For too long, victims of child sexual abuse have faced persistent harm as their worst moments are viewed, shared, and monetized online, often without a meaningful way to force content removal. Existing criminal law was not always sufficient to hold commercial websites that knowingly profit from this illegal content accountable. I introduced LB978, now law, which passed 39–10 as part of LB965, to close this gap and provide another avenue for justice.

This critical legislation creates a path toward accountability by allowing victims to pursue civil action against those intentionally distributing content, seeking damages, and forcing the removal of illegal material. LB978 also explicitly prohibits child sexual exploitation devices, eliminating items that have no place in our communities and are directly tied to the victimization of children. Our commitment to protecting children must remain steadfast regardless of how technology enables exploitation. This effort strengthens Nebraska’s protections and finally ensures exploiters are held accountable.

As a follow-up on a press release sent out last week regarding the recent wildfires in Nebraska and the loss of more than 800,000 grazing acres, state and federal partners immediately began asking what resources and support were needed for impacted areas. One of my requests was to make additional public lands available for grazing. As part of those efforts, the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge is opening additional grazing opportunities through its cooperative agriculture program, with available pasture units ranging from approximately 100 to 500 acres south of Valentine. Applications are due by May 22, 2026, with selected applicants expected to be notified by May 29, 2026. Producers seeking information or application materials may contact Refuge Manager Matt Sprenger at 402-389-2807 or matt_sprenger@fws.gov. I again want to thank Senator Pete Ricketts for his leadership on this, in addition to the support of Senator Fischer and Congressman Smith.

Respectfully, Senator Tanya Storer