Weekly District 30 Update – 5/23/25

State Senator Myron Dorn

I am always amazed at the variety of topics senators’ debate in a matter of days. We went from debating elimination of some sales tax exemptions to discussing medical marijuana. We discussed habitual criminal sentencing guidelines to the legislative branch’s authority for oversight of state agencies.  

First, sales tax exemptions. Senator Tom Brandt offered LB 170 which would remove a number of sales tax exemptions on items like chartered flights, dry cleaning, interior design and decorating, lobbying, limousine and luxury vehicle rentals, dance, golf, and tennis lessons, swimming pool cleaning and maintenance, travel agency services and a potential sales tax on pop and candy, to name a few. The bill also had 3 other bills: LB 212 would place a 20% excise tax on cigar products purchased online to make it comparable with the rate in-state brick and mortar stores pay; LB 712 (my priority bill for this session) and introduced by Senator Jana Hughes, would place a 40% wholesale tax on electronic nicotine delivery products. And LB 564 to transfer revenue generated from these and other items to the school property tax credit fund. Senator von Gillern, Chair of the Revenue committee was hesitant to send these funds to property tax relief considering we already dedicated approximately $1.5 billion with our two property tax relief programs. After hours of debate, Senator Brandt offered an amendment to pare down his request, eventually the filibuster won out. The cloture motion failed on a vote of 30-15. I supported the LB 170 and the cloture motion.

Next up was the debate was LB 677 by Senator Ben Hansen to place regulations into statute after two successful petitions, 437 and 438, to legalize medical cannabis. The bill would have established who could prescribe, what types of aliments and issues could be considered for cannabis use, the number of dispensaries, and charge a sales tax of 5.5%. Again, a filibuster ensued. Freshman Senator Jared Storm of David City led the filibuster and said the legislature should respect the initiative language and allow the 5-member commission to make all the decisions. The Governor appointed two members of the commission who are considered to be very strong opponents of medical cannabis. The other 3 members of the commission will be appointed by the Liquor Control Commission per the initiative language. Other senators in support of the bill pointed out that the legislature regularly sets out legislative parameters on boards and commissions. A number of senators who said we should not ‘legislate’ on this initiative, had no issues with legislating on paid sick leave or the minimum wage increase. I supported LB 677 and supported the initiatives. I have heard from enough people who have said traditional medicine has not worked or has serious side effects and they wanted the option for medical cannabis. After 8 hours of debate the cloture motion failed with 23 yes, 22 no, 3 present and not voting and 1 absent. 33 votes are needed to end a filibuster.

A bill not filibustered but received significant debate was LB 150, the Judiciary Committee omnibus measure. The bill included language to narrowly tailor the mandatory minimum sentences for habitual criminals convicted of controlled substance offense or theft violations. Eliminated a current nine-month minimum post-release supervision requirement for Class III and IIIA felonies, allowing judges greater flexibility in sentencing. Added language to require the Law Enforcement Commission to seek federal funding for a pilot program to improve mental health resources in county jails or other facilities. There were a number of other items in the bill. It eventually advanced with a vote of 42-0. I supported the bill.

Senators also debated a bill to address the Legislature’s oversight abilities through our Inspector Generals for Child Welfare and the Inspector General of the Nebraska Correctional System. The Attorney General issued an opinion letter approximately 2 years ago calling into question the authority the legislative Inspector Generals have and may violate the separation of powers. Our Speaker, Senator John Arch, worked tirelessly with the Attorney General, the Governor’s people, and the Judiciary to develop language in LB 298. Basically, the bill placed the legislative Public Counsel (Ombudsman), the two Inspector Generals, and the Program Audit division under the umbrella of the Division of Legislative Oversight. After a few hours of debate, the bill advanced 39-3-6-1. 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.