The legislative interim in Nebraska is an important time for research, refining existing legislation, and preparing new proposals. Free from the pace of the formal session, senators can do comprehensive research and make sure they are ready to address the state’s most pressing issues when the Legislature reconvenes in January. Work done during the interim lays the groundwork for policies that support Nebraska families, farmers, and businesses while ensuring the government operates efficiently and responsibly.

Earlier this summer, I wrote about LR152 and held a public hearing before the Government, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee to introduce the study, joined by expert testifiers who highlighted the importance of requiring legislative approval for major regulations before they are implemented. LR152 continues these efforts, focusing on transparency and accountability in the rules and regulations process and ensuring lawmakers have the information they need to evaluate compliance costs for individuals and businesses.

This builds on the committee’s work earlier this year with LB660, which incorporated portions of my bill LB664 and Senator Conrad’s LB29 to advance regulatory reform. LB664 would make it easier for the public to participate in rulemaking by allowing comments electronically or by mail, reducing the need for travel to hearings, giving more Nebraskans a chance to weigh in on proposed rules. LB29 requires agencies to regularly review existing and pending rules and submit reports to the Legislature, helping lawmakers identify unnecessary or outdated regulations and evaluate alternatives that minimize cost and burden.

Expert testimony illustrated the real-world impact of regulations. Compliance can involve fees, training, and time away from work, with small businesses shouldering disproportionately higher costs. Policies like the REINS Act—Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny—require legislative review of major rules before they take effect. Several states have implemented REINS successfully: Florida requires approval for rules costing $1 million or more over five years, Wisconsin for rules exceeding $10 million over two years, and Kansas and Indiana have similar thresholds at $1 million. More recently, Kentucky, Utah, Oklahoma, and North Carolina have adopted REINS legislation. These laws have prevented costly regulations from taking effect without legislative review, giving lawmakers and citizens a voice and encouraging agencies to craft rules that are more cost conscious.

The work done during the interim, from studies like LR152 to bills advancing through committees, ensures that Nebraska lawmakers have the tools and information needed to make policy decisions. By improving transparency, encouraging public participation, and requiring regular review of regulations, these efforts help protect businesses, families, and taxpayers while keeping state government accountable. Preparing and refining legislation now allows for a more effective session in January, where informed proposals can translate into real-world improvements for Nebraskans.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Facebook: Tanya Storer for Legislature; Email: tstorer@leg.ne.gov; Phone: (402) 471-2628.

Respectfully, Senator Storer