I want to wish everyone a safe and Happy 4th of July. I hope you are able to spend time with family and friends as we celebrate the birth of our nation’s independence from Great Britain. I would like to share a few safety tips with you from the National Safety Council.

• Choose fireworks that are age appropriate. Kids under 12 should never handle any fireworks, including sparklers. Teens should be supervised.
• Plan your show to avoid having fireworks come down on people, houses and cars. Remember, wind often changes direction.
• Have at the least, a bucket of water available and a garden hose ready to go.
• Have a first aid kit nearby and know burn first aid–just in case.
• Wear close fitting clothes and sturdy shoes or sneakers.
• Use a “designated shooter” who is alcohol free and wearing safety glasses!
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never light fireworks in a container.

(Taken from “Don’t Go Out with a Bang!”. National Safety Council Nebraska. 26 June, 2024. https://safenebraska.org/application/files/6116/2463/3393/Fireworks_tips_sheet.pdf)

Flooding Update

The weekend of June 22nd we had flooding from the Missouri River which affected Dakota City and South Sioux City. Mayors, city administrators and other elected officials assisted in preparing the emergency declaration and keeping residents up to date on what was going on. An emergency declaration has been filed for Dakota City, South Sioux City, and Dakota County with the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency.

I would like to give a big shout out to Deanna Hagberg, Dakota County Emergency Manager, for taking care of business with the flooding in and around the South Sioux City and Dakota City areas. Thank you for allowing me to ride along. Deanna is one busy lady who cares for all the residents and the property and above all the safety of first responders.

Other thanks goes to the Dakota City and South Sioux City Police and Fire Departments for patrolling the flooded areas in order to keep people out of the flood waters and to monitor the situation. Thank you to the Nebraska State Patrol and Nebraska Department of Transportation for their efforts in rerouting traffic from I-29 to Highway 12 to Highway 20 and keeping traffic running smoothly. A huge thank you to all the volunteers who have stepped up to help fill sandbags, help their neighbors, and just be available to help as needed.

Our prayers go out to Minnesota, South Dakota, and Iowa as they are also dealing with the flooding in their respective states.

Special Session and Property Taxes

As you may have heard last week, Governor Pillen is calling a special session to address property taxes beginning on July 25th. An official proclamation has not been issued, but we have been called to set aside July 25-August 15th to be back in Lincoln.

Over the past month or so, Governor Pillen has been hosting town hall meetings throughout the state to discuss property taxes, offer his suggestions for addressing them, and listen to those in attendance for their concerns and thoughts. In 2023, Nebraskans paid about $5.3 billion in property taxes, $3.7 billion in income taxes and $2.3 billion in sales taxes. Of those taxes, Pillen said “it’s supposed to be the opposite.” Nebraska State statute says that if valuations go up, then levies must go down the same amount, but boards are overriding the levies. Governor Pillen said, “We need to tighten our belts and stop spending. We need to focus on what we need and stop saying yes.”

His new proposal calls for much more expansive changes than he had pushed during the legislative session. He is calling for broadening the state sales tax to cover a host of currently exempted goods and services. “I’m a believer we can’t touch food because we have a lot of people in need, and obviously medicines, but I’m open to anything else,” he said, adding that he would also exempt other types of healthcare.

The governor told the listeners on his call in radio show that the plan is a work in progress and many details have yet to be worked out. “These conversations are living and breathing,” he said. “We don’t have everything etched in stone. There’s a lot of work and we’re getting ideas as we get the plan formulated.”

Pillen said his plan would include hard caps on local government spending to prevent property taxes from increasing again. He said the caps should hold spending flat or allow increases only for inflation, unless voters authorize larger increases. (Portions taken from Stoddard, Martha. “State would fund schools under Pillen tax proposal”. Omaha World Herald. 24 June, 2024. https://shorturl.at/vKd1P. Accessed 24 June, 2024. and Wendling, Zach. “Gov. Pillen eyes Nebraska taking over K-12 school funding instead of local property taxes”. Nebraska Examiner. 25 June, 2024. https://shorturl.at/SptVo. Accessed 25 June, 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.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Hoskins on their quasquicentennial (125th). What a great accomplishment for this small town with a big heart. I look forward to celebrating with them.

We enjoyed attending Winside’s “Old Settlers” Family/Kids Day on Sunday, June 16th. It was a thrill to attend the 9th Annual Gene Topp Memorial Car/Truck/Tractor Show that began with the presentation of colors by American Legion Post #252. We watched the Kiddies Parade and then enjoyed homemade pie and ice cream at the auditorium. We finished our day by listening to the Burt Heithold Band before heading home.

Bill Updates
This week I would like to go over LB867, one of the two Natural Resource Committee priority bills and one of the Speaker priority bills, LB1030.

Under LB867, introduced by Senator Bruce Bostelman of Brainard, the state Game and Parks Commission may maintain a hunting and fishing guide and outfitter database on its website and charge a registration fee to administer it. Applicants who meet the bill’s requirements will be placed in the database for three years. Six other bills were included in LB867.

• LB866, sponsored by Senator Bostelman, eliminates a requirement that at least one member of the Nebraska Power Review Board be an accountant and increases the number of consecutive terms a member may serve from two to three. The bill allows no more than one person who has been a director, officer, or employee of any electric utility or an elective state officer to serve on the board at the same time. LB866 also increases the per diem for most board members from $60 to $100 and raises the cap on total annual pay from $6,000 to $7,000.
• LB868, introduced by Senator Bostelman, extends the Petroleum Release Remedial Action Cash Fund’s sunset date from June 30, 2024 to June 30, 2028. It also directs investment earnings to the fund and repeals a provision allowing transfers to the state’s General Fund.
• LB971, sponsored by Senator Loren Lippincott of Central City, requires the commission to issue upon application a free, one-day hunting permit, habitat stamp, and Nebraska migratory waterfowl stamp to any veteran who is a Nebraska resident and was discharged or separated under honorable conditions. The permit and stamps are valid only on Veterans Day in the year in which they are issued.
• LB1001, introduced by Senator Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, requires the commission to establish a migratory waterfowl hunting season for veterans and members of the armed forces during which those individuals may hunt as long as they have a valid hunting permit and all required stamps.
• LB1406, introduced by Senator Rita Sanders of Bellevue, requires the commission to offer an annual park entry permit to active-duty military members who are stationed in Nebraska. The fee is $5, regardless of residency.
• LB636, introduced by Senator Joni Albrecht of Thurston, prohibits political subdivisions from enacting any ordinance or other policy that restricts or prohibits the types or fuel sources of energy that natural gas utilities, natural gas transmission companies, and certain other entities may use or deliver to serve customers.

LB867 passed on a vote of 47-0 and took effect immediately. It was approved by Governor Pillen on April 15, 2024. (Taken from “Session Review: Natural Resources”. Unicameral Update. 13 May, 2024. https://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=36621)

The County Bridge Match Program, created by the Legislature in 2016 and administered by the state Department of Transportation, provides state funding to accelerate the repair and replacement of deficient bridges on the county road system. LB1030, introduced by Senator Bruce Bostelman, creates the County Bridge Match Working Group, which will develop criteria for program participation, as well as for county matching fund requirements. The group will score applications and award funds. The governor will appoint two of the group’s members from a list of county highway superintendents, county surveyors or county engineers submitted by a statewide association representing county officials. The department director will select three department members to serve on the group. LB1030 requires the state treasurer to make two $4 million transfers, one in 2024 and one in 2025, from the Road Operations Cash Fund to the Transportation Infrastructure Bank Fund to be used for the County Bridge Match Program. LB1030 passed on a vote of 47-0 and took effect immediately. It was approved by Governor Pillen on April 15, 2024. (Taken from “County bridge working group created”. Unicameral Update. 15 April, 2024. https://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=36477)

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Governor Pillen for hosting town halls in South Sioux City and Wayne to discuss his plan to address high property taxes in Nebraska. He has been hosting town halls throughout the state for the past several weeks. He has informed us to set aside July 26th-August 15th for a special session to address the property tax issue. He is looking at broadening the base by looking at all tax exemptions, capping taxing authorities to control spending, and funding public schools. I appreciate Governor Pillen taking time to talk to the citizens of Nebraska in order to keep them informed on how he is trying to address the property tax issue.

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.

The nation’s first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in the state of Washington. However, it was not until 1972–58 years after President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official–that the day honoring fathers became a nationwide holiday in the United States. (History.com authors. “Father’s Day 2024”. History.com. 31 January, 2024. https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/fathers-day)

Father’s Day was this past Sunday, June 16th. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the fathers and grandfathers in the district a Happy belated Father’s Day. I hope you were able to enjoy time with your family.

Bill Update
This week I would like to go over LB1329, one of the two Education Committee priority bills.

LB1329, introduced by Senator Dave Murman of Glenvil, updates the Nebraska Career Scholarship Act by transferring its administration from the state Department of Economic Development to the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education. The bill expands the definition of “first-time freshman” to include dual enrollment graduates, updates scholarship eligibility to a 3.0 GPA or higher and aligns reporting with census data to consider all eligible programs, retention, and graduation data. LB1329 modifies language regarding the State Board of Education policies on truancy and allows school boards to determine the length of behavioral intervention training for employees. Eleven other bills were amended into LB1329.

• LB550, sponsored by Senator Beau Ballard of Lincoln, allows K-12 students to attend a public school outside their district once in elementary, middle, and high school, for a total of three times before graduation.
• LB673, introduced by Senator Ben Hansen of Blair, provides grants to schools that adopt a policy to provide emergency response mapping data to law enforcement agencies.
• LB855, sponsored by Senator Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, prohibits school districts from contracting with a collection agency to assess or collect interest, fees, or other monetary penalties for outstanding debts on a student’s school lunch or breakfast account.
• LB962, introduced by Senator Justin Wayne of Omaha, requires public schools to exclusively use the Gall-Peters or AuthaGraph projection map for teaching purposes in the classroom.
• LB1012, sponsored by Senator Lynne Walz of Fremont, allows the Qualified Capital Purpose Undertaking Fund to be used for abatement projects to address school safety infrastructure concerns.
• LB1083, introduced by Senator Conrad, expands the Nebraska Career Scholarships to include a program of study in education, engineering or early childhood education as an eligible program of study for scholarship eligibility for private colleges and community colleges.
• LB1328, introduced by Senator Murman, amends statutes that refer to school districts by class size by adding the newly proposed classes as applicable. Class I encompasses school districts with a population of fewer than 1,500 inhabitants, maintaining both elementary and high school grades under the governance of one school board; Class II comprises school districts with a population ranging from 1,500 to fewer than 5,000 inhabitants, maintaining both elementary and high school grades under the governance of one school board; Class III encompasses school districts with a population between 5,000 and fewer than 200,000 inhabitants, maintaining both elementary and high school grades under the governance of one school board.
• LB1331, introduced by Senator Murman, represents proposals by the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) to address a variety of issues it believes can be administered more effectively. Such issues include truancy, option enrollment, graduation requirements, alternative teacher certification, student loan repayment assistance, innovation and improvement grant programs, Summer Food Service program, special education expenditures, programs for learners with high ability, behavioral health, state lottery funds, behavioral awareness training, and the College Pathway Program. This bill modernizes and harmonizes language to match current practices and eliminates outdated language as well as clarifies language and wording to match current state statutes, federal language, and current practices.
• LB1339, introduced by Senator Tom Brewer of Gordon, permits certain school districts to authorize security personnel and off-duty law enforcement to carry firearms on school grounds and at school-sponsored activities. Participating school districts are required to have a written policy regarding qualifications, training, and the appropriate use of force. The provision does not apply to public elementary or secondary schools in Class III, IV, or V school districts.
• LB1377, sponsored by Senator Walz at the request of the Governor, directs the State Board of Education to create model policies addressing behavioral intervention, management, and student removal, with training frequency left to school boards. School districts must adopt these policies by August 1, 2025, and staff training aligning with the policies is required from the 2026-27 school year. Similar requirements apply to dating violence policies and training. The State Board of Education is also authorized to establish minimum school security standards, including reasonable training for security personnel.
• LB1385, introduced by Senator Kathleen Kauth of Omaha at the request of the Governor, streamlines the approval application process for teaching certificates and creates reciprocity among states for their issuance. (Portions taken from “Omnibus education bill approved”. Unicameral Update. 12 April, 2024. https://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=36409)

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.

Parades and community events are in full swing. Two weekends ago, I enjoyed attending the Tri-County Days in Emerson. I had a good time along with my family and grandkids. The fire department fed everyone hamburgers and there were a lot of activities for people of all ages.

I would like to congratulate New to You on their 25th anniversary of being open, for all the scholarships given to Emerson-Hubbard seniors, money donated to the community, and to the many volunteers that give of their time to run NYT. May you be open for many more years to come.

Bill Updates

This week I would like to go over individual bills that were passed this past session or were Senator or Speaker priority bills.

• LB257, introduced by Senator John Lowe of Kearney, rewrites section 12-701 of the cemetery statutes to provide cities, counties, and villages with a process to revest lots purchased for internment or burial in a cemetery owned by the city, county, or village, if no one has been buried in the lot for at least thirty years. The bill provides for proper notice proceedings that allow the owner of such a lot the opportunity to file a valid claim showing they have not abandoned the lot, and further allows, the governing body to bring an action in district court to restore the cemetery lot to the governing body, should no valid claim by an owner be filed. New language is added to section 12-702 to allow the city, county, or village that becomes the revisionary owner of the cemetery lot pursuant to 12-701 to then sell the same and convey title to a new purchaser of the lot for purposes of internment or burial. LB257 passed 44-0 and was approved by Governor Pillen on March 11, 2024.
• LB1087, introduced by Senator Mike Jacobson of North Platte and was Senator Christy Armendariz’s personal priority bill, requires the state Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to submit a state plan amendment to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for approval to impose an assessment on Nebraska hospitals. Under the plan, each Nebraska hospital would pay an assessment fee based on their quarterly net patient revenue. The total statewide assessment amount could not exceed 6% of the total net patient revenue of all assessed hospitals. Jacobson said the bill would allow Nebraska to access a federal program used by 43 other states and the District of Columbia that provides matching funds to help hospitals cover the cost of treating individuals on Medicaid. For each dollar assessed under the program, he said, the federal match in Medicaid directed payments would be approximately $2.19–a total of approximately $1 billion per year. Those dollars would be distributed to Nebraska hospitals based on their share of Medicaid patients treated in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The program will be administered by DHHS, which will receive an administration fee of 3% of the assessment amount, not to exceed $15 million per year. Of the total assessed amount, 3.5% may be used for health priorities including funding non-hospital Medicaid providers. That amount is capped at $17.5 million. LB1087 passed 45-0 and took effect immediately. It was approved by Governor Pillen on March 27, 2024. (“Hospital assessment program clears first round”. Unicameral Update. 16 February, 2024. https://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=35607)
• LB857, introduced by Senator George Dungan of Lincoln and his personal priority bill, creates the Nebraska Prenatal Plus Program to cover the cost of prenatal services for at-risk mothers–defined as pregnant women eligible for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program who a health care provider determines are at risk for a negative maternal or infant health outcome. Prenatal services under the program include nutritional counseling, psychosocial counseling and support, general client education and health promotion, breastfeeding support, and targeted case management. The program will sunset June 30, 2028. The bill also includes provisions of LB933, introduced by Senator Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln, that expands Nebraska Medicaid coverage for continuous glucose monitors to include individuals with gestational diabetes and those receiving any type of insulin therapy. This bill passed on a vote of 45-0 and was approved by Governor Pillen on April 2, 2024. (“Medicaid prenatal program approved”. Unicameral Update. 28 March, 2024. https://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=36179)
• LB876, introduced by Senator Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue and a Speaker priority bill, expands safe haven provisions for Nebraska infants. Current state law allows for the surrendering of infants 30 days or younger in person at a hospital. LB876 raises the age to 90 days and provides additional options for a parent or a person acting on the parent’s behalf to voluntarily release custody of an infant. In addition to hospitals, the bill allows a parent or designee to surrender physical custody to an emergency care provider or at a fire or police station that is staffed 24 hours a day. No individual can be prosecuted solely for the act of surrendering a newborn under the bill’s provisions. This bill also appropriates $65,000 to the state Department of Health and Human Services in fiscal year 2024-2025 and $10,000 in FY 2025-2026 to develop, implement, and maintain a public information program regarding the bill’s provisions. This bill was passed on a vote of 47-0 and was approved by Governor Pillen on April 2, 2024. (“Safe haven provisions expanded”. Unicameral Update. 11 April, 2024. https://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=36382)

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.

I hope that everyone had a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend! As we spent the long weekend with family and friends, I hope each of you joined me in remembering the brave servicemen and women who sacrificed themselves to give us the freedom and liberties we enjoy every day in the great state of Nebraska.

Bill Update
This week I would like to go over LB1073 which was introduced by Senator Julie Slama of Dunbar and become one of the two priority bills of the Business, Commerce, and Insurance Committee. This bill contained the provisions of eleven other measures considered by the committee this session.

LB1073 eliminates a requirement that at least one operations review of a third-party administrator within a semiannual review period be conducted onsite. The bill instead gives the director of the state Department of Insurance discretion to require an onsite evaluation if deemed necessary.

• Provisions of LB446, sponsored by Senator Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, provides a regulatory framework for peer-to-peer vehicle sharing in Nebraska and determines the priority of insurance liability. They require that the owner and driver be insured under a motor vehicle liability insurance policy during each sharing period and specify what such a policy must include.
• LB873, sponsored by Senator Beau Ballard of Lincoln increases from $500 to $5,000 the amount of “good funds” a person acting as a real estate closing agency must have available for disbursement at the time of closing a real estate transaction.
• Provisions of LB885, sponsored by Senator Bostar, creates a lung cancer screening mandate for individuals between 50 and 80 years of age who currently smoke or who quit within the past 15 years and had a 20-pack per year smoking history. The provisions prohibit a deductible, coinsurance or cost-sharing requirement for qualified individuals.
• LB990, sponsored by Senator Bostar, alters the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Licensure and Regulation Act.
• LB1024, also sponsored by Senator Bostar, changes provisions related to documents and information provided to an independent review organization under the Health Carrier External Review Act.
• LB1135, sponsored by Senator Robert Dover of Norfolk, prohibits the use of right-to-list home sale agreements and changes provisions of the Nebraska Real Estate License Act.
• Provisions of LB1136, sponsored by Senator Dover, increases the maximum civil fine that the state Real Estate Commission may impose on an individual performing brokerage activities in Nebraska without a license. The provisions raise the cap from $2,500 per complaint to $5,000 or the total amount of commission earned by the licensee in each transaction subject to a complaint.
• LB1147, sponsored by Senator Bostar, provides requirements for separate investment accounts that hold assets of index-linked variable annuity contracts.
• LB1148, sponsored by Senator Ben Hansen of Blair, changes requirements relating to insurance coverage of step therapy for certain drugs.
• LB1227, sponsored by Senator Ballard, allows a professional employer organization to offer its covered employees any health benefit plan that meets the requirements of the Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement Act and the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act.
• LB1409, sponsored by Senator Bostar, changes provisions of the Nebraska Condominium Act related to notification requirements regarding the subdivision of a unit, creation of timeshares or proposed amendment to a declaration that adversely affects the priority of the mortgagee’s right to foreclose its lien or otherwise materially affects the rights and interest of the mortgagee or beneficiary. (“Insurance omnibus measure clears final round”. Unicameral Update. 15 April, 2024. https://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=36449)

LB1073 passed on a 44-0 vote and took effect immediately. It was approved by Governor Pillen on April 15, 2024.

News from Governor Pillen’s Office

Governor Jim Pillen, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) encourage Nebraskans to register for the One Nebraska Ag & Economic Development Summit. This year’s event will take place August 7-8, 2024 at the Younes Conference Center North in Kearney. Registration for the Summit is now open at govsummit.nebraska.gov. Troy Dannen, Athletic Direct for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will be the keynote speaker.

“The key to our success is working together as one Nebraska to grow our state,” said Governor Pillen. “At this summer’s Summit, we’ll unite around a shared vision to create great opportunities for our kids and grandkids. We have the most sustainable ag supply chain on the planet, and we’re sitting on our pot of gold–the Ogallala Aquifer. The potential is sky high for Nebraska to be a hub for advanced fermentation, biomanufacturing, and production of next-generation biofuels.”

The One Nebraska Summit convenes economic developers and industry leaders in agriculture and business to discuss how to best grow Nebraska. This year, breakout sessions will cover talent attraction, the emerging bioeconomy, housing and childcare solutions, stewardship of water resources, manufacturing, and much more.

“We’re revolutionizing our approach to economic development in Nebraska,” said DED Director K. C. Belitz. “We’re now competing for people, not only jobs. It’s critical that we retain more of our grads and recruit top talent to the state. At the same time, we’re redoubling our efforts to encourage homegrown entrepreneurship by supporting the businesses that give so much to our communities. It’s crucial that Nebraska’s leaders understand where we’re going and how we intend to get there. I encourage you to join us for the 2024 Summit in Kearney.”

The 2024 Summit officially kicks off on Wednesday night, August 7th, with a reception and banquet hosted by the Nebraska Diplomats. The evening event includes an awards ceremony to honor leaders, businesses, and communities who have made key contributions to the state’s economic success over the previous year. Thursday, August 8th, is the primary day of the Summit. It features opening and closing remarks from Governor Pillen, a keynote from Troy Dannen, and a full slate of breakout sessions–each led by a panel of subject matter experts.

To register for the Diplomats Banquet and Summit, visit govsummit.nebraska.gov. A full Summit agenda is also available through the website. For questions, contact Lori Shaal at lori.shaal@nebraska.gov or (402) 890-4624. (Strimple, Laura and Urlis, Allan. Press Release. “Gov. Pillen Invites Nebraskans to Register for the One Nebraska Ag & Economic Development Summit Headlined by Husker AD Troy Dannen”. 29 May, 2024. https://shorturl.at/4El0y)

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.

Summer is upon us. School is officially out all over the district and students are now on to their summer activities. I look forward to working outdoors and going to my grandchildren’s activities.

Bill Update

This week I would like to go over LB1284 which was Fremont Senator Lynne Walz’s priority bill. It became an omnibus education proposal and included portions of eight other bills.

LB1284 provides funding and resources to implement the provisions of the Computer Science and Technology Education Act, which the Legislature passed in 2022. The bill requires the Nebraska Department of Education to employ or contract with computer science specialists to develop and deliver computer science educator training for teachers. The training will be accessible to all teachers in the state, including those seeking supplemental computer science certification. LB1284 also establishes the Computer Science and Technology Education Fund, which the department will administer. The fund will receive $1 million from the Education Future Fund by June 30, 2025 and $500,000 annually if matching private funds are raised.

• LB985, introduced by Senator Lou Ann Linehan from Elkhorn, clarifies that eligibility for the Nebraska Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act also requires an applicant teach in the area of their high-need certification
• LB986, also introduced by Senator Linehan, amends the Teach in Nebraska Today Act to increase the maximum grant total awarded each year from $5 million to $10 million.
• LB1005, introduced by Senator Walz, provides technical changes to carry out provisions of a 2023 Education Committee omnibus bill.
• LB1014, also introduced by Senator Walz, reimburses school districts and education service units for the cost of contracting with outside agencies to cover required services of school psychologists.
• LB1050, introduced by Senator Danielle Conrad from Lincoln, creates a pilot program administered by the Nebraska Department of Education to provide school districts with free menstrual products in Fiscal Year 2025-26.
• LB1252, introduced by Senator Linehan, provides funding to the Nebraska Department of Education to develop and implement a professional learning system to help provide sustained professional learning and training regarding evidence-based reading instruction for teachers who teach children from four years of age through third grade. The state Department of Education will work with educational service units to provide regional coaches to provide assistance and job-embedded training relating to evidence-based reading instruction to teachers who teach students in kindergarten through third grade.
• LB1253, introduced by Senator Linehan, provides up to $500,000 in grants to research the use of artificial-intelligence-based writing assistance for individuals with dyslexia, which teachers could use to develop a comprehensive literacy plan.
• LB1254, also introduced by Senator Linehan, would provide funding to the Nebraska Department of Education to create reading improvement mentorship programs that focus on developing the science of reading skills and employ regional coaches to assist teachers with reading instruction.

LB1284 passed on a 42-0 vote and took effect immediately. (“Education package clears final round”. Unicameral Update. 15 April, 2024. https://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=36474)

News from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

The federal Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved the Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) plan to run the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program. USDA officials commended DHHS for the several touchpoints included in the plan to ensure Nebraska families receive the services they need during summer months.
Eligible families will receive $120 per child for the summer period. An estimated 175,000 students, or 80,000 households, will be eligible to receive Summer EBT benefits.
Along with issuing the cards, the Summer EBT program will include multiple touchpoints of outreach throughout the following months, including:

• Educational information on the types of nutritious foods that parents can purchase for their kids with Summer EBT cards;
• DHHS sending text messages to families with a brief survey to help identify additional needs or resources; and
• Trained staff following up personally to assess any other needs and determine what resources would be of benefit to families.

In addition to DHHS utilizing Summer EBT and built-in touchpoints in its plan, NDE will also administer the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) which provides no-cost meals to children ages 1 through 18 at nearly 300 locations across Nebraska. No applications or paperwork are required to receive meals from approved sites. Most SFSP sites begin providing meals during the first week of June. Text FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304 to receive information about local SFSP sites.

School-age, income-eligible children may receive Summer EBT benefits. This includes:

1. School-age children participating in the following public assistance programs:Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP);
   a. Aid to Dependent Children (ADC);
   b. Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR); or
   c. Children on Medicaid with household income under 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
2. School-age children who are eligible for free or reduced-priced meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) based on the following statuses:
   a. Participation in Head Start;
   b. Homeless;
   c. Foster;
   d. Migrant; or
   e. Runaway.
3. School-age children who have already been approved for free or reduced-priced meals through filling out a school meals application; and
4. School-age children enrolled in a school participating in NSLP/SBP, not already eligible, and determined income-eligible through a Summer EBT application, which will be available after June 1.

If a child meets the first three above criteria, they do not need to complete a Summer EBT application. Their benefits will be issued to a Summer EBT card and mailed to the address provided by the student’s school or maintained by DHHS for public assistance participants.

School-aged homeschooled children not receiving public assistance benefits do not qualify for Summer EBT benefits, as they are not participating in an NSLP/SBP school.

To learn more about Summer EBT and SFSP, please visit https://dhhs.ne.gov/SummerEBT. More information on benefit issuances will be shared as implementation continues this summer. (Spilinek, Collin. Press Release. “DHHS Summer EBT Program Plan Approved by USDA”. 6 May, 2024. https://shorturl.at/DK3Hr)

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.

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.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the area high school seniors on their graduation from high school. I want to wish you the best of luck as you move forward with your plans to go to college, vocational training school, or on to a job. I know you will go far with whatever you decide to do with your life. I would also like to congratulate those college/university graduates. I know that you are ready to take the next steps forward in your life’s journey. “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” Zig Ziglar

Bill Update

This week I would like to go over LB262 which was one of two Agriculture Committee priority bills.

LB262 was introduced in 2023 and would clarify and combine terms within the Nebraska Pure Food Act to align with the federal Food and Drug Administration Food Code. Under current law, only individuals who are credentialed as registered environmental health specialists qualify as food inspectors. Among other changes, LB262 would remove that requirement. An Agriculture Committee amendment replaced the bill and added other proposals to LB262.

• LB264 revised the definition of “grain” to remove an ambiguity regarding whether grain excludes segregated commodities such as certified organic. It would also change grain dealer licensure requirements as follows:
  • increase the maximum dealer security from $300,000 to $1 million;
  • increase the maximum warehouse bond from $500,000 to $1 million;
  • Remove a formula for calculating the security amount and allow the Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) to set the amount by regulation; and
  • Clarify an exemption from criminal background checks for an individual submitting a new license application who previously submitted a background check for a separate license.
• LB305, sponsored by Senator Steve Halloran, would remove the duty and authority of the PSC to establish grain storage rates, but would specify that warehouse licensees must prominently post storage rates and related charges on signage issued by the commission. New license applicants would file a schedule of storage rates and charges with their application. Warehouse licensees could adjust such rates and charges by filing notice with the PSC and all grain owners of record at least 30 days prior to any adjustment taking effect. The amendment would also make it a Class IV misdemeanor to charge storage rates other than, or in addition to, those filed and posted. (“Omnibus ag proposal clears first round”. Unicameral Update. 6 March, 2024. https://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=35871)
• Portions of LB999, introduced by Senator Teresa Ibach of Sumner, would transfer licensure and regulation of hemp cultivation from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to the U. S. Department of Agriculture beginning January 1, 2025. Hemp production in Nebraska has declined significantly in recent years and the few Nebraskans who are engaged in hemp cultivation would be better served by federal regulations–including a lack of licensure fees. The state would continue to regulate the transportation of hemp. It would also terminate the state hemp Commission and the Hemp Promotion Fund and transfer any money in the fund to the state’s Noxious Weed Cash Fund.
• LB1061, sponsored by Senator Ibach, would change the Nebraska Corn Resources Act. Her amendment to LB262 would increase the checkoff assessment collected at the time corn enters commercial channels from 0.5 cents per bushel to 1 cent per bushel, beginning October 1, 2024.
• Provisions of LB321, sponsored by Senator Tom Brandt of Plymouth, were amended into LB262 and would change regulations under the Nebraska Pure Food Act related to the cottage food industry–which authorizes the sale of foods prepared in private homes and sold directly to consumers. The amendment expanded the cottage food exemption to include additional foods. The changes allows producers to sell certain non-refrigerated foods and other specific time and temperature-controlled items.
• LB1207, sponsored by Senator Joni Albrecht of Thurston, added “insect production” to the definition of an agricultural product in state law.

LB262 passed on final reading 47-0 and was signed by Governor Pillen on April 16, 2024. (“Agriculture proposal amended, advanced”. Unicameral Update. 15 March, 2024. https://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=35967)

NDOT State Highway Construction & Detour report for Northeast Nebraska

This update is from the May 1, 2024 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.

• NE-9 in both directions between Willis Street (near Pender) and Prairie Street (Emerson). Bridge construction. A lane is closed intermittently. Look out for temporary traffic lights. There is a 12-foot width in effect.
• NE-9 ROAD IS CLOSED between W Road and X Road (3 miles south of Pender). Bridge construction work is in progress .County Road W is closed westbound due to bridge construction.
• NE-9 ROAD IS CLOSED at W Road (3 miles south of Pender). Road construction is in progress.
• NE-9 between W Road and X Road should potentially be open by May 17th. They are putting the asphalt overlay on the bridge and the project is close to finishing up.
• NE-57 in both directions between 859th Road and 860th Road (near Carroll). Road construction work is in progress. The roadway is reduced to one lane. Look out for temporary traffic lights. Look out for flaggers. There is a 12-foot width limit in effect.
• NE-57 in both directions between 857th Road and 858th Road (2 miles south of Carroll). Road construction work is in progress. The roadway is reduced to one lane. Look out for temporary traffic lights. Look out for flaggers. There is a 12-foot width limit in effect.
• US-77 in both directions between NE-94 and US-75 (6 miles south of Winnebago). Road construction work is in progress. Traffic will be maintained with temporary traffic signals, a pilot car and flaggers. There is an 11-foot width limit. Anticipated completion is July 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.

What a week we have had of unsettling weather. My thoughts and prayers go out to those who were affected by the tornados that went through Nebraska on April 26th. It was nice to watch Nebraskans rally around one another to help clean up, provide food and water, and even find a location for lost pets to be brought and checked over until their owners could be located.

Governor Jim Pillen issued the following statement in the aftermath of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes that resulted in damage across eastern Nebraska Friday (April 26th) afternoon. “Suzanne and I extend our deepest prayers to all those impacted by today’s storms. I have ordered that state resources be made available to assist with the emergency response and to support local first responders as they assess the damage. Nebraskans are tough, resilient people, and our neighbors and communities will rally around affected families and businesses to assist them. Nebraskans are no strangers to severe weather and, as they have countless times before, Nebraskans will help Nebraskans to rebuild.” (Strimple, Laura and Urlis, Allan. Press Release. “Governor Pillen Reacts to Damaging Storms; Orders State Resource Assistance”. 27 April, 2024. https://shorturl.at/fuCFT)

I would also like to wish all the mothers out there a very Happy Mother’s Day. I hope that you are able to spend time with your children and extended family.

Bill Updates

This week I would like to continue going through the bills included in LB937.

• LB937, introduced by Lincoln Senator Eliot Bostar, a family caregiver is eligible for a non refundable income tax credit equal to 50% of expenses incurred that are directly related to the care for and support of an eligible family member. Total credits are limited to $1.5 million in fiscal year (FY) 2025-26 and FY 2026-27 and $2.5 million in the following years. As amended, LB937 contains provisions of several other bills heard by the Revenue Committee this session.
• LB901, introduced by Senator Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, purchases made by a nonprofit organization are exempt from state sales and use tax if the nonprofit acquired property or contracts to build, improve, or repair property that will be transferred to a nonprofit whose purchases already are exempt.
• LB1084, introduced by Senator Teresa Ibach of Sumner, a Class III shoreline rail company located wholly or partly in Nebraska can apply to the department for a nonrefundable tax credit equal to 50% of its qualified maintenance expenditures during the tax year. The credit amount cannot exceed $1,500 per mile of track.
  Under the amended provisions of LB1184, introduced by Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, Nebraska taxpayers can apply to the Department of Revenue for a one-time, refundable state income tax credit of up to $1,000 to offset the cost of installing a reverse osmosis system at their primary residence if test results show high levels of nitrates, uranium, or certain chemicals in the drinking water.
• The amended provisions of LB1002, sponsored by Plymouth Senator Tom Brandt, set the maximum amount of tax credits available under the Nebraska Biodiesel Tax Credit Act at $1 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2025 and $1.5 million in the following years.
• LB1047, introduced by Senator Tom Brandt, expands the list of denaturants subject to an excise tax paid by ethanol producers and imposes the tax on 2% of certain agricultural ethyl alcohol sold that is unfit for beverage purposes.
• LB1072, introduced by Senator George Dungan of Lincoln, allows a producer or importer of sustainable aviation fuel to claim a nonrefundable income tax credit based on the number of gallons in all sold or used qualified mixtures.
  (“Tax credits for caregivers, others created”. Unicameral Update. 18 April, 2024. http://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=36526)

LB126, introduced by Omaha Senator Jen Day, allows current homestead exemption recipients to remain eligible for an exemption if a valuation increase pushes the value of their homestead above the allowed maximum. For homesteads valued at or above the maximum value, the exempt amount will not be reduced and the homestead will remain eligible for an exemption for the current year if it received an exemption in the previous year, was valued below the maximum value in the previous year, and is not ineligible for an exemption for any reason other than exceeding the maximum value by at least $20,000. The exception does not apply if the valuation increase is due to improvements to the homestead. Two other bills were amended into LB126 by a Revenue Committee Amendment on Select File.

• Provisions of LB1151, introduced by Norfolk Senator Robert Dover, updates the definition of “occupy” under the homestead exemption program. Under LB126, a departure from a property for health or legal reasons does not disqualify an owner from receiving an exemption so long as they demonstrate an intention to return to the property.
• LB1019, introduced by Bellevue Senator Rick Holdcroft, requires county assessors or county clerks to correct the assessment and tax rolls after a final order of the Tax Equalization and Review Commission (TERC).

(“Homestead exemption changes approved”. Unicameral Update. 18 April, 2024. http://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=36520)

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.

Planting season is in full swing and calving season is happening. It was so nice to get some much needed rain in our area. Hopefully that hasn’t delayed planting but added some nice moisture to the soil. This time of year reminds me of a tweet that I received from the Nebraska DOT last year with this reminder–“Drivers–be on the lookout for farm equipment this planting season! If you happen to come across a farm vehicle, slowing down and practicing patience is an easy and effective way of keeping both you and the farmer safe.” Please keep an eye out for farming equipment moving on the roads and stay safe.

This past session there were many omnibus packages passed and I would like to go through several of these and share information about what was amended into the overarching bill. I plan to do this over the course of the next several newsletters. This week I would like to begin with LB937.

Bill Update

• LB937, introduced by Lincoln Senator Eliot Bostar, a family caregiver is eligible for a non refundable income tax credit equal to 50% of expenses incurred that are directly related to the care for and support of an eligible family member. Total credits are limited to $1.5 million in fiscal year (FY) 2025-26 and FY 2026-27 and $2.5 million in the following years. As amended, LB937 contains provisions of several other bills heard by the Revenue Committee this session.
• LB58, introduced by Omaha Senator John Cavanaugh, exempts diapers from state sales and use tax.
• LB1025, introduced by Senator Eliot Bostar, creates the Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Support Act. The provisions allow qualifying direct support professionals who care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to claim a refundable state income tax credit. Employers of direct support professionals can claim a new nonrefundable credit, as can employers that either employ an individual receiving services pursuant to a Medicaid home and community-based services waiver or provide certain services to an individual pursuant to such a waiver. The state Department of Revenue may approve a total of $1 million in credits in FY 2025-26, $1.5 million in FY 2026-27, and $2 million in later years.
• LB901, introduced by Senator Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, purchases made by a nonprofit organization are exempt from state sales and use tax if the nonprofit acquires property or contracts to build, improve or repair property that will be transferred to a nonprofit whose purchases are already exempt.
• LB1158, introduced by Senator Eliot Bostar, the state treasurer will contract with a medical debt relief coordinator to purchase and discharge medical debt of eligible residents. Nebraska residents with a household income at or below 400% of the federal poverty guideline or with medical debt equal to at least 5% of the individual’s household income qualify. Contributions to the program’s fund are deductible for state income tax purposes.
• LB606, introduced by me, allows individuals, passthrough entities, corporations, estates and trusts to claim a nonrefundable credit of up to 50% of their state income tax liability on contributions they make to qualifying pregnancy help organizations. Total credits are limited to $500,000 in FY 2025-26 and $1 million in FY 2026-27 and later years.
• LB1022 (The Cast and Crew Nebraska Act), introduced by Senator Rita Sanders of Bellevue, film and television production companies may apply for a refundable income tax credit equal to at least 20% of their qualifying expenditures attributable to the production of films, documentaries, and other projects in Nebraska. The state Department of Economic Development could approve no more than $500,000 in credits in FY 2025-26 and $1 million in the following years.
• Under a bill passed last session, grocery stores, restaurants, and agricultural producers may apply for a nonrefundable state income tax credit equal to 50% of the value of food they donate to food banks, pantries or rescues, up to a maximum of $2,500. Under LB1040, introduced by Senator John Fredrickson of Omaha, the Nebraska Department of Revenue may approve $500,000 in credits each fiscal year beginning in FY 2025-26. (“Tax credits for caregivers, others created”. Unicameral Update. 18 April, 2024. http://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=36526)

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.