Legislature News

Religious Freedom Protections Sought

Published by Nikki Palmer on Fri, 01/28/2022 - 12:00am

Nebraskans could not be compelled to violate their religious beliefs unless essential to further a compelling state interest under a bill considered Jan. 19 by the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.

Proposals to Limit School District Tax Increases Considered

Published by Nikki Palmer on Thu, 01/27/2022 - 12:00am

The Revenue Committee heard testimony last week on two bills that, with some exceptions, would cap annual increases in the amount of property taxes collected by public school districts.

Heavican: State’s Courts Largely Clear Pandemic Backlogs

Published by Scott Stewart on Wed, 01/26/2022 - 5:00am

Nebraska Chief Justice Mike Heavican said last Friday that Nebraska courts have adapted to the coronavirus pandemic while they have kept their doors open.

Heavican’s pronouncement came during his annual State of the Judiciary address to the Nebraska Legislature.

Bill Would Eliminate Concealed Handgun Permit Regulation

Published by Nikki Palmer on Wed, 01/26/2022 - 2:00am

The Judiciary Committee heard testimony last Thursday on a bill that would allow Nebraskans to carry a concealed handgun without a permit.

Deceptive Interview Methods Could Be Banned in Juvenile Interrogations

Published by Nikki Palmer on Wed, 01/26/2022 - 12:00am

The use of deceptive questioning of juveniles in connection with a crime would be prohibited under a bill considered by the Judiciary Committee Jan. 19.

Legislative Bill 732, sponsored by Omaha Sen. John Cavanaugh, would prohibit peace officers from using deception as a means of interrogating individuals under the age of 18 in connection with an act that, if committed by an adult, would constitute a crime.

Church Victims Push to Expand Lawsuit Window

Published by Nikki Palmer on Wed, 01/26/2022 - 12:00am

Victims of sexual abuse at the hands of Catholic priests urged Nebraska lawmakers last Friday to pass a law that would let people who were abused decades ago file lawsuits against the church or other organizations that were negligent.

242 Bills Introduced in Days 8-10 of Session

Published by Scott Stewart on Tue, 01/25/2022 - 12:00am

Nebraska lawmakers finished with bill introduction last week, as the deadline for new measures was reached last Thursday.

In total, 608 bills were introduced, alongside carryover legislation from the previous session.

State Lawmakers Advance Convention of States Proposal

Published by Scott Stewart on Tue, 01/25/2022 - 12:00am

Nebraska inched closer last Thursday to joining other states in a call for a special convention to make changes to the U.S. Constitution.

The measure won second-round approval in the Legislature despite objections from some lawmakers that it could lead to unintended consequences. One final vote is required.

Conservative State Senator Now Backs Medical Marijuana

Published by Scott Stewart on Tue, 01/25/2022 - 12:00am

A conservative lawmaker from rural, western Nebraska took a leading role last Thursday in the push to allow medical marijuana in the state, although some advocates say his bill is too restrictive.

Sen. Mike Groene of North Platte introduced a legalization bill that would impose tight controls on the drug.

Proposal Would Officially Make Unicameral Partisan

Published by Scott Stewart on Tue, 01/25/2022 - 12:00am

A Republican lawmaker has proposed a measure to end Nebraska’s status as the only state with an officially nonpartisan Legislature.

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