By Senator Tanya Storer
Capitol Conversations: From Pasture to Policy
This week in the Transportation & Telecommunications Committee, LB 449 introduced by Sen. Fredrickson generated the most discussion. This bill attempts to change the NDOT roads funding to a formula base which would shift more money to Omaha and away from rural Nebraska. This is not supported by NDOT and does not appear to have support from the committee. I have and will continue to fight against this from advancing as it would be detrimental to District 43.
The Judiciary Committee focused on legislation for enhanced assault protection for frontline workers, including pharmacists, behavioral health specialists and sports officials as well as crimes committed in a disaster area during an emergency period. There were no bills advanced out of the Judiciary committee this week.
I introduced 5 bills in committees this week, including LB665, which prohibits the use of EID’s (Electronic Identification)manufactured by foreign adversaries. It addresses the potential risks of foreign surveillance through electronic identification devices in Nebraska’s livestock industry. The bill allows producers to voluntarily use EIDs while ensuring they are not manufactured by foreign adversaries, protecting the integrity of livestock management and agricultural data. The hearing for LB665 took place on February 11 before the Agriculture Committee. I was very pleased with the strong support for the bill. A key testifier, Allen Geist, Director of Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations at the National Strategic Research Institute at the University of Nebraska, provided valuable insights on RFID technologies and the security concerns and integrity of the data that could be compromised. I will be working with the Ag Committee to get this bill to the floor.
In addition to LB665, I also presented the following bills this week:
- LB664 – Venue freedom, to give small businesses better access to the court system to challenge over regulation.
- LB666 – This bill would help expedite the expansion of broadband services in rural areas.
- LB384 – Requires a majority of the elected members of the governing bodies of participating political subdivisions to attend joint public hearings under the Property Tax Request Act.
- LB668 – Will help connect at risk families to the services they need in an effort to prevent cases escalating to the need for referral to DHHS.
I received many questions this week about my stance on LB646, which would provide for registered feedlots to be exempt from inspection under the Livestock Brand Act. I do not support LB646. This would weaken the integrity of our inspection system in Nebraska, which is essential to protecting the integrity of our industry. Livestock inspection is a highly specialized task that requires experience often outside the scope of local law enforcement. Many people don’t realize how extensive the work of the Brand Committee is, as they deal with cases like bankruptcy, divorce, and estate settlements, where cattle are often one of the largest assets. The cattle industry is Nebraska’s largest cash commodity, and inspection is critical for validating ownership and deterring fraudulent activity. I will continue to work to educate our non-ag Senators on this critical issue and represent Nebraska’s #1 industry.
Your support truly makes a difference. Let’s continue moving forward together! I’m committed to advocating for District 43—together, we can make a positive impact!
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Facebook: Tanya Storer for Legislature
Email: tstorer@leg.ne.gov
Phone: (402) 471-2628
Respectfully,
Senator Storer