A brief recap of bills heard last week in the committees I serve on: LB 576 introduced by Sen. Myron Dorn was heard in the Transportation and Telecommunications committee this week. This bill would help our rural 911 services by raising the allowable surcharge that wireless carriers can collect, from .70 cents to a dollar for everyone across the state. Currently cities of a metropolitan class only pay .50 cents, while the remainder of the state pays .70 cents. The bill directs the Public Service Commission 'to maximize operational support for all public safety answering points in the state' when determining the surcharge amount. This increase is valuable, especially to rural 911 services, as it equalizes Omaha and Lincoln’s contribution with the remainder of the state.

I presented LB669 in the Judiciary Committee on Friday. This bill updates Nebraska’s informed consent laws for abortion with two key objectives: 1. Removing language that was ruled unconstitutional and permanently enjoined by the courts following Planned Parenthood v. Heineman (2010, 2011). This cleanup allows enforceable portions of the law — ensuring informed consent — to take effect.

2. Strengthens protections against coercion, abuse and human trafficking: LB669 requires abortion providers to screen for coercion, domestic violence, and human trafficking, providing victims with hotline numbers and an opportunity for a confidential call.

These changes do not restrict doctors from sharing additional information with patients but rather remove blocked provisions so enforceable protections can move forward. Ultimately, LB669 seeks to safeguard women’s privacy and helps ensure Nebraska women are not pressured into medical decisions against their will. Bottom line, this protects both women and their unborn children.

Floor Action:

Two bills important to the 43rd district that I support and voted to advance are LB113 and LB168: LB113 - This legislation is critical for fostering the growth of small distilleries, such as Kinkaiders, in District 43 and across the state. The bill loosens regulatory barriers by increasing the number of allowable retail locations and increasing self-distribution amount for microdistilleries, helping create new opportunities for growth. With our state’s abundant resources, including high-quality grain and water, this legislation will provide a significant boost to small businesses and is a true example of promoting value-added agriculture and entrepreneurship .

LB168, known as the 340B Contract Pharmacy Protection Act, was introduced by Sen. Hardin. I recognize the vital role this program plays in supporting rural healthcare across Nebraska. Since 2020, 37 of the top pharmaceutical manufacturers have imposed restrictions on the 340B program, costing the average Nebraska Critical Access Hospital about $800,000 annually, according to Prairie Health Ventures. The 340B program is a lifeline for both rural hospitals and independently owned pharmacies. The 340B program’s flexibility allows safety net providers to reinvest savings where their communities need it most. However, recent pharmaceutical restrictions have jeopardized this. LB168 aims to protect the 340B program from these practices, preserving its role in sustaining rural healthcare providers — without relying on taxpayer dollars.

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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