This week, the Agriculture Committee heard LB354 introduced by Senator Tyson Larson.  LB354 repeals the Corn Resources Act and creates the Nebraska Corn Promotion Board as a public corporation rather than a state agency to carry out a corn development and promotion program.  The Board would consist of nine grower members, eight which are selected by district and one at-large member selected by the board as a representative of the state at large.

LB354 allows the Nebraska Corn Promotion Board to implement an industry financed corn development and promotion program called the Nebraska Corn Promotion Act.  The purposes and funding mechanisms of the new Act would be similar to those currently carried out under the Nebraska Corn Resources Act.  The bill installs a different governing structure and adopts various checkoff program features for direct participation of, and accountability to, producers.  The Nebraska Corn Promotion board will not be a state agency.

LB354 keeps the state excise assessment of five-tenths of a cent per bushel collected by the first purchaser from the producer at the time of marketing.  The amount of the assessment would be deducted from the proceeds of sale and remitted by first purchasers, quarterly.  The amount of the assessment would have a refund provision after the checkoff is assessed

The bill provides for a referendum procedure to approve any subsequent increase in the checkoff rate within a statutory maximum of one cent per bushel.  A special referendum on a proposed increase in the checkoff rate would be submitted to producers upon approval of a super-majority of at least seven board members.

LB354 would also provide for funds received as gifts or grants to be placed in the Corn Promotion Fund.  The Legislature has not historically allowed checkoff boards to receive gifts or grants to avoid influence by non growers.

This is the same structure that Iowa uses.  There were no opponents and the original introducer of the Nebraska Corn Promotion Act, Sen. Loran Schmidt, testified that this was the correct direction for the future of corn promotion in our state.  It will be interesting to see if we can move the bill to the floor and get it passed into law.

This week the Legislature started floor debate.  The bills we discussed on the floor Monday were mostly clean up bills and revisor bills.  Revisor bills are bills that harmonize sections and language within sections of law.

LB 1,  introduced by the Executive Board, would repeal obsolete sections relating to a report relating to human trafficking.
LB 2, introduced by the Executive Board, would repeal obsolete sections relating to appropriations.

Other General File bills that were discussed so far this week include:
LB 30 (Hadley) would change distribution of motor vehicle certificate of title fees. This bill is a bill that cleans up where certain funds are directed in the department of motor vehicles.
LB 35 (Hadley) would adopt and update references to certain federal provisions related to motor vehicles. This bill keeps the states laws in line with new federal laws
LB 72 (McCoy) would extend the authorization for interest -bearing trust accounts under the Nebraska Real Estate License Act.
LB 100 (Watermeier) would eliminate a notice requirement with respect to automatic teller machines

It is important for you to look over the bills if you have an interest in them.  In the days to come, we will get into bills that have a larger impact on our State.

I now serve on the General Affairs committee.  We took up four bills in committee this week:
LB 173 (Coash) Change provisions relating to documentary proof of age under the Nebraska Liquor Control Act.
LB 230 (Karpisek) Change shipping license provisions under the Nebraska Liquor Control Act
LB 259 (Karpisek) Exempt Keno writers from licensure under the Nebraska County and City Lottery Act
LB 273 (Karpisek) Change Keno time limits.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve the 47th district.  It is truly a pleasure and an honor.

Wednesday was the last day to introduce bills.  Two years ago, the First Session of the 102nd Legislature, there were a total of 679 bills.  Last year, there were a total of 701 bills introduced.  This year, we have a total of 655 bills.

I introduced five more bills this past week.  LB548 would change a length exception for semi trailers transporting baled livestock forage. This bill will be heard before the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee.  LB549 would change the scrap tire recycling sunset provision and fees.  It will go before the Natural Resources Committee.  LB550 would adopt the Livestock Growth Act and change provisions of the Nebraska Advantage Rural Development Act.  This bill will go before the Agriculture Committee.  LB551 would change recreational liability provisions.  It will be heard before the Judiciary Committee.  LB587 would change provisions of the Livestock Brand Act.  This bill will go before the Agriculture Committee.

I have received a number of phone calls and emails requesting that I bring legislation to protect our gun rights.  The legislation I am working on will allow an Advanced Concealed Carry permit, which, for a larger one-time fee and more hours of training, individuals can carry the same places law enforcement can carry.  We are continuing to work on the details of this legislation so that we have the best, most sound legislation for a program that will benefit and protect Nebraskans.  I am co-sponsoring LB451, introduced by Senator Janssen, which will prohibit federal restrictions on firearms, magazines, and firearm accessories as prescribed.  I am also co-sponsoring LB602, introduced by Senator Bloomfield, which will adopt the Nebraska Firearms Freedom Act.  These bills are not scheduled for hearing, yet.  However, when they do go before the Judiciary Committee, which is stacked with Senators who may not support expanding the Conceal Carry law, it will be crucial for the people of Nebraska to be present in the hearing room for both of the hearings.  The Committee can disagree and turn down those of us that are elected officials supporting the bills, but if they turn down hundreds of Nebraskans, that conveys more than words can say.

Good morning,

This week in the natural resources committee we had two days of hearings.  We covered LB102 and LB16 on Wednesday.  LB102, introduced by Sen. Watermeier, would allow the Department of Natural Resources to stop requiring applicants to give their social security numbers when they apply for water permits. The department is worried that the numbers could be compromised. They do not want to be responsible for keeping the numbers when they have no real use for them.  LB16, introduced by Sen Christensen, would change the contract for the title to Champion Mill so that if the county and city of Champion can not afford the upkeep or maintenance, then the title would revert back to the Game and Parks commission. There was some conversation about how this would be triggered and whether or not Game and Parks would be able to turn down the title if they did not want to resume ownership. It is written that they would have no choice but to take the property back.

On Thursday, we covered LB91 and LB203.  LB91, introduced by Senator Haar, would change the provisions regarding how geologists are chosen to sit on the board of Geologists. The bill basically updates the language as to the qualifications of an applicant.  LB203, introduced by Sen. Scheer, would recognize steel “slag” as a product.  Right now, slag is used for roads,  making cement, and in other situations where aggregate is needed. There have been attempts in other states to name it as a hazardous material even though there is no evidence to back that up.  The bills were relatively simple in nature and all will have a good chance of making it to the floor.

Next week, on Tuesday, we will cover 3 bills in the Ag committee.  LB15 (Krist) would change provisions regarding aerial pesticide applicators.  LB68 (Schilz) would change provisions of the pesticide act.  LB69 (Schilz) would change provisions of the plant pest and plant protection act.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve the 47th district. It is a true honor and I appreciate your support.

Good afternoon,

This week in the agriculture committee we took up three bills. LB67 was introduced on the behalf of the Ag department. This bill is technical in nature and updates the Nebraska Milk Act. This act sets forth the requirements for milk producers in the state to be able to sell their milk to processors. Every few years this law must be updated to meet the standards on the national level. There were no issues with the bill and I expect this bill to be passed into law. LB60, introduced by Sen. Larson, would take all of Knox county out of the brand area. As it stands, only part of Knox county is in the brand area. The testifiers that were in favor of the bill mentioned that the livestock markets would receive more business if they were taken out of the brand area. During the October interim hearing in Knox County, the support for the bill was overwhelming. I believe this bill will get voted out of committee and become law. LB70 would change the Nebraska Dairy Industry Development Board membership. This board is the group that decides how the milk check off dollars are spent to promote and advertise the products. As of now, there are 7 board members. Each board member represents approximately 40 producers. With the decline in the number of dairy producers, the ability to keep 7 board members according to the existing parameters would not be possible. This bill changes how the members are placed and the parameters in how many producers they represent. The bill had no opposition and I expect it to be passed into law, as well.

This was my first Agricultural Committee hearing and it went smoothly. It lasted about three hours and the debate was engaging and informative. I will continue to keep you up to date on the bills that are before the Ag committee as well as selected bills from Natural Resources and General Affairs committee. Thank you for the opportunity to serve the 47th district as your state senator.

We have completed the first eight days of the 103^rd Legislative session, first session. So far, I have introduced twelve bills and I may drop a couple more next week. Here is a brief summary of my current bills.

 LB62 was referenced to the Revenue Committee and it would change levy provisions for rural and suburban fire protection districts.

 LB63 was referenced to the Revenue Committee and would change distribution of certain sales and use tax revenue.

 LB64 was referenced to the Revenue Committee and would change provisions relating to deductions of refunds from municipal sales tax receipts.

 LB65 was referenced to the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee and would authorize counties to set sheriffs’ fees and commissions.

 LB66 was referenced to the Urban Affairs Committee and would authorize cities of the first class to annex certain non contiguous property.

 LB67 was referenced to the Agriculture Committee and would change provisions of the Nebraska Milk Act

 LB68 was referenced to the Agriculture Committee and would change provisions of the Plant Protection and Plant Pest Act.

 LB69 was referenced to the Agriculture Committee and would change provisions of the Pesticide Act.

 LB70 was referenced to the Agriculture Committee and would change Nebraska Dairy Industry Development Board membership provisions.

 LB166 was referenced to the Agriculture Committee and would change labeling requirements for lawn and turf seed containers.

 LB215 was referenced to the Government, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee and would change provisions relating to use of the County Visitors Promotion Fund.

 LB339 has not been referenced to a Committee at this point but it would change fence dispute provisions.

 As the end of bill introduction approaches and Committee hearings begin, I will have more in depth information on how the session is developing.

The 103rd Legislature, First Session, convened on Wednesday, January 9th. This is the “long session,” which is set by the Nebraska Constitution. The Constitution requires sixty day sessions in even-numbered years and ninety day sessions in odd-numbered years. Legislative days are working days and not calendar days.

The first day was interesting to say the least. We voted on committee chairs and vice chairs of standing committees will be elected by the committee members upon their first meeting. I am honored to have been appointed as the Chair of the Agriculture Committee. Here is a listing of the committees and their new makeup:

Executive Board: Wightman (Chair), Krist (Vice Chair), Adams, Avery, Campbell, Chambers, Christensen, Karpisek, Lathrop, and Mello (nonvotin ex officio).

Agriculture Committee: Schilz (Chair), Bloomfield, Chambers, Hansen, B. Harr, Johnson, Lathrop, Wallman.

Appropriations: Mello (Chair), Bolz, Conrad, Harms, Kintner, Larson, Nelson, Nordquist, Wightman.

Banking, Commerce, and Insurance: Gloor (Chair), Campbell, Carlson, Christensen, Crawford, Howard, Pirsch, Schumacher.

Business and Labor: Lathrop (Chair), Ashford, Chambers, Hansen, B. Harr, McGill, Wallman.

Education: Sullivan (Chair), Avery, Cook, Davis, K Haar, Kolowski, Scheer, Seiler.

General Affairs: Karpisek (Chair), Bloomfield, Coash, Johnson, Krist, Lautenbaugh, Murante, Schilz

Government, Military and Veterans Affairs: Avery (Chair), Bloomfield, Karpisek, Lautenbaugh, Murante, Price, Scheer, Wallman.

Health and Human Services: Campbell (Chair) Cook, Crawford, Gloor, Howard, Krist, Watermeier.

Judiciary: Ashford (Chair), Chambers, Christensen, Coash, Davis, Lathrop, McGill, Seiler.

Natural Resources: Carlson (Chair), Brasch, Dubas, K. Haar, Johnson, Kolowski, Schilz, Smith.

Nebraska Retirement Systems: Nordquist (Chair), Conrad, Davis, Karpisek, Kolowski, Mello.

Revenue: Hadley (Chair), Hansen, B. Harr, Janssen, McCoy, Pirsch, Schumacher, Sullivan

Transportation and Telecommunications: Dubas (Chair), Brasch, Hadley, Janssen, McCoy, Price, Smith, Watermeier.

Urban Affairs: McGill (Chair), Ashford, Coash, Karpisek, Krist, Lautenbaugh, Murante.

This session is the first session of my second term in office.  This has been a great experience and I am honored to be able to continue serving the people of the 47th district.  I look forward to this session and the challenges we will face.

Forums to be held in District #47

I have scheduled informal meetings in District 47 Wednesday, November 7, 2012. The forums are informal and open to the public. Everyone is welcome to stop by the forums with legislative concerns, questions, or just to chat with me. My complete schedule for the day is as follows:

Wednesday, November 7, 2012:
Community: Hemingford, Box Butte County
Location: Farmers Co-op Offices
Time: 12:00 p.m. (MST)

Community: Harrison, Sioux County
Location: Security Bank
Time: 4:00 p.m. (MST)

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