Session finished up this week (April 18th). It has been an honor and a privilege to serve District 17 as your representative for the past 8 years. I so appreciate those of you who have supported me and made this an awesome experience and having the opportunity to make Nebraska a better place to call home.

Bill Updates
This past session there have been many omnibus packages passed. I plan to go through several of these and share information about what was amended into the overarching bill over the course of the upcoming months. This week I would like to touch on a few bills that were passed on April 11, 2024 on Day 59 with further information coming soon.

LB1301, introduced by Niobrara Senator Barry DeKay on behalf of Governor Jim Pillen, adds a number of conditions to the right of foreign individuals or foreign-owned companies to own land in the state. This bill will modernize restrictions on foreign ownership of land in Nebraska. Most of the state’s laws regarding foreign ownership of land haven’t been changed since 1943! Individuals and entities are subject to greater scrutiny and restrictions on land ownership in Nebraska if they are on the sanctions list maintained by the federal Office of Foreign Assets control of the U. S. Department of the Treasury or determined by the U. S. Secretary of Commerce as having engaged in a long-term pattern or serious instances of conduct significantly adverse to U. S. national security. Among other provisions, the measure allows individuals to report suspected foreign ownership of land by a restricted entity, and the state Department of Agriculture is required to investigate suspected violations and refer them to the state attorney general or, if necessary, retain outside counsel. The court may terminate a lease that is in violation of the bill and the state may sell any real estate acquired under the bill’s divestment provision. This bill passed on a 46-0 vote and was sent to the Governor’s office for his signature on Thursday, April 11, 2024. (“Foreign land ownership restrictions updated”. Unicameral Update. 11 April, 2024. http://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=36334)

LB262, introduced by the Agriculture Committee, clarifies and combines terms within the Nebraska Pure Food Act to align with the Food and Drug Administration Food Code and adds insect production to the definition of an agricultural product in state law. My bill, LB1207, was amended and adopted 31-0 on Select File. My bill adds insect production to the definition of an agricultural product in state law. Other bills amended into LB262 were LB999 and LB1061 by Senator Teresa Ibach and LB321 By Senator Tom Brandt. I will elaborate more on this committee priority bill in the coming weeks. (Portions taken from “Agriculture proposal clears final round”. Unicameral Update. 11 April, 2024. http://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=36361)

LB867, introduced by Senator Bruce Bostelman of Brainard, would allow the state Game and Parks Commission to create an online hunting and fishing guide and outfitter database. The provisions of five other bills heard by the committee this session were included on general file. I introduced an amendment on Select File to include provisions of LB636, which would prohibit political subdivisions from enacting any ordinance or other policy that restricts or prohibits the types of fuel sources of energy that natural gas utilities, natural gas transmission companies, and certain other entities may use or deliver to customers. I introduced this bill on behalf of Black Hills Energy. “Bans can cost jobs in the [industries that] rely on affordable energy–like agriculture–can hurt a community’s competitiveness and negatively impact the economy.” I said. Other bills amended into LB867 include LB866 and LB868 by Senator Bruce Bostelman, LB971 by Senator Loren Lippincott, LB1001 by Senator Danielle Conrad, and LB1406 by Senator Rita Sanders. I will elaborate more on this committee priority bill in the coming weeks. (Portions taken from “Natural resources omnibus bill amended, advanced”. Unicameral Update. 15 March, 2024. http://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=35960) This bill passed on Final Reading 47-0 and was sent to the Governor’s office on April 11, 2024.

LB685, introduced by Kearney Senator John Lowe, imposes a 5% annual tax on the net operating revenue of each mechanical amusement device in the state. Such devices are cash video machines that are used for games and contests and are considered games of skill. Fraternal organizations are exempt from the annual revenue tax. Revenue generated from the tax will be distributed as follows:

• 40% to the Property Tax Credit Cash Fund;
• 10% to the Nebraska Tourism Commission Promotional Cash Fund;
• 2.5% to the state General Fund;
• 2.5% to the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund; and
• 20% to the Charitable Gaming Operations Fund to carry out the bill’s provisions.

The remaining 25% of tax revenue will be split between the cities and counties where mechanical amusement devices are located. Beginning January 1, 2024, the bill also requires an annual licensing fee of $5,000 for manufacturers of mechanical amusement devices and $100 per device, up to $5,000, for distributors. In addition, a retail establishment offering cash amusement devices is required to generate at least 60% of their gross operating revenue from other sources under the bill. The state tax commissioner is responsible for establishing a central server to receive accurate revenue and income reporting from cash devices across the state. Once the server is operational, each cash amusement device must be connected to it at all times. Portions taken from “Cash amusement device, co-branded alcohol regulations approved”. Unicameral Update. 15 April, 2024. Portions taken from “Natural resources omnibus bill amended, advanced”. Unicameral Update. 15 March, 2024. http://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=35960) This bill passed on Final Reading 46-0 and was sent to the Governor’s office on April 11, 2024.

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.