Hughes’ LB 758 advanced to final reading
Last week, the Legislature moved two of my bills onto final reading. Both LB 758 and 275 were moved to the final stages of the process.
If these bills receive 25 votes from my colleagues, the bills will be sent to Governor Ricketts for his signature. The bill contains the emergency clause so it would take effect as soon as it’s signed.
Last week, the Executive Committee, of which I am a member, held a hearing on a hot topic—LR 277.
LR 277 is a resolution introduced by Sen. Schumacher of Columbus. The resolution would allow the current Legislature to review past legislature’s calls to Congress for a constitutional convention under Article V of the United States Constitution. This is simply a housekeeping measure.
Previous Legislatures have called on Congress on more than 10 different occasions, including four separate calls to require U.S. Senators to be elected by a direct vote of the people, which the 17th amendment addresses and was ratified in 1913.
In 1911, there was a call to prohibit polygamy and polygamous cohabitation.
In 1949, a call went out to limit the power of Congress to levy an income tax and establish revenue sharing agreements between the states and federal government.
In 1965, there was a call to require fair division of electoral votes cast for all candidates (proportional Electoral College).
In 1965, a call sought to prohibit limitations on how states apportion legislative districts.
In 1978, they called to adopt a human life amendment and include unborn in the definition of a person.
In 1979, a call sought to require a balanced budget amendment.
Finally, in 2010, a call went out to reaffirm the previously passed resolution that called for a balanced budget amendment.
Over time, new priorities come up—something popular 100 years ago may not be popular today. It is important for the current Legislature to be able to clean the slate.
LB 1008 introduced by Sen. Bostelman of Brainard, would increase amounts of damages for certain violations of game laws. To any person who sells, purchases, takes or possesses wildlife, contrary to the game laws, shall be liable to the State of Nebraska for damages caused.
A few examples: the penalty for a mountain sheep raises from $15,000 to $25,000; for mountain lions, lynx, bobcats, river otters would raise from $500 to $5,000.
These fines are used as a deterrent to the illegal behavior and the fines go to the school districts.
I always enjoy hearing from the Nebraskans I represent. Please feel free to contact my office with any questions or concerns that you might have.
Read more about bills and other work of the Legislature at www.nebraskalegislature.gov.
Tuesday call
The Natural Resources Committee, which is chaired by Hughes, killed Sen. Mike Groene’s bill LB 1123. The bill would have allowed land in augmentation projects to be sold off without the water rights.
Hughes said Groene was bringing amendments to the bill almost daily and committee members didn’t feel the bill was ready for prime time. As a result, they voted 6-0-2 to kill it.
Hughes said his committee felt the bill, and its constant amendments, were not the best way to approach changing water law in Nebraska.
He said more time is needed for all with vested interest in water law to sort out the legislation.
Hughes said his committee has chosen LB 1008 as it’s second priority bill. LB 758 was its first priority bill.
He said they will likely amend some non-controversial bills in the committee on to the bill before advancing it out of committee.
Hughes declared Sen. John Murante’s bill, LB 1009, as his priority bill. That bill will raise the speed limits on state highways five mph and authorize a study on increasing interstate speeds.
Hughes noted as an out-state senator, he spends a lot of time on Nebraska’s two-lane highways.
He said the safety of cars and better conditions of highways justifies the higher speed. Plus, studies show that 85 percent of drivers already drive at the higher speeds, indicating drivers have the skills needed to drive safely at those speeds.