Greetings District 43! Here's the latest from your State Legislature. Here is a brief recap of bills heard last week in the committees I serve on.

Floor Action

This week began all-day floor debate at the Capitol and there were several key bills debated. Monday began with an extended debate on LB113 on Select file. This bill increases the gallonage of distilled spirits that small distilleries can self distribute. In other words, its Government giving business permission to sell more of their own products directly to the retail market without being forced to pay a distributor a fee to deliver.

I'm still amazed that there was any debate at all, and as an advocate of limited Government, free market solutions and value added agriculture I was proud to advocate for its passing and help small distilleries, like Kinkaiders in District 43, continue to expand.

Senator DeKay’s LB246, a bill to ban the processing and sale of lab grown meat in Nebraska, was debated on General File. I was originally more supportive of an approach to regulating lab meat, but the more I learned about the process of “growing” this product, the more convinced I became that we do not currently have enough evidence to convey to the consumers in Nebraska that this is a safe product. I can however tell every consumer here and abroad that we do produce and sell the most wholesome BEEF in the world.

LB646, a bill introduced by Senator Ibach of Dawson county, to allow feedlots to be exempted from Nebraska Brand laws and inspections, finally came to the floor on Wednesday. I have been clear from its introduction that I do not support the radical changes proposed, including the shift of virtually all fees to the cow/calf sector and therefore offered an amendment to the bill. AM810 would have directed the Nebraska Brand Committee to deliver a report back to the Legislature by the end of 2025 with any recommendations for changes. I remain vigilant that the agency tasked with enforcement of the Act must be directly involved. After 5 hours of debate, the body did not support the passage of AM810 and Sen. Ibach’s bill, with her own amendment, advanced with just 26 votes. Sen Ibach committed that she will not ask for the bill to be scheduled for its second round of debate unless consensus can be reached on additional amendments. I will only support changes that will maintain the integrity of the inspection system, are financially sustainable for all sectors of the industry and are enforceable by the Nebraska Brand Committee, so it remains to be seen if there’s a path forward for LB646. In closing, I’m excited to share that my first bill, LB294, passed this week as well! This bill expands funding opportunities for local communities through the County Visitors Improvement Fund. It increases flexibility for counties by allowing them to award grants annually of either 1% or up to $5,000, whichever is greater, of their lodging tax dollars. This change will help smaller, rural counties with limited resources make critical tourism infrastructure improvements, enhance the visitor experience, and promote economic development in their communities..

As always, I am committed to representing District 43's interests and value your continued support and engagement. It is an honor to serve as your representative and hear your perspectives. Please contact my office with any questions or concerns.

Respectfully, Senator Storer