Yesterday in the Legislature

There was an interesting debate on LB 268 which was introduced by Sen. McGill which would change the process for electing county board members in counties with more than 150,000 residents but less than 300,000. Currently in Lancaster County, the only county that currently fits this requirement, county board members are voted on in the primary by district with the two candidates who receive the highest number of votes in their district moving on to the general election to be elected by the county as a whole. So for the 5 districts, the board member would be elected ultimately by the entire county, but would be a resident of those districts. It is a hybrid of a district and at large elections. There was no reason given or proof offered that this process is creating or causing problems with the way that county board members are elected in Lancaster County. It makes me pause and wonder what the real motivation is due to the lack of need or proof of problems. On the other hand, Sarpy County is nearing this requirement in their population and would be required to change the way they elect their board members. The bill was advanced and I will be pursuing amendments to eliminate this hybrid process if it is not good for Lancaster County, why would we keep it?

LB 782 as introduced by Sen. Howard, would allow HHSS to disclosure information regarding child abuse or neglect information to ensure that the reporting of the crimes and other alleged actions were reported incorrectly they would have the ability to release that information to correct the "record" as long as the best interest of the child or children of the family would not be harmed. No votes were taken on the bill today.

Today in the Legislature

We began today where we left off yesterday - LB 782. After little debate, the bill advanced to select file.

For what seems like a long, drawn out sequel LB 235 as introduced by Sen. Nantkes to provide incentives in Nebraska to make movies. We have debated this bill for about as much time as you could have watched Lonesome Dove - or so it seemed. Ultimately, Sen. Nantkes realized she didn't have the votes to pass the bill and bracketed the bill. While the bill is not technically dead, it is for all intents and purposes.

After that motion was adopted, we debated LB 823 as introduced by the Legislative Performance Audit Committee to update the responsibilities of the Nebraska Informational Technology Commission. The bill was technical in nature and advanced to select file.

We ended the morning with LB 624. Sen. Pirsch is interested in modifying the penalties and how those would flee to avoid arrest are treated under state law. Sen. Chambers is opposed to the bill but is offering amendments that may be acceptable to both sides to allow the bill to advance to select file.

View the Legislature Live

When the Legislature is in session, you can watch it online at: http://www.netnebraska.org/television/stream/legislature.html or on your local cable network on NET2..

One Line Descriptions of Bills

To search the list of bills introduced for any day this session, you can visit the Nebraska Legislature's website by clicking here.

You will have to scroll down to 2008 to see the one line description of bills introduced this session.

Yesterday in the General Affairs Committee

Appointment - Murray Newman - Nebraska Arts Council
Appointment - David Catalan - Nebraska Arts Council
Appointment - Richard Vierk - Nebraska Arts Council
Appointment - Donna Hastings - Nebraska Arts Council
Appointment - Nana Smith - Nebraska Arts Council

LB996 (General Affairs) Change provisions relating to bingo and lotteries
LB1058 (McDonald) Change fund distribution and use provisions for state lottery funds for problem gambling
LB728 (Karpisek) Change provisions relating to the state song

All five members of the Arts Council are being recommended for approval by the General Affairs Committee.

We advanced LB 728 to General File to add the name of an additional composer of the State Song to be listed in statute.

The other bills will be discussed by the committee at a later date.

Today in the Agriculture Committee

Appointment (Climate Assessment Response Committee) - Mike Hayes
LB 751 (Christensen) Change noxious weed funding provisions relating to stream vegetation removal
LB 862 (Agriculture Committee) Change noxious weeds funding provisions
LB 860 (Burling) Remove fingerprinting requirement for license for grain dealer or grain warehouse

The committee recommended the approval of the appointment of Dr. Mike Hayes to the Climate Assessment Response Committee.

LB 751 would expand the area that qualifies for funding under the invasive species grant program but would still maintain that any funds utilized would have to follow the same priorities and benefit in stream flows to qualify. The idea is that by setting a 100 foot set back it is somewhat arbitrary and there may be species that are just outside of the 100 foot limitations now that would need to be part of the management plan.

LB 862 would cash fund (fund from fees) the noxious weed grant as well as the general program. The Department of Ag has repeatedly listed this program as the lowest priority and targeted for reduction in General Funds for the Governor's Budget and then tries to lobby the Appropriations Committee to spare their funding. This has gone on for a number of years since I have been here and I and others are tired of playing a game of budget roulette with this program.

LB 860 would remove the requirement for fingerprints to be submitted in a background check. This was added to the law after a 2004 elevator in which someone committed fraud in not paying farmers for their corn. There was opposition to the bill from the Public Service Commission and we will work to see if there is a way to provide appropriate safeguards without this requirement.

These bills are going to be held by the committee for further discussion and amendment.

Members of the Agriculture Committee: