide six women high school juniors or seniors a $3,000 college scholarship, an all-expense-paid trip to NFWL’s Annual Conference, and an award to be presented at the event.
Nebraska Students must be nominated by a currently elected woman serving in Nebraska, before they are invited to apply for the scholarship (which includes completing a short essay and submitting a recommendation letter from a teacher or employer).
I am encouraging all young women in the state who are interested in policy or public service to participate by seeking an elected woman to nominate them to receive one of these six available scholarships.
All nominees must be:
- High School Junior (class of 2020) or Senior (class of 2019) Girl
- U.S. citizen
- Able to attend the 2019 Annual Conference November 18-21 in San Antonio, Texas
- Participants should go to the NFWL website for more information at WomenLegislators.org/programs/scholarships
You are welcome to attend ALL mobile pantry events!
Please bring boxes or bags to carry food home.
June 19th Bellevue Public Schools June 29th Church of the Holy Spirit
5:00 pm at: Mission Middle School 10:00 am at: 1305 Thomas Dr. Bellevue
2200 Washington Street – 402-293-4260 Phone: 402-291-7732
2nd Saturday of Each Month
Harrison Street Baptist Church
8015 Harrison St. – La Vista
402-331-5510 Call for times
No income restrictions and registration information gathered for USDA tracking and compliance only
Breaking Flood Assistance News
The deadline for government entities to submit a request for public assistance (RPA) has been extended to June 20. Officials can submit an RPA via the Grants Portal. Call 402-429-3389 if you have not received an email for the Grants Portal. http://ow.ly/6XTc50ug5WN #nebraskaflood
FEMA just extended the deadline for affected Nebraska residents to for disaster assistance. Don”t wait to apply!
To Apply: go to DisasterAssistance.gov or Call FEMA at 800-621-3362; (call 800-462-7585 TTY)
Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week
Dodge and Sarpy Counties Disaster Centers Will Transition to Disaster Loan Outreach Centers
The Disaster Recovery Centers in Fremont and Bellevue, operated by the State of Nebraska and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will close at 6 p.m. May 17, and reopen Monday, May 20, as Disaster Loan Outreach Centers operated by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
The Sarpy County location will remain at:
3802 Raynor Parkway, (Suite 201) – Bellevue, NE 68123
Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m
Fremont City Auditorium – Community Room
925 N Broad Street – Fremont, NE 68025
Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m
SBA customer service representatives will be available at the centers to meet individually with business, homeowners and renters to answer their questions, explain SBA’s disaster loan program, help complete applications and close approved loans.
Applicants may apply online using SBA’s secure website at: disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
• By phone, call FEMA’s toll-free registration line at 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585 (TTY).
• Online, visit DisasterAssistance.gov.
• On a smart phone, download the FEMA app and click on “disaster resources,”
then “apply for assistance online.”
For more information on Nebraska disaster recovery, visit: fema.gov/disaster/4420.
NOTE: Hearing & Speech-impaired callers may utilize telecommunications relay services by calling 7-1-1 or through your own personal relay service. #TeamBlood #HelpisHere
Public participation in government is at the heart of democracy, I encourage those who have a desire to shape policy, to be involved and give something back to our communities, would like to donate ones professional skills or would like to fulfill their civic responsibility to consider serving.
The full list, including past unfilled positions, as well as new openings for July to December 2019 can be found on Governor Ricketts’ website Here. Applying for one of these positions is easier than ever as it can be done online, printed and mailed or a PDF version of the application can be downloaded, filled out and emailed. For additional information please contact Dee in my office at 402-471-2627 or via email at daustin@leg.ne.gov
MEET OUR TEAM
Dee Austin-Administrative Aide
Senator Carol Blood, District 3
Oliver VanDervoort-Legislative Aide
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
Sen. Carol Blood
P.O. Box 94604
Lincoln, NE 68509
(402) 471-2627
Email: cblood@leg.ne.gov
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