Legislature News

Senators Advance Press Protections for Student Journalists

Published by Nikki Ratay on Tue, 03/23/2021 - 3:00am

Nebraska lawmakers advanced a bill last Thursday that would extend free-press protections to student journalists and their advisers following incidents in which school administrators censored school newspaper articles that they deemed too controversial or unflattering.

Lawmakers gave the measure first-round approval on a 28-15 vote after an eight-hour filibuster.

Telehealth Access Proposed for Medical Abortion

Published by Nikki Ratay on Tue, 03/23/2021 - 2:00am

A bill that would allow patients to receive medical abortion services through telehealth was considered March 12 by the Judiciary Committee.

Mental Health Insurance Requirements Advance

Published by Nikki Ratay on Tue, 03/23/2021 - 12:00am

Senators gave first-round approval March 15 to a bill that would create insurance parity for mental health services provided through telehealth in Nebraska.

Virtual Meetings Bill Clears First Round in Unicameral

Published by Nikki Ratay on Mon, 03/22/2021 - 1:00am

City councils, county boards and other political subdivisions would have greater flexibility to meet virtually under a bill that advanced from general file March 15.

Senators Advance Rules for Casinos, Sports Betting

Published by Nikki Ratay on Mon, 03/22/2021 - 12:00am

Nebraska moved one step closer last Wednesday to enacting rules for the state’s newly legalized casinos, but some opponents criticized portions that would clear the way for sports betting and electronic keno tickets.

Lawmakers gave the measure first-round approval with a 37-5 vote.

Senators Vote to Let Casinos Stay Open for Fairs

Published by Nikki Ratay on Mon, 03/22/2021 - 12:00am

Casinos in Nebraska won’t have to close during county fairs or the Nebraska State Fair under a bill state lawmaker advanced last Tuesday.

Senators gave first-round approval to a measure that would add casinos to the list of allowable gambling activities during fairs.

Shares of Livestock Bill Advances

Published by Nikki Ratay on Mon, 03/22/2021 - 12:00am

Senators gave first-round approval March 16 to a bill that would allow farmers and ranchers to offer livestock ownership shares to customers.

School Safety Reporting Advances

Published by Nikki Ratay on Mon, 03/22/2021 - 12:00am

Lawmakers gave first-round approval March 11 to a bill that would broaden an existing school safety pilot program.

Legislative Bill 322, sponsored by Gothenburg Sen. Matt Williams, would require the state Department of Education to establish a statewide, anonymous reporting system to support threat assessment teams with the goal of reducing violent incidents.

Extended TIF Repayment OK’d

Published by Nikki Ratay on Mon, 03/22/2021 - 12:00am

Lawmakers passed a bill March 11 that implements the provisions of a constitutional amendment approved by Nebraska voters in 2020.

Legislative Bill 25, introduced by Omaha Sen. Justin Wayne, extends the maximum repayment period for tax-increment financing from 15 years to 20 if more than one half of the land in a project is designated as extremely blighted.

Marijuana Bills Taken Up By Lawmakers

Published by Nikki Ratay on Sun, 03/21/2021 - 2:00am

Nebraska lawmakers continue to push for marijuana legislation this session.

Last month, the Nebraska Legislature Judiciary Committee heard six bills relating to the legalization and decriminalization of marijuana.

Substance Possession Penalties

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