Last Friday marked Day 59 of the 60-day session. We will return this Friday for Day 60. Since all the Final Reading bills were completed this past Friday, the only business remaining on Day 60 will be any veto overrides, a few congratulatory resolutions, closing remarks from the Governor, departing remarks from term–limited Senators, and closing remarks from Speaker Arch.

I am very pleased that, although many Senator’s priority bills did not get scheduled, I was able to pass every bill I wanted to move this session. The last two bills were passed on Friday.LB525, my ag data privacy bill, passed with all 49 senators voting in favor. LB838, one of the Banking Committee’s priority bills, passed with 46 yes votes.

I was also pleased that LB1187, the brand bill, passed with my amendment AM3037 as amended with AM3068. Although the original LB1187 was a bill adjusting fee caps, it was replaced by my “white copy” amendment and the subsequent AM3068,which simply made technical adjustments. For those who want to review the final bill, visit the Legislature’s website at nebraskalegislature.gov, look up LB1187, and read the Final Reading copy. It is the final bill. The final vote was 39 in favor, 9 opposed, and 1 present not voting. Senator Hardin filed a conflict of interest statement to be able to vote PNV.

Although the brand bill is not perfect, I am confident that this issue is now in the rear-view mirror and will not be back anytime soon. The final version expanded the Brand Committee from five members to seven, to now include a representative that owns or operates a feedyard located inside the brand inspection area and one who owns or operates a sale barn located within the brand inspection area. There will be one representative from each of four districts across the state based on the approximate cattle population. The fifth district will be represented by someone outside the brand area. The reason for this fifth district is because the brand laws allow brand inspectors to search throughout the whole state to find lost or stolen cattle. Each of the four other area representatives must live within the district and be primarily engaged in raising cattle. The Governor will appoint the members, who are then confirmed by the Legislature. Two other ex officio members are the Secretary of State and the Director of the Department of Agriculture. The board will elect a chair and vice chair and appoint an Executive Director.

I am hopeful that, going forward, the Brand Committee will self-govern and that any future changes to the brand law will result from a request from the Committee, should it need any statutorychanges. There is a huge divide within the cattle industry. There is significant mistrust between the Brand Committee and the feed yards they audit. One of the Committee’s highest priorities going forward is to restore that trust. I believe the Brand Committee has already taken steps to change its procedures to begin that process, but nothing happens overnight. The Brand Committee has a very difficult job; I hope everyone can work together going forward to make the changes succeed.

Agriculture is Nebraska’s largest industry, and cattle production is the largest part. There are many challenges facing producers today that go far beyond brand. The low cow numbers, the closure of the Tyson processing plant in Lexington, and fires have all impacted the industry. One thing I am sure of is that we will get through this, even if it’s challenging. Having the brand issue settled will help.

It continues to be a privilege to represent you in the Nebraska Legislature. I look forward to hearing from you regarding issues that are important to you, particularly as I’m able to be in the District more over the interim. I can also be reached at 402-471-2729 or by emailing me at mjacobson@leg.ne.gov.