Legislature

Lawmakers Clear Way for Police Oversight Bill

Published by Scott Stewart on Tue, 07/28/2020 - 12:00am

Lincoln – Nebraska lawmakers cleared the way last week for a new proposal that would require cities to create civilian police oversight boards in response to public outrage over the deaths of Black men in confrontations with police.

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Legislative News Briefs 7/28/20

Published by Scott Stewart on Tue, 07/28/2020 - 12:00am

Omnibus Banking Bill Passed

A bill that updates Nebraska banking law passed July 21.

Among other provisions, LB 909, introduced by Sen. Matt Williams of Gothenburg, will:

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Nebraska Lawmakers OK College Athletes’ Endorsement Deals

Published by Scott Stewart on Thu, 07/23/2020 - 12:00am

Lincoln – College athletes in Nebraska may soon be able to sign endorsement deals with sneaker companies, car dealerships and other sponsors under a bill approved by lawmakers on Tuesday.

Lawmakers gave the measure final approval with a 37-6 vote. It now heads to Gov. Pete Ricketts.

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Taxes Still Top Focus as Lawmakers Resume Session

Published by Scott Stewart on Mon, 07/20/2020 - 5:00am

Nebraska lawmakers returned to their legislative session Monday for the first time in almost four months with most of the same challenges they faced back in March, plus new questions about how the coronavirus will squeeze the state budget.

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Nebraska Sees Increase in Lobbyists, Spending on Lobbying

Published by Scott Stewart on Fri, 05/29/2020 - 12:00am

Lincoln – Lobbyists in Nebraska raked in more cash than ever last year and more people joined their ranks to try to influence public officials, according to a new report.

Lobbyists collected $19.4 million in gross earnings in 2019, according to Common Cause Nebraska. The government watchdog group said the total is a record, up from $17.8 million in 2018.

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State Senator Sick with COVID-19

Published by Scott Stewart on Thu, 05/28/2020 - 7:26am

Lincoln – Among the latest coronavirus patients in Nebraska is state Sen. Mike Moser of Columbus, who has been receiving care at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

Gov. Pete Ricketts said Tuesday that he was “praying for (Moser) and his family as he goes through this recovery process.” Moser, 68, was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2018.

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State Senator Wants Remote Voting Option for Legislature

Published by Scott Stewart on Mon, 05/25/2020 - 2:00am

Lincoln – A Nebraska lawmaker who’s worried about the spread of the coronavirus called last Wednesday for a legislative rule change that would allow state senators to vote on bills remotely when this year’s session resumes on July 20.

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Legislative Health, Human Services Committee to Hold Nine Confirmation Hearings by Teleconference

Published by Scott Stewart on Mon, 05/25/2020 - 12:00am

Lincoln – The Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee will hold confirmation hearings for gubernatorial appointees to three state boards and commissions May 27 and 29.

The appointments for May 27 at 9 a.m. are:

• Marty Fattig, Rural Health Advisory Commission

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Nebraska Legislature Plans to Resume Session in July

Published by Scott Stewart on Thu, 05/21/2020 - 5:00am

Nebraska legislators will return to the state Capitol in July to wrap up a legislative session postponed by the outbreak of coronavirus.

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Nebraska Tax Revenue Sharply Below Prior Projections in April

Published by Scott Stewart on Thu, 05/21/2020 - 12:00am

Lincoln – Nebraska’s tax collections came in far lower than expected in April as the coronavirus forced the closure of businesses throughout the state, officials said Friday.

The state’s net tax receipts totaled $345 million, which is nearly 46% lower than the official forecast of $637 million, according to the Nebraska Department of Revenue.