This week begins with the Legislature in recess to observe Presidents’ Day on Monday, February 16. The Banking, Commerce, and Insurance Committee will hear six bills on Tuesday, beginning with a hearing on AM2706, which is a white copy amendment to LB525, the ag data bill that I introduced last session on behalf of the Governor. 

LB525 was not ready for prime time last year, so I introduced an interim study to get more input last summer and fall. Since no other state has data privacy laws specific to agricultural data, getting it right the first time is a huge challenge. The bill is intended to make clear that producers are the “owner” of the data they produce from their operations and that providers of the software and others cannot sell that data without permission of the owner. This concept seems simple, but putting this into statute is more complicated. I have always believed that when you are entering uncharted territory, it is best to take it slow. The more complex you make a bill, the more likely the bill will need to change later. I prefer to pass a bill on which we can get broad agreement, then add to it as circumstances dictate. 

So far, the amendment has gotten great reviews, but there are always those who don’t think it goes far enough or goes too far. Finding that happy medium is hard to do. Nonetheless, I am optimistic that the bill will move forward, and I will likely name it as my personal priority bill.

Also on Tuesday, the Agriculture Committee will hold a hearing on two bills, both dealing with Nebraska’s brand laws. The first is LB1187, sponsored by committee chair Barry DeKay. The bill raises the statutory cap on the per-head inspection fee from $1.10 to $1.50, removes the mileage charge component from the fee, and reverts the law back to the original fee of up to $30/stop. It seems like a reasonable change. However, the second bill is Senator Ben Hansen’s LB1258. His bill would rename the Livestock Brand Act as the Livestock Protection Act, eliminate the Brand Committee, and completely change cattle branding as we know it today. Branding would be voluntary and under the supervision of the Department of Agriculture. The bill is a very bad bill for residents of the four counties north of North Platte in my District. Senator Storer and I have helped coordinate testifiers to attend Tuesday’s bill hearings. I am also encouraging Senator DeKay to take his time moving this bill. Tuesday will be a big day.

The end of this week will mark the halfway point of the 60 Day session. There is a definite possibility that there will not be enough time left for every priority bill to be heard. With that said, it will be hard to get any non-priority bills scheduled after this week. In many ways, this is a good thing because there are fewer bills that need my attention and review. I often get asked by constituents about certain bills that have been introduced. My standard answer at this point is: if the bill is not a priority bill (or included in a committee amendment to a priority bill), or out of committee, it likely is not going anywhere this year. Furthermore, any bill that is not voted on this year will die at the end of the session. For many bills, this is the right thing.

I must say, I enjoyed the long weekend in Lincoln with my new grandson. It is hard to ever describe the feeling of the birth of your first grandchild. He is perfect in every way. Our daughter Mary made every sacrifice possible to ensure he is as healthy as possible and ready for the life ahead. His name is Dennis Michael Vaggalis, and since his father and grandfather are also named Dennis, we are calling him “Tripp.”

It is a pleasure serving as your State Senator. I enjoy the challenge and will continue to do my best to serve the interests of District 42. Please continue to reach out to me about issues important to you at 402-471-2729 or by emailing me at mjacobson@leg.ne.gov.