Weekly District 30 Update – 4/11/25

State Senator Myron Dorn

The Legislature passed the 60th legislative day of the 90-day session. Senators have approved 78 bills which have been signed by the Governor. 137 bills sit on General File, which is our first round of debate by the full Legislature. Over 470 bills remain in committee. Either they did not have enough votes to move forward by the committee members, or there was not an urgency to see these bills debated this session. There are 106 priority bills, some of which are controversial and we have taken up a few of those already.

One of the priority bills by Senator Loren Lippincott is LB 3. This bill would change a 30-year-old practice of apportioning our electoral college votes based on who receives the most votes in a congressional district. Electoral votes are based on the two federal senator seats and the number of congressional districts in each state. Nebraska has 3 congressional districts which means our total electoral votes is five. Under current law, the statewide winner of a presidential race receives the two ‘senate’ seat votes and depending on the vote count in each district, the electoral vote goes to the top vote getter in each congressional district. The second district in Omaha, has been referred to as ‘the blue dot’ and there have been three times the electoral vote went to a presidential candidate; once for Barack Obama, once for Joe Biden, and once for Kamala Harris. The Speaker made the decision to cap the filibuster on LB3 at four hours since senators knew how they would vote. After four hours of debate, the cloture motion to cease debate was made. It takes 33 votes for the cloture motion to be successful. The motion failed with a vote of 31 in favor and 18 opposed. My constitutional proposal, LR 24CA, is still on General File to send the issue to a vote of the people. It does not have a priority so it probably won’t be taken up this year but could be possible for next year. I voted in favor of this bill.

A bill that was easier to vote on was LB 97. This was a Department of Motor Vehicle cleanup measure. Most of the bill made minor changes but one addition was LB 279 By Senator Brad Von Gillern. Starting in 2029 at the beginning of an issuance cycle, DMV will only issue one license plate rather than two for every registered motor vehicle or trailer. Many new cars do not even have a place to mount a front plate. Another incorporated bill to LB 97 was LB 543 by Senator Robert Dover and allows the department to deliver the plates by mail with the next issuance cycle. The measure also allows owners to register a motor vehicle or trailer for a period of two or three years, in addition to the annual registration period, also beginning in 2029. LB 97 passed on Final Reading with a vote of 46 in favor and 3 opposed. I voted in favor of this bill.

A bill aimed at protecting youth who go online received its second round of floor debate. LB 504 proposes to create the Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act. The bill is offered by Senator Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln at the request of the Governor. Per the Act, a covered online service would be required to “exercise reasonable care” in protecting user data, and prevent harms such as compulsive use, severe emotional distress, identity theft and severe psychological harm. The definition of an online service is one that operates in Nebraska and is reasonably likely to be accessed by minors and meets certain revenue or volume thresholds. Senator Bosn introduced an amendment to address concerns that were raised during the first round of debate. It would replace the bill and make changes including removing reporting requirement; add a definition of dark patterns; removing the definition of sensitive personal data; changing the definition of compulsive usage; adding a definition of a covered minor; changing the definition of covered online services; removes the section regarding the exercise of “reasonable care” on behalf of a covered service. The changes were made to accommodate those companies who were inadvertently “scooped up” stated Senator Bosn. Such as automotive companies with an online presence and young adults may want to access this site looking for their first car. The Bosn amendment was adopted with 45-0 and the bill advanced to Final Reading.

The Appropriations Committee is meeting daily to finalize the budget bill. We are still over $100 million dollars away from a balanced budget. We will get there, but there will need to be reductions, and some possible increase in revenue sources like eliminating some sales tax exemptions. Any increases in revenue would have to come from the Revenue Committee and some of their packages will be discussed soon.

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 – 4/4/25

State Senator Myron Dorn

The Legislative session has passed the midway point. April 3rd was our 53rd legislative day. In the remaining 37 days, we will need to address the state budget, approximately 100 priority bills, some of which are still in their respective committees. Full day floor debate began this past week and the Speaker, Senator John Arch, is scheduling Senator, Committee and Speaker priority bills for debate. Priority bills tend to be more in-depth, complex and/or controversial.

One such controversial issue is LB 258, the minimum wage bill. In November voters approved a state minimum wage. Senator Jane Raybould of Lincoln brought this bill to consider the variety of workers in our work force. Young people entering the job market for the first time with little experience in job expectations, work ethic, and needing to learn a skill. When voters looked at this issue, did they think of a freshman or sophomore in high school and working for the first time. Or were they about the average age worker in their 20’s and 30’s or the lower income worker trying to support a family stuck in those low wage jobs. Maybe some voters did.

The initiative process is limited on a single subject where nuances cannot be enumerated. Per the state constitution the Legislature can examine, debate and enact those nuances. I look at small businesses across the state having to pay the higher wage while keeping the small business viable, especially with today’s market. LB 258 sets a starting wage for 14- and 15-year-olds at $13.50 per hour and adjusts the 90-day training wage for new employees under age 18 to $13.50 per hour through Dec. 31 2026. Then the training rate would be set at 75% of the state’s minimum wage. The Business and Labor Committee amendment which was adopted, instead increased the training wage by 1.5% annually for new employees younger than 20. And the youth minimum wage would increase by 1.5% every fifth year beginning Jan. 1, 2030. I thought this was a fair compromise for workers and employers. I supported the advancement of the bill.

Another bill dealing with small businesses is LB 113 to increase the amount of alcohol that a micro distillery license can self-distribute to retail stores in Nebraska from 500 gallons to 3,500 gallons. The bill would also increase the number of places the micro-distilleries can operate and retail locations they can sell to from 5 to 8. An amendment by Senator Robert Dover was adopted to allow an entertainment district commons area to permit the consumption of alcohol only during the hours authorized for on-premise alcohol sales while food service is available in the commons area. The bill advanced on a vote of 33-2. I supported this bill.

The next bill should come as no surprise since Nebraska is very much a beef state. LB 246 by Senator Barry DeKay would ban the distribution or sale of cultivated-protein food products, or other called “lab-grown meat,” in Nebraska. Without knowing how safe and what is contained in this product, the bill eliminates the potential for this type of product to be sold in Nebraska. Opposition to the bill said consumers want choices, and consumers can decide for themselves if something seems risky. Another senator said Nebraska should support new technology and our state’s beef industry. After a few hours of discussion, the bill advanced by a 33-4 vote. I supported the advancement. Now I want a steak.

I have received a great deal of emails and phone calls requesting support of various funding proposals. One that stands out is for LB 382 by Senator Glen Meyer of Pender to appropriate $4 million over the next two years to the Area Agencies on Aging or AAA (not the auto club) provides Meals on Wheels, home care, transportation and other services of Nebraskans who are 65 or older and in need of additional help. These are vital services considering our aging population. The money would be allocated from the Medicaid Managed Care Excess Profit Fund. The money for this fund comes from the managed care providers in our state who offer insurance coverage to those who can’t afford or don’t have work provided health care coverage. These managed care providers have their profits capped and if they take in more than the cap, the excess profit is deposited into this fund.

There are a number of bills seeking dollars from this fund. The senators will have to look at all those requests and determine if the fund has the capacity to address those requests. LB 382 will be debated in the next few days.

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 – 3/28/25

State Senator Myron Dorn

The end of March also brings the end of public hearings on bills introduced this session. Starting the week of March 31st, we will begin full-day debate in the Chamber on senators’ priority bills. There have been a few extended debates already.

One such debate is on LB 415 that seeks to make small changes to the passed initiative for paid sick leave. The debate is centered on the committee amendment which incorporated much of LB 698 offered by Senator Paul Strommen. LB 698 would exempt seasonal workers, workers under 16 years of age, and employers who have 10 or fewer employees. Senators who support the committee amendment see this as protecting the smaller employer where the financial impact of providing 5 days of paid sick leave could be crippling. I am concerned about a small business who may not be able to absorb this mandate for paid sick leave. I understand many of the comments that the voter spoke on this. The limited language allowed in ballot measures, and the single subject clause precludes extensive language possibilities. The limitations proposed in the committee amendment to LB 415, I believe are reasonable and appropriate. If this passes, a small business can still opt to provide this coverage if they have fewer than 10 employees. I support the amendment and the bill.

A bill by Senator Jana Hughes of Seward, LB 9 would broaden a measure regarding alternative nicotine products to include nicotine analogues, or synthetic products that mimic the effects of nicotine. The industry creates new products faster than legislation can adapt, but we are attempting to add these products into existing statutes. The General Affairs Committee that heard the bill, offered an amendment which was adopted 39-0 on General File. The amendment would levy a 20% wholesale tax on alternative nicotine products beginning on January 1, or 2026. Right now, these products are taxes at the state rate of 5.5% and any local sales tax. The Department of Revenue estimates this tax would increase revenue by $927,000 in 2026, $2.4 million in 2027, and $2.7 million in 2028. If this tax helps deter buyers from using these addictive products, that is a good thing. The bill advanced to the second round of debate, Select File, with a vote 41-0.

Senator Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, introduced LB 237 to the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. Currently counties with populations of less than 10,000 residents, can conduct all-mail elections. Her bill would remove that threshold and permit counties of any size to conduct mail-in ballots for elections. 67 of Nebraska’s 93 counties are eligible to have all-mail elections, with 11 counties implementing them in full. These counties have seen cost savings, higher voter participation, and improved accessibility for the elderly and those with transportation issues. A representative of the Nebraska County Officials Association supported the bill and stated LB 237 provides counties the flexibility to adopt the system if that best serves their residents. She also mentioned that larger counties probably wouldn’t use this option unless under specific circumstances. All requirements for conducting elections still apply, photo ID or other approved identification methods. The Election Commissioners and County Clerks do an outstanding job of running our elections and I know they would do a great job if this bill became law. I support this idea. I know I have faced challenges with getting to the precinct to cast my vote. The committee has not taken any action on this bill to date.

A bill heard by the Judiciary Committee was LB 73. Senator Barry DeKay offered LB 73 to reduce the number of annual training hours from 32 hours to 20 hours for law enforcement with counties that have less than 40,000 people. Small law enforcement agencies have fewer officers to fill in for the officer at training. The hours were increased to 32 back in 2021 as a result of some civil unrest in the summer of 2020. Small towns are already struggling to keep their law enforcement fully staffed. Two law enforcement officers from small communities testified in support of the bill. No one was in opposition. The bill is still in committee.

Now that senators, committee and the Speaker have designated their priority issues for this session, debate will begin to focus on those issues. Many of those issues tended to be the bigger or more controversial bills. I expect there will be a number of filibusters in the remaining 47 or so days left this session.

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.

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.