Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday in the United States. In 1621, the Plymouth colonists from England and the Native American Wampanoag people shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. (History.com authors. “Thanksgiving 2023”. History.com 14 November, 2023. https://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving/history-of-thanksgiving) I would like to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving and tell you how thankful I am to be serving as your Senator in the Nebraska Legislature.

This week I will share with you about the Natural Resources Committee priority bill, LB565, which adopts the Public Water and Natural Resources Project Contracting Act and the Nuclear and Hydrogen Development Act and changes provisions relating to municipal cooperative financing, scrap tires, power conservation and development, and the Game Law.

• LB565 allocates $250,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 and FY 2024-2025 from the General Fund to the Department of Economic Development for the purpose of providing grants to any public power district that serves a majority of counties in the state. The grants are to be used for engineering and modeling work to prepare and support the state in competing for one of the United States Department of Energy’s regional clean hydrogen hub designations and associate federal funding. In addition, the bill requires the Department of Economic Development to adopt and promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the program.
• LB217 extends the sunset date for a scrap tire project grant program under the Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive Act from 2024 to 2029.
• LB289 amends the Municipal Cooperative Financing Act to allow municipal cooperatives to own and operate, contract to operate, or lease advanced metering infrastructure technology and provide advanced metering infrastructure services regarding a public owned utility system. This bill also authorizes the agencies to provide services related to information technology, physical security, physical infrastructure management, regulatory reporting, and administration regarding the public owned utility.
• LB395 repeals the $4,000 annual cap on compensation for members of the Nebraska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and increases the members maximum daily compensation from $400 to $500. This bill also adjusts the amount for inflation every other year, beginning in 2025.
• LB400 allows a private landowner or tenant to kill any predator preying on livestock or poultry or suspected of causing other damage on their land without a permit from the state Game and Parks Commission. This measure also allows private landowners or tenants to kill a mountain lion that is in the process of stalking, killing, or consuming livestock on their property without prior notice to the commission or permission from it.
• LB425 increases the number of Game and Parks Commission members needed for a quorum at the commission’s public meetings from four to five. This measure also increases caps on certain nonresident hunting and fishing permits and allows the commission to issue permits for the taking of elk from state game refuges when their number is deemed detrimental to habitat conditions on the refuges or to adjacent private property.
• LB567 repeals current law prohibiting individuals in certain high-level managerial positions at a public power district from serving as a member of any public power district’s board of directors.
• LB568 requires the state Department of Economic Development to create a work group to determine the workforce training needs of the nuclear and hydrogen industries. The department will establish procedures and criteria for awarding grants to community and state colleges that implement courses designed to alleviate the workforce training needs of those industries. Grants may be used for equipment, curriculum, programming, or marketing. The measure also requires the state treasurer to transfer $200,000 in state general funds to a new fund used to provide per diems and travel and lodging reimbursement to certain work group members.
• LB723 at the request of Governor Jim Pillen, allows the state Department of Natural Resources to use public-private partnerships and design-build, progressive design-build and construction manager-general contractor project methods when contracting for public surface water or groundwater-related infrastructure projects. The department also must pay a stipend in an amount determined at its discretion to qualified design builders that submit proposals but are not selected–giving the department ownership of the intellectual property contained in those proposals. (Portions of this taken from “Session Review: Natural Resources”. Unicameral Update. July 21, 2023. http://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=34623)

Voter Information
Six months from November 14, 2023, Nebraskans will head to the polls to cast their ballots in the statewide primary, however, with a new voter ID law, Nebraskans should start preparing for the primary now. To see if your Nebraska voter registration information is current, click here: https://www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov/voterview. Here are some important dates to keep in mind ahead of the statewide primary:

• January 5–Candidate filing begins
• January 15–First day county election offices can accept early voting ballot requests
• April 8–County election offices begin mailing out early voting ballots
• April 15–First day to vote in-person at the county election office
• April 29–Last day to register to vote online, at the DMV, at the Dept. of Education, at DHHS, by deputy registrar or by mail (postmark)
• May 3–Last day to register to vote in-person at the county election office
• May 13–Last day to vote early in-person at the county election office
• May 14–Primary election day (Polls are open 8 a.m.–8 p.m. CT and 7 am–7 pm MT)
• May 14–Last day to return an early voting ballot to the county election office (8 pm CT/7 pm MT)
• NEW THIS YEAR: May 21–Last day for a voter to present their valid ID to their county election office if they didn’t have their ID at the polls

Under Nebraska’s new voter ID law, registered voters must present a valid photo ID for their vote to count. Nebraskans can use any of the IDs listed below for voting:

• Nebraska driver’s license or state ID
• Nebraska college or university ID (public/private)
• Nebraska political subdivision ID (state/county/city/public school ID)
• Passport
• Military ID
• Tribal ID
• Hospital, assisted living facility, nursing home or any other skilled care facility record
  (State of Nebraska Robert B. Evnen Secretary of State (15 November, 2023). “Prepared for the Primary: 6 months until Nebraska’s May 2024 Statewide primary election” [Press Release]. Retrieved from https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/sos.nebraska.gov/files/doc/news-releases/Prepare%20for%20the%20Primary.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3W0Os85luK_nX8pmJzm8DgBG_alCQD1qQZEdpQNzMQxgj_0l_inRWobIk)

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.

On Tuesday, November 7th, the Winnebago Tribe lost Winnebago Councilman, Louis LaRose to a heart attack. He was a great warrior and a dear friend to many. He was known as Mr. Winnebago. His grandson, Lucas LaRose, shared the following on his Facebook page–”He was an influential leader of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska who served on its council. He was a tireless advocate for all Native peoples but most importantly he was my Choka (grandfather). His passing is a devastating loss not only for my LaRose and Mallory families but for the entire Winnebago Tribe and all of Indian Country. Rest in Power Choka Louis.” My deepest sympathies go out to his family and the Winnebago Tribe.

The Pledge of Allegiance was written in August 1892 by the socialist minister, Francis Bellamy. It was originally published in The Youth’s Companion on September 8, 1892. In its original text it read: “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” In 1923, the words, “the Flag of the United States of America” were added. In 1954, in response to the Communist threat of the times, President Eisenhower encouraged congress to add the words “under God,” creating the 31-word pledge we say today. (Taken from “The Pledge of Allegiance”. UShistory.org, 8 November, 2023. https://www.ushistory.org/documents/pledge.htm)

It has come to my attention that not every school is reciting the Pledge of Allegiance daily. I would like to take this time to remind the school districts in District 17 that this is a requirement for accreditation by the Nebraska Department of Education. In 2012, the State Board of Education voted unanimously to require schools to make time everyday to say the pledge. According to Rule 10 (Regulations and Procedures for the Accreditation of Schools), 003.12 “Each public school district shall require each such district’s schools to establish a period of time during the school day, when a majority of pupils is scheduled to be present, during which pupils will be led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in the presence of the flag of the United States of America, in grades kindergarten through twelve. Pupil participation in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance shall be voluntary. Pupils not participating in the recitation of the Pledge shall be permitted to silently stand or remain seated, but shall be required to respect the rights of those pupils electing to participate.” (Nebraska Department of Education. “Chapter 10–Regulations and Procedures for the Accreditation of Schools” page 7. Nebraska Department of Education. Accessed 8 November, 2023. https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/#inbox) I would encourage parents to ask their children if they are reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. If not, approach the administration at the school and remind them that they are to take time during the school day to recite the pledge. I would like to remind administrators, especially those who are new to their schools, to make sure you are incorporating the Pledge of Allegiance during the school day.

This week I would like to finish sharing with you one of the Urban Affairs Committee’s priority bills, LB531, which cleans up language in the Economic Recovery Act (LB1024 (2022)) by removing certain requirements relating to coordinated plans and directing direct investment to the fund after July 1, 2023.

• LB629 updates the Middle Income and Workforce Housing Investment Act and Economic Recovery Act.
• LB462 updates the Middle-Income Workforce Housing Investment Act by increasing the qualifying cost of total construction expenses for owner-occupied housing units from no more than $275,000 to $330,000.
• LB223 requires all cities that adopt an affordable housing action plan to submit their plan to the Urban Affairs Committee electronically and provides an option in the report to show effort toward an affordable housing action plan or intent to implement such a plan after it is adopted.
• LB45 creates the Revitalize Rural Nebraska Grant Fund for first and second class cities and villages and provides $1 million in general funds for grants to demolish dilapidated commercial properties.
• LB346 updates the Local Option Municipal Economic Development Act by expanding the definition of a qualifying business to include cities with up to 5,000 residents.
• LB474 provides duties for the Game and Parks Commission to purchase or receive by donation, and subsequently rehabilitate and manage, the Mayhew Cabin historical site located in Nebraska City, Nebraska.

(Portions of this taken from “Session Review: Urban Affairs”. Unicameral Update. July 21, 2023. http://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=34595)

Update to the Motorcycle Helmet Law

On January 1, 2024, motorcycle riders will no longer be required to wear a helmet while riding in the state–so long as they submit proof of a basic motorcycle safety course to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Any motorcyclist or passenger 21 years of age or older will be allowed to ride without a helmet as long as they have completed a safety course and, for state residents, submitted proof of completion to the DMV. Those riders choosing not to wear a helmet have to wear eye protection, be it glasses, goggles or a face shield, unless their motorcycle’s windshield protects the rider’s line of vision “in all operating positions”. You may find how to submit your documentation at https://dmv.nebraska.gov/dl/motorcycle-license-class-m. You will need to scroll to the bottom of the page to Motorcycle Helmet Law Waiver – Submit Proof of Motorcycle Rider Course Completion, click the link, and fill out the form. Riders from other states can also ride without a helmet in Nebraska if they have taken an equivalent safety course and carry proof of completion with them in the case they are pulled over. (Wegley, Andrew. “Motorcycle helmet rules released: People can legally ride without one starting next year”. Lincoln Journal Star, 7 November, 2023, p. A1)

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.

On Saturday, November 11th, we will celebrate those veterans who have served our country. Veterans Day is a United States legal holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars. In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostility, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I, then known as “the Great War”. Commemorated in many countries as Armistice Day the following year, November 11th became a federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became known as Veterans Day. I would like to thank all veterans who have served our country. I appreciate all you have done to keep this country free. (History.com editors. “Veterans Day 2023”. (2023, October 31). History.com. https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/history-of-veterans-day)

This week I would like to begin sharing with you one of the Urban Affairs Committee’s priority bill, LB531, which cleans up language in the Economic Recovery Act (LB1024 (2022)) by removing certain requirements relating to coordinated plans and directing direct investment to the fund after July 1, 2023.

• LB531 makes a number of clean-up changes to the Economic Recovery Act passed by the Legislature in 2022, which provide funding for pandemic recovery projects in North and South Omaha and other communities that were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This bill authorizes a grant of up to $20 million for federally qualified health centers in a metropolitan class city (400,000 or more population) and an additional $30 million to develop a business park within two miles of a major airport in a metropolitan class city. This bill creates the North and South Omaha Grant Recovery Program and provides funds for the Economic Recovery and Incentive Division to provide relief to entities negatively affected by the pandemic. Priority will be given to small business development, job creation, and economic growth opportunities. LB531 also requires the state Game and Parks Commission to construct, develop, and manage a museum and visitor center honoring Chief Standing Bear.
• LB33 clarifies when a mayor in a city of the first class (5,000-100,000 population) or in a city of the second class (800-5,000 population) can vote on any matter that requires either a majority of the city council or a majority vote of all the elected members of the city council if 1) the mayor’s vote is required to break a tie due to the city council being equally divided or 2) a majority of the city council or a majority of all elected members cannot be reached due to absence, vacancy, or abstention of one or more city council members.
• LB98 allows the governing body of a city that opts to allow the expedited review of redevelopment plans to establish a limit on the number of redevelopment plans they can approve annually.
• LB532 makes a number of changes to the state’s Community Development Law, including: requiring an “extremely blighted” designation to last for at least 25 years; extending the deadline from 24 months to 60 months for housing studies in all but metropolitan class cities; and placing limits on the creation of new redevelopment plans in areas already designated as blighted.
• LB170 harmonizes the definition of a blighted area under the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority Act and the state’s Community Development Law.
• LB342 updates the state’s home inspector registration renewal requirement from every even-numbered year to every two years and provides a 45-day window prior to the expiration to complete the renewal process.
• LB329 aligns state law with the federal American Innovation and Manufacturing (AMI) Act by permitting the use of refrigerants and equipment designated as acceptable in the federal legislation.
  (Portions of this taken from “Session Review: Urban Affairs”. Unicameral Update. July 21, 2023. http://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=34595)

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.

On Friday, October 20th, I was honored to welcome volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) responders to their 140th Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association Annual Conference. Their mission is to provide a unified voice for the fire and rescue services across the state, provide advice and guidance pertaining to legislative issues, encourage education and training within the fire/rescue service, and promote a communications network across the state. This year’s conference was held in South Sioux City and was hosted by Dakota City’s Fire and Rescue Department. The purpose of the conference was to feature EMS and Fire educational sessions requested by firemen and women. I was able to share that we were able to amend LB511 into appropriations bill LB814 which appropriated $5 million in Revolving Funds to the Department of Administrative Services to provide portable and mobile radios to establish interoperable communications between and among volunteer departments, and, when necessary, state agencies so all may communicate together in response to an emergency. This funding is available through a grant process through the Office of the Chief Information Officer. I was excited to tell them that over 200 applications were submitted and over 165 volunteer departments are in line to receive radios because of the passage of this legislation. I would like to thank Fire Chief Clint Rasmussen and Pat Moore, past president of the NSVFA, for their invitation to speak. It is always an honor, privilege, and delight to recognize our first responders. I would also like to thank Eve Sides, 2022-2023 President of the Auxiliary, and Jennifer Rasmussen, 2nd Vice President, for the invitation to lunch. I had a wonderful time.

This week I will be going over the General Affairs Committee priority bill, LB775, which updates the definition of a licensed racetrack enclosure to include all real property licensed and used to conduct a race meeting, including the racetrack and any grandstand, concession stand, office, bar area, employee housing facility, parking lot or additional area designated by the State Racing and Gaming Commission. This bill also grants the commission authority to create an adjudication subcommittee to investigate and respond to violations of the Nebraska Racetrack Gaming Act.

• LB72 amends the County and City Lottery Act to clarify that gross proceeds do not include any admission costs collected at any location where the lottery is also available to the public free of an admission charge.
• LB73 authorizes the use of funds from the county Visitors Promotion Fund to improve a facility in which a parimutuel wager is conducted if the facility also serves as the site of a state fair or district or county agricultural society fair.
• LB232 provides for a digital premises keno ticket under the Nebraska County and City Lottery Act. Players are verified to be on the premises of a licensed Nebraska lottery location and are able to purchase digital keno tickets. A lottery operator must file with the Nebraska Department of Revenue and provide clear procedural regulations in order to sell digital on-premises tickets. This bill also authorizes the use of additional ticket payment methods, including a debit card, bank account, prepaid cash account or the cash balance of a payment application.
• LB544 makes minor changes to the Nebraska Bingo Act and redefines terms on how bingo is played using technological aids.
  (Portions of this taken from “Session Review: General Affairs”. Unicameral Update. July 21, 2023. http://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=34614)

On Friday, October 20th, Governor Pillen proclaimed the month of October as Developmental Disabilities Employment Awareness Month and highlighted the contributions of capable and eager individuals who are ready to join the workforce and help the state’s economy grow. “Creating a welcoming and supportive workplace is not only beneficial for individuals with disabilities, it’s also a benefit to Nebraska businesses,” said Governor Pillen. “Although our state continues to have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, individuals with disabilities are an underutilized resource who can help fill workplace gaps in our communities.” By hiring individuals with disabilities, a business can expand its talent pool and strengthen its workforce. According to a national survey by National Core Indicators, 54% of individuals with IDD in Nebraska do not have a community job, but would like one. One of the resources available for employers who are interested in hiring individuals with IDD is Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). The organization works with businesses to find and retain talent and also works with individuals to make sure their new at-work match is a positive one. That includes identifying on and off-site job supports and tools that can help make the worker more successful in their new role. Employers who are interested in learning about the resources available to them are encouraged to contact Nebraska VR. Individuals with disabilities who are interested in seeking employment should reach out to their local Nebraska VR Service Office or their service coordinator. (Strimple, Laura. “Gov. Pillen Encourages Businesses to Hire Individuals with Disabilities.” Governor Pillen Press Release. 20 October, 2023. https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/gov-pillen-encourages-businesses-hire-individuals-disabilities. Accessed 24 October, 2023.)

UPDATE ON THE KINGSBURY INTERCHANGE IN SOUTH SIOUX CITY
On October 25th, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) issued a press release with an update on the loops closure on the Kingsbury Interchange in South Sioux City. “Weather permitting, the week of October 30th, loops will close on the Kingsbury Interchange in South Sioux City to facilitate construction of joint nosing. The closure will be in effect approximately two weeks. Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put phones down.” (Nebraska Department of Transportation (2023, October 25) REVISED: Loops Closure on Kingsbury Interchange in South Sioux City [Press Release] https://dot.nebraska.gov/media/benhf50p/10-25-23-loops-closure.pdf)

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.

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.

It has been a busy few weeks in the district with many activities going on. I always enjoy traveling around my district to see what is happening. On October 11th, I was invited to come to Dakota County Government Day and visit with students about what happens at the state level. Following my time at the Dakota County courthouse, I traveled to Sioux City, Iowa to attend the Tri-State Governors’ Conference where Governor Pillen did a great job of talking about what he has been focusing on in his first year as governor.

This week I would like to share with you the second omnibus bill from the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee, LB138, which adopts updates to federal law relating to motor vehicles and motor carriers and changes provisions relating to transportation. This bill is an annual update bill which updates and adopts references to federal law and regulations to comply with referenced provisions from the United States Code and code of Federal Regulations. This bill changes certain civil penalties for motor carrier violations to match federal law. This bill also harmonizes and removes various obsolete statutory language.

• LB199 provides changes in the law that authorize a “driving privilege card” for Ukrainian refugees who have settled in Nebraska and are ineligible for an “operator’s permit” (ordinary driver’s license).
• LB91 repeals Nebraska’s motorcycle and moped helmet requirement, beginning January 1, 2024. Under the bill’s provisions, an individual aged 21 and older who has completed a certified motorcycle safety course may ride without a helmet, provided they use an approved form of eye protection.
• LB738 adopts the national, three-tiered classification for electric bicycles and updates the definition of traditional bicycles.
• LB796 requires the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) to develop and administer a safety oversight program for rail transit systems operated by the state, an interstate agency, or a political subdivision.
• LB465 reallocates certain fees collected by the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) into the DMV Cash Fund. Previously, fees for the issuance of state ID cards, operators’ licenses, replacement ignition interlock permits, and 24/7 sobriety program permits were allocated between the county general fund, the DMV Cash Fund and the State General Fund. Under LB465, the portion of the fee previously allocated to the state General Fund is redirected to the DMV Cash Fund.
• LB453 allows the NDOT to pay the division of Aeronautics’ administrative expenses, such as salaries and benefits from the Highway Cash Fund. It also lowers the required contribution from counties to be eligible for matching funds from the State Aid Bridge fund from 50% to 20% and increases the estimated cost threshold at which a contract for road purposes must go through a sealed-bid process from $150,000 to $250,000 and allows NDOT to adjust the amount annually. ((Portions of this taken from “Session Review: Transportation and Telecommunications”. Unicameral Update. July 21, 2023. http://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=34614)

Governor Pillen signed a proclamation recognizing October 2023 as Cooperative Month. This coincides with the annual recognition of October as National Cooperative Month by the United States Department of Agriculture. This proclamation recognizes Nebraska’s farmer-owned cooperatives and rural electric and telephone cooperatives for the important role they play in Nebraska’s economy. Rural agricultural cooperatives serve the needs of nearly 60,000 farmers and ranch owners. The economic impact of cooperatives benefits all Nebraskans. Nebraska communities were supported by over $23 million of property tax paid by agricultural cooperatives. Nebraska’s farmer-owned cooperatives contributed over $2 million to local fire departments, local school and youth organizations, local and statewide FFA and 4-H chapters, and provided numerous scholarships to help Nebraska students continue their education. (“Governor Proclaims Cooperative Month”. Alliance Times-Herald. 4 October, 2023. https://alliancetimes.com/governor-proclaims-cooperative-month/.)

Please keep Israel in your thoughts and prayers. Governor Pillen has shown Nebraska’s support of Israel by announcing that all U. S. and Nebraska flags were to be flown at half-staff beginning October 10-12 to honor the victims of the deadly terrorist attacks in Israel and illuminating the Nebraska State Capitol in blue light, representing the Israeli flag colors of blue and white, for the past week.

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.

On Monday, September 25th, Governor Jim Pillen proclaimed September 25-29 to be Agriculture Literacy Week in Nebraska, marking the start of the initiative with Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom, a statewide initiative to promote awareness and understanding of agriculture in the classroom. First Lady Suzanne Pillen has partnered with Courtney Shreve, director of outreach education at the Nebraska Farm Bureau, to create the new initiative. During her time as first lady, Suzanne has made it her mission to share books about agriculture with Nebraska’s youths in an effort to teach them more about where their food comes from. “I knew literacy was really important to me and our family,” she told the Lincoln Journal Star. “The first place I went, kids had no idea what sound cows make, what sound a pig makes. So, it made me realize that this will be really important.” First Lady Pillen has traveled across the state to visit schools to read agriculture-based stories to students. So far, she has stopped in nine schools with plans to visit as many as she can through the initiative. At the end of every visit, First Lady Pillen donates the signed book to be placed in the school library for even more children to read, enjoy, and learn from. Most of all, she hopes students always remember to appreciate the work farmers do. “Make sure in your day, every day, you tell somebody that does something for you that you appreciate them, and tell them thank you.” (Ebbers, Jenna. “Pillen visits Prescott”. Lincoln Journal Star. 28 September, 2023. Page A3.)

This week I would like to share with you the Transportation and Telecommunications priority bill, LB683, which changes provisions relating to the County Bridge Match Program, the Highway Cash Fund, the Nebraska Telecommunications Universal Service Fund, the Roads Operations Cash Fund, the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Act, the One-Call Notification System Act, and the Small Wireless Facilities Deployment Act, adopt the Rural Communications Sustainability Act, and create the Nebraska Broadband Office and the Underground Excavation Safety Committee. This omnibus package included portions of seven other bills.

• LB683 established the Nebraska Broadband Office and the position of Director of Broadband. For administrative purposes, the Nebraska Broadband Office shall be located in the Nebraska Department of Transportation. The Director of Broadband is appointed and serves at the pleasure of the Governor and shall be subject to Legislative confirmation. The Nebraska Broadband Office shall provide outreach and collaboration of state and local officials; develop the strategic broadband plan; coordinate state broadband efforts; conduct state advocacy on broadband issues at the federal level; and provide for public education, resources, and outreach. This bill amends current law and directs that the Nebraska Broadband Office shall take over and be responsible for the creation and maintenance of the State Broadband Map.
• LB63 prohibits a telecommunications company from using Nebraska Universal Service Funds if the company is using or providing communications equipment or service that pose a threat to national security.
• LB122 authorizes the State Fire Marshal to investigate alleged violations of Nebraska’s One-Call Notification System, beginning September 1, 2024. This bill also creates the State Fire Marshal to determine if a violation has occurred and provide for civil penalties of up to $10,000.
• LB124 extends the termination date of the County Bridge Match Program from June 30, 2023 to June 30, 2029.
• LB155 changes provisions regarding the applicability of the Small Wireless Facilities Deployment Act.
• LB359 removes an annual grant application deadline under the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Act and allows the Public Service Commission (PSC) to establish new deadlines.
• LB412 allows grants for broadband deployment from the ARPA Capital Projects Fund in Nebraska’s 3rd Congressional District to be deployed in an entire exchange area that includes a city of the second class or a village. This change would allow Capital Project grants to provide high-speed broadband services in rural areas not within the municipalities, which are unserved or underserved locations.
• LB722 clarifies that the PSC cannot require a competitive provider to accept or receive support from the Nebraska Telecommunications Universal Service Fund; impose eligible telecommunications carrier responsibilities or carrier of last resort obligations relating to the fund on a competitive provider in any deployment project area where the incumbent carrier or competitive provider is not actually receiving support from the fund; or impose eligible telecommunications carrier responsibilities or carrier of last resort obligations on an incumbent carrier that do not exist as of the date of final payment made. (Portions of this taken from “Session Review: Transportation and Telecommunications”. Unicameral Update. July 21, 2023. http://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=34614)

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.

Columbus Day will be celebrated this year on Monday, October 9th. Columbus Day is a United States holiday that commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492. It was unofficially celebrated in a number of cities and states as early as the 18th century, but did not become a federal holiday until 1937. (History.com authors. “Columbus Day 2023”. History.com 28, September, 2023. https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/columbus-day) In 2021, Nebraska celebrated its first Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a result of the passage of LB848, proposed by Senator Patty Pansing Brooks of Lincoln, which was signed into law in 2020 by Governor Pete Ricketts. LB848 designates the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. (Merza, Sarah. “Nebraska celebrates first Indigenous Peoples’ Day”. NebraskaNewsService.net. 28 September, 2023. https://nebraskanewsservice.net/diverse-voices/nebraska-celebrates-first-indigenous-peoples-day/#:~:text=This%20is%20the%20first%20year,year%20as%20Indigenous%20Peoples’%20Day.)

This week I will finish sharing with you portions of LB92 which was a Banking, Commerce, and Insurance Committee priority bill that amended thirteen other bills into it to become an omnibus bill.

• LB68 increases the amount of liability coverage that must be carried by physicians, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), and hospitals in order to qualify for Excess Liability Fund coverage under the Nebraska Hospital-Medical Liability Act. The increase would be from $500,000 to $1 million as the minimum amount of proof of financial responsibility of medical malpractice liability for healthcare providers beginning January 1, 2024, and increase professional liability insurance from $1 million to $3 million for aggregate limits for physicians and CRNAs.
• LB145 expands health insurance coverage to include new forms of diagnostic imaging, lowers the age of insured annual breast examinations, and empowers physicians to set the frequency and type of annual breast examinations for women with a family history of breast cancer who are younger than 40 years old beginning January 1, 2024.
• LB383 requires coverage of at-home colorectal cancer screening kits and prohibits imposition of a deductible, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing requirement for screening colonoscopies, including those performed as a result of a positive non-colonoscopy, stool-based preventive screening.
• LB392 allows for employers, employee organizations, or the trustees of an employment association sponsoring a health benefit plan to consent to electronic document delivery on behalf of their represented employees. This consent is contingent upon the sponsors meeting required criteria for e-delivery and allowing employee opt-out.
• LB779 specifies that if there were a national shortage of an insulin drug, a covered individual would be ensured access to insulin at a maximum of $35 per 30-day supply until such time the national shortage ends to prevent disruptions in patient access.
• LB669 was introduced at the request of the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance to allow the department to prescribe conditions on certain financial institutions as a part of any order, decision, or determination required under the statutes governing those institutions.
• LB674 updates state law that governs digital asset depository institutions and digital asset departments within banks to improve regulation and make technical corrections.
• LB616 aligns business incentives to the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America in order to give Nebraska-based applicants for federal investment the greatest chance of a successful application with the United States Department of Commerce.
• LB617 creates the Economic Development Cash Fund within the Department of Economic Development to provide matching grants to a Nebraska-based covenant entity that qualifies under the federal CHIPS of America Act.
  (Portions of this taken from “Banking regulation bill broadened, advanced from first round after cloture”. Unicameral Update. April 19, 2023. http://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=34178)

With October being designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I would like you to “Fill up with Purpose”. The Nebraska Ethanol Board released a press release talking about their Fuel the Cure campaign. You can join this campaign at your local participating gas stations and make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. This is how it works:

• Choose Ethanol Blends: Opt for higher ethanol blends, such as E15 to flex fuel E85, available at gas stations listed at FueledbyNebraska.com/pink.
• Your Fill-Up Makes an Impact: For every gallon of higher ethanol blend sold between October 1-31, nearly 50 Nebraska fuel retailers will donate 3 cents toward cancer research and services within the state.
• Look for Pink: Identifying the retailers supporting this vital cause is easy; just look for the pink Fuel the Cure signate at the pump, on the windows, and at the counter. Since 2018, Nebraska’s Fuel the cure campaigns have raised over $45,000 for cancer research, primarily benefiting the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center in Omaha.
  (Rucker, Amber. “Fill Up with Purpose: Your Gas Tank Can Help Fund Cancer Research”. Nebraska Ethanol Board press release. 28 September, 2023. https://ethanol.nebraska.gov/fill-up-with-purpose-your-gas-tank-can-help-fund-cancer-research/. 29 September, 2023.)

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.

On Friday, September 15th Governor Pillen signed a proclamation marking September as National Preparedness Month in Nebraska. He is reminding all Nebraskans how important it is for individuals, families, and communities to prepare for disasters and emergencies. “Working together, we can build a prepared and resilient Nebraska,” said Governor Pillen. While it’s important for all of us to be ready when disaster strikes, this year, the National Preparedness Month campaign is focused on providing information and resources to empower older adults as they make their preparations.” “Plans should include where to meet if a home is destroyed and how family members would contact each other should phone service be out,” said NEMA (Nebraska Emergency Management Agency) Assistant Director Erv Portis. “For instance, texting often works when phone calls don’t.” Emergency managers recommend that individuals be prepared to shelter in place for a minimum of three days. Emergency workers may have a large number of people to reach in a disaster and the health of everyone could very well depend on the kit or plan Nebraskans have developed before a major disaster occurs. Visit NEMA’s website at https://nema.nebraska.gov/assets/files/preparedness/preparedness-kit.pdf for a checklist of items to include in your Family Preparedness Kit. (Strimple, Laura. “Governor Pillen Declares September as National Preparedness Month in Nebraska.” Governor Pillen Press Release. 19 September, 2023. https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/governor-pillen-declares-september-national-preparedness-month-nebraska. Accessed 21 September, 2023.)

This week I will begin sharing with you portions of LB92 which would eliminate an onsite review requirement for title insurance agents. Under current law, title insurers are required to conduct an onsite annual review of a title insurance agent’s practices. Senator Julie Slama introduced this bill and said the COVID-19 pandemic made clear that the annual review could successfully be conducted remotely rather than in person. This bill was a Banking, Commerce, and Insurance Committee priority bill that amended thirteen other bills into it to become an omnibus bill.

• LB3 changes provisions for tax levies for bonds issued by political subdivisions. This bill sets a deadline for reporting bond elections to county assessors that mirrors the deadlines for reporting annexations, for the purpose of allowing assessors ample time to build a new tax district in the case of a recent bond initiative.
• LB93 updates requirements regarding security deposits made by insurers for the benefit of policyholders to include creditors in the same manner as policyholders. This allows insurers that are required to maintain mandatory security deposits with the Department of Insurance to name either the policyholder or the policyholder and creditors as the beneficiary of the security.
• LB207 allows a sale of trust property under the Nebraska Trust Deeds Act to occur at a public building where county offices are located within the county in which the property to be sold–or some of it–is located.
• LB214 updates various Nebraska Statutes and the Uniform Commercial Code in order to adopt updates to federal law relating to banking and finance.
• LB437 changes the renewal priority for business entity licenses under the Insurance Producers Licensing Act from annual to biennial beginning April 30, 2024.
• LB536 removes the requirement that insurers are only allowed to invest in the stock of a corporation having retained earnings of not less than one million dollars.
• LB587 creates a regulatory sandbox program under the Department of Insurance which allows a participant to temporarily test innovative insurance products or services on a limited and supervised basis without otherwise being licensed or authorized to act under the laws of the state.
• LB278 requires the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority and the state Department of Economic Development to use their best efforts to obtain state and federal grants to build safe, affordable and accessible housing for individuals with disabilities and collaborate with the state Department of Health and Human Services to obtain such grants.

I would like to send congratulations to Pender High School and Elementary School on receiving the National Blue Ribbon Schools award for 2023. Pender is only one of four public schools in Nebraska to repeat this honor. This recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups.”We want to congratulate and celebrate the four Nebraska schools that have earned the Blue Ribbon Schools Award,” said Nebraska Commissioner of Education Brian Maher. “These schools are amazing examples of hard work, focus, and the desire for excellence. They represent diverse groups and populations across our state and provide a model for all of Nebraska.” (Jespersen, David. “National Blue Ribbon Honors Awarded to Four Nebraska Schools.” Nebraska Department of Education News Release. 19 September, 2023. https://www.education.ne.gov/press_release/national-blue-ribbon-honors-awarded-to-four-nebraska-schools-3/. Accessed 22, September, 2023.)

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.

On Thursday, September 14th, Governor Pillen appointed Senator Tom Briese as state treasurer. Briese will assume the duties of the office on November 1, 2023. He will complete the remaining term of John Murante who will become director of the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems (NPERS). “Senator Briese has the respect of his peers and has been a great representative for District 41 in the Legislature,” said Governor Pillen. “He’s a proven leader on tax reform policy reform, which will serve him well in his role as treasurer.” “I am honored to be selected by Governor Pillen to serve Nebraskans as treasurer,” said Senator Briese. “I have truly enjoyed my time in the Legislature and am proud of the accomplishments achieved during my tenure, as well as the relationships that were forged. I look forward to this new opportunity and continuing to serve the people of our great state.” I want to congratulate Senator Briese on his new position and wish him well. It has been a pleasure and honor to serve with him in the Legislature. (Strimple, Laura. “Governor Appoints Briese as State Treasurer,” Governor Pillen Press Release. 14 September, 2023. https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/governor-appoints-briese-state-treasurer. Accessed 14 September, 2023.)

This week I would like to finish sharing with you the final portions of LB227 which was the Health and Human Services Committee priority bill.

• LB245 increases the per diem reimbursement for members of the Board of Barber Examiners from $75 to $150.
• LB261 changes the requirements of a split apprenticeship for individuals studying mortuary science by allowing the apprentice license to be completed while attending a mortuary science school.
• LB286 provides confidentiality to physicians who participate in a wellness program unless a peer coach determines that the physician’s condition constitutes a danger to public health and safety.
• LB84 extends eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. SNAP eligibility in Nebraska is currently set at 165% of the federal poverty level (FPL), but was scheduled to drop to 135% of FPL on October 1, 2023. This bill extends the sunset date for expanded SNAP eligibility to October 1, 2025.
• LB75 grants the state’s Child and Maternal Death Review Team the authority to conduct reviews of the rates, trends, and causes of severe maternal morbidity in the state.
• LB419 expands Medicaid coverage for postpartum women from 60 days to at least 6 months. DHHS may submit a state plan amendment for 12 months. Senator Ben Hansen, chairperson of the Health and Human Services Committee, spoke in support of the amendment. “One of the underlying things I hear from [my constituents] is ‘what are we doing to take care of those who are having babies in the state of Nebraska,’” Hansen said. “I think this is a big step forward to address that concern.”
• LB765 eliminates the regional trauma advisory boards and replaces them with regional trauma committees and updates definitions.
• LB570 creates the Overdose Fatality Review Teams Act to design a regulatory framework for establishing county level multidisciplinary teams to collect data related to opioid overdose deaths in Nebraska. The state Department of Health and Human Services would develop regulations to carry out the act and teams would begin providing annual de-identified data on local incidents, causes, and contributing factors of opioid deaths by June 1, 2024.
  (Portions of this taken from “Health services package amended, returned to final reading”. Unicameral Update. May 25, 2023. http://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=34455)

Congratulations to Judge Sara Bauer from Fremont on her appointment as County Court Judge for the Sixth Judicial District. Governor Pillen appointed her on Thursday, September 14th to fill the judicial vacancy due to the resignation of Judge Douglas L. Luebe. Bauer is currently an assistant city attorney in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She has worked in numerous firms, particularly in Omaha; and helped establish and grow the local office for Gurstel Law Firm P. C. She has a strong background in civil law. During her time as an associate at Copple & Rockey P. C. in Norfolk, she handled juvenile, criminal, and domestic law cases, as well as civil issues. I wish her all the best as she begins this new role of Sixth Judicial Court Judge. (Strimple, Laura. “Governor Pillen Appoints Bauer as County Court Judge in Sixth Judicial District.” Governor Pillen Press Release. 14 September, 2023. https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/gov-pillen-appoints-bauer-county-court-judge-sixth-judicial-district. Accessed 14 September, 2023.)

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.