Legislature News

Bostar Follows Own Path to Capitol

Published by Nikki Palmer on Sat, 03/20/2021 - 5:00am

Before Lincoln Sen. Eliot Bostar decided to run for the Nebraska Legislature, he asked for guidance from an old friend: Bill Moyers.

Moyers, a journalist who served as press secretary in the Johnson administration, is a family friend who Bostar said has played a “significant and deeply important role” in his life. Moyers, an ordained Baptist minister, even officiated at Bostar’s wedding.

Blood Seeks Reporting of Electioneering Communication

Published by Nikki Palmer on Tue, 03/16/2021 - 3:00am

Additional reporting for certain types of political expenditures would be required under a bill considered March 4 by the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.

Bill Would Require State to Define, Pay Classroom Expenses

Published by Nikki Palmer on Tue, 03/16/2021 - 2:00am

The Education Committee heard testimony March 1 on a proposed constitutional amendment intended to decrease Nebraska’s reliance on property taxes to fund public education.

The amendment would require the state to pay all classroom expenses – as defined by the Legislature – related to the operation of public elementary and secondary schools in Nebraska beginning July 1, 2024.

Maximum Length of Certain Trains Proposed

Published by Nikki Palmer on Tue, 03/16/2021 - 12:00am

The Transportation and Telecommunications Committee heard testimony March 1 on a proposal that would restrict the length of certain trains in Nebraska.

Bill Would Require Home Inspector Registry

Published by Nikki Palmer on Tue, 03/16/2021 - 12:00am

Home inspectors in Nebraska would be required to register with the state under a bill considered March 2 by the Urban Affairs Committee.

More Detailed Tax Incentive Reporting Proposed

Published by Nikki Palmer on Tue, 03/16/2021 - 12:00am

The Revenue Committee heard testimony Feb. 26 on a bill intended to increase transparency in Nebraska’s tax incentive programs.

Parity Between Top Corporate, Personal Income Tax Rates Sought

Published by Nikki Palmer on Tue, 03/16/2021 - 12:00am

The Revenue Committee heard testimony Feb. 25 on a proposal to cut the state’s top corporate income tax rate.

Funding Sought to Address Developmental Disability Wait List

Published by Nikki Palmer on Tue, 03/16/2021 - 12:00am

The Appropriations Committee heard testimony Feb. 24 on a bill intended to alleviate a wait list for developmental disability services in Nebraska.

Sales, Use Tax Exemption Sought For All Residential Water Service

Published by Nikki Palmer on Tue, 03/16/2021 - 12:00am

The Revenue Committee heard testimony Feb. 24 a proposal that would exempt residential water service from state sales and use tax.

Omaha Sen. Justin Wayne, sponsor of Legislative Bill 26, said Nebraska does not impose sales tax on bottled water but does tax residential water service, unlike many states. He said a substance that is essential to life should not be subject to tax.

Senators Hear New Pitch for Approving Medical Marijuana

Published by Nikki Palmer on Tue, 03/16/2021 - 12:00am

A Nebraska lawmaker who is a leading supporter of medical marijuana warned her fellow senators March 10 that the issue will likely appear on the 2022 ballot if they don’t pass a legalization measure this year.

Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln said advocates will propose a one-sentence ballot measure through a citizen-led petition drive if the bill in the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee doesn’t become law.

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