January 3rd marked the first day of the 2024 legislative session. I am more eager than ever to be in Lincoln fighting for District 1. Although there have been a few new faces, including Senators, staff, and committee leadership changes, I will continue to serve as the Chairman of the Banking, Commerce, and Insurance Committee. I will also continue serving on the Executive Board and the Natural Resources Committee.

The first item of debate on the agenda will be on proposed rule changes. The rules debate establishes the procedures and protocols for the future of the legislative session. We have had 34 rule changes introduced by various Senators. To be clear, I will NOT support a Rules Package that does not contain a public vote on committee chairs. Votes in the Nebraska Legislature shouldn’t happen in secret. This one is a no-brainer for me.

LB 575, introduced by Senator Kathleen Kauth, of which I am a proud co-sponsor, establishes the Sports and Spaces Act. The Sports and Spaces Act provides protections for single-sex spaces, such as girl’s bathrooms and changing rooms. This bill also seeks to prohibit the participation of biological males in K-12 athletics designated for biological females and would prohibit biological females from competing in interscholastic K-12 athletics designated for males, with the exception that biological females may compete in interscholastic athletics with biological males where no other opportunity to compete with biological females exists. This bill protects both the fairness and opportunity in girls’ sports and the privacy and dignity of all students.

As more issues continue to arise, remember this: Nebraska’s unique Unicameral Legislature relies heavily on the citizens of the State of Nebraska. Ensuring that members of the public have the opportunity to have their voices heard is vital to the legislative process. I will inform you of upcoming hot-button issues and bills that will impact Southeast 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.