Nebraska Unicameral Update- Feb. 25, 2020

Small Towns

By Johnathan Hladik, former policy director

Today is day 30 of the Nebraska Legislative session. We have hit the half-way mark in the “short,” 60 day session. The Legislature is tentatively scheduled to adjourn on April 23, 2020. Hearings for 482 new bills introduced during the second year of the biennium will wrap up later this week.

Last week, LB 996 which will create the Broadband Data Improvement Program was debated on the floor of the legislature. This program will make sure the state is able to fully access federal broadband grant programs by complying with data verification requirements set forth by the Federal Communications Commission. The legislation seeks to ensure the accuracy of broadband service mapping to improve opportunities for investment and deployment.

With calls and emails to senators generated by Center supporters and much discussion on the floor as to the importance of improved broadband access in the state, the bill passed the first round vote (37 yea, 0 nay, 11 present, not voting). The bill is now on Select File. We anticipate that LB 996 will be back on the Speaker’s agenda soon. 

Bills to watch this week

LB 815 (Morfeld) Support → Prohibit certain section 1115 waivers under the Medical Assistance Act.
Hearing scheduled for Feb. 27 before the Health and Human Services Committee.

LB 1214 (Friesen) Watch Support → Adopt the Rural Economic Development Grant Act.
Hearing scheduled for Feb. 26 before the Revenue Committee. 

Read more about these and other bills we are watching below.
*New developments are italicized and bolded.

Are you interested in any of these bills? Would you like to share your support, concerns, insights, or opposition by testifying in person or through a written letter of testimony? Center staff are here to walk you through and assist you through the processfrom draft to delivery.

Advocacy tip

Unable to testify in person? Check out our blog that outlines the process of submitting a letter of testimony for the official hearing record.