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 – 3/7/25

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 – 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.

Days can be slow but the years go fast. Here we are on the cusp of the holiday season once again. Let me take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and happy celebration of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The next legislative session is just a few weeks away. We are now considering what bills to introduce, and drafting the language for that legislation. Meetings with stakeholders have greatly picked up, as have zoom appointments and webinars. Many groups and individuals are hoping to get their proposals before the Unicameral.

There really are many needs – and even more wants – across the state and in our district. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I am already well aware that balancing the budget may be more difficult in the coming session than it has been in the past couple of years – mainly due to the end of the flow of federal funds linked to the pandemic. Hopefully we have managed and utilized those extra dollars well. Moving forward we will need to achieve fiscal stability by balancing spending and tax receipts, with far less reliance on federal funding.

Several working groups have convened in our office over the interim (the time between sessions) to look at property tax and education funding. We pulled together a consortium, and we are working hard to come up with a solution that we can get across the finish line. I am also a member of an inheritance tax committee hosted by the Nebraska Association of County Officials, looking for ways to compensate counties for lost revenue if the tax is repealed.

My staff and I continue to meet with health care providers for hospitals, nursing facilities and long term care, developmentally disabled facilities and DHHS. Closely related, we are again talking with EMTs and volunteer fire departments about training, equipment and licensing. The need for all of these services is growing as our population either ages or moves toward larger cities; and facilities close or scale back. Employees and residents, patients and providers are all affected by the challenges in this crucial sector.

We have attended a number of briefings and seminars on affordable housing and workforce recruitment. This issue continues to be a barrier to robust economic growth in our state. Until we can increase both the number of workers and low cost yet quality places for them to live, it will be difficult to attract good employees to Nebraska – that is simply the way development operates.

Also on our radar in District 30 – Natural Resource Districts, Mainstreet development, ag manufacturing and renewable fuels. And as always, the structure of taxation in Nebraska. Even with all the topics and activities listed here, that’s just the tip of the iceberg when you consider the subject matter we expect to take up in the coming session.

The Building and Maintenance Committee has met several times this interim to examine state owned properties. It is good for us senators to see state facilities in person, since some are hundreds of miles from the Capitol. The Performance Audit Committee, of which I am chair, conducts a systematic review of agencies and their programs to evaluate the effective implementation of legislative intent. In other words, are programs doing what the law says to do. I have really enjoyed working with this division of the Legislature and appreciate their hard work.

The 2024 election included all of the odd numbered state legislative districts. There were 24 races, one of which is still awaiting the counting of provisional ballots to determine the outcome – District 13 in Omaha. There will be 16 brand new senators and 8 returning senators. I remember well the whirlwind of training in rules and procedures, learning the people and protocols of the Legislature, hiring staff, office assignments – it’s a long list and a steep learning curve for the “freshmen” before we hit the ground running on January 8th.

As we get ever closer to that date, I encourage you to contact me at any time. Call 402-471-2620. Email mdorn@leg.ne.gov. Visit the Unicameral website at www.nebraskalegislature.gov. From there you can navigate to my landing page and to those of all senators, legislative divisions and committees. You can access the calendar and find information on every bill and resolution introduced. I look forward to hearing from you.

District 30 Update – End of Special Session – August 22, 2024
Sen. Myron Dorn

The Special Session of the Legislature ended this week. We convened July 25 and met for 17 legislative days, making this special session the longest in more than 60 years. The first three days were designated for bill introduction. Every bill had a public hearing, but of the nearly 100 measures introduced, only a half dozen or so were debated by the full legislature.

Two committees with major responsibilities during the special session were Revenue, and the one on which I serve, Appropriations. It was our task to hear LB 2 and LB 3, budget bills designed to adjust for any reductions in tax receipts coming into the state.

Over the course of a week, Appropriations heard from several agencies and divisions about their current financial status and how changes might affect the services they provide. We also took a hard look at how both the General Fund and the “Rainy Day” funds would be impacted. All of this depended on the form property tax relief would take and whether it required a broadened tax base, reductions and/or caps on spending, or a combination.

In the early days of the session, LB 1 and LB 9 were the primary measures being considered. I had worked on LB 9 over the summer months along with Senators Hughes, Conrad and Brandt on fashioning a school funding plan that would retain local control, lower property taxes and phase in the changes over a period of time. The bulk of property tax we pay goes to school funding. LB 9 received favorable reactions when introduced in the Revenue Committee and was initially used as the vehicle for the committee’s proposal.

Options favored by the Governor for broadening the tax base, such as eliminating current sales tax exemptions on soda pop and candy, or increasing sales tax on tobacco products, were deliberated at length on the floor. We also discussed eliminating a sales tax on necessities such as electricity and water.

Another topic generating substantial debate was home ownership versus renting, the question being raised would renters see any kind of benefit of property tax relief while paying additional sales tax. There was also considerable conversation about capping the amount of spending allowed by political subdivisions.

The Revenue Committee eventually turned to LB 34, introduced originally by Sen. Brewer to freeze valuations for a time. That section was gutted and the bill became a tool for “front loading” property tax credits, which were created in a previous session of the Legislature (and required applying for the credit on income tax filings.)

As a result, LB 2 and 3, the budget packages sent to the floor by the Appropriations Committee, represented a combination of budget reductions, lapsed or unexpended funds and interesting earnings to come up with a total of $750 million. Projected economic growth was also a factor we took into consideration.

The full Legislature gave final approval on August 20 to LB 34 which limits annual increases in city and county property tax collections and modifies the existing property tax relief program mentioned above to ensure it benefits more Nebraskans.

Under LB34 a city, county or village may increase its property tax request authority by the product of two factors:
• the prior year’s amount of property taxes levied increased by a percentage that accounts for total property valuation growth due to new construction, improvements and certain other changes, minus any exceptions used; and
• the greater of zero or the annual percentage change in a price index that tracks state and local government expenses.

Among other exceptions to the limit, a political subdivision also may increase its property tax request authority by amounts needed for emergencies, budgets for public safety services or as approved by voters.

LB34 requires the state treasurer to transfer $750 million in general funds — including the approximately $565 million previously allocated to the refundable income tax credit program — to the new program in fiscal year 2024-25. Under the bill, if General Fund net receipts increase by more than 3% annually, the excess amount will be transferred to the new program’s cash fund. The “front loading” aspect of LB 34 means property tax relief will appear on the school district funding portion of property tax statements, and will no longer require an application for credit on your income tax return.

The bills, LB 2, 3, 4, 34 and 34A, were signed into law by Governor Pillen on the 20th and took effect immediately. Each bill carried the “e” or emergency clause, allowing them to become law upon the Governor’s signature.

Before we adjourned on Tuesday, a proposal that would allow lawmakers to tax owner-occupied housing at a different rate than other classes of property stalled on the second round of debate. Under LR2CA, sponsored by Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, voters could have amended the state constitution to allow the Legislature to provide that owner-occupied housing constitutes a separate and distinct class of property for tax purposes and provide for a different method of taxing it than other types of property. The argument against this method contended that local governments would have to collect more property taxes from commercial and agricultural property owners to make up the difference. The measure did not have enough votes for cloture (33 required) and effectively ended the special session.

My fellow senators agree the work is not finished. This special session did allow us to focus on a narrower range of issues (property and other taxes) and generated some ideas we will continue to pursue in the next regular session beginning in January. As many have said before – if rewriting school funding and overhauling Nebraska’s tax structure was easy, we would have done it by now. I welcome the work ahead on this issue, and I look forward to hearing from you as always. mdorn@leg.ne.gov 402-471-2620. Thank you!

Since the end of the 108th Legislative session in April, I have devoted time to talking with various groups and fellow lawmakers about how to address the property tax issue. We ended the session without taking a vote on the one package that was before us, since the bill’s sponsor did not feel the votes were there to overcome the opposition. As you have heard, we are saving the last week in July and the first part of August for a potential special session to debate the latest Governor’s proposals.

My staff and I continue to field calls and requests throughout the interim months, and hope we can help to cut through some red tape and find constituents the answers they need on a wide range of issues. The calendar stays full, with or without that special session looming in the coming weeks.

Some of the activities I have participated in since the end of April include the ground breaking at Nebraska Innovation Campus (the old State Fairgrounds) for a new USDA agricultural research facility called the Center for Resilient & Regenerative Precision Agriculture. Closely connected is the need for quality broadband in rural areas. I, with a group of about nine others, met with the Governor about this in May.

A meet and greet for non profit organizations in Lincoln was held in May, and I am a member of a working group looking at inheritance tax and how it affects county budgets. I attended the annual firefighting school in Grand Island, and was honored with an award in mid May. The Building & Maintenance committee on which I serve, toured state owned facilities here in Lincoln, as well.

District 30 is well aware of the impact of the South Beltway project. Now we are gathering parties interested in moving the East Beltway project forward and holding meetings to look at that. Another exciting initiative was demonstrated to my staff and I in Pawnee City – a telehealth program to assist rural EMTs during emergency response and patient transport. They have access, with a monitor in the back of the ambulance, to live interaction with medical personnel, which was quite impressive.

I spoke to the statewide meeting of Cooperative Managers in Grand Island and attended the Governor’s town hall meeting in Seward. It was a pleasure to host fellow senator Rick Holdcroft in Adams, who spoke at the Memorial Day ceremony. Senator Holdcroft is a decorated and retired Naval officer who now represents District 36 (Gretna, Papillon area) in the Legislature.

In June I attended a meeting with Congressman Adrian Smith and health insurance providers to discuss that industry in Nebraska, as health care continues to be a major concern. When I am in the office, I meet frequently with staff from the Legislative Fiscal office to discuss state spending, and also the amount of unexpended funds that may expire in 2026 as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

It was an honor to attend the dedication of the VietNam Veterans Memorial in Papillion in early June. My staff and I met with the Gage County Sheriff and Gage County Attorney office about issues within the county. A milestone event in southeast Nebraska was the celebration of 75 years of broadcasting by KWBE radio, and we had an enjoyable evening with the radio personnel at their observance.

For a couple of very warm days in mid June, I joined in on the southeast Nebraska water tour, sponsored by the Daugherty Water for Food Institute at UNL. The importance of water use, management and conservation were on display with a number of excellent speakers.
I continue working with the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) as Nebraska’s liaison. NCSL has been working for 50 years in all 50 states and is a solid resource and a great way to network and learn from other state representatives.

Most recently, I attended a regional development initiative meeting targeting southeast Nebraska. City and county officials and economic development organizations joined at the Governor’s request to share information and brainstorm ideas about employment, growth, workforce and housing. My staff was happy to fill in as the Governor proclaimed June as Dairy Month, with ice cream treats provided by Hiland Dairy and local producers from District 30.

It is always a highlight for my grandkids to join me for the Homestead Days Parade in Beatrice, a great event that draws a lot of people into the city and Gage County. On Monday, I served alongside other senators representing Lancaster County at the Center for People in Need in Lincoln; and later this past week, met with area mental health providers and DHHS officials about funding, and sat down with Sen. Ibach and new state broadband director Patrick Haggerty to discuss BEAD funding. I also met with local NRD officials this week about projects underway in southeast Nebraska.

As we move into July, I wish you all a meaningful and safe celebration of our nation’s birthday! County fairs will be here before we know it, and perhaps that special legislative session as well. My office is open at the Capitol but if we happen to miss you in person, you can always contact me at mdorn@leg.ne.gov or call 402-471-2620.

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!