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Dist. 40 R eport
Dist. 40 Report
Last week, senators gave first-round approval to two bills advanced to the floor by the Agriculture Committee: LB7 and LB372.
My bill LB7 would make a number of technical updates to the Foreign- owned Real Estate National Security Act. This Act was created last year by my priority bill, LB1301. More specifically, LB7, as amended, would do three main things: (1) clarify that Native American tribes are not considered “foreign governments” under the Act, (2) update federal regulations in Nebraska statute which clarify that the Chinese Special Administrative Region of Macau is a restricted entity,and (3) add a requirement that the Legislature be notified of a successful divestment action by the court.
LB372 by Sen. McKeon is a bill brought on behalf of the Department of Agriculture to repeal several laws that have never been used, implemented, or enforced. At the public hearing, Director of Agriculture Sherry Vinton testified LB372 would lessen the number of unnecessary regulations overseen by the Department of Agriculture. Both LB7 and LB372 were advanced unanimously by the Legislature to Select File.
Meanwhile, the Legislature continued to hold public hearings. The Revenue Committee heard LB81 introduced by Sen. Hardin. This legislation is intended to address the potential gap year for the Property Tax Credit Fund that was created by LB34 in last year’s special session. The legislation would allow all Nebraskans to claim a credit on any property taxes paid in 2024 when they file their tax returns this spring. The intent of LB81 is to make whole the people who missed out on claiming an income tax credit for property taxes assessed in December 2023. According to estimates by the Legislative Fiscal Office, LB81 would cost an estimated $637 million to implement.
Following the conclusion of last year’s special session, I was contacted by numerous Nebraskans who either did not have an opportunity to plan ahead prior to the passage of LB34 or pay their property taxes in arrears. I believe a majority of Nebraskans would like to know what happened and see LB81 considered. If LB81 is advanced to the floor by the Revenue Committee, I would be open to supporting this legislation. Ultimately, though, my decision will come down to what all ends up being said during floor debate.
Additionally, the Government, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee heard public testimony on three pieces of legislation relating to a Convention of the States. LR14 would serve as Nebraska’s permanent application for a convention of the states authorized under Article V of the U.S. Constitution, to limit the power of the federal government, impose fiscal restraints, and enact term limits for members of Congress. Nebraska’s current application passed in 2022 is set to expire on Feb. 1, 2027. LR21 would serve as Nebraska’s application for an Article V Convention of the States for the sole purpose of enacting term limits on Congress. LB259 would adopt the Faithful Delegate to Federal Article V Convention Act to provide the rules and procedures necessary to create and guide Nebraska’s delegation to an Article V convention and provide legislative direction relating to the election or recall of a delegate.
In the next two weeks, senators and committees will begin selecting their priority bills. In accordance with legislative rules, Speaker Arch has set the deadline for senators and committees to pick their priority bills by March 14. Once priority bills begin to be designated,the Legislature will begin debating those bills.
As bills are heard and debated, I would appreciate your input. Call my Capitol office telephone number at (402) 471-2801 or send email to [email protected]. My mailing address is: Senator Barry DeKay, District #40, P.O. Box 94604, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509.
