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Dist. 40 R eport
For the past few weeks, I have continued a series where I highlight several of the priority bills and resolutions that are pending and could be scheduled early next session.
This week we feature an overview of several carryover priority bills and resolutions which could be potentially debated sometime early next year.
LB632 by Sen. Hansen would require healthcare facilities to dispose of fetal tissue following an elective abortion via cremation, interment by burial, or as directed by the Board of Health. The introducer’s intent is to require healthcare facilities to respect the dignity of aborted children when disposing of their remains. However, during floor debate earlier this year, opponents of LB632 argued that the bill is vague and would further restrict access to abortion. LB632 is currently pending on Select File. However, further consideration and advancement of LB632 may be contingent on an amendment from Sen. Riepe to give women an option for the proper disposal of fetal remains and explicitly protect in-vitro fertilization.
LB258 by Sen. Raybould would amend the minimum wage ballot measure approved by voters in 2022. Specifically, the bill would cap the minimum wage at $13.50 per hour for workers younger than 16 years old, except for emancipated minors. Additionally, the bill would cap annual minimum wage increases at a lesser rate of 1.5% instead of being adjusted for inflation, which could be much higher.
Another change would modify the 90-day training wage for new employees under 18 to $13.50 and to 75% of the minimum wage in 2027. The intent of the introducer is to provide businesses with more certainty when making decisions and give small businesses a reasonable compromise.
In contrast, opponents of the bill argued the measure would both harm the state’s lowest earners and undermine the will of Nebraska voters who approved ballot measures. LB258 is currently pending on Final Reading.
LR2oCAby Sen. Bostar is a proposed constitutional amendment which would allow voters to approve online sports wagering in the state. Currently, state law allows casino style gambling at the state’s six existing horse racetracks.
LR20CA would allow the gaming operators at the six licensed racetracks in Nebraska to offer sports wagering through mobile platforms, provided the bettor is located within Nebraska when placing the wager. If approved by voters, LR20CA would direct revenue received from taxes on online sports wagering to the Property Tax Credit Fund . LR20CA is currently pending on Select File after stalling during debate when opponents to the measure raised concerns relating to addiction and the social costs of gambling. LB676 by Sen. Hansen would, as amended on General File, update the Certified Nurse Midwifery Practice Act to align with the forty-nine other states. The bill would strike a requirement for a Certified Nurse Midwife to have a practice agreement with a collaborating licensed practitioner and eliminate the location restriction on where they may perform authorized medical functions.
The bill also would include Certified Nurse Midwives as part of the Nebraska Hospital-Medical Liability Act. LB676 is currently pending on Select File.
