The first session of the 107th Nebraska Legislature convened on January 6th while our society continues to cope with the Chinese virus. I prefer to devote this weekly column to issues important to my legislative district. This week however, I think it is important I pass on some important changes to the legislative procedure that have happened because of the virus.

On January 25, the Legislature will commence public committee hearings. Public committee hearings are one of the most important parts of our legislative process—a critical time in which Nebraska’s “second house” (the people) can be heard. To ensure that the committee hearings are as safe as we can make them, I want to pass along some information. Here are four ways that the process is changing this year:

1. Morning and afternoon hearings. In order to minimize the chances of having to suspend our session, the Legislature will have both morning and afternoon committee hearings rather than floor debate in the morning and committee hearings in the afternoon.

2. New modes of public input. The Legislature wants to help reduce the need for people to testify in person while still making their voices heard. The Legislature has developed a process for “written submitted testimony.” During the 2021 session an individual may hand deliver the morning of the hearing their testimony which will be provided to the committee members during the public hearing. This will allow someone who has health concerns to limit their exposure to others by not having to sit in the hearing room for an extended period of time.

The option of submitting a position letter for the hearing record via email is still available. However, the deadline for submitting these letters will be earlier: noon the day before, instead of five o’clock (Central time). Position letters should be submitted via email to new designated committee email addresses.

In addition, the Legislature has implemented a new feature allowing the online submission of comments on a bill at any stage of debate. These comments will be accessible by all Senators and staff to read. You can learn more about how to take advantage of these public input options at [https://nebraskalegislature.gov/committees/public-input.php].

3.  Limited physical space. To accommodate social distancing, seating in the hearing room is limited. And because of the restricted physical space caused by the ongoing HVAC renovation of the State Capitol, there will be no overflow rooms available.

4. Modified hearing protocols. Hearings will look and feel different. These include a number of procedures, including extra sanitization efforts, masks, and social distancing. This is a unique year with unique challenges. We look forward to doing the people’s work in the Legislature and appreciate your understanding of these modified procedures.

Please contact my office with any comments, questions, or concerns. Email me at tbrewer@leg.ne.gov, mail a letter to Sen. Tom Brewer, Room #1101, P.O. Box 94604, Lincoln, NE 68509, or call us at (402) 471-2628.