March certainly has come in like a lion and continues to roar with the most recent snow storm this past week. It is my hope that everyone stayed safe on Wednesday, the 19th. The Legislature never calls a snow day. We still meet in session and hold hearings which often makes it difficult for people to come in and testify. However, per our rules, we have to have seven days’ notice for a hearing or cancellation.

On the 19th, I had a hearing before the Judiciary committee on LB 56 which is my last bill for hearing this session. This bill was brought to me by the Gage County Sheriffs office. In state statute, law enforcement is required to have a blood draw done on a driver of a motor vehicle or a pedestrian if killed in a car accident. Recently, the entities refused to comply with doing the blood draw raising concerns of potential liability and chain of custody. This is done for statistical purposes only and is not used in court proceedings. The reason for the blood draw is to determine the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration which collects this data to develop alcohol-impaired-driving programs, evaluating their effectiveness and monitoring overall alcohol-impaired-driving levels. All states submit data, some better than others. There is a statute that states no information from this report shall be used in any trial arising out of the accident unless necessary to show compliance with the statutes for the blood draw. I hope I can work with all interested parties over the interim to address concerns and reach agreement on how to move forward.

On March 18th, the Appropriations Committee heard testimony on two bills offered by Senator Jane Raybould of Lincoln. LB’s 673 and 674 would gut the Perkins Canal Funding and basically kill the project. The Perkins Canal is essential to Nebraska claiming our water rights from the state of Colorado. Per a multi-state compact agreed to over 100 years ago, Nebraska can only insist on those water rights if we have a canal. With all the recent drought years, Nebraska needs to protect those rights. The Perkins Canal project has already begun acquiring land rights and begun contracting for the needed environmental studies. LB 673 would transfer all $500 million to the Water Sustainability Fund and the other option would have LB 674 redirect $250 million to the General Fund and $250 million to the Water Sustainability Fund. Language is also changed from ‘shall’ build to ‘may’ build. I have supported the Perkins Canal in order to ensure western Nebraska receives our share of water from Colorado, for farmers, ranchers and communities in that part of the state. I believe Senator Raybould’s bills are not in the best interest of our state. I am opposed to these two bills.

The Revenue Committee heard testimony on March 20th for LB 484 by Senator Dan Quick of Grand Island. LB 484 addresses a critical issue on how ag and horticultural land is valued for commercial purposes. Ag and horticulture land is valued at 75% of market rate. When wind turbines or solar panels were put on this land, the legislature adopted a nameplate capacity tax on renewable energy while still preserving the agricultural classification of the underlying land. Then in 2024, LB 1317 added a provision removing this classification whether there was one solar panel or one wind turbine or multiple structures creating a renewable energy farm. The ambiguity created several problems. A county assessor could interpret that a single turbine or panel on ag land constitutes a “farm” that disqualifies the entire parcel. Assessors may determine only parcels with multiple renewable energy installations lose the low agriculture assessment rate. An assessor may even decide that any ag parcel within the boundary of a renewable energy project would lose its 75% valuation protection. Our assessors do a great job but need consistency and clarity. LB 484 would restore the clear direction prior to LB 1317, and maintain the practice of classifying land primarily used for ag or horticultural purposes as such, regardless of whether commercial facilities exist on portions of the land. I would support this bill.

For more information on the Nebraska Legislature, the link is: nebraskalegislature.gov   

Here you can find all the information on bills, hearing schedules, information on senators, legislative divisions, and legislative reports etc.

My contact information is mdorn@leg.ne.gov and 402-471-2620. As always, I appreciate hearing from you.

Weekly District 30 Update – 3/14/25

State Senator Myron Dorn

March weather the last week has seen record high temperatures for March and then drops down to relatively normal March temps. In the legislature, it is much the same. We have moments when issues arise that raise temperatures a bit but then things settle back to normal.

Senators, Committees, and the Speaker have designated their priority bills, and those bills tend to be more substantive, more controversial. Senators are allowed one priority bill, committees designate 2, and the Speaker designates 25 which usually tend to be non-controversial. When these bills start to come to the floor for debate, that is when we may see ‘temperatures’ rise inside the legislative chamber. This year I have selected one of Senator Jana Hughes bills. LB 712 which would place a 40% tax on the wholesale price of electronic nicotine delivery systems. This bill is part of a package to her LB 303 would adjust the school funding formula to reduce the maximum levy lid from $1.05 to $1.02 and make other adjustments. Funds are needed to pay for these adjustments. The end goal being property tax reductions. I do not have an issue with taxing electronic nicotine delivery systems, much of which are targeted toward our youth. The bill is still in the Revenue Committee and is projected to bring in $34 million in revenue.

I had three bills heard before the Appropriations Committee on March 11th. LB 54 would implement an 11% increase to reimbursement rates for providers of developmental disability services. Currently the base hiring rate is a little over $15 an hour whereas the Beatrice State Developmental Center’s starting wage is over $21 an hour. This disparity makes it difficult to hire and keep quality people care for the intellectually disabled people in our state. This would cost the state $25 million dollars and draw down approximately $28 million in federal dollars.

Next was LB 55 and would appropriate $1,500,000 for FY2025-26 from the Hospital Quality Assurance and Access Assessment Fund for the medical assistance program to provide reimbursement to mental health providers who do not practice in a hospital and who provide services to Medicaid-eligible participants who are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare. Since the money would come for this specific fund, the state General Fund would add an additional $333,000 to this reimbursement.

The last bill I introduced that day was LB 57 and would appropriate funds to the Department of Health and Human Services, for Medicaid assisted-living facility rates. The funds shall be used to increase the current Medicaid assisted-living facility rates. A rate study contacted by the department in 2022 indicated urban rates were higher than rural rates even though the cost of care is the same and LB 57 would provide parity between the urban and rural rates. The requested rate would be enhanced to cover the increase in costs for FY 2025-26: $88.24/day and in FY 2026-27: $91.78/day. Increasing these rates would eventually cost the state $7 million a year. Considering our aging population or as referred to at the hearing, the ‘silver tsunami’, we need these facilities to stay open.

As you can see, my focus is on provider rates for a number of different providers. It is the state’s responsibility to take care of those who have used all their financial resources and are now dependent on Medicaid. I try to remember the adage, “but for the grace of God, there go I.”

On a lighter note, both of the competing day-light saving bills have advanced to Final Reading. LB 34 would seek to keep day-light saving time year-round when the federal government would permit such a move, the other, LB 302 would keep standard time year-round. I voted in support of LB 34 and no on LB 302. I like more sunlight in the summer months. We will see which one succeeds when the bills are voted on Final Reading. A note of interest is that if both bills pass on final reading, the last bill to pass will be the one that takes effect, providing the Governor signs the bill.

For more information on the Nebraska Legislature, the link is: nebraskalegislature.gov   

Here you can find all the information on bills, hearing schedules, information on senators, legislative divisions, and legislative reports etc.

My contact information is mdorn@leg.ne.gov and 402-471-2620. As always, I appreciate hearing from you.

Weekly District 30 Update – 3/7/25

State Senator Myron Dorn

March has certainly come in like a lion with the snow and high winds, then nicer, then maybe more snow, rain and sunshine. It’s Nebraska. Most senators were able to make it to the Capitol to continue work on Wednesday March 5th, but it impacted a number of people who wanted to testify.

LB 88 is a bill I introduced on behalf of Main Street Nebraska. This organization helps communities keep our downtowns vibrant, growing and thriving. Main Street helps downtown commercial businesses with rehabbing historical buildings, technical expertise in promotion and marketing the community’s downtown area, bringing together community leaders and developing a common goal for growth and sustainably. Beatrice’s downtown is an excellent example of their work. However, the state is facing a shortfall in funding and I doubt any new appropriations will be made this year.

The State Forecasting Board met on February 28th and provided an advisory forecast on the state’s revenue projections. In my years here, they have been pretty accurate. The board raised the projected revenue for the current fiscal year by $175 million in corporate incomes tax receipts which then were offset by projected decreases in miscellaneous and individual income tax receipts. Basically, it leaves an increase of approximately $100 million above the previous projection. The board also raised the projected revenue for the budget we are currently working on 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 by $65 million, which still leaves a deficit of over $280 million.  The Appropriations committee was also made aware that the federal government has reduced Medicaid reimbursements, which also contributed to why we have a budget deficit. There are hard budgetary decisions that will have to be made.

The Legislature debated LB 113 by Senator Dan Quick from Grand Island. His bill would increase the amount of alcohol that a micro-distillery can self-distribute to retail licensees in Nebraska. The amount would go from 500 gallons to 5,000 gallons. It would also increase the number of licensed premises and retail locations a craft brewery or micro-distillery is permitted to operate from five to ten locations. The adopted committee amendment reduced the amount from 5,000 gallons to 3,500 and the locations from ten to eight. The bill advanced to the next stage of debate and I supported this bill.

The General Affairs Committee heard testimony on two bills related to the medical cannabis initiative petition passed by 70% of the voters in November. LB 651 by Senator Danielle Conrad of Lincoln and LB 677 by Blair Senator Ben Hansen. Both bills set various regulations and creates a Medical Cannabis Commission to oversee the industry. Both bills limit the number of licenses issued and give the commission until October 1, 2025 to establish criteria for registering cannabis establishments. Applications for the licenses could begin January of 2026. The hearing went well into the evening. The committee has not taken action on the bills and most likely will work with the two senators to develop a compromise to advance to the floor. I will support the vote of the people and work to see this bill advance when it comes to the floor.

Lastly, LB 140 by Senator Rita Sanders of Omaha, at the request of the Governor, introduced this bill to require school boards to adopt a policy for prohibiting student use of cellphones while on school property or attending school functions. Cellphones have become a distraction for students and limiting the access will help students focus in class. There are exceptions for cellphone use such as in the case of an emergency, necessary to manage a student’s health care, etc. The Education Committee offered an amendment to limit the policy to school instructional functions and all electrical devices. The school may permit the devices for educational purposes which would be spelled out in the policy. The committee amendment was adopted. Senators voted 44-0 to advance the bill to Select File. I supported this bill,

For more information on the Nebraska Legislature, the link is: nebraskalegislature.gov   

Here you can find all the information on bills, hearing schedules, information on senators, legislative divisions, and legislative reports etc.

My contact information is mdorn@leg.ne.gov and 402-471-2620. As always, I appreciate hearing from you.

State Senator Myron Dorn

February has come to an end and we are at day 35 of the 90-day session with only 4 weeks of committee hearings yet to be held. The various committees have heard some controversial issues and some bills that propose minor adjustments to statutes but no matter the subject content, each bill receives a public hearing.

This past week I presented LR 7CA to the Executive Board of the Legislature. LR 7CA is a constitutional amendment proposal to increase senators’ pay from $1,000 a month ($12,000 a year) to $30,000 a year. If passed by the Legislature, it would go on the ballot at the next general election in 2026. Senators’ salaries were last increased in 1988 from $4,800 a year to the current $12,000. If an inflation factor were applied, it would be over $32,000 today.

NCSL (National Conference of State Legislatures’) is an organization which includes all 50 states. NCSL reviewed all 50 states and ranked them as full-time, hybrid (works more than 70% of the year) and part-time. Nebraska ranked as a hybrid Legislature where state senators worked a great deal outside the 60- and 90-day session. We attend meetings with the county board, various associations, and individual constituents. We are making calls regarding state agency issues, attending interim hearings, and working on Select Committees we serve on.

Senator Ben Hansen’s proposal would have a senator’s salary based on minimum wage and health care. However, he offered an amendment that would establish an independent commission to review and propose a salary. The commission could not have any current or former senators, no former legislative staff, or lobbyists or state employees. I could see the commission having an economist, a business owner, an employment specialist etc. 22 other states have this type of commission. Neither Senator Hansen or I would benefit since we are both term-limited out of the legislature in 2026. I hope an increase in salary would reduce the financial burden that serving in the legislature places on a family. The board has not taken action on any of these proposals to date.

And speaking of ballot issues, last November voters approved an increase in the state minimum wage to $15 per hour by January 1, 2026. The wage would be adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index. Senator Jane Raybould of Lincoln offered LB 258 which would establish a youth minimum wage of $13.50 per hour for new employees ages 14 and 15 and adjust the 90-day training wage for new employees under age 18 to $13.50 per hour through 2026. After 2026, the new training wage will be 75% of the newly CPI adjusted minimum wage. If the on-line comments submitted to the hearing are any indication, the bill will not be successful. The comments submitted for the record were, 5 proponents and 324 opponents.

We have all witnessed distracted drivers with their cell phones to their ears, or trying to send texts. Current law prohibits drivers from using a handheld wireless communication device to read, type or send a written communication while operating a moving motor vehicle that is in motion, basically texting. Freshman Senator Jason Prokop of Lincoln introduced LB 594 which would allow Nebraska law enforcement to stop motorists for holding or otherwise using a handheld device while driving, basically talking on the cell phone. This bill would not apply if the device is not being held but on speaker. The bill would make this a primary offense. According to Vicki Kramer, the director of the state Department of Transportation, “Nebraska is one of five states without a ‘hands-free driving or primary enforcement of texting and driving.” The Transportation and Telecommunications committee has not taken action on the bill.

I would like to close with a tribute to former State Senator Bill Burrows. George “Bill” Burrows who passed away on February 21. Bill served District 30 from 1975 to 1983. He lived in Adams Nebraska his entire life and fought to protect the small family farm and against corporate farming. He was married to his wife, Norma, for 71 years. Our sympathies to the family.

For more information on the Nebraska Legislature, the link is: nebraskalegislature.gov   

Here you can find all the information on bills, hearing schedules, information on senators, legislative divisions, and legislative reports etc.

My contact information is mdorn@leg.ne.gov and 402-471-2620. As always, I appreciate hearing from you.

State Senator Myron Dorn

We are experiencing extreme cold temperatures outside but the floor debate is heating up. The Legislature had its first filibuster of the session on LB 229. This bill would put into statute what is considered the practice of ride-share drivers as independent contractors. The bill adds workers who use apps like Uber and Lyft to the existing list of workers who are classified as independent contractors and are excluded from the state’s Employment Security Law.

An amendment was filed and adopted which expanded the definition of these workers to include a person transporting freight, envelopes, boxes, parcels or other similar sealed or closed containers for compensation and those who deliver food such as Door Dash Drivers.

In the first round of debate on February 6th, opponents debated the bill for a few hours but eventually the bill did advance. During the debate on Select File, Senator Danielle Conrad said this bill closes off avenues for the drivers and the companies to decide how they want to view drivers and the bill is not needed. Senator Dunxi Guereca of Omaha also opposed the bill stating the rates are set by the platform and fluctuate so the driver can’t reliably predict their earnings.

However, on February 19th, after four hours of debate over three days, a cloture motion was made to cease debate. The motion was successful with 33 senators in support and 16 senators opposed. I supported the cloture and the advancement of the bill to Final Reading.

The Executive Board of the Legislature supervises all legislative services and employees. The board also has jurisdiction over subject areas such as constitutional amendments or bills that govern the Legislature or the legislative process. One proposal presented to the Executive Board on February 18th, was from Speaker Arch on LB 298. This bill is the outcome of an Attorney General’s Opinion by AG Mike Hilgers which raised concerns about the legislative Inspectors General for Children and for Corrections and stated they did not have the oversight powers to encroach on functions that are the purview  of the executive and judicial branches of government. His opinion basically shut down access by the inspectors general and our Ombudsman’s office, from any information regarding Health and Human Services, Department of Corrections, and other state agencies. These offices have been vital to the Legislature’s ability to help citizens who have had issues with state agencies, and to be the checks and balances for the other two branches of government. The bill creates a new Division of Legislative Oversight, encompassing both the inspectors general for child welfare and corrections, as well as the Legislative Performance Audit office. The division would be overseen by a newly formed nine-member committee in the Legislature. Attorney General Hilgers spoke in favor of the bill but did request some additional adjustments in the language. The Court Administrator, speaking on behalf of the Judicial branch, was opposed. The Executive Board has not taken action yet on this proposal. I am in full support of LB 298.

The Appropriations Committee has spent the past month reviewing state agency requests with the legislative fiscal office. Now we have begun the process of hearing directly from the agencies themselves on their requests. We also will hold public hearings on 40 bills referred to our committee requesting state funds for various proposals. As I have said in past newsletters, the state is facing a $432 million shortfall. Recent revenue reports have improved the fiscal outlook but we still are far short from meeting the constitutional requirement of a balanced budget. We will get there but it will take a great deal of work, hard decisions, cutting funding or moving various cash funds to the General Fund to help with the shortfall.

Recently a person came to our office, frustrated that he did not know about a particular bill. It is hard to ‘get the word out’ on any particular bill and to any particular group. An excellent source of information is the Unicameral Update. It is a weekly publication by the Legislature and the articles discuss bills that are either in committees or on the floor for full debate. The articles are very balanced by presenting both the proponent and opponent perspectives and the disposition of the bills. The Unicameral Update link is: https://update.legislature.ne.gov/

The Nebraska Legislature link is: nebraskalegislature.gov  Here you can find all the information on bills, hearing schedules, information on senators, legislative divisions, and legislative reports etc.

My contact information is mdorn@leg.ne.gov and 402-471-2620. As always, I appreciate hearing from you.

Weekly District 30 Update – 2/14/25

State Senator Myron Dorn

Southeast Nebraska finally received its first significant snowfall on Wednesday, February 12th. Schools closed, events were cancelled and the legislature convened and held its hearings as usual.

Extended floor debate focused LB 241 this week. The bill would establish liability protections for private entities in the event of a cybersecurity data breach unless the breach was caused by willful, wanton, or gross negligence on the part of the company. Senator Bob Hallstrom, put the bill forward as a way to protect small businesses who are at risk of having to payout large settlements. Opponents argued this bill would not hold companies accountable in the event they are actually negligent with your personal information. I believe we need to protect our small companies from class action lawsuits. By adding the ‘gross negligence’ as a cause for action, places a higher burden on those wishing to sue. Companies can take many precautions but hackers are out there constantly working to breach the firewalls protecting data. After four hours of debate, the bill advanced to the second round of debate on a vote of 33 – 9.

Also on the agenda are two competing bills, one to keep daylight saving time year-round, LB 34 by Senator Megan Hunt of Omaha, and LB 302 by Senator Dave Murman, to abolish daylight saving time and use standard time year-round. Both bills were advanced by the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs committee on an 8 – 0 vote. If the on-line comments are any reflection of the unicameral, there were 32 comments supporting LB 34 and 32 comments supporting LB 304. However, if Nebraska did go with LB 34, there would have to be change in federal law allowing this or an order from the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, and at least three adjacent states to Nebraska would adopt the same standard. I would be supporting year round day light saving time.

We continue to move other not so controversial bills from General File (first round of debate) to Select File (second round). By next week, we will even have a few bills ready for final reading.

Committee hearings are tackling some big issues, many of which tend to be very controversial. The Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee on Friday the 7th heard over 10 hours of testimony on LB 89 by Senator Kathleen Kauth. The bill would restrict K-12 student participation in school sports to teams that correspond to their “biological sex”. K-12 public and private schools would have to designate bathrooms and lockers based on the bill’s definition of biological sex. The committee has not taken any action on the bill yet. If this bill makes it to the full Legislature for debate, I will be supporting the bill.

Senator Tom Brandt will introduce LB 317 to the Natural Resources Committee on February 13th. This bill would combine the Department of Natural Resources into the Department of Environment and Energy. The new agency would be renamed to the Department of Water, Energy and Environment. The bill was introduced on behalf of the Governor. This is an attempt to streamline and consolidate agencies that have similar functions and overlap environmental issues. A number of years ago the Department of Energy was placed within the Department of Environmental Quality. And now LB 317 merges these agencies even further. I would support this bill.

Lastly, on February 10th, the Education Committee heard LB 303 offered by Senator Jana Hughes of Seward. This bill is a rerun of LB 9 from the Special Session. I was a co-sponsor on LB 9 and am a co-sponsor of LB 303. The bill makes adjustments to the Tax Equity and Education Opportunities Scholarship Act (TEEOSA) which is the funding mechanism used to provide equalization aid to schools across the state. The bill would increase foundation aid from $1500 per formula student to $1590 per formula student; drops the maximum levy for schools for $1.05 to $1.02 per $100 of taxable valuation; creates a base levy adjustment; and creates a School Finance Reform Commission. The bill was well received and had support of both rural and urban schools. Senator Hughes worked with a small group of senators, both democrats and republicans to develop this bill. The committee has not taken action on the bill to date.

My contact information is mdorn@leg.ne.gov and 402-471-2620. As always, I appreciate hearing from you.

Weekly District 30 Update – 2-7-25

State Senator Myron Dorn

The Legislature is in full work mode with legislative bills being debated in the mornings in the Legislative Chamber. Afternoons have senators sitting in various committees, hearing public testimony on various issues.

 In these early days of session, General File floor debate consists mainly of relatively non-controversial and can be considered as clean-up bills or bills that are fairly straight forward. Some bills do create a bit of extended discussion.

 During floor debate this past week, senators debated LB 229 introduced by Senator Bob Hallstrom of Syracuse. The bill would define workers, who use Marketplace Network Platforms such as Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash, as independent contractors. These workers are already considered independent but the bill would codify this into state statute. These workers choose, if and when, and how long they want to work.  Opponents of the bill said companies who use this employment model for these workers don’t provide fair wages or benefits and think LB 229 does not help the employee. Another senator in opposition said this bill would prevent those workers from trying to organize a union and to work to better protect their rights. The bill was advanced to the next stage of debate with a vote of 33 in favor and 12 opposed. I supported this bill.

 The Government, Military and Veterans Affairs committee heard competing proposals on day light saving time. Senator Dave Murman introduced LB 302 to eliminate the observance of daylight-saving time when the same policy would be adopted by the neighboring states of Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota and Wyoming. and go to standard time. The state could make this option without any federal action.  On the opposite end of the spectrum, is LB 34 by Senator Megan Hunt whose bill would see daylight saving time stay year-round and would require three adjacent states to adopt the policy and the federal government would have to allow for permanent daylight-saving time. The committee has not taken action on either bill.

 LB 698 was heard by the Business and Labor Committee to seek narrower provisions of the ballot initiative passed in the November General Election.  The ballot initiative provides Nebraska employees, who work for a business with fewer than 20 employees, the ability to earn 40 hours of sick leave. A person who works for a company with more than 20 employees can earn 56 hours of paid sick leave. Senator Paul Strommen from Sidney, introduced this bill to provide for exemptions for several smaller employers. including businesses that hire temporary and seasonal agricultural workers, employees under 16, and businesses with fewer than 10 employees. The senator said he is not trying to undermine the vote of the people but wants to provide safe guards for smaller employers. Opponents stated the paid sick leave passed by the voters is a better business model. Another opponent said states with similar policies of paid sick leave showed increased business growth and minimal long-term costs to the business. The committee has not taken action on this bill.

Finally, on Thursday, February 6th, the Revenue committee heard hours of testimony on LB 509, introduced by Senator Tony Sorrentino of Elkhorn. This bill is basically a re-run of LB 753 in 2023, which would have allowed a dollar-for-dollar tax credit to individuals who donate money to private scholarship granting organizations. People organized after this bill’s passage to get the repeal of LB 753 placed on the 2024 ballot. The initiative petition received enough signatures and was going to be on the 2024 General Election ballot. In 2024 during the regular session Senator Linehan introduced LB 1402 and instead of the tax credit, she proposed a direct state appropriation to the State Treasurer who would establish a program to provide education scholarships to eligible students. Again, the people ran a petition to repeal LB 1402 and successfully gathered enough signatures to place the issue on the ballot. In November of 2024, voters across the state voted to repeal the bill by 57% in favor of repeal and 43% wanting to retain the bill. Testimony in support of the newly introduced LB 509 spoke of the benefits to students and the ability to choose a school. Opponents spoke about the disregard for the people’s vote and work to see this defeated. They also spoke about the damage this could do to public school funding, that private schools do not have to meet the same standards as public schools, and could be selective on which students they would take. I will not be supporting LB 509, first and foremost the voters were very clear on ‘choice’ regarding state funding for private schools.

The Unicameral website is  www.nebraskalegislature.gov. My contact information is mdorn@leg.ne.gov and 402-471-2620. As always, I appreciate hearing from you.

Weekly District 30 Update – 1-31-25

State Senator Myron Dorn

 As the month of January comes to a close, the Legislature is in full swing. Mornings for  senators begin with meetings and then we convene in the Chamber to begin discussion on bills which had their public hearing and the committees moved them on to the first round of debate, referred to as General File. Most of the bills coming forward are relatively non-controversial and do not require a great deal of debate. If there are concerns regarding the bill, this gives other senators the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the issue.

 In the afternoons, senators are in committee hearings. Every senator has a five day schedule of committees on which he or she serves. The Appropriations committee is a five day committee so this is the only Standing Committee on which I serve. Our committee has been going through the Governor’s proposed budget, we are hearing from our legislative fiscal analysts and reviewing each agency. Soon, we will hear from agencies directors and begin hearing appropriation bills seeking funding.

 Other committees are hearing issues referred to their jurisdictional subject area. On Wednesday, the Judiciary Committee heard six bills relating to controlled substances (LB 6), regulating Kratom (LB 230) a leaf that can increase a person’s energy, and hemp regulations, and a consumable hemp product act (LB 16). Hemp farming was made legal in 2019 and products derived from hemp could not contain more than 0.3% of THC in Delta 9 products. However, there are other products now being sold with higher levels that the 2019 did not address. Attorney General Mike Hilgers wants to see these products made illegal in LB 316. On the other side, Store owners who sell these products would rather see the products remain available with regulations on labeling, packaging and sales restrictions to minors. This hearing went from 1:30 to 9 pm. The Judiciary committee has the largest number of bills referred to it for hearings and also tends to have some of the most controversial issues.

 LB 645 has been generating much concern on the part of teachers. In 2013 the state made an agreement with the teachers’ union to contribute 2%, up from the previous 1% contribution, every year to the teachers’ retirement fund to reach 100% and the retirement is fully funded. LB 645 states that once the plan is at 100%, the state can relax its 2% contribution. An important part of the bill states that no changes can be implemented until an actuarial study is conducted to show that with those changes, the plan’s funding will continue to be healthy and sustainable. So, if the plan’s funding level drops and it needs the 2% contribution from the state, it will continue to receive full state support.

 LB 645 has not been set for hearing yet but I will certainly watch as this bill is discussed in the hearing. It is my understanding Senator Ballard, who introduced the bill on behalf of the Governor, is working with the Nebraska State Education Association to address their concerns.

 The Government, Military and Veterans Affairs committee heard testimony on LB 135, introduced by Senator Holdcroft of Bellevue. The bill would prohibit schools and educational service units from conducting special elections for a bond issue, property tax levy or exceeding a property tax levy limitation. The bill would require such questions to only be on regularly scheduled elections or on traditional election dates like the primary, general and municipal elections, since these elections tend to have a higher voter turnout.

 Concerns were raised by the opposition that this could increase the cost of the project by having to wait a year to two for those elections to come around. It could also impede a schools ability to keep pace with the needs of a district when there may be enrollment growth or building maintenance which may not align with the election calendar. The committee has not taken any action on this bill.

 Unicameral’s website at  www.nebraskalegislature.gov. My contact information is mdorn@leg.ne.gov and 402-471-2620. As always, I appreciate hearing from you.

The Legislature is well and truly under way with the introduction of 715 legislative bills, and 27 resolutions. All bills will receive a public hearing and those hearings began on Wednesday, January 22 and will run through March 28th. Resolutions that end with a CA (constitutional amendment) also will receive a public hearing. Other resolutions tend to be congratulatory in nature and can be introduced throughout the session.

Public hearings are a chance for citizens to let senators know how they feel about the issues. A person can testify in person or submit on-line comments through the legislative portal. Go to the bill of interest and if the public hearing date is set, there will be a tab to enter public comments.

I have personally introduced 11 bills and two constitutional amendments. My bills mainly focus on appropriations, 3 of which are for improved provider rates relating to developmental disabilities, mental health and assisted living facilities, LB 54, 55, and 57 respectively. Another bill, LB 86 seeking funding is to help NRD’s with watershed operation, maintenance or repair. LB 88 is a bill that will help fund Mainstreet revitalization and economic growth. 

LB 87 is a bill that I was asked to introduce on behalf of the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The commission developed and implemented a pilot program in Omaha where deaf/blind individuals were provided a Support Services Provider. This provider could help with daily living activities such as help with the mail, driving the person to medical appointments etc. The program was a success and the commission would like to work on expanding this program to more people who suffer vision loss or hearing issues. The public hearing for this bill will be Friday, January 31st before the Health and Human Services Committee.

I introduced LB 56 to require medical facilities or mortuaries to do a blood draw on a deceased person who died as a result of a motor vehicle accident. I am working with the groups to reach a compromise. I also have LB 576 to allow the Public Service Commission to consider a rate increase on cell-phones if necessary to help fund 911 systems across the state. The other three remaining bills I consider to be clean-up or clarification language one for Performance Audit (B 228), one pertaining to the Cash Reserve Fund, LB 494, and LB 577 for Health and Human Services relating to clarify pharmacy technicians and their supervision.

The last two issues I introduced were LR 7CA that would ask voters to consider increasing senators’ salaries from the current $12,000 a year to $30,000 a year. The last increase that was passed was in 1988. Had an inflationary factor been in place, the salary would be over the proposed amount. The issue first has to be passed by the Legislature and then voted on by the people in 2026. I introduced this amendment because I would not benefit from a pay increase since my term of office ends in 2026. 

The other constitutional amendment I introduced is LR 24CA. This amendment, if adopted by the people, would return Nebraska to a winner-take-all state for the electoral college. Senator Loran Lippincott has a bill for winner-take-all that would change the statute. His bill will be decided by the legislature. But the only way to have the people vote on the issue is by introducing a constitutional amendment. The hearing for these two resolutions is next Thursday before the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. Both bills will be heard simultaneously. The public comment tab is active and people can submit comments on both issues.

I have served on the Appropriations Committee for the last six years and will serve there for my remaining two years. We have started the process of reviewing over 70 state agency budget requests with the input of our legislative fiscal analysts. This is the start of the appropriations process to get the proposed budget to the floor by legislative day 70 for approval and discussion by all 49 state senators.

The complete budget can be found at a link on the Unicameral’s website at  www.nebraskalegislature.gov. My contact information is mdorn@leg.ne.gov and 402-471-2620. As always, I appreciate hearing from you.

The 109th Legislative Session, First Session, began its work on January 8th of 2025. Seventeen new members were sworn into office, 1 returning senator, Senator Dan Quick, had previously served a four-year term.

The first day of the two-year legislative cycle begins with the election of all leadership positions. Senator John Arch of Omaha was re-elected to be the Speaker of the Legislature. He is responsible for setting out the daily agenda for floor discussions on bills, resolutions, and oftentimes works with all senators to try to reach resolution when major issues hit an impasse.

There are 14 Standing Committees which hear the lion’s share of the bills. Out of those 14 standing committees, 4 chairs were reelected to their committees: Senator Clements to Appropriations; Senator Murman to Education; Senator Moser to Transportation and Telecommunication; and Senator McKinney to Urban Affairs. The remaining 10 chairmanships went to senators who have not been a chair before and most with only two years in the legislature.

We have 10 days to introduce new legislation, the last day to introduce bills is January 22nd. Committee hearings start January 21st. People can submit on-line written comments for bills to be made part of the official record. People can go to Nebraskalegislature.gov and once the bill is set for a hearing, people enter the bill number. A tab will be available “Submit Comments Online for LBXXX”  The deadline to submit comments is by 8am the morning of the hearing.

This year, senators cannot introduce more than 20 bills. In the past few years, some senators have introduced 40-60 personal bills. I am trying to keep my total down to 10 or 12 bills and currently have 8 bills and one constitutional amendment.

LR 7CA is a proposal to increase state senators’ salaries from the current $12,000 a year to $30,000 a year. The last time senators’ salaries were increased was 1988. This issue has gone before the voters a few times and has failed. If the resolution moves through the legislature and is successful, the issue would be placed on the 2026 ballot. If an inflation factor would be applied to the $12,000 salary, the current pay would be over $30,000, again, just with an inflation factor. A senator does not work only during the 60 or 90 day session. It is a year round endeavor and one we all gladly do but it does place a financial burden on us and our families. I attend community events, meet with various groups and organizations, and attend interim hearings. I also have meetings with constituents to work on legislation. I am fortunate that I am semi-retired and have a bit more time to devote to my legislative work but many senators have to hold down full-time jobs when we are not in session. I in no way will benefit from any pay increase since I will end my second term in 2026. I am doing this for future candidates who may see the pay as a deterrent. Consider this, Douglas County Commissions make $58,356, Lincoln City Council makes $24,000. LR7CA falls well below the average of these two salary ranges. Nebraska senators should still want to serve primarily for the betterment of the state but not at the cost to the financial security of their families. I think this proposal is reasonable.

I have a new Administrative Assistant, Cooper Morgan, who joined my staff in December. He is learning how my office works and is doing a great job. Barb Dorn had been my Administrative Assistant for six years and had the opportunity to become a committee clerk for two committees. I want to thank her for her years of service to me and to the people of District 30. She will be missed.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about state agencies, please feel free to send and email or call my office. We will do what we can to help answer your questions or address your concerns.

Contact me at mdorn@leg.ne.gov, call 402-471-2620 and check the website:  www.nebraskalegislature.gov

Thank you!