Nebraska continues to acquire its share of COVID-19 vaccines and remains in Phase 1B which includes people over age 65, younger Nebraskans with certain medical conditions and some essential workers. Certain pharmacies in Nebraska, including Walmart in Fairbury and Crete and Weaver Pharmacy in Geneva, have started carrying vaccinations through the U.S. Federal Retail Pharmacy Program. Those eligible can schedule a vaccine appointment on Walmart’s website when appointments are available and while allocation lasts. Consult the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website for more information on obtaining a vaccine.

The Nebraska Legislature’s all-day hearings have only a few weeks left, with the exception of the Judiciary Committee, the committees will wrap up their bill hearings in mid-March and then all-day debate on bills will begin.

The General Affairs and Agriculture Committees have finished their hearings for the Session. In General Affairs we heard many bills related to gambling due to the passing of the ballot initiative to allow gambling at race tracks. We also heard many alcohol-related bills as COVID-19 continues to present many challenges for our restaurants and bars. 

Over in the Ag Committee, we had lively hearings on Sen. Brewer’s state meat inspections bill, and my bill LB324 that would create an animal share program, as well as bills on branding. All of these bills remain in committee at this time.

However, there has been movement on two of my bills. LB91, which would change the testing interval for native seeds, and LB242, which would allow counties to pay for bridges over a period of years after they are built instead of in full before a project starts, have both advanced to General File and will be debated on the Floor. 

A few of my bills still have hearings:

• LB524, which would change provisions relating to the calculation of credits under the Nebraska Property Tax Incentive Act, has its hearing on February 17th at 9:30am in the Revenue Committee.  
• LB396, which would create a statewide farm to school network and program administrator, has its hearing on February 23rd at 1:30pm in the Education Committee.
• LB543, which would allow farmers to fix their own machinery under the Agricultural Equipment Right-To-Repair Act, has its hearing on February 25th at 9:30am in the Judiciary Committee.