Capitol Conversations: From Pasture to Policy
This week in the Transportation & Telecommunications Committee, Senator Brandt introduced LB561, a bill that would add raw milk as a qualifying commodity under existing law, allowing agricultural commodity transportation exemptions from overweight penalties. The committee also heard testimony from candidates for the Underground Excavation Safety Committee.
The Judiciary Committee focused on a range of legislative matters, including landlord-tenant laws, probation, and radon regulations. We advanced the following bills to General File:
Hallstrom – LB80 – Adopt the Protection Orders Act
Holdcroft – LB124 – Change penalties for motor vehicle homicide of an unborn child
Holdcroft- LB133 – Provide authority for animal control officers to enforce state or local animal control laws
Holdcroft – LB136 – Change provisions relating to service of garnishment summons, continuing liens, and notices upon corporate garnishees
DeKay – LB184 – Prohibit certain sales of nitrous oxide and equipment to use nitrous oxide and provide penalties
DeBoer – LB371 – Provide liability for computer-generated images under the Uniform Civil Remedies for Unauthorized Disclosure of Intimate Images Act
Hallstrom – LB404 – Authorize the court to extend the term of probation on joint application of the probation officer and the probationer
Committee Bill – LB640 – Change calculation of a sentence reduction for good behavior during confinement in a jail
Additionally, I introduced LB667, which clarifies Nebraska law regarding warranty reimbursement calculations between manufacturers and franchised dealers. This bill establishes an appeal process for warranty repair time allowances, ensures fair labor rates by removing misleading language, refines rate calculations to exclude non-warranty services, and prevents manufacturers from reducing reimbursement on defective parts. These provisions aim to protect dealers and ensure they receive fair compensation for warranty repairs. This bill will help dealerships in District 43.
Community Update: Broken Bow Power Plant Explosion & Recovery Efforts
Early Thursday morning, an explosion at the downtown power plant in Broken Bow caused a fire and a city-wide power outage. The incident, believed to be caused by extreme cold putting stress on the system, resulted in minor injuries to two city employees. Emergency responders quickly contained the fire, and crews have been working diligently to restore power.
In response, emergency shelters have been established for those in need, and welfare checks are ongoing to assist affected residents. City officials continue to monitor the situation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Thanks to their efforts, by 1:30 pm on February 21st, power was restored to Broken Bow.
We appreciate the dedication of first responders, utility crews, and community members coming together during this challenging time. I was immediately in contact with the Governor’s office, as well as our Federal Delegation and continue to keep them updated so we can work together to provide the resources to Broken Bow that are needed. We are fortunate to have an engaged and committed leadership in both the Governor’s office and the federal level.
Your support truly makes a difference! I remain committed to advocating for District 43, and together, we can continue to drive meaningful change.
Stay Connected:
Facebook: Tanya Storer for Legislature
Email: tstorer@leg.ne.gov
Phone: (402) 471-2628
Respectfully,
Senator Tanya Storer