Legislature News

Appropriations Budget Proposes Boosting Rainy Day Fund

Published by Nikki Ratay on Thu, 04/08/2021 - 1:00am

The Appropriations Committee of the Nebraska Legislature released its proposed budget last week for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 fiscal years.

Among the budget’s highlights, according to the committee:

Legislators Advance Bill to Lay Groundwork for Suicide Hotline

Published by Nikki Ratay on Thu, 04/08/2021 - 12:00am

Nebraska lawmakers advanced a bill March 30 to lay the groundwork for an emergency suicide and mental health hotline.

Senators gave the measure first-round approval with a 41-0 vote.

Annexation Changes Tailored to Sarpy County Clear First Round

Published by Nikki Ratay on Thu, 04/08/2021 - 12:00am

First class cities in Nebraska would have greater authority to annex nearby land under a bill advanced from general file March 30.

Lawmakers to Debate Medical Marijuana Legalization

Published by Nikki Ratay on Thu, 04/08/2021 - 12:00am

A proposal to legalize medical marijuana in Nebraska is once again headed to the full Legislature for debate, despite long odds and the more likely prospect that the issue will go before voters next year.

Nebraska Governor Signs 16 Bills Into Law in March

Published by Nikki Ratay on Thu, 04/08/2021 - 12:00am

Gov. Pete Ricketts approved 16 legislative bills to become state laws as of the end of March.

The bills include changes to transportation, health care, government and military affairs.

Here is an overview of what some of the state laws will entail:

Urban Redevelopment Tax Incentive Measure Advanced

Published by Nikki Ratay on Fri, 04/02/2021 - 3:00am

Businesses that locate or expand in urban areas with high poverty and unemployment rates could receive tax incentives under a proposal advanced from the first round of debate March 23.

Douglas County Wireless Fee Increase Fails to Advance

Published by Nikki Ratay on Fri, 04/02/2021 - 2:00am

A bill that would increase landline and wireless fees in certain counties failed to advance from general file March 23.

First Responder Death Benefits Bill Advanced

Published by Nikki Ratay on Fri, 04/02/2021 - 12:00am

A bill that would provide a one-time death benefit to families of Nebraska first responders killed in the line of duty was amended and advanced to final reading March 22.

Emergency YRTC Placements Advanced

Published by Nikki Ratay on Fri, 04/02/2021 - 12:00am

Juveniles housed in the state’s youth rehabilitation and treatment centers could be moved more quickly during an emergency situation under a bill advanced from general file March 29.

Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Programs Advanced

Published by Nikki Ratay on Fri, 04/02/2021 - 12:00am

Nebraska public schools would adopt programs intended to curb child sexual abuse under a bill advanced from the first round of debate March 22.

As introduced by Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston, Legislative Bill 281 would require schools to adopt a child sexual abuse prevention program beginning with the 2022-23 school year for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

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