February 14, 2025

109th Legislature, 1st Session

Legislature Advances Bills During Floor Debate

Today marks day 22 of the Legislative Session, which means we're approximately one-fourth complete with the 90-day session. Prolonged floor debate on LB 229 from last week continued on Monday and Tuesday of this week before finally coming to a vote. LB 229, introduced by Senator Bob Hallstrom (Syracuse), clarifies that "network contractors working for marketplace network platforms," such as Uber and Lyft drivers, would remain independent contractors, rather than employees subject to the Employment Security Law. The bill served as an early preview of partisan divide in the officially non-partisan Unicameral, leaving observers wondering whether opponents would mount a full eight-hour filibuster. Once LB 229 advanced, the Legislature moved quickly to advance a number of other bills. This included NBA affirmative legislation with LB 85, introduced by Senator Wendy DeBoer (Bennington), and LB 250, introduced by Senator Mike Jacobson (North Platte).

Committee Hearings Continue

This week included several controversial committee hearings:

• LB 303, introduced by Senator Jana Hughes (Seward) on behalf of Governor Jim Pillen, to amend the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act (TEEOSA) formula to lower the levy cap from $1.05 to $1.02, and increase foundation aid.
• LB 317, introduced by Senator Tom Brandt (Plymouth) on behalf of Governor Jim Pillen, would merge the Department of Natural Resources with the Department of Environment and Energy, and change the name to the Department of Water, Energy, and Environment.
• LB 526, introduced by Senator Mike Jacobson (North Platte), would impose an excise tax on cryptocurrency mining operations.
• LB 646, introduced by Senator Teresa Ibach (Sumner), to exempt currently registered feedlots from brand inspections and brand inspection fees.

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LB 232, introduced by Senator Hallstrom on behalf of the NBA, was heard before the Banking, Commerce, and Insurance Committee on Tuesday. Kevin Postier of Henderson State Bank testified at the committee hearing on behalf of the NBA. LB 232 would prohibit life insurance policies subject to an assignment from being terminated or lapsed by reason of default in payment of any premium unless a notice of the pending lapse or termination of the policy has been provided by the insurer to known assignees. The bill would also authorize senior citizens to designate a third party to receive notice of cancellation, nonrenewal, and conditional renewals.
 
Next week, the Appropriations Committee will hear testimony on LB 264, introduced by Speaker John Arch (LaVista) on behalf of Governor Jim Pillen, which sweeps various state agency cash funds to the General Fund to cover the projected budget shortfall of $432 million. Committee hearings are scheduled to conclude on March 28.

Dates Of Importance

• March 14: Deadline for designation of committee and senator priority bills
• March 17: Speaker priority bills announced
• March 28: Last day of public hearings
• March 31: Full day floor debate begins
• June 9: Day 90 of the legislative session

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