Capitol Update: Strengthening Accountability, Supporting Families, and Protecting Rights

It's hard to believe February is already here. By the end of last week, the Legislature completed Day 17 of the session, and the pace at the Capitol has picked up quickly. Committee hearings are well underway, and the focus has shifted from bill introductions to review, testimony, and debate. I'm encouraged that four bills I carried over from last session have already advanced to floor debate: LB384, LB663, LB668, and LB669. This reflects months of work, collaboration, and ongoing conversations with constituents and stakeholders.

LB384 strengthens accountability in Nebraska's Truth in Taxation Law by requiring at least one elected official who votes to exceed allowable growth rates to attend public hearings and answer questions from constituents.

LB663 establishes a clear, streamlined process for conditional use and special exception permit applications at the county level, promoting fairness and transparency while respecting local control.

LB668 creates an administrative appeals process before an individual's name is placed on the child or vulnerable adult abuse registries, thereby strengthening due process protections, with AM1723 refining the statutory path to connect families to local services.

LB669 strengthens informed consent laws by removing outdated, unconstitutional language and adding protections against coercion, domestic violence, and human trafficking, ensuring women have access to resources and confidential support.

This year, I am also advancing new legislation that includes LB1197. This bill has generated some questions that I want to take a moment to address. The basic provision of the bill is to allow Nebraska-resident landowners to transfer their hunting permits to a designee of their choice. Both the landowner and the designee would pay their respective permit cost, with transfers administered by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The legislation provides landowners who do not hunt a legal mechanism to grant controlled access to hunters, helping manage wildlife populations on private land. Each transfer generates revenue for conservation and wildlife management programs with Game and Parks, and the resident-only transfer restriction helps protect Nebraska sportsmen. LB1197 creates a transparent, regulated framework that balances property rights with wildlife management needs while expanding hunting opportunities on private land.

As the session moves deeper into February, the work at the Capitol continues steadily. I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to testify, call, or share perspectives. Your input helps shape these bills and informs the decisions being made every day, and I will continue to keep you updated as legislation advances.

Respectfully, Senator Tanya Storer