As many of you may already know, many of my colleagues in the Nebraska Legislature are using every parliamentary trick in the book to avoid getting to certain legislative bills. They are attempting to obstruct the legislative process and prevent important legislation from being brought to a vote. This is a blatant attempt to stifle the voice of the majority and it is completely unacceptable; however, I am happy to report that we have still been able to move forward and accomplish important legislative goals.

LB 77 has finally been passed by the legislature and is a huge historic win for our Second Amendment rights! To recap, LB 77 authorizes concealed carry without a permit in Nebraska. This bill ensures that law-abiding citizens have the right to protect themselves and their loved ones without unnecessary government interference. The bill also includes restrictions on where and how concealed carry can take place, and maintains penalties for minors and those who are prohibited from possessing dangerous weapons.

LB 376, introduced by Senator Lowe, was the first bill passed this session. LB 376 will allow the Liquor Control Commission to better track alcohol brought into the state. This will ensure that all alcohol sold in Nebraska is properly accounted for and regulated. Additionally, LB 376 included other measures as well; the passage of LB 376 means that Nebraska farm wineries will now have the ability to obtain a license to sell beer and other beverages they don’t manufacture. This change will give visitors to wineries more options, making the experience more enjoyable for everyone. Wine enthusiasts can now bring their beer-drinking friends and family to wineries, without the need to compromise on their drink choices. This is a huge win for the farm wineries in Southeast Nebraska! With the availability of beer and other drinks, wineries will be able to accommodate guests with varying preferences, making them a more appealing choice for outings and events while boosting the local economy.

Another important piece of legislation that was passed by the legislature is LB 296, which was heard in the Banking, Commerce, and Insurance Committee. Senator Ballard’s LB 296, adopts the Pet Insurance Act to provide much-needed consumer protections in the growing pet insurance market. Key elements of the legislation include protections for policy renewals, waiting periods, benefit schedules, preexisting conditions, disclosures, and training requirements for insurance producers. LB 296 also includes other provisions; the requirement that the reimbursement rate for telehealth services be at least as much as a comparable in-person healthcare service. This will incentivize providers to offer telehealth services, making it easier and more convenient for rural Nebraskans to access healthcare while ensuring there is no disincentive for healthcare providers to see patients in rural, sparsely populated areas.

Additionally, LB 775 passed through the legislature unanimously. LB 775 changes provisions around both horse racing and gambling in Nebraska; this measure does not expand gambling in Nebraska, but rather helps regulate it and ensure establishments are compliant with the law.

Despite some of my colleagues’ efforts to block our legislative agenda, we have continued to work hard to deliver results for the people of Nebraska. As always, I welcome your input on issues important to you. Follow along on my Facebook and Twitter pages, both entitled “Senator Julie Slama” for more updates, or contact me directly at Senator Julie Slama, District 1 State Capitol, PO Box 94604, Lincoln NE 68509-4604; telephone: 402-471-2733; email: jslama@leg.ne.gov.