Capitol Fly on the Wall

LB 574 Advances to Select File In the major event of the week, LB 574 (Kauth) – the bill that would ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth – narrowly overcame a filibuster and advanced to the next round. This was a nail-biter, and none of us knew what would happen

Early last week, a visibly frustrated Speaker Arch delivered a speech reprimanding senators for the continued standstill on the legislative floor that has prevented the body from passing any bills. That day, he said he would retaliate by having legislators work through late nights two weeks earlier than planned. By

This past week was all about LB 753, Sen. Linehan’s priority bill that would create a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for donors to organizations that grant scholarships for students to attend private schools. Under LB 753, Nebraska residents and corporations could claim a nonrefundable income tax credit equal to up to

The major development of last week was the advancement of LB 77, Sen. Brewer’s priority bill that would allow for concealed carry of handguns without a permit. Currently, handgun owners must complete a background check, a safety course, and pay a $100 fee to obtain a permit to carry concealed.

Most of the action on the floor last week stemmed from growing tension over the advancement of two highly controversial bills: LB 626, Sen. Albrecht’s “Heartbeat Bill” which would effectively ban most abortions in Nebraska; and LB 574, Sen. Kauth’s “Let Them Grow” Act which would ban gender-affirming care for

Senators will be coming back refreshed (?) from a four day weekend this week, with last Friday’s recess day and Monday’s Presidents Day holiday. They’ll continue debate of General File bills in worksheet order in the mornings with hearings in the afternoons. This continues through nearly the end of March,

Last week wrapped up the final set of all-day committee hearings, much to senator and staff relief.  Despite a recess day Monday, the week was a heavy one, with several bills on hot topics drawing large crowds. The Judiciary committee had its “Marijuana Day”, hearing three bills that would legalize

All-day hearings began in full force last week, with committees digging right in to some of the most controversial issues of the session. Hearings on a proposed abortion ban (LB 626, Albrecht), an implementation framework for the Voter ID initiative passed by voters last fall (LB 535, Slama), a subminimum