This past week we passed the halfway mark of this legislative session. Many bills have been brought to the floor for debate. Things have been moving smoothly and many of these bills have been voted forward to the next step of the legislative process. This week I will cover some of those bills that have passed from Final Reading to Governor Pillen’s desk for a signature.

Bill Updates
On Tuesday, February 20th, my bill, LB605–Art Therapy bill–passed second round debate and has been moved to Enrollment and Review for Engrossment on its way to Final Reading (the final step in the bill process). This bill has been a 7 year long process and looks to pass into law this session.

• LB299e, introduced by Senator Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, prohibits any joint entity that includes a Nebraska school district or Educational Service Unit (ESU) from issuing bonds without approval from a majority of their qualified voters in a special election. The restriction applies to joint public entities created on or after the bill’s effective date. If the bond question fails, it cannot be submitted to voters again for at least six months. This bill was signed into law by Governor Pillen on February 13, 2024 and is currently in effect. (“Voter approval for ertain school bonds approved”. Unicameral Update. February 8, 2024. http://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=35412)
• LB308, introduced by Senator Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, requires express consent from Nebraska residents for the sharing, storage, and use of any consumer genetic data by direct-to-consumer genetic testing services. Under the bill, a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company cannot disclose a consumer’s genetic data to any entity offering health, life or long-term care insurance or to an employer without written consent. This measure also requires a process by which consumers can delete their accounts and genetic data. (“Genetic information safeguards passed”. Unicameral Update. February 8, 2024. http://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=35415) This bill was signed into law by Governor Pillen on February 13, 2024.

New from the Governor’s Office
Governor Jim Pillen says a new survey confirms what he has heard repeatedly from taxpayers across Nebraska. They want property tax relief and would support a state sales tax adjustment to make it happen. That’s the response of three-in-five voters surveyed. Not only that, but respondents also indicated they viewed property taxes as being much higher than state sales tax. The survey, conducted by New Bridge Strategy, was backed by the League of Nebraska Municipalities and the Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO). Governor Pillen has called for a reduction in property taxes by 40 percent. “This report clearly indicates that this is the strongest priority for Nebraskans, who recognize we must reform current policies, if we are to be competitive with other states and continue to attract new workers to our state,” said Governor Pillen. (Strimple, Laura and Schafer, Jacy. “Gov. Pillen on Survey: Nebraskans Want Property Tax Relief”. 15 February, 2024. https://shorturl.at/jBCD0)

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.