Week two of the Legislature proved to be fast and furious.  We began full day debate on carryover bills first thing Monday January 13, 2020.  The Governor gave his State of the State speech to the Unicameral and members of the public on Wednesday, January 15, and an additional 119 bills were introduced.

WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK:

Diving right in, I introduced Legislative Bill 768 (LB768) last week and Legislative Resolution 293 (LR293) on Monday.

LB768 represents the annual Legislative update which harmonizes Nebraska law with federal regulations by adopting the Federal Motor Carrier Safety and Hazardous Material Regulations current as of January 1, 2019.  The adoption of these regulations is required on an annual basis to incorporate new or revised federal regulations into State Statute.  The State Statutes must remain current with the federal regulations to avoid incompatibility and to prevent jeopardizing Nebraska’s Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP), which is funded by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.  The Bill was referred to the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee and is first on the agenda to be heard Tuesday, January 21.

I was also pleased to honor Allen Beermann by introducing LR293.  The resolution was signed onto by all 49 Senators, which says so much about this man and his lifelong service to Nebraskans!  Tuesday, January 14 was Mr. Beermann’s 80^th birthday and after he was introduced by the Lt. Governor Foley, I was able to take a few minutes to let my colleagues know that Mr. Beermann grew up in Dakota County and to point out a few of his many accomplishments from military service to being the longest serving Secretary of State and going on to serve in leadership of the Nebraska Press Corps.  The well-deserved Legislative Resolution will be signed this coming week.

While the first three days were short sessions, this week the Legislature went to full days and debated two carryover priority bills, LBs 147 and 153.

LB153 advanced to Select File on a vote of 43-0.  I was proud to cast my vote for this important bill that exempts from income tax 50% of military retirement benefits.  Like so many of my colleagues, I appreciate the service of our military men and women and want to show that gratitude in whatever way I am able.  This bill not only allows me to not only recognize their service, but also to show that we appreciate the contribution they make to the fabric of our communities by choosing to live, work, and play in Nebraska after their military service.

LB147 also had first round debate but without advancing to Select File.  LB147 would allow for educators to physically intervene and remove a student from the room if a student is acting violent in order to maintain safety and order in the classroom.  Senator Groene introduced LB147 after receiving a plea for help from teachers, administrators, and the NSEA.  Thousands of teachers responded to a NSEA survey with stories of violence and outbursts in the classroom.  One teacher wrote “I have had 20 or so students threaten or commit violence at me or towards classroom staff over 10 years.  3 current.  General attitude towards these students is “they can’t help it” or “no one cares enough to help.”” Another wrote “I was punched in the stomach while pregnant on more than one occasion.” These stories are startling and it is critical that we protect our teachers.  It is evident that teachers feel the need for the support this bill will offer in order to feel they can be safe and keep their classrooms safer.   There was a lively debate about LB147 and Senator Groene is working to address some of the issues and suggestions brought forward on the floor in hopes of finalizing a bill that can be passed by the body.  It appears to me that this bill is needed to retain great educators and to provide safe spaces for them and for all students.  We have been told of teachers who have left the profession or are contemplating leaving the teaching profession because of lack of support for them managing appropriate boundaries in their classrooms.  I intend to continue monitoring and supporting positive changes where needed.

Also, there were a number of other carryover bills that were advanced out of Committee in the 2019 Session and debated for the first time this week.  Several were advanced to Select File to receive additional debate.

WHAT IS COMING NEXT?  This week the Legislature will hear from Justice Heavican, the Chief of the Nebraska Supreme Court as he delivers his State of the Judiciary address to the Unicameral.

Committee Hearings on newly introduced bills will begin Tuesday, January 21.  Hearing schedules for the present week, the following week, or for a range of dates can be viewed by clicking on the link to Hearing Schedules at nebraskalegislature.gov.  You can also find instructions for sending letters to voice your position on a specific bill in a specific committee.  As a reminder, letters for the record needs to be received by the Committee by 5:00 pm. the day before the hearing.   If you decide to come to Lincoln to testify at a hearing, please let us know you are coming and if you like, come before lunch to see your Legislature in action.  Even if you don’t call, please make it a point to stop by my office, #1404, and say hello!

The Speaker has indicated that bills on Select File will begin receiving second debate Friday, January 24.

DATES YOU SHOULD KNOW:

January 21, 2020 (Tuesday).  Committee Hearings begin at 1:30 p.m. (Introduction on new bills and debate on carryover bills will continue during morning Session.

January 22, 2020 (Wednesday). Chief Justice Heavican delivers the Nebraska State of the Judiciary Address to the Legislature.

January 23, 2020 (Thursday).  Last day to introduce new bills for consideration in this Legislative Session.

January 31, 2020 (Friday) is Veterans’ Legislative Day at the Capitol, with registration at 7:45 AM at the Warner Chamber; program at 8:15 AM.  Visit the Legislature in Session at 9 AM.  Veterans are encouraged to attend and take time to visit with your Senator.

April 23, 2020 (Thursday).  Last day of 2020 Legislative Session (Short 60-day)

Any bills that do not see final decisions by the last day of session will not carry over to the 2021 session.

As always, it is of great importance that I hear from my constituents to effectively do my job as your voice in the Legislature. I encourage you to contact me and I look forward to hearing from you.  You can reach me by phone at 402-471-2716 or by email at jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov