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.

This week marks the final week of hearings in the legislative committees.

As mentioned in my previous update, the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee has concluded its hearings, but the Judiciary Committee continued its work through Friday, March 31. I presented my final bill to the Judiciary Committee. LB386, Mental Health Pilot Program, introduced on behalf of Attorney General Hilgers, is in response to meetings with law enforcement over the last year. This program is intended to alleviate often lengthy delays in getting individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, access to care.

When an individual is taken into Emergency Protective Custody, especially in rural areas, Regional facilities are not only long distances away but space is not always readily available.

The Pilot Program is also intended to help alleviate some of the burden on rural law enforcement. This pilot program seeks to utilize both federal grant funding coupled with state opioid settlement dollars. The challenges in rural Nebraska are often unique and it is my hope that LB386 can play a part in addressing those related to both mental health care as well as local law enforcement.

Floor Action

A filibuster over LB415 and continued discussion over LB646, Brand Inspection legislation, highlighted the week in the Legislature. LB415 provides clarity and predictability to employers and employees. It allows existing flexible 'paid time off' (PTO) policies to remain in place, clarifies the application to independent contractors, and eases the burden on small businesses. Furthermore, the bill establishes standards for non-traditional employees. AM545 was also proposed to exempt specific workers and small businesses from the earned sick leave mandate. LB415 passed with 34 votes after an 8-hour filibuster.

On Wednesday, I introduced AM 810 to replace LB 646's language and find a consensus solution to modernize Nebraska’s Brand Act. The bill directs the Nebraska Brand Committee to develop a comprehensive report with recommendations for updating fees and inspections across all sectors of the livestock industry. The report must be electronically delivered to the Clerk of the Legislature by December 31, 2025. In taking this crucial step I believe it will facilitate meaningful discussions across the industry to evaluate any changes to the Brand Act. I will continue to fight for the integrity of the Brand Act and its protection against fraud and theft in our livestock industry, through our proof of ownership inspection system.

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