April 18, 2025

109th Legislature, 1st Session

​The Legislature concluded debate early on Thursday afternoon after another contentious week of debate. This week, Senators debated and advanced a number of controversial issues, including:

• LR 20CA, introduced by Senator Eliot Bostar (Lincoln), would allow voters to enact a Constitutional amendment to expand online sports gambling.
• LB 322, introduced by Senator Stan Clouse (Kearney), would expand enhanced penalties for assault on certain healthcare workers to include pharmacists and all hospital employees
• LB 645, introduced by Senator Beau Ballard (Lincoln) at the request of Governor Jim Pillen, would provide for a gradual reduction in state contributions to the School Retirement Fund, contingent on the actuarially funded ratio of the fund.

 
Controversial debate is expected to return next week with LB 89, introduced by Senator Kathleen Kauth (Omaha), at the request of Governor Pillen. LB 89 would enact the “Stand With Women Act” and is scheduled for debate beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday.  With only 25 working days remaining, the Legislature has a great deal of work remaining, including the biennial budget, which is expected to advance to the floor on April 29.

Financial Crimes Bill Advances

​On Wednesday, the Legislature advanced LB 559, introduced by Senator Carolyn Bosn (Lincoln) to modernize criminal statutes to combat fraud. LB 559 adds a new definition for “skimmer device” and creates a new criminal offense for the installation of a skimmer device and for use of a skimmer device. Additionally, LB 559 would also enact a “kingpin” law for organized financial crimes, allowing an aggregation of transactions to increase punishment for those in leadership positions within criminal organizations. With the committee amendment, LB 559 now includes LB 464, which creates a new criminal offense for organized retail crime. The bill advanced 38-0 with seven senators present and not voting. 

Medical Marijuana Bill Stalls in Committee

​Several bills were introduced in the Legislature to regulate medical marijuana which was passed overwhelmingly by the voters in the 2024 General Election last November. LB 677, introduced by Senator Ben Hansen (Blair), was designated as a General Affairs Committee priority bill and was set to restructure the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission to, in large part, act as the Medical Cannabis Commission. However, the committee became deadlocked over what medical conditions should be included for medical marijuana use, and whether patients should be able to smoke or “vape” medical marijuana. Yesterday, the committee voted 5-3 against advancing the bill. Proponents of LB 677 have argued that failing to act would result in a “wild west” with no real regulation, as the ballot initiative was self-enacting. With limited time, the future of LB 677 is uncertain. 

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