Sen. Tonya Storer

This week the Transportation & Telecommunications Committee advanced my bill LB 667 on to General File for floor debate. I am pleased to see this move out of committee as it will provide a more robust reimbursement process for warranty work for our local dealers.

One bill of interest in T & T heard this week was LB496, introduced by Sen. Murman. This puts some provisions into the law for motorists to slow down and give right-of-way to livestock on public roadways. For most of us in the 43rd district, this is just common sense and courtesy, but it seems that’s just not as “common” as it once was.

The Judiciary Committee focused on a range of legislative matters including two bills seeking to further regulate HOA’s. While HOA’s receive their general authority from the Legislature, I believe that it is important to allow them the freedom to promulgate their own covenants, unique to the needs of their communities, as was originally intended.

Daylight savings time vs permanent standard time is an issue that continues to generate a lively debate.

Nebraska lawmakers advanced two bills on Feb. 20 to end the practice of changing clocks twice a year, moving both proposals to the next round of debate: - LB34 (Sen. Megan Hunt): Would adopt permanent daylight saving time, contingent on federal law changes and adoption by three neighboring states.

Hunt emphasized the benefits of more daylight after work for recreation and economic activity, and noted growing national support for this shift.

- LB302 (Sen. Dave Murman): Proposes permanent standard time, taking effect if neighboring states (Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, and Wyoming) do the same. Murman argued this option doesn’t require federal approval and better aligns with natural daylight hours, benefiting farmers and outdoor workers.

Support was split, with some senators favoring permanent daylight saving time for its economic and recreational benefits, while others backed standard time for health reasons and morning safety concerns, especially for students and agricultural workers. A few opposed both bills, advocating to keep the current system.

The first-round votes were 29-13 for LB34 and 28-9 for LB302, advancing both for further debate.

I advocated for LB302, as it would more closely align with how the day is naturally structured for those in the agricultural industry and others who work outdoors. “I appreciate that we would have more daylight after work hours to be able to enjoy outdoor activities, but I do feel we have to prioritize the workday before we prioritize the play part of our day.”

Community Update: Emergency Fires in Custer & Dawes County Due to strong winds and dry conditions, firefighters continued to battle fires in Dawes and Custer Counties that began early last week. The Custer Complex Fire started on Monday and now consists of three active resources, which included Nebraska National Guard soldiers and airmen.

The fires in Custer County are divided into two divisions: As of Friday, Feb. 28, the West Division’s Eureka Valley Fire, had burned 4,800 acres and was 75% contained, and the East Division’s Lillian Fire and East Table Road Fire had burned 1,350 acres and was 55% contained. Multiple aircraft, including helicopters, have assisted with water drops, and the public is urged to avoid flying drones in the area. Please continue to pray for all of our volunteers as well as those with property or livestock in the wake of these fires.

Thank you again for your support—it truly makes a difference! I’m dedicated to continuing to advocate for District 43, and together, we can create lasting, positive change.

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ne.gov; Phone: (402) 471-2628