Things are picking up at the legislature in its second week as we began floor debate and continued introduction of new legislation for this session.  Over 300 new bills have already been introduced this session and more are expected until the deadline for new bill introduction on Thursday, January 18^th.  The legislature began discussion this week of carry-over bills from last session including one of my own bills LB177. LB177 was a bill I introduced last year on behalf of the Department of Motor Vehicles which would make necessary updates to portions of DMV statutes. LB177 advanced to select file.

One 2018 senator priority bill has already been debated this session. LB368, a bill introduced by Senator Lowe last session was reprioritized this year by Senator Krist. LB368 would repeal the helmet law for motorcycle riders.  After several hours of discussion on the bill LB368 failed to advance.

The Governor delivered the Stated of the State to the Legislature on Wednesday, January 10^th.  The Governor reported that the state of Nebraska is strong and growing and highlighted economic development projects, international trade deals, and legislation aimed at streamlining government. The Governor also unveiled his new budget and tax plans which include a focus on property tax relief. The Governor’s proposal will be one of several property tax relief bills that the legislature will look at this session.

Committee hearings start next week on legislation introduced this session as new bills will begin to move through the legislative process. I remain on the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee as well as Vice Chair of the Natural Resource Committee.

The legislature will not meet Monday, January 15^th in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and will reconvene on Tuesday January 16^th. I look forward to continuing to work on legislation and issues that affect Nebraskans and constituents of District 23 this year and will keep everyone updated throughout the session.