The end of the 108th Legislature, Second Session is rapidly coming to an end. However, at the time of writing we still have much work to do. According to Speaker Arch, there are 111 bills on select file and final reading that we will need to advance with the deadline for select file bills advancing being Wednesday the 10th. By the time of publication much of this work will be done and we will have one day left in session to pass any remaining bills on final reading or vote on any possible veto overrides before we Sine Die.

Last week, Senator Brewers LB399, which I had prioritized, advanced to select file. The bill would add a new requirement that public and private electric suppliers need to meet in order to get approval from the Power Review Board to construct a new electric generation facility. Specifically, the bill would require public and private electric suppliers to hold a public hearing on the proposed project and the type of facility in the county where the proposed facility would be located. Further, it would require 50% of the governing body of the electric supplier to be in attendance either by videoconference or in person with at least one member physically present. The purpose behind this bill is to afford property owners near the proposed project a chance to meet with the project developers and provide comment.

Another personal priority bill, LB71 introduced by Senator Sanders and prioritized by Senator Meyer, was also advanced to select file. LB71 would provide parents general access to teaching materials, practices, activities, exams, events, and guest speakers. The bill also requires each public school district to create and post a policy on their website regarding how they will seek to involve parents in schools and their children’s education. This policy would be subject to public hearing before being adopted.

LB1317, one of the revenue committee priority bills, which contained 10 additional bills was also advanced to select file. One of the bills included was LB1093, originally introduced by Senator Bostar. This bill is similar to my bill, LB1032, which would make game conservation officers eligible for tuition waivers for the resident tuition charges of any state university, state college, or community college. If passed into law, LB1317 would expand the definition of law enforcement to include game and parks officers and several other types of law enforcement officers such as members of a sheriff’s department; you can find further information on eligible parties in Nebraska state statute 81-1401.

I’m happy to announce that we’ve visited with over 150 students from District 23 this session. Having the opportunity to teach them about the importance of civic engagement as well as showing them my day to day operations has been a blessing.

As always, constituents are welcome to contact my office with any questions or thoughts on legislation impacting District 23. You can reach my office at 402-471-2719 or bbostelman@leg.ne.gov.