State Legislature

Over 500 Bills and Resolutions have been introduced in the first few days of the Second Session of the 101st Legislature. These proposals range from a change in the provisions relationg to Presidential electors to congratulating Ponca on their Class C-2 State Football Championship (booo). The entire list of introduced bills and resolutions can be accessed by clicking on the link below. http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/search_by_date.php?SessionDay=2010 Highlighted below are what we think are some of the most noteworthy bills and resolutions that will be discussed this session. The full text of the introduced copy can be accessed by clicking on the Bill number. LB693 -- Allows forgein (out of state) insurers to provide health insurance in Nebraska. LB747 -- Permits the killing of mountain lions and other prederatory animals in defense of self or property. LB777 -- Changes the provisions relating to Presidential electors to make Nebraska a winner-take-all system like 48 other states. LB796 -- Impose a $.05 per gallon fuel tax for use to complete the Sate Expressway System. LB985 -- Adopts the Nebraska Charitable Poker Act to allow non-profit organization to hold poker fundraisers. CR296CA -- A constitutional amendement to authorize the Nebraska Charitable Poker Act. LB1068 -- Adopt the Rural Tourism Development Act which would provide low interest loans to agri-touism businesses. LB1102 -- Authorize the licensing and regulating of wagering on "historic" horse races. LR277CA -- Constitutional Amendment to allow for paramutual wagering on horse races at satallite wagering facilities. LB1104 -- Eliminate a scheduled raise for judges. LR278CA -- Constitutional Amendemnt to set slaries for some Constitutional Officers to include Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of Sate, Attorney General, State Treasurer and more. LR284CA -- Constitutional Amendment to abolish the office of State Treasurer. LR295CA -- Constitutional Amendment to authorize the use of bonds by non-profit organizations for capital campaigns. LR299CA -- Constitutional Amendment to provide for no more than three Community College Areas (currently six). LR292 -- A resolution to memorialize the U.S. Congress to adhere to the principles of federalism in accord with the Ninth and Tenth Amendments to the United States Constitution. Many of these proposals will die in committee. Many more will not pass the vote of the State Legislature. Of the Constitutional Amendments that do, they will still need to be presented to the voters this spring. Let us know what other bills or resolutions you feel are noteworthy or voice your support or opposition to any of these measures.