We are 8 days into the session and there have been over 500 bills and constitutional amendments introduced. There was discussion before the session started that senators should consider limiting the number of bills they introduce in order to limit the need and opportunities for the public to be in the capitol. Clearly some people didn't get that memo. There are 2 more days of bill introductions and it seems like we could see approximately 700 bills, which is what we typically see in the first year of a biennium.
Gov. Ricketts gave his State of the State address last Thursday where he outlined his priorities for the state and presented his budget. His priorities include tax relief; supporting military families and veterans; public safety/building a new prison; and investing in broadband.
Typically hearings would start this week and next week would see the body engaging in floor debate in the morning and committee hearings in the afternoon. It is not a typical year though. This year hearings will begin on January 25th and, in order to limit the number of people in a hearing room at one time, there will be a morning hearing session and an afternoon hearing session. Floor debate on bills won't start until sometime in February.
However, this week will see the body debating a motion to adopt the permanent rules. There are several rules change proposals and debate is expected to last a day or more. Wednesday the 20th is also the last day for bill introductions, and IIAN's Legislative committee will meet on January 25 to determine positions on new bills.
You may have seen that Department of Insurance Director Bruce Ramge has announced his retirement effective April 9. He began at the department in 1984 and has served as director for the last 10 years. We have appreciated the good working relationship and open lines of communication and wish him well in retirement.
Committee hearings that have already been scheduled include the Insurance Department bills on continuing education and annuity transactions, LB 21 and LB 22 respectively. See the full hearing schedule – click here.
The committee membership changed slightly – see the final make up - click here.
We are still reading the bills as they are introduced and narrowing the list for your consideration. We welcome and encourage you to read, review and make recommendations. Please find below a potential list of Bills of Interest.
BILLS OF INTEREST – 2021 Session
LB 21
Change insurance provisions regarding administrative penalties, health maintenance organizations, and continuing education
Introduced by: Williams
Committee: Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee
Date | Action |
01/15/2021 | Notice of hearing for January 25, 2021 |
LB 22
Change provisions of the Nebraska Protection in Annuity Transactions Act Introduced by: Williams
Committee: Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee
Date | Action |
01/15/2021 | Notice of hearing for January 25, 2021 |
LB 52
Provide for immunity for injury or death resulting from COVID-19 exposure Introduced by: Lathrop
Committee: Judiciary Committee
Date | Action |
01/11/2021 | Referred to Judiciary Committee |
LB 77
Prohibit insurance risk classifications and rate adjustments based on the fact that the insured is deployed in the military
Introduced by: Gragert
Committee: Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee
Date | Action |
01/15/2021 | Notice of hearing for January 25, 2021 |
LB 106
Change fees relating to access to drivers' records and provide for a new motor vehicle operator's license services system
Introduced by: Friesen
Committee: Transportation and Telecommunications Committee
Date | Action |
01/15/2021 | Notice of hearing for January 25, 2021 |
LB 139
Adopt the COVID-19 Liability Protection Act Introduced by: Briese
Committee: Judiciary Committee
Date | Action |
01/12/2021 | Referred to Judiciary Committee |
LB 170
Change provisions relating to the date when compensation begins under the Nebraska Workers' Compensation Act
Introduced by: Hansen, M.
Committee: Business and Labor Committee
Date | Action |
01/12/2021 | Referred to Business and Labor Committee |
LB 171
Change provisions of the Employment Security Law relating to weekly benefit amounts and maximum annual amounts
Introduced by: Hansen, M.
Committee: Business and Labor Committee
Date | Action |
01/15/2021 | Hunt name added |
LB 172
Change provisions relating to benefit payments under the Employment Security Law Introduced by: Hansen, M.
Committee: Business and Labor Committee
Date | Action |
01/15/2021 | Hunt name added |
LB 207
Change provisions relating to the date when compensation begins under the Nebraska Workers' Compensation Act
Introduced by: McDonnell
Committee: Business and Labor Committee
Date | Action |
01/12/2021 | Referred to Business and Labor Committee |
LB 256
Change provisions relating to lump-sum settlement approval and the filing of releases under the Nebraska Workers' Compensation Act
Introduced by: Hansen, M.
Committee: Business and Labor Committee
Date | Action |
01/13/2021 | Referred to Business and Labor Committee |
LB 263
Require occupational boards to issue certain credentials based on credentials or work experience in another jurisdiction
Introduced by: Briese
Committee: Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee
Date | Action |
01/15/2021 | Brewer name added |
LB 299
Adopt the Firefighter Cancer Benefits Act and provide an income tax exemption for such benefits
Introduced by: McDonnell Committee: Revenue Committee
Date | Action |
01/14/2021 | Referred to Revenue Committee |
LB 326
Provide immunity for claims against first responders operating motor vehicles and arising from vehicular pursuits and provide for policies, training, and duties relating to vehicular pursuits
Introduced by: Slama Committee: Judiciary Committee
Date | Action |
01/15/2021 | Referred to Judiciary Committee |
LB 343
Change identification inspection provisions under the Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title Act
Introduced by: Friesen
Committee: Transportation and Telecommunications Committee
Date | Action |
01/15/2021 | Referred to Transportation and Telecommunications Committee |
LB 363
Change provisions relating to banking, finance, securities, consumer protection, dividends, and installment sales and loans
Introduced by: Williams
Committee: Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee
Date | Action |
01/15/2021 | Notice of hearing for January 26, 2021 |
LB 422
Change the sales tax rate and impose sales tax on additional services Introduced by: Briese
Date | Action |
01/15/2021 | Date of introduction |
LB 439
Change provisions relating to stacking of coverage under the Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Insurance Coverage Act
Introduced by: Hansen, M.
Date | Action |
01/15/2021 | Date of introduction |
LB 441
Change provisions relating to compensation for individuals affected by COVID-19 under the Nebraska Workers' Compensation Act
Introduced by: Hansen, M.
Date | Action |
01/15/2021 | Date of introduction |
LB 463
Change provisions relating to physical examinations of injured employees under the Nebraska Workers' Compensation Act
Introduced by: Arch
Date | Action |
01/15/2021 | Date of introduction |