Legislature News

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.

Plan for Compensation for First Responders’ Families Advanced

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

Lawmakers gave first-round approval March 10 to a bill that would provide a one-time death benefit to families of Nebraska first responders killed in the line of duty.

Bill Seeks Improved Public Records Access

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

Information subject to the Nebraska Public Records Act would be more accessible under a bill considered Feb. 25 by the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.

Legislative Bill 557, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Matt Hansen, would add police body camera recordings that involve the death of an individual being apprehended or in law enforcement custody to the list of public records under the act.

Tax Cut for Military Retirees Advanced

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

Military retirees in Nebraska are one step closer to getting a full tax exemption on their retirement pay under a bill that won initial approval from lawmakers on Wednesday.

Lawmakers advanced Legislative Bill 387 on a 45-0 vote through the first of three required for passage. The measure is one of Gov. Pete Ricketts’ top priorities this year.

Bill to Allow Carry-Out Booze Advances

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

An emergency order that lets Nebraska restaurants offer carry-out alcohol could become a permanent state law under a measure lawmakers advanced March 9.

Task Force Would Implement Mental Health Crisis Hotline

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

Nebraska state senators are considering a bill that would create a task force for a Mental Health Crisis Hotline.

With mental health issues on the rise and suicide as the second leading cause of death among young people, according to the Centers for Disease Control, moving forward with Legislative Bill 247 is of the utmost importance said Chris Triebsch, a legislative aide for Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks.

Expansion of Castle Doctrine Proposed by State Legislature

Published by Nikki Palmer on Mon, 03/15/2021 - 3:00am

Members of the Judiciary Committee considered a bill March 3 meant to strengthen an individual’s right to self-defense.

Currently, the state’s “castle doctrine” permits an individual to use force to defend themselves or others in their home or workplace without retreating if there is a reasonable and good faith reason to believe that there is an immediate threat of death or serious bodily injury.

Bill Would Require Lawmakers to Consider Bills’ Racial Impact

Published by Nikki Palmer on Mon, 03/15/2021 - 12:00am

The Executive Board heard testimony March 1 on a measure that would require certain bills introduced in the Legislature to include a statement of their potential racial impact.

Legislative Bill 657, sponsored by Omaha Sen. Tony Vargas, would require the Legislative Research Office to prepare racial impact statements for bills designated by the Executive Board, beginning in the 2022 legislative session.

Notice Requirement, 30-Day Grace Period Proposed for Concealed Carry Renewals

Published by Nikki Palmer on Mon, 03/15/2021 - 12:00am

Unicameral Information Office

The Judiciary Committee considered a proposal March 3 to broaden the exemption for who can legally carry a firearm in a Nebraska school.

Bill Proposing New Fines for Late Reports Advanced

Published by Nikki Palmer on Mon, 03/15/2021 - 12:00am

Cities, counties and other political subdivisions could be fined for filing late reports with the state under a bill that advanced from general file March 9.

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