Memorial Day will be celebrated on Monday, May 27, 2024 in towns and cities across Nebraska. Americans prepare to honor the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have served our country by serving in the military. We honor those who gave up their lives with bravery and selflessness for the countless freedoms we currently enjoy. God Bless America.

Bill Update
This week I would like to go over LB43 which was one of two Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee priority bills

LB43, introduced by Senator Rita Sanders of Bellevue, would direct hearing officers and judges not to rely on a state agency’s interpretation of state laws or regulations in contested cases under the Administrative Procedures Act. Sanders said the goal is to focus more on the legislative intent behind laws and less on agency interpretations in situations involving disputes over state agency actions. Deferring to state agency interpretations often serves to enhance the power of an unelected bureaucracy, she said. (“Omnibus government regulation bill clears first round”. Unicameral Update. 24 January, 2024. https://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=35065)

LB43 included six additional proposals that address the state’s Administrative Procedures Act and Public Records Act:

• LB41, sponsored by Senator Ben Hansen of Blair, prohibits the state from placing “intrusive or politically motivated” filing or reporting requirements on charitable organizations beyond those required by state law unless narrowly tailored to serve a compelling state interest or to fulfill federal funding requirements.
• LB277, introduced by Senator Tom Brewer of Gordon, creates a more restrictive standard for imposing a “substantial burden” on a person’s right to the exercise of religion and authorizes indigenous tribal members who are students in approved or accredited public schools to wear tribal regalia at any school facility or function, unless doing so would prevent school purposes or interfere with the educational process.
• LB297, sponsored by Senator Rita Sanders, prohibits state and local government agencies from compelling a nonprofit organization to release the personal information of its members, supporters, volunteers, or donors.
• LB366, introduced by Senator Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, changes the threshold at which Nebraska residents may be charged for time spent fulfilling a public records request from four to eight hours and allows nonresidents to be charged the full cost of fulfilling a request.
• LB637, sponsored by Senator Joni Albrecht of Thurston, requires a public body to allow members of the public an opportunity to speak at every meeting except for closed sessions related to personnel matters, investigations regarding allegations of criminal conduct or other purposes already exempted under state law.
• LB650, introduced by Senator Mike McDonnell of Omaha, amends public records law to permit the state or any political subdivision to withhold records relating to the “nature, location or function of cybersecurity”.

LB43 passed on a 39-0 vote and took effect immediately after Governor Pillen signed it on March 27, 2024. (“Government reform bill approved”. Unicameral Update. 21 March, 2024. https://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=36030)

News from the Governor’s Office

Governor Jim Pillen, in accordance with a request from the White House, announced that all U. S. and Nebraska flags were to be flown at half-staff, on May 15, 2024, on Peace Officers Memorial Day.

“During Police Week, and especially today on Peace Officers Memorial Day, we recognize the tremendous sacrifice made by those men and women who have given their lives in the line of duty,” said Governor Pillen. “We acknowledge their sacrifices and those of their family members, who continue to mourn their loss.”

Governor PIllen marked the start of Police Week with an address to members of the law enforcement community at Offutt Air Force Base on Monday, May 13, 2024. He spoke to law enforcement members from across the state, survivor family members and guests at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony in Grand Island on Friday, May 17th, during which time the names of law enforcement officers were added to the wall of remembrance. (Strimple, Laura and Urlis, Allan. Press Release. “Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day”. 15 May, 2024. https://shorturl.at/cewMP)

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.