While this short session of the 108th Legislature was more productive than last year’s 90 day session, it still ended with extended debate on several issues. Other last day activities included a speech from the Governor, closing comments from Speaker John Arch, and farewell remarks from those senators who are term limited out or not running for re-election.

LB 388 was the first bill of the day to meet with opposition. Debate focused on the merits of expanding the tax base and the effect on taxpayers of various income levels, tax shifts, the potential of property tax to rise without this bill, and so on. After just shy of two hours of debate, Sen. Linehan moved to pass over the bill, which was allowed by the Speaker.

The next bill to be pulled off Final Reading for additional debate was LB 1363. This bill would increase the documentary stamp tax on real estate transactions. The revenue from this tax would be dispersed to several different funds: the Site and Building Development Fund; the Homeless Shelter Assistance Trust Fund; the Behavioral Health Services Fund; the Economic Recovery Contingency Fund for the establishment and operation of an office to pursue and coordinate grant funding on behalf of the state; the Military Base Development and Support Fund to support businesses and amenities linked to military installations and to enhance business attraction and economic growth in Nebraska’s military sector; and the Health Care Homes for the Medically Underserved Fund for federally qualified health centers. In the end, the introducer, Sen. McDonnell, asked the Speaker to pass over this bill as well.

The next major bill to be taken up was LB 1402, which would appropriate $10 million, administered by the State Treasurer, to be used to grant scholarships to students who apply to attend private schools. Nebraska students who are (A) receiving and education scholarship for the first time and are entering kindergarten, sixth grade, or ninth grade in a qualified school or (B) transferring from a public school at which the student was enrolled for at least one semester immediately preceding the first semester for which the student received an education scholarship to a qualified school. Scholarship granting organizations may apply to the State Treasurer for a grant which shall be used to provide education scholarships to eligible students to pay the costs associated with attending a qualified school. LB1402 also provides prioritization criteria which applicants shall follow when awarding scholarships. I voted for cloture on this bill.

Following the end of our work on bills, the Governor addressed the Legislature. He began by recognizing the loss of Ceresco Police Officer Ross Bartlett who was killed in the line of duty, and thanked all first responders for their service. Governor Pillen noted the accomplishments of the session that will strengthen the state. He also expressed his disappointment in not passing property tax relief and indicated a special session will be called.

Speaker Arch thanked the members, divisions and staff for their work and sacrifice of time. The number of bills passed in the 108th biennium came to 373, out of over 1,400 introduced. Each departing senator reflected on their time in the Legislature, knowing that despite saying farewell, they would be back sooner than later for that special session.

Please continue to send your communication to my office during the interim. My staff will be available to speak with you or answer your emails. 402-471-2620 mdorn@leg.ne.gov Thank you!