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Around this time of year, senators are often asked this question: “What legislation are you bringing next year?”
This week, I would like to provide a brief preview of three legislative proposals that I am considering for the next session.
Please be aware that any proposal discussed here is subject to change and may or may not be ultimately introduced at my discretion.
Earlier this year, an individual reached out to me who qualified for the disabled veteran homestead exemption but was unable to submit the necessary documents prior to the June 30 deadline, resulting in no homestead exemption for this year.
There is currently a process in place that allows a person suffering from a debilitating medical condition or dealing with the death of a spouse to submit a late application for a homestead exemption. However, no such process exists for disabled veterans who are dealing with a situation such as a paperwork delay at the VA.
I am considering legislation which would establish a process for veterans or their spouses seeking a veteran homestead exemption to submit a late application in the event documentation from the VA is delayed. Looking ahead, as this past October and November illustrated, it could take weeks for Congress to resolve a federal government shutdown, and there is no guarantee that a future shutdown will exempt the VA nor impact new veteran benefits applications.
Another possible bill of mine would designate bromazolam as a controlled substance. Bromazolam is a drug originally developed in the 1970s which is structurally related to Xanax (alprazolam). It has never been approved for medical use in the U.S. or in any other country.
The substance began appearing in the illicit drug supply in the U.S. in 2019 and is being found in counterfeit pills or mixed with opioids like fentanyl. However, unlike fentanyl, bromazolam overdoses can’t be treated with opioid reversal medications like Narcan (naloxone).
Bromazolam is not currently scheduled under the federal Controlled Substances Act, but states are beginning to take action on an individual basis and designating the drug as a controlled substance due to the growing number of overdoses and law enforcement seizures related to this drug.
I am also considering legislation at the request of a constituent which would create a new series of alternate license plates: the University of Nebraska State Museum plates.
This bill would require the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles to work in collaboration with the Friends of the University of Nebraska State Museum to create license plates that recognize the three museums managed by the University of Nebraska: Ashfall Fossil Beds in Royal, NE; Morrill Hall in Lincoln, NE; and Trailside Museum in Crawford, NE.
Randomized alphanumeric museum plates would cost $5 and personalized message museum plates would cost $40.
Since this will be my last column of 2025, I want to end by expressing my appreciation for all the support I have gotten this year. I am truly honored to serve as your State Senator.
In closing, my wife Brenda and I, along with our entire family, want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, a happy New Year, and a safe holiday season.
I invite you to let me know your thoughts or concerns. My Capitol office telephone number is (402) 471-2801 while my email is [email protected]. My mailing address is: Senator Barry DeKay, District #40, P.O. Box 94604, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509.
