This week I will be going over the General Affairs Committee priority bill, LB376, which creates a brand registration for the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. This bill allows the Commission to more accurately and correctly identify alcoholic products being imported or produced in Nebraska. Beginning January 1, 2024, every licensed manufacturer, wholesaler, and shipper will be required to pay a registration fee–not to exceed $30–and submit a report to the commission prior to the sale or shipment of any alcoholic liquor into the state.

• LB259 allows farm wineries to apply for a license to sell beer, mixed drinks, and other alcoholic beverages not produced by the farm winery for consumption on their premises.
• LB377 increases from six to twelve the maximum number of Special Designated Licenses (SDL) that a nonprofit organization may apply for in a calendar year.
• LB452 allows the holder of a microdistillery license to sell up to 500 gallons of their products directly to licensed retail facilities annually.
• LB596 permits liquor manufacturers and wholesalers to enter into an advertising or sponsorship agreement with a nonprofit organization, municipal or religious corporation or political subdivision that holds an SDL if a similar measure is passed at the federal level.
• LB667 authorizes alcohol wholesalers to employ channel pricing–a strategy used to determine a product’s price based on the retailer’s license and business type. (Portions of this taken from “Session Review: General Affairs”. Unicameral Update. July 21, 2023. http://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=34614)

NDOT State Highway Construction update for Northeast Nebraska
This update is from the October 11, 2023 Nebraska Department of Transportation in Interstate and State Highway Construction and Detours currently happening. Call 511 or visit www.511.nebraska.gov for the most current information.

• I-129 in both directions between the start of I-129 and the Iowa State Line (South Sioux City). Road construction work is in progress. The left lane is closed. There is a 12-foot width limit in effect. Work includes installation of guardrail paving on the bridges.
• US-75 both directions between 5th Street (Decatur) and B I A 201 (1 mile south of Macy). The roadway is reduced to one lane. Road construction work is in progress, asphalting and bridge work. A pilot car is in operation. Look out for flaggers. There is a 12-foot width limit in effect. Asphalt and Bridge work in operation.
• ROAD CLOSED US-77 IN BOTH DIRECTIONS between N-94 and US-75 (6 miles south of Winnebago). The road is closed due to road construction work. From Walthill to Winnebago US-77 will be closed through November while two box culverts are replaced. The detour route is N-94 to US-75. Traffic will be maintained for the remainder of the work with temporary traffic signals, a pilot vehicle and flaggers.
• US-77 southbound between Futures Drive and US-75 (1 mile south of South Sioux City). Road construction work is in progress. The left lane is closed. There is a 12-foot width limit in effect. US-77, the inside lanes are closed Northbound and Southbound over the bridges to facilitate installation of the waterproof membrane and paving.
• US-81 in both directions between NE-98 and 866th Road (13-22 miles north of Norfolk). Road construction work is in progress. There are alternating lane closures. Look out for flaggers. A pilot car is in operation. Look out for temporary traffic lights. There is a 12-foot width limit in effect. Anticipated completion date is December 2023.
• US-81 between 864th Road and 866th Road (21-22 miles north of Norfolk). Bridge construction work is in progress. The roadway is reduced to one lane. Look out for temporary traffic lights. The roadway is reduced to one lane.
• NE-9 in both directions between V Road and X Road (3 miles south of Pender). The roadway is reduced to one lane due to bridge construction work. Look out for temporary traffic lights. An 11-foot width is in effect. Anticipated competition is winter 2023.
• NE-9 in both directions between X Road and NE-16 (2 miles south of Pender). Bridge construction work is in progress. The roadway is reduced to one lane. Look out for temporary traffic lights. There is a 10-foot width limit in effect.

As always, I invite you to let me know your thoughts, ideas, concerns, or suggestions by calling my office at (402) 471-2716 or emailing me at jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov.