Governor Ricketts announced new Directive Health Measures for Phase 3 of the COVID-19 re-opening plan will take effect on June 22^nd. Under the new DHMs, indoor gatherings will be limited to 50% of the maximum rated occupancy or a maximum of 10,000 people. Outdoor gatherings will be limited to 75% of the maximum rated occupancy or a maximum of 10,000 people.

Although outdoor gatherings will be allowed, this does not apply to fairs, carnivals or parades as they are still prohibited. Furthermore, bars, restaurants and bottle clubs may now open with 100% maximum rated occupancy as long as everyone inside the establishment has their own seat.  A maximum of eight people will be allowed to sit at one table and patrons may now be seated and eat at the bar.  Youth sports games and practices now fall under the regular gathering limits and are not restricted to immediate family only. Finally, gyms spas and health clubs will be limited to 75% rated occupancy.

My work continues with modernizing emergency medical services in the State.  Executive Order 20-27 issued by Governor Ricketts, in part, will allow those who are currently in training to become Emergency Medical Technicians to temporarily defer in-person clinical field time and in-person examinations to December 31^st. However, all trainees must have completed all other requirements and have an instructor or training agency sign off that you were unable to complete the in-person portions of training.

Last summer, my office was contacted by a Wahoo family who wanted to title their 1930 Ford Model A which had been in their family for 90 years. However, they were not allowed to title the car due to a Junk Title being erroneously placed on their car after a minor fender bender in 1963. Although the vehicle was not junked, state law prevents junked vehicles from being titled and registered. When session reconvenes in July my bill LB831 will resolve this issue for similar junked title vehicles. As amended into LB944 my bill allows vehicles with a junk title, manufactured prior to 1940 with no major components replaced, to receive a salvage title as long as they can pass an inspection. LB944 is the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee’s priority bill and is currently on Select File.

Agriculture is the heart and soul of Nebraska and June is Dairy Month in Nebraska. Dairy farms play a significant role in our state’s economy and provides our state and nation with high quality and healthy dairy products. Every day Nebraska exports around 2 million pounds of milk produced by our 127 dairies across the state. I encourage everyone to help celebrate Nebraska’s dairy farmers and support your local dairies directly.

We continue praying for everyone as we continue to face the COVID-19 challenge.  We are empathetically here to listen to your concerns and encourage you to contact my office at 402-471-2719 or bbostelman@leg.ne.gov if you have questions or need assistance.