Nebraska's Natural Resources District

LINCOLN, Nebraska&nbsp;– The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts hosts their annual Legislative Conference to highlight partnerships and discuss natural resources policy at the Lincoln Embassy Suites Jan. 28-29, 2025.

The two-day conference brings together Natural Resources Districts (NRDs), elected officials and public-private partners integrally involved in conservation, technology, and policymaking. The conference also provides attendees an opportunity to learn how Nebraska’s NRDs work with landowners, state and federal agencies, and members of the public to protect Nebraska’s natural resources.

Governor Jim Pillen will kick off the event Tuesday, Jan. 28, followed by a property tax reform panel with the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, Nebraska Farm Bureau, and Nebraska Association of School Boards; and a discussion of proposed legislation of interest to the NRDs. During the evening Senators Reception, NRD leaders will meet with state senators to discuss natural resources challenges and successes in the districts.

The conference continues Wednesday, Jan. 29, with breakout sessions for attendees, including:

More than 300 natural resources stakeholders are expected to attend the conference, which is presented by Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts with a range of local and national sponsors including Blue Cross Blue Shield Nebraska, Eastern Nebraska Water Resources Assessment (ENWRA), HDR, Houston Engineering Inc., JEO Consulting Group, Olsson, Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, The Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute and The Nebraska Water Center.

Conference registration is available on the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts’ website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nrdnet.org/events" target="_blank">https://www.nrdnet.org/events</a>.

The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD), the trade association for Nebraska's 23 Natural Resources Districts (NRD), works with individual districts to protect lives, property and the future of Nebraska’s natural resources. NRDs are unique to Nebraska, and act as local government entities with broad responsibilities to protect Nebraska’s natural resources. Major Nebraska river basins form the boundaries of the 23 NRDs, enabling districts to respond to local conservation and resource management needs. Learn more about Nebraska’s NRDs at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nrdnet.org/" target="_blank">www.nrdnet.org</a>.

Nebraska's Natural Resources DistrictLINCOLN, Nebraska&nbsp;– The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts hosts their annual Legislative Conference to highlight partnerships and discuss natural resources policy at the Lincoln Embassy Suites Jan. 28-29, 2025.The two-day conference brings together Natural Resources Districts (NRDs), elected officials and public-private partners integrally involved in conservation, technology, and policymaking. The conference also provides attendees an opportunity to learn how Nebraska’s NRDs work with landowners, state and federal agencies, and members of the public to protect Nebraska’s natural resources.Governor Jim Pillen will kick off the event Tuesday, Jan. 28, followed by a property tax reform panel with the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, Nebraska Farm Bureau, and Nebraska Association of School Boards; and a discussion of proposed legislation of interest to the NRDs. During the evening Senators Reception, NRD leaders will meet with state senators to discuss natural resources challenges and successes in the districts.The conference continues Wednesday, Jan. 29, with breakout sessions for attendees, including:<ul>
 <li>Improving Nitrogen-Use Efficiency for Corn in Nebraska: In-Season Management</li><li>Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Dam Rehabilitation</li><li>Revitalizing Irrigation: Restoring Aging Canals for Sustainable Water Management</li><li>Update on Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy’s ONE RED Program</li><li>Examining the Effect of Fertilizer Application Practices on Soil Nitrate and Water Quality</li><li>Funding the Future: Strategies for Infrastructure Implementation</li><li>Maximizing Producer Profits through Carbon-Smart Practices and the 45Z Tax Credit</li><li>Nebraska Hydrology</li><li>Eastern Nebraska Water Resources Assessment (ENWRA) Recharge Mapping and Focus Area Assessments</li><li>Update on the Resilient Soils Act and the Nitrogen Reduction Act</li><li>Bringing Life Back to Methodist Cove: Harlan County Lake Ecosystem Restoration</li>
 </ul>More than 300 natural resources stakeholders are expected to attend the conference, which is presented by Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts with a range of local and national sponsors including Blue Cross Blue Shield Nebraska, Eastern Nebraska Water Resources Assessment (ENWRA), HDR, Houston Engineering Inc., JEO Consulting Group, Olsson, Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, The Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute and The Nebraska Water Center.Conference registration is available on the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts’ website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nrdnet.org/events" target="_blank">https://www.nrdnet.org/events</a>.The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD), the trade association for Nebraska's 23 Natural Resources Districts (NRD), works with individual districts to protect lives, property and the future of Nebraska’s natural resources. NRDs are unique to Nebraska, and act as local government entities with broad responsibilities to protect Nebraska’s natural resources. Major Nebraska river basins form the boundaries of the 23 NRDs, enabling districts to respond to local conservation and resource management needs. Learn more about Nebraska’s NRDs at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nrdnet.org/" target="_blank">www.nrdnet.org</a>.

NRD Legislative Conference Brings Together Elected Leaders, Highlights Partnerships

&nbsp;PALM BEACH —The Presidential inauguration is January 20.&nbsp; On Tuesday night, the Chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola Company, James Quincey presented President-elect Trump the first ever Presidential Commemorative Inaugural Diet Coke bottle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736905668769.png" alt="Photo courtesy Margo Martin Deputy Director of Communications, Donald J. Trump for President&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Margo Martin Deputy Director of Communications, Donald J. Trump for President&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;PALM BEACH —The Presidential inauguration is January 20.&nbsp; On Tuesday night, the Chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola Company, James Quincey presented President-elect Trump the first ever Presidential Commemorative Inaugural Diet Coke bottle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736905639822.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Trump is a long-time Diet Coke fanatic.

Coca-Cola gives Trump commemorative inaugural Diet Coke bottle

Lincoln, January 14, 2025- The Nebraska Public Service Commission has approved an Order(<a href="https://www.nebraska.gov/psc/orders/state911/2025-01-14%20911-075%20PI-248%20911-077%20C-5581%20PI-252%20Order%20Issuing%20Findings%20and%20Closing%20Investigation.pdf" target="_blank">911-075/PI-248, 911-077/C-5581/PI-252</a>) closing its investigation and issuing its findings into three separate 911 outages/disruptions involving telecommunications carrier Lumen.

The three separate Lumen outages/disruptions occurred on August 31, 2023, April 17 &amp; July 9,2024, impacting 911 service over a wide area of Lumens’ Nebraska network.

“Lumen guaranteed, and we expect Nebraska’s 911 system to be available 99.999 percent (five-nines) of the time, and that didn’t happen,” said Commission Chair Tim Schram.

Through its investigation and hearings, the Commission finds that Lumen’s level of performance was not acceptable for Nebraska’s 911 system and that the carrier failed to meet the level of service provided within its state contract.

Commission Chair Schram said, “While Lumen has engaged in substantial work to improve its network, the carrier’s lack of redundancy and diversity remains a concern.”

The Commission directed the State 911 Department to identify potential changes to the state’ scurrent 911 system. To support the process, Commission consultant 911 Authority will conduct an independent verification and validation of the Next Generation 911 system provided by Lumen.

State 911 Department Director, David Sankey said, “This independent testing is important to determine whether Lumen is capable of fulfilling its contractual obligations to provide the level of service the Commission expects and demands moving forward.”

Additional information to include the Order can be found on the PSC website at &lt;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/lumen-affiliates-911-outage-investigation" target="_blank">https://psc.nebraska.gov/lumen-affiliates-911-outage-investigation</a>&nbsp;&gt;

Deb CollinsLincoln, January 14, 2025- The Nebraska Public Service Commission has approved an Order(<a href="https://www.nebraska.gov/psc/orders/state911/2025-01-14%20911-075%20PI-248%20911-077%20C-5581%20PI-252%20Order%20Issuing%20Findings%20and%20Closing%20Investigation.pdf" target="_blank">911-075/PI-248, 911-077/C-5581/PI-252</a>) closing its investigation and issuing its findings into three separate 911 outages/disruptions involving telecommunications carrier Lumen.The three separate Lumen outages/disruptions occurred on August 31, 2023, April 17 &amp; July 9,2024, impacting 911 service over a wide area of Lumens’ Nebraska network.“Lumen guaranteed, and we expect Nebraska’s 911 system to be available 99.999 percent (five-nines) of the time, and that didn’t happen,” said Commission Chair Tim Schram.Through its investigation and hearings, the Commission finds that Lumen’s level of performance was not acceptable for Nebraska’s 911 system and that the carrier failed to meet the level of service provided within its state contract.Commission Chair Schram said, “While Lumen has engaged in substantial work to improve its network, the carrier’s lack of redundancy and diversity remains a concern.”The Commission directed the State 911 Department to identify potential changes to the state’ scurrent 911 system. To support the process, Commission consultant 911 Authority will conduct an independent verification and validation of the Next Generation 911 system provided by Lumen.State 911 Department Director, David Sankey said, “This independent testing is important to determine whether Lumen is capable of fulfilling its contractual obligations to provide the level of service the Commission expects and demands moving forward.”Additional information to include the Order can be found on the PSC website at &lt;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/lumen-affiliates-911-outage-investigation" target="_blank">https://psc.nebraska.gov/lumen-affiliates-911-outage-investigation</a>&nbsp;&gt;

PSC Closes Lumen Investigation, Issues Findings

Lincoln, January 14, 2025- The Nebraska Public Service Commission approved an Order(<a href="https://www.nebraska.gov/psc/orders/telecom/2025-01-14%20C-5561%20Order%20Issuing%20Grant%20Awards.pdf" target="_blank">C-5561</a>&nbsp;) awarding 22 grants totaling more than $20 million from the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program (NBBP), the 4th&nbsp;grant cycle administered by the Commission through the program.

“The Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program has proven to be an effective tool to help bring broadband to unserved and underserved Nebraskans,” said Commission Chair Tim Schram.

Created by the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Act (Neb. Rev. Stat § 86 -301 to 86-1310), the NBBP provides approximately $20 million dollars annually for the development of broadband networks capable of at least 100/100 Mbps (down/up) in unserved and underserved areas of the state.

During the 2024 grant cycle, the Commission received, 27 applications for funding through the NBBP. Upon review of the applications and the challenges received the Commission determined22 submissions would be funded. The grants awarded, submitted by five providers, total$20,270,725. The deadline for projects funded through today’s awards is July 14, 2026.

Through four years of the program, the Commission has awarded over 140 grants, bringing broadband to more than 18,000 households.

Commissioner Schram said, “We are pleased to be able to support broadband expansion across the state through the NBBP and we look forward to the completion of these projects.”

A detailed list of approved projects and funding amounts as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://broadbandmap.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">a link to an online map</a>&nbsp;of the approved projects is available through the PSC website on the&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/2024-nebraska-broadband-bridge-program" target="_blank">2024 Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program</a>&nbsp;page.

Deb CollinsLincoln, January 14, 2025- The Nebraska Public Service Commission approved an Order(<a href="https://www.nebraska.gov/psc/orders/telecom/2025-01-14%20C-5561%20Order%20Issuing%20Grant%20Awards.pdf" target="_blank">C-5561</a>&nbsp;) awarding 22 grants totaling more than $20 million from the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program (NBBP), the 4th&nbsp;grant cycle administered by the Commission through the program.“The Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program has proven to be an effective tool to help bring broadband to unserved and underserved Nebraskans,” said Commission Chair Tim Schram.Created by the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Act (Neb. Rev. Stat § 86 -301 to 86-1310), the NBBP provides approximately $20 million dollars annually for the development of broadband networks capable of at least 100/100 Mbps (down/up) in unserved and underserved areas of the state.During the 2024 grant cycle, the Commission received, 27 applications for funding through the NBBP. Upon review of the applications and the challenges received the Commission determined22 submissions would be funded. The grants awarded, submitted by five providers, total$20,270,725. The deadline for projects funded through today’s awards is July 14, 2026.Through four years of the program, the Commission has awarded over 140 grants, bringing broadband to more than 18,000 households.Commissioner Schram said, “We are pleased to be able to support broadband expansion across the state through the NBBP and we look forward to the completion of these projects.”A detailed list of approved projects and funding amounts as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://broadbandmap.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">a link to an online map</a>&nbsp;of the approved projects is available through the PSC website on the&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/2024-nebraska-broadband-bridge-program" target="_blank">2024 Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program</a>&nbsp;page.

PSC Awards 20 Million in Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program Grants

LINCOLN, NEB. – “On behalf of Nebraska agriculture, Nebraska Farm Bureau would like to extend our appreciation and highest gratitude for the leadership and service of Dr. Mike Boehm as the Vice Chancellor and Vice President of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR).&nbsp;Nebraska agriculture partnership with the University of Nebraska and IANR is critical to the continued growth of the state’s largest industry. Mike solidified and grew that partnership in many areas during his nine-year tenure leading the Institute. Programs and services provided by IANR to farmers, ranchers, and rural Nebraskans are in much higher level in the areas of agricultural education, research, and extension. Mike’s visionary and innovative approach to many initiatives over his tenure will leave a legacy of progress that we in agriculture can build upon in the future. His accessibility, vision, and his passion for the IANR and agriculture has certainly made an impact on the future of Nebraska agriculture.”&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. More than 56,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefb.org/" target="_blank">www.nefb.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736886238005.jpeg" alt="Mark McHargue, Nebraska Farm Bureau President (Nebraska Farm Bureau)" />
 <figcaption>Mark McHargue, Nebraska Farm Bureau President (Nebraska Farm Bureau)</figcaption>
 </figure>Mark McHargueLINCOLN, NEB. – “On behalf of Nebraska agriculture, Nebraska Farm Bureau would like to extend our appreciation and highest gratitude for the leadership and service of Dr. Mike Boehm as the Vice Chancellor and Vice President of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR).&nbsp;Nebraska agriculture partnership with the University of Nebraska and IANR is critical to the continued growth of the state’s largest industry. Mike solidified and grew that partnership in many areas during his nine-year tenure leading the Institute. Programs and services provided by IANR to farmers, ranchers, and rural Nebraskans are in much higher level in the areas of agricultural education, research, and extension. Mike’s visionary and innovative approach to many initiatives over his tenure will leave a legacy of progress that we in agriculture can build upon in the future. His accessibility, vision, and his passion for the IANR and agriculture has certainly made an impact on the future of Nebraska agriculture.”&nbsp; &nbsp;The Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. More than 56,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefb.org/" target="_blank">www.nefb.org</a>.

   Statement by Mark McHargue, President, Regarding Mike Boehm Stepping Down

University of Nebraska Communication Department

After nearly a decade of successful leadership, Mike Boehm is stepping down in the dual role as the University of Nebraska’s Harlan Vice Chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and vice president for agriculture and natural resources.

Boehm will continue in the role through the spring semester before returning to a faculty role in the Department of Plant Pathology and working to help advance key university initiatives.&nbsp;Tiffany Heng-Moss, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, will serve as the interim leader of IANR starting June 1.

In a Jan. 13 message to campus, Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett praised Boehm as a trusted partner and campus leader.

“Together, we have logged countless miles traveling across the state — from Nebraska City to Scottsbluff — meeting the remarkable people who make Nebraska unique,” Bennett said in the message to campus. “His dedication to IANR, the university and the state has been inspiring and impactful, leaving a legacy of progress and collaboration.”

A celebration for Boehm and his contributions to the university will be announced.

Through the spring semester, Boehm will work closely with Heng-Moss to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

Heng-Moss has served as dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources since 2019. She led the college as interim dean from 2017 to 2019 and was associate dean for five years. She has been a faculty member at the university since 2001.

“(Heng-Moss) is deeply connected to the agricultural community across the state and around the country, and she is an accomplished educator and researcher,” Bennett said. “She is ideally situated to lead the institute during this critical period.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736885195878.png" alt="Nebraska's Mike Boehm will step down at the end of the spring semester as the University of Nebraska’s Harlan Vice Chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and vice president for agriculture and natural resources." />
 <figcaption>Nebraska's Mike Boehm will step down at the end of the spring semester as the University of Nebraska’s Harlan Vice Chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and vice president for agriculture and natural resources.</figcaption>
 </figure>University of Nebraska Communication DepartmentAfter nearly a decade of successful leadership, Mike Boehm is stepping down in the dual role as the University of Nebraska’s Harlan Vice Chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and vice president for agriculture and natural resources.Boehm will continue in the role through the spring semester before returning to a faculty role in the Department of Plant Pathology and working to help advance key university initiatives.&nbsp;Tiffany Heng-Moss, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, will serve as the interim leader of IANR starting June 1.In a Jan. 13 message to campus, Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett praised Boehm as a trusted partner and campus leader.“Together, we have logged countless miles traveling across the state — from Nebraska City to Scottsbluff — meeting the remarkable people who make Nebraska unique,” Bennett said in the message to campus. “His dedication to IANR, the university and the state has been inspiring and impactful, leaving a legacy of progress and collaboration.”A celebration for Boehm and his contributions to the university will be announced.Through the spring semester, Boehm will work closely with Heng-Moss to ensure a smooth leadership transition.Heng-Moss has served as dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources since 2019. She led the college as interim dean from 2017 to 2019 and was associate dean for five years. She has been a faculty member at the university since 2001.“(Heng-Moss) is deeply connected to the agricultural community across the state and around the country, and she is an accomplished educator and researcher,” Bennett said. “She is ideally situated to lead the institute during this critical period.”

Boehm to Step Down as IANR Leader

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen has joined 25 other Republican governors in a letter to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune requesting congressional cooperation when it comes to solidifying into law the efficiencies identified by President-elect Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

The letter emphasizes a need for the federal government to begin living within its means, and points to successes that Republican governors have had in such efforts within their own states. The letter says in part:

“Finding efficiencies in the federal government is an important first step towards the ultimate goal of balancing the federal budget. Washington needs to remove wasteful spending and balance its budget to achieve long-term fiscal stability, promote economic growth, and protect our national security.”

Including Gov. Pillen, other governors who signed the letter include: Gov. Kay Ivey (AL), Gov. Mike Dunleavy (AK), Gov. Sarah Sanders (AR), Gov. Ron DeSantis (FL), Gov. Brian Kemp (GA), Gov. Brad Little (ID), Gov. Eric Holcomb (IN), Gov. Kim Reynolds (IA), Gov. Jeff Landry (LA), Gov. Tate Reeves (MS), Gov. Mike Parson (MO), Gov. Greg Gianforte (MT), Gov. Joe Lombardo (NV), Gov. Kelly Ayotte (NH), Gov. Kelly Armstrong (ND), Gov. Mike DeWine (OH), Gov. Kevin Stitt (OK), Gov. Henry Dargan McMaster (SC), Gov. Kristi Noem (SD), Gov. Bill Lee (TN), Gov. Greg Abbott (TX), Gov. Spencer Cox (UT), Gov. Glenn Youngkin (VA), Gov. Jim Justice (WV), and Gov. Mark Gordon (WY).

A copy of the letter is included with this release.

<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/press/Final-Joint-Letter-on-DOGE.pdf">Final-Joint-Letter-on-DOGE.pdf</a>

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen has joined 25 other Republican governors in a letter to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune requesting congressional cooperation when it comes to solidifying into law the efficiencies identified by President-elect Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).The letter emphasizes a need for the federal government to begin living within its means, and points to successes that Republican governors have had in such efforts within their own states. The letter says in part:“Finding efficiencies in the federal government is an important first step towards the ultimate goal of balancing the federal budget. Washington needs to remove wasteful spending and balance its budget to achieve long-term fiscal stability, promote economic growth, and protect our national security.”Including Gov. Pillen, other governors who signed the letter include: Gov. Kay Ivey (AL), Gov. Mike Dunleavy (AK), Gov. Sarah Sanders (AR), Gov. Ron DeSantis (FL), Gov. Brian Kemp (GA), Gov. Brad Little (ID), Gov. Eric Holcomb (IN), Gov. Kim Reynolds (IA), Gov. Jeff Landry (LA), Gov. Tate Reeves (MS), Gov. Mike Parson (MO), Gov. Greg Gianforte (MT), Gov. Joe Lombardo (NV), Gov. Kelly Ayotte (NH), Gov. Kelly Armstrong (ND), Gov. Mike DeWine (OH), Gov. Kevin Stitt (OK), Gov. Henry Dargan McMaster (SC), Gov. Kristi Noem (SD), Gov. Bill Lee (TN), Gov. Greg Abbott (TX), Gov. Spencer Cox (UT), Gov. Glenn Youngkin (VA), Gov. Jim Justice (WV), and Gov. Mark Gordon (WY).A copy of the letter is included with this release.<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/press/Final-Joint-Letter-on-DOGE.pdf">Final-Joint-Letter-on-DOGE.pdf</a>

Gov. Pillen Joins Republican Governors Advocating Passage of DOGE Efficiencies

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/13/lawsuit-against-nebraska-medical-cannabis-extended-to-regulatory-board-state-agencies/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN&nbsp;—&nbsp;The targets of a legal effort arguing that Nebraska’s voter-initiated legalization of medical cannabis is federally unconstitutional have been expanded to include a new regulatory commission, the state treasurer and two state agencies.

Attorneys for John Kuehn, a former state senator, a former member of the State Board of Health and a longtime marijuana opponent, amended&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/10/new-lawsuit-seeks-to-void-nebraska-medical-cannabis-ballot-measures/">his December lawsuit</a>&nbsp;on Friday to include broader swaths of state government overseeing implementation of the new medical cannabis laws.

The lawsuit first targeted Gov. Jim Pillen and Secretary of State Bob Evnen for allowing the measures to go into law, as well as the three ballot sponsors of the effort.

“In November 2024, taxpayers paid for two statewide votes which together sought to obtain an objective that was unconstitutional, unlawful and impossible: the legalization of the manufacturing, dispensing, and profiting from marijuana products for so-called medical purposes,” the amended complaint states.

Initiative Measure 437, to legalize up to 5 ounces of medical marijuana with a doctor’s written recommendation, passed with 71% of&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/2024/2024%20General%20Canvass%20Book.pdf" target="_blank">voter support</a>. Initiative Measure 438, to create the state regulatory commission, passed with 67%&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/06/medical-cannabis-prevails-at-nebraskas-ballot-box-but-fate-depends-on-legal-challenges/">voter approval</a>.

Kuehn’s lawsuit argues that the “activist-drafted initiative measures,” whose sponsors include two of Kuehn’s former colleagues in the Legislature, had evaded any judicial review by the time of the vote.

This is the second complaint from Kuehn. His first is being&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-supreme-court-to-consider-medical-cannabis-petition-signatures-challenge/">appealed to the Nebraska Supreme Court</a>. Lancaster County District Judge Susan Strong in November&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/26/district-judge-sides-with-nebraska-medical-cannabis-ballot-sponsors-in-legal-challenge/">rejected arguments that the measures were placed on the ballot illegally</a>. A hearing on the appeal has not yet been scheduled.

Strong is presiding over Kuehn’s latest lawsuit. She was the same judge who&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/11/district-judge-lets-nebraska-medical-cannabis-laws-go-into-effect-as-second-lawsuit-continues/">rejected his last-minute attempt to block the measures from becoming law</a>. The laws&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/12/medical-cannabis-paid-sick-leave-abortion-restrictions-and-school-choice-repeal-take-effect/">took effect Dec. 12</a>.

Pillen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers have said “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/12/medical-cannabis-paid-sick-leave-abortion-restrictions-and-school-choice-repeal-take-effect/">serious issues</a>” remain whether the measures are legal under federal law or the Nebraska Constitution.

The core of Kuehn’s argument in the second case remains that no state can legalize marijuana because it remains listed as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling" target="_blank">federal Schedule I drug</a>, which is defined as having no currently accepted medical use and having a high potential for abuse. Examples include heroin, ecstasy or LSD.

The federal government has been in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-biden-dea-criminal-justice-pot-f833a8dae6ceb31a8658a5d65832a3b8" target="_blank">process of changing the classification of marijuana</a>&nbsp;to a Schedule III drug, defined as drugs with a moderate to low potential for abuse that can be accessed with a prescription. Examples include ketamine, anabolic steroids, testosterone and Tylenol with codeine.

The new lawsuit argues that once the laws are fully implemented, the State Treasurer’s Office, Department of Revenue and Department of Health and Human Services would need to unconstitutionally expend public funds and employee time to carry out the laws.

The AG’s Office, which typically defends state officials in lawsuits, declined to comment. None of the new defendants had any immediate comment.

Briese and Kamm, the lawsuit alleges, would need to violate federal money laundering laws because marijuana would be subject to sales taxes, similar to over-the-counter drugs.

And Corsi’s department would need to investigate possible disciplinary complaints against health care practitioners who recommend cannabis to Nebraskans, the lawsuit alleges, to see whether the practitioners followed their scope of practice or professional conduct, which Kuehn argues includes following federal laws. DHHS also would need to expend taxpayer dollars to issue guidance for the measures.

A DHHS spokesperson declined to comment on the lawsuit, but he confirmed the department has received no complaints related to the new laws. Department officials have issued no guidance for implementing the ballot measures.

The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission — consisting of Commissioners Bruce Bailey, Harry Hoch, Jr., and Kim Lowe and&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/2024/2024%20Ballot%20Measures%20Pamphlet.pdf" target="_blank">up to two more members</a>&nbsp;as appointed by Pillen — is required to develop regulations for allowing medical cannabis sales in the state.

By&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/26/whats-next-for-nebraska-medical-cannabis-paid-sick-leave-abortion-school-choice/">July 1</a>, the new commission must establish criteria to accept or deny applications to license establishments&nbsp;to possess, manufacture, distribute, deliver or dispense medical marijuana. By Oct. 1, the commission must begin granting those registrations.

Until that time, it is illegal to purchase marijuana in Nebraska, and multiple advocates of the measures have expressed displeasure with many doctors refusing to recommend the drug.&nbsp;Advocates have argued the drug could help with seizures, chronic pain and other drug-resistant medical conditions.

The licensing framework is similar to that of the Liquor Control Commission.&nbsp;

The delegation to the Medical Cannabis Commission is similar to voter-approved gambling initiatives in 2020, which created the Nebraska Gaming Commission. Lawmakers merged that group with the existing Nebraska Racing Commission in 2021.

Briese, a former lawmaker, oversaw legislative efforts to implement voters’ wishes of three gambling-related ballot initiatives as chair of the Legislature’s General Affairs Committee.

That legislative committee, now led by State Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue, is expected to consider any legislation to tweak the medical cannabis measures, if introduced this year.

No such proposals have been introduced so far. Bill introductions continue through Jan. 22.

“While we understand and support reasonable rules and regulations – we will NOT support legislative attempts to subvert the will of the people, such as interfering with a health care practitioner’s ability to make a recommendation for alleviation of a patient’s medical condition, its symptoms or side effects of the condition’s treatment,” the Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana campaign said Sunday in a&nbsp;<a href="https://mailchi.mp/66f7577c812b/an-important-legislative-update?e=%5BUNIQID%5D" target="_blank">statement</a>.

Kuehn’s attorneys argue that the delegation of legislative authority to the unelected medical cannabis commission effectively freezes out “all other legislative or executive efforts to ensure the public’s health, safety and welfare.”

On Thursday, Kuehn’s attorneys sent letters to the regulatory commission members, Briese and the state department directors demanding that they refuse to implement the laws. The move was similar to the December push urging that Pillen not issue proclamations making the measures law.

“No matter is of greater public concern than preventing the government from burdening the taxpayer with the administrative costs of violating federal law,” the amended lawsuit states.

The public officials did not respond to the requests from Kuehn’s attorney based in Kansas City, Missouri.

Crista Eggers, one of three sponsors for the marijuana ballot measures,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/10/new-lawsuit-seeks-to-void-nebraska-medical-cannabis-ballot-measures/">said in December</a>&nbsp;that the assertion the laws violate the U.S. Constitution “disregards decades of state-led independence and innovation.”

“Under the 10th Amendment of the Constitution, states have the right to address the unique needs of their citizens without undue interference,” Eggers, the campaign manager, said then. “The campaign remains committed to defending Nebraska’s medical cannabis laws to ensure patients and families have access to the care they deserve.”

Nebraska became the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncsl.org/health/state-medical-cannabis-laws" target="_blank">39th state</a>&nbsp;to authorize some form of medical cannabis. Nearly every state has now legalized some form of cannabis or its derivatives. About two dozen states allow recreational marijuana sales and distribution.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736884767113.jpeg" alt="Supporters of medical cannabis helped two measures reach the 2024 general election ballot, Initiatives 437 and 438. Some spoke during a public hearing at the University of Nebraska at Omaha on Oct. 25, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Supporters of medical cannabis helped two measures reach the 2024 general election ballot, Initiatives 437 and 438. Some spoke during a public hearing at the University of Nebraska at Omaha on Oct. 25, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/13/lawsuit-against-nebraska-medical-cannabis-extended-to-regulatory-board-state-agencies/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN&nbsp;—&nbsp;The targets of a legal effort arguing that Nebraska’s voter-initiated legalization of medical cannabis is federally unconstitutional have been expanded to include a new regulatory commission, the state treasurer and two state agencies.Attorneys for John Kuehn, a former state senator, a former member of the State Board of Health and a longtime marijuana opponent, amended&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/10/new-lawsuit-seeks-to-void-nebraska-medical-cannabis-ballot-measures/">his December lawsuit</a>&nbsp;on Friday to include broader swaths of state government overseeing implementation of the new medical cannabis laws.The lawsuit first targeted Gov. Jim Pillen and Secretary of State Bob Evnen for allowing the measures to go into law, as well as the three ballot sponsors of the effort.The amended complaint now adds:<ul>
 <li>The three commissioners of the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission, who, by virtue of the voter initiatives, will compose a new Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission.</li><li>State Treasurer Tom Briese and Tax Commissioner Jim Kamm of the Nebraska Department of Revenue, who will oversee the new collection of sales taxes on medical cannabis.&nbsp;</li><li>CEO Steve Corsi of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, whose department handles oversight of medical practitioners.</li>
 </ul>“In November 2024, taxpayers paid for two statewide votes which together sought to obtain an objective that was unconstitutional, unlawful and impossible: the legalization of the manufacturing, dispensing, and profiting from marijuana products for so-called medical purposes,” the amended complaint states.Initiative Measure 437, to legalize up to 5 ounces of medical marijuana with a doctor’s written recommendation, passed with 71% of&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/2024/2024%20General%20Canvass%20Book.pdf" target="_blank">voter support</a>. Initiative Measure 438, to create the state regulatory commission, passed with 67%&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/06/medical-cannabis-prevails-at-nebraskas-ballot-box-but-fate-depends-on-legal-challenges/">voter approval</a>.<h2>Laws took effect Dec. 12</h2>Kuehn’s lawsuit argues that the “activist-drafted initiative measures,” whose sponsors include two of Kuehn’s former colleagues in the Legislature, had evaded any judicial review by the time of the vote.This is the second complaint from Kuehn. His first is being&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-supreme-court-to-consider-medical-cannabis-petition-signatures-challenge/">appealed to the Nebraska Supreme Court</a>. Lancaster County District Judge Susan Strong in November&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/26/district-judge-sides-with-nebraska-medical-cannabis-ballot-sponsors-in-legal-challenge/">rejected arguments that the measures were placed on the ballot illegally</a>. A hearing on the appeal has not yet been scheduled.Strong is presiding over Kuehn’s latest lawsuit. She was the same judge who&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/11/district-judge-lets-nebraska-medical-cannabis-laws-go-into-effect-as-second-lawsuit-continues/">rejected his last-minute attempt to block the measures from becoming law</a>. The laws&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/12/medical-cannabis-paid-sick-leave-abortion-restrictions-and-school-choice-repeal-take-effect/">took effect Dec. 12</a>.Pillen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers have said “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/12/medical-cannabis-paid-sick-leave-abortion-restrictions-and-school-choice-repeal-take-effect/">serious issues</a>” remain whether the measures are legal under federal law or the Nebraska Constitution.The core of Kuehn’s argument in the second case remains that no state can legalize marijuana because it remains listed as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling" target="_blank">federal Schedule I drug</a>, which is defined as having no currently accepted medical use and having a high potential for abuse. Examples include heroin, ecstasy or LSD.The federal government has been in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-biden-dea-criminal-justice-pot-f833a8dae6ceb31a8658a5d65832a3b8" target="_blank">process of changing the classification of marijuana</a>&nbsp;to a Schedule III drug, defined as drugs with a moderate to low potential for abuse that can be accessed with a prescription. Examples include ketamine, anabolic steroids, testosterone and Tylenol with codeine.<h2>Expanded constitutional argument</h2>The new lawsuit argues that once the laws are fully implemented, the State Treasurer’s Office, Department of Revenue and Department of Health and Human Services would need to unconstitutionally expend public funds and employee time to carry out the laws.The AG’s Office, which typically defends state officials in lawsuits, declined to comment. None of the new defendants had any immediate comment.Briese and Kamm, the lawsuit alleges, would need to violate federal money laundering laws because marijuana would be subject to sales taxes, similar to over-the-counter drugs.And Corsi’s department would need to investigate possible disciplinary complaints against health care practitioners who recommend cannabis to Nebraskans, the lawsuit alleges, to see whether the practitioners followed their scope of practice or professional conduct, which Kuehn argues includes following federal laws. DHHS also would need to expend taxpayer dollars to issue guidance for the measures.A DHHS spokesperson declined to comment on the lawsuit, but he confirmed the department has received no complaints related to the new laws. Department officials have issued no guidance for implementing the ballot measures.The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission — consisting of Commissioners Bruce Bailey, Harry Hoch, Jr., and Kim Lowe and&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/2024/2024%20Ballot%20Measures%20Pamphlet.pdf" target="_blank">up to two more members</a>&nbsp;as appointed by Pillen — is required to develop regulations for allowing medical cannabis sales in the state.By&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/26/whats-next-for-nebraska-medical-cannabis-paid-sick-leave-abortion-school-choice/">July 1</a>, the new commission must establish criteria to accept or deny applications to license establishments&nbsp;to possess, manufacture, distribute, deliver or dispense medical marijuana. By Oct. 1, the commission must begin granting those registrations.Until that time, it is illegal to purchase marijuana in Nebraska, and multiple advocates of the measures have expressed displeasure with many doctors refusing to recommend the drug.&nbsp;Advocates have argued the drug could help with seizures, chronic pain and other drug-resistant medical conditions.The licensing framework is similar to that of the Liquor Control Commission.&nbsp;The delegation to the Medical Cannabis Commission is similar to voter-approved gambling initiatives in 2020, which created the Nebraska Gaming Commission. Lawmakers merged that group with the existing Nebraska Racing Commission in 2021.Briese, a former lawmaker, oversaw legislative efforts to implement voters’ wishes of three gambling-related ballot initiatives as chair of the Legislature’s General Affairs Committee.<h2>Possible legislative tweaks coming</h2>That legislative committee, now led by State Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue, is expected to consider any legislation to tweak the medical cannabis measures, if introduced this year.No such proposals have been introduced so far. Bill introductions continue through Jan. 22.“While we understand and support reasonable rules and regulations – we will NOT support legislative attempts to subvert the will of the people, such as interfering with a health care practitioner’s ability to make a recommendation for alleviation of a patient’s medical condition, its symptoms or side effects of the condition’s treatment,” the Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana campaign said Sunday in a&nbsp;<a href="https://mailchi.mp/66f7577c812b/an-important-legislative-update?e=%5BUNIQID%5D" target="_blank">statement</a>.Kuehn’s attorneys argue that the delegation of legislative authority to the unelected medical cannabis commission effectively freezes out “all other legislative or executive efforts to ensure the public’s health, safety and welfare.”On Thursday, Kuehn’s attorneys sent letters to the regulatory commission members, Briese and the state department directors demanding that they refuse to implement the laws. The move was similar to the December push urging that Pillen not issue proclamations making the measures law.“No matter is of greater public concern than preventing the government from burdening the taxpayer with the administrative costs of violating federal law,” the amended lawsuit states.The public officials did not respond to the requests from Kuehn’s attorney based in Kansas City, Missouri.<h2>10th Amendment of U.S. Constitution</h2>Crista Eggers, one of three sponsors for the marijuana ballot measures,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/10/new-lawsuit-seeks-to-void-nebraska-medical-cannabis-ballot-measures/">said in December</a>&nbsp;that the assertion the laws violate the U.S. Constitution “disregards decades of state-led independence and innovation.”“Under the 10th Amendment of the Constitution, states have the right to address the unique needs of their citizens without undue interference,” Eggers, the campaign manager, said then. “The campaign remains committed to defending Nebraska’s medical cannabis laws to ensure patients and families have access to the care they deserve.”Nebraska became the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncsl.org/health/state-medical-cannabis-laws" target="_blank">39th state</a>&nbsp;to authorize some form of medical cannabis. Nearly every state has now legalized some form of cannabis or its derivatives. About two dozen states allow recreational marijuana sales and distribution.

Lawsuit Against Nebraska Medical Cannabis Extended to Regulatory Board, State Agencies

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen issued the following statement concerning recent action by the Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC), including the election of new leadership.

“I offer my congratulations to Commissioner Tim Schram and Commissioner Kevin Stocker on their elections last week as chairman and vice chair, respectively. I also express my gratitude to the conservative majority of the commission who voted to return PSC staff to the office by restoring pre-COVID office work policies. This directive was long overdue and catches this independent agency up with the rest of state government which, pursuant to my own executive order (EO 23-17), was ordered back to the workplace.

I call upon the PSC to hold its staff accountable in enforcing this directive, so that taxpayers receive the value and productivity they deserve out of this important agency. The PSC has critical work in its portfolio, including regulating much of Nebraska’s 911 system. That work deserves the full-time, in-person attention of both the commissioners and staff of the agency.”

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen issued the following statement concerning recent action by the Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC), including the election of new leadership.“I offer my congratulations to Commissioner Tim Schram and Commissioner Kevin Stocker on their elections last week as chairman and vice chair, respectively. I also express my gratitude to the conservative majority of the commission who voted to return PSC staff to the office by restoring pre-COVID office work policies. This directive was long overdue and catches this independent agency up with the rest of state government which, pursuant to my own executive order (EO 23-17), was ordered back to the workplace.I call upon the PSC to hold its staff accountable in enforcing this directive, so that taxpayers receive the value and productivity they deserve out of this important agency. The PSC has critical work in its portfolio, including regulating much of Nebraska’s 911 system. That work deserves the full-time, in-person attention of both the commissioners and staff of the agency.”

 Gov. Pillen Issues Statement Regarding New PSC Leadership and Return to Office Resolution

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/13/gov-pillen-ne-lawmakers-take-aim-at-social-media-and-school-time-cell-phone-use-by-youths/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraskans under age 18 would need parental permission before opening a social media account under new legislation to be considered this year by state lawmakers.

The measure, to be introduced by State Sen. Tanya Storer of Whitman, was among four proposals promoted Monday by Gov. Jim Pillen and Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers at a news conference announcing legislation aimed at “protecting our kids” from online abuse and “addictive” phone apps and online services.

“Just as a parent must consent for a child to get their ears pierced, (consent) should also be required for access to platforms that collect personal data and expose children to potential harm,” Storer said during the event at the Governor’s Office that drew nine state senators.

“Social media poses inherent risk, and parents deserve the tools to make informed decisions about their children’s online safety,” said the newly elected lawmaker.

Storer and others at the event said state government needs to play a more active role in a minor’s access to online technology — as, they said, social media opens the door to bullying, sexual predators and a rise in mental health problems, including unhealthy obsessions with body flaws and higher risks of suicidal thoughts.

Under the Parental Rights in Social Media Act, which has yet to be formally introduced, social media companies would be required to verify age and get parental consent for a minor to create a social media account, Storer said.

Companies that do not follow the law would face civil violations, including a $2,500 fine per offense.

The bill, Storer said, was modeled after a Florida law that took effect this year, though it is less restrictive. Under the Florida law, social media sites are required to delete existing accounts for youths under age 14 within 90 days or face fines of up to $50,000.&nbsp;

Minors who are 14 and 15 years old can be on social media if they have parental consent. (The Florida attorney general is not enforcing the law pending a judge’s ruling on a request for a preliminary injunction.)

Just as a parent must consent for a child to get their ears pierced, (consent) should also be required for access to platforms that collect personal data and expose children to potential harm.

– State Sen. Tanya Storer of Whitman

Storer said the Nebraska proposal, as drafted, would not be “retroactive” and would not call for existing accounts to be deleted. As currently designed, she said, parental consent would be necessary for any social media accounts after the law takes effect.

“This isn’t a ban,” Storer said. “It’s simply giving parents the control to monitor.”

ACLU Nebraska, a nonprofit civil rights watchdog, said it had not yet seen the bill’s language and therefore could not fully react. But spokesman Sam Petto said he anticipates that the ACLU would have concerns regarding free speech rights.

For his part, Pillen said online technology is “not the real world” and needs regulation that Nebraska should have had two years ago.

Hilgers noted that he has four children. He said today’s pressures on kids, especially girls, from the digital and online world are unlike any other time in history.

Other legislative proposals announced during the news conference included:

LB 140, by State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, would require all school boards of a public school district to develop and establish a policy restricting student use of cellphones while in school, on school property or attending a school function.

Some districts, including Bellevue Public Schools, already have adopted restrictive guidelines, Sanders said. She noted that her proposal leaves “local control” for districts to craft guidelines for an approach that fits with needs of their area — be it rural, suburban or urban.

Sanders said her motive is to support the academic growth of students by creating a learning environment free of “distractions.”

“We know how distracting our cell phones can be,” she said. “We know that the phone usage has been found to correlate with lower test scores.”

The proposal allows school districts to lay out exceptions for emergencies or special circumstances, including when cell phones are authorized by a teacher or necessary for health reasons.

Petto said he doesn’t foresee ACLU Nebraska opposing that bill, and is pleased to see that Sanders considered exceptions for students with special needs and disabilities and also that it does not focus on looking at the content on a cell phone.

If adopted, the law would take effect prior to the next school year.

While Pillen encouraged “no phones bell to bell,” he also went as far as to recommend what he admitted can not be enforced: a “no phones in bed” rule for youths.&nbsp;

“We obviously can’t legislate it,” Pillen said of the bed rule. But, he added, “Seriously, grandparents, parents, if you’re allowing your child to take a phone to bed you’re absolutely hampering that child … that’s pure science out there.”

LB 172, introduced by State Sen. Brian Hardin of Gering and supported by Pillen and Hilgers, would outlaw computer-generated child pornography.

Currently, Hardin said, state law does not clearly define or prohibit the creation of sexually exploitative material made by artificial intelligence or through the digital manipulation of a youth’s picture or video.

Violation of the “Child Pornography Prevention Act” would be a felony offense. Hardin said it provides tools for law enforcement officials to investigate and stop such actions.

State Sen. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln said she plans to introduce the “Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act” targeting social media companies at the design stage.

“This bill says algorithms shouldn’t track children,” Bosn said of the bill. Since the bill has not been formally introduced, the ACLU said it could not fully size up its potential impact.

According to Bosn, the legislation puts “the best interests of children over company profits” and would give parents “the ability to have control over the child’s private information through accessible and easy to use tools without undermining the First Amendment.”

Officials said the bill requires social media and other online services to design features that prevent: compulsive use of their product; severe psychological harm such as anxiety and depression; identity theft and privacy violations.

It requires social media companies to provide parents the ability to manage their child’s privacy and account settings and to restrict the hours of use of these services.

Hilgers said he considers all the measures enforceable.

“Some of the biggest threats to children originate online, through cell phones, social media and child sexual abuse material,” he said.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736884618181.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue speaks at a news conference Monday during which Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers and lawmakers took aim at social media and school-hours cell phone use by Nebraska youths. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue speaks at a news conference Monday during which Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers and lawmakers took aim at social media and school-hours cell phone use by Nebraska youths. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/13/gov-pillen-ne-lawmakers-take-aim-at-social-media-and-school-time-cell-phone-use-by-youths/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraskans under age 18 would need parental permission before opening a social media account under new legislation to be considered this year by state lawmakers.The measure, to be introduced by State Sen. Tanya Storer of Whitman, was among four proposals promoted Monday by Gov. Jim Pillen and Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers at a news conference announcing legislation aimed at “protecting our kids” from online abuse and “addictive” phone apps and online services.“Just as a parent must consent for a child to get their ears pierced, (consent) should also be required for access to platforms that collect personal data and expose children to potential harm,” Storer said during the event at the Governor’s Office that drew nine state senators.“Social media poses inherent risk, and parents deserve the tools to make informed decisions about their children’s online safety,” said the newly elected lawmaker.Storer and others at the event said state government needs to play a more active role in a minor’s access to online technology — as, they said, social media opens the door to bullying, sexual predators and a rise in mental health problems, including unhealthy obsessions with body flaws and higher risks of suicidal thoughts.Under the Parental Rights in Social Media Act, which has yet to be formally introduced, social media companies would be required to verify age and get parental consent for a minor to create a social media account, Storer said.Companies that do not follow the law would face civil violations, including a $2,500 fine per offense.<h2>‘Not the real world’</h2>The bill, Storer said, was modeled after a Florida law that took effect this year, though it is less restrictive. Under the Florida law, social media sites are required to delete existing accounts for youths under age 14 within 90 days or face fines of up to $50,000.&nbsp;Minors who are 14 and 15 years old can be on social media if they have parental consent. (The Florida attorney general is not enforcing the law pending a judge’s ruling on a request for a preliminary injunction.)Just as a parent must consent for a child to get their ears pierced, (consent) should also be required for access to platforms that collect personal data and expose children to potential harm.– State Sen. Tanya Storer of WhitmanStorer said the Nebraska proposal, as drafted, would not be “retroactive” and would not call for existing accounts to be deleted. As currently designed, she said, parental consent would be necessary for any social media accounts after the law takes effect.“This isn’t a ban,” Storer said. “It’s simply giving parents the control to monitor.”ACLU Nebraska, a nonprofit civil rights watchdog, said it had not yet seen the bill’s language and therefore could not fully react. But spokesman Sam Petto said he anticipates that the ACLU would have concerns regarding free speech rights.For his part, Pillen said online technology is “not the real world” and needs regulation that Nebraska should have had two years ago.Hilgers noted that he has four children. He said today’s pressures on kids, especially girls, from the digital and online world are unlike any other time in history.<h2>Other legislation</h2>Other legislative proposals announced during the news conference included:LB 140, by State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, would require all school boards of a public school district to develop and establish a policy restricting student use of cellphones while in school, on school property or attending a school function.Some districts, including Bellevue Public Schools, already have adopted restrictive guidelines, Sanders said. She noted that her proposal leaves “local control” for districts to craft guidelines for an approach that fits with needs of their area — be it rural, suburban or urban.Sanders said her motive is to support the academic growth of students by creating a learning environment free of “distractions.”“We know how distracting our cell phones can be,” she said. “We know that the phone usage has been found to correlate with lower test scores.”The proposal allows school districts to lay out exceptions for emergencies or special circumstances, including when cell phones are authorized by a teacher or necessary for health reasons.Petto said he doesn’t foresee ACLU Nebraska opposing that bill, and is pleased to see that Sanders considered exceptions for students with special needs and disabilities and also that it does not focus on looking at the content on a cell phone.If adopted, the law would take effect prior to the next school year.While Pillen encouraged “no phones bell to bell,” he also went as far as to recommend what he admitted can not be enforced: a “no phones in bed” rule for youths.&nbsp;“We obviously can’t legislate it,” Pillen said of the bed rule. But, he added, “Seriously, grandparents, parents, if you’re allowing your child to take a phone to bed you’re absolutely hampering that child … that’s pure science out there.”LB 172, introduced by State Sen. Brian Hardin of Gering and supported by Pillen and Hilgers, would outlaw computer-generated child pornography.Currently, Hardin said, state law does not clearly define or prohibit the creation of sexually exploitative material made by artificial intelligence or through the digital manipulation of a youth’s picture or video.Violation of the “Child Pornography Prevention Act” would be a felony offense. Hardin said it provides tools for law enforcement officials to investigate and stop such actions.State Sen. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln said she plans to introduce the “Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act” targeting social media companies at the design stage.“This bill says algorithms shouldn’t track children,” Bosn said of the bill. Since the bill has not been formally introduced, the ACLU said it could not fully size up its potential impact.According to Bosn, the legislation puts “the best interests of children over company profits” and would give parents “the ability to have control over the child’s private information through accessible and easy to use tools without undermining the First Amendment.”Officials said the bill requires social media and other online services to design features that prevent: compulsive use of their product; severe psychological harm such as anxiety and depression; identity theft and privacy violations.It requires social media companies to provide parents the ability to manage their child’s privacy and account settings and to restrict the hours of use of these services.Hilgers said he considers all the measures enforceable.“Some of the biggest threats to children originate online, through cell phones, social media and child sexual abuse material,” he said.&nbsp;

Gov. Pillen, Lawmakers Take Aim at Youth Social Media and Cell Phone Use

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/13/first-time-homebuyer-savings-account-new-sales-taxes-proposed-by-nebraska-senators/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A state lawmaker seeking a universal homestead exemption for Nebraska homeowners is also proposing tax incentives for new first-time homebuyer savings accounts.

State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59387" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 151</a>&nbsp;to create the “First-Time Homebuyers Savings Account Act.” It would allow taxpayers to annually offset a certain portion of federal adjusted gross income into the savings account —&nbsp;$4,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint tax return, or $2,000 for others with the new account.&nbsp;

The maximum values would increase with inflation starting in 2027. Tax-deductible contributions could continue for up to 10 calendar years, or the date of the account holder’s first withdrawal of funds not related to qualified home purchases.

Cavanaugh said the goal is “to make the dream of home ownership a little bit more realistic for more Nebraskans.”

<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59327" target="_blank">LB 152</a>, also from Cavanaugh, reintroduces a proposal from the Legislature’s summer special session on property taxes. It would offer tax relief targeting owner-occupied properties — a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/ne-lawmaker-calls-proposed-homestead-exemption-universal-relief-for-husker-homeowners/">homestead exemption for the first&nbsp;</a><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/ne-lawmaker-calls-proposed-homestead-exemption-universal-relief-for-husker-homeowners/">$100,000&nbsp;</a>of a home’s value —&nbsp;rather than giving relief to “big out-of-state property owners,” such as Ted Turner or Bill Gates.

Cavanaugh estimated it could provide about $2,000 in targeted relief for average homeowners in Douglas County at less cost than similar relief efforts for all owners, including corporations or those living out of state.

Lawmakers also have begun to introduce measures to expand the state sales taxes to more goods or services that currently aren’t taxed, partly to fund new tax relief programs.

Among those are&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59353" target="_blank">LB 169</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59157" target="_blank">LB 170</a>, from State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth. State Sen. Myron Dorn of Adams is cosponsoring both measures.

LB 169 would extend the tax to two dozen “luxury” items, such as lobbying or dating services, and that Brandt coined as “low-hanging fruit.” The taxes would begin Oct. 1.&nbsp;

The items are similar to those identified by former Omaha State Sens. Lou Ann Linehan and Justin Wayne at the end of the summer special session.&nbsp;

A majority of lawmakers in summer 2024&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/02/a-timeline-of-the-nebraska-legislatures-summer-property-tax-debate-april-18-to-aug-21/">refused to eliminate some sales tax exemptions</a>, even as the list of possible targets dwindled from&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/14/gov-pillens-property-tax-plan-would-add-new-taxes-on-120-goods-and-services-draft-indicates/">more than 120</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/property-tax-debate-to-pick-up-friday-as-nebraska-lawmakers-continue-to-seek-broader-relief/">12</a>&nbsp;by the end of the summer.

Brandt’s list, estimated to bring in $25-30 million annually, includes:

As drafted, the bill would also add sales taxes to household pet veterinary services and to memberships to or purchases by accredited zoos or aquariums. Brandt said that isn’t his intent and that he would amend his bill with help from the Revenue Committee.

In 2024, lawmakers defined massages as part of health care, and Brandt said he and about four or five lawmakers who helped craft the list could find another exemption to remove.

Asked what’s different now from last summer, Brandt said: 17 new senators.

“It’s always good to get a breath of fresh air in the chamber, and I think it’s good that they’ll come in with an open mind, take a fresh look at this, and the fact that we’re starting out $432 million in the hole,” Brandt said, referring to a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/07/speaker-arch-nebraska-budget-without-a-doubt-biggest-issue-of-2025-session/">projected state budget shortfall</a>&nbsp;by summer 2027.

Brandt’s LB 170 would add sales taxes to soft drinks and candy, defined as:

Brandt also introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58969" target="_blank">LB 171</a>, which would pause the state’s multi-year plan to reduce top income and corporate tax rates. Instead of going down to 3.99% by the start of 2027, the top tax rates would freeze at 4.99% for taxable years after Jan. 1, 2026.

“They are forecasting better times ahead, and I certainly hope they’re correct, but on the off chance that that doesn’t happen and they needed to do something, it would be sitting there,” Brandt said of his bill.

Those proposals were among&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/calendar/legislation.php?day=2025-01-13" target="_blank">67 bills or constitutional amendments</a>&nbsp;introduced Monday, as introductions continue through Jan. 22.

Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/13/first-time-homebuyer-savings-account-new-sales-taxes-proposed-by-nebraska-senators/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A state lawmaker seeking a universal homestead exemption for Nebraska homeowners is also proposing tax incentives for new first-time homebuyer savings accounts.State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59387" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 151</a>&nbsp;to create the “First-Time Homebuyers Savings Account Act.” It would allow taxpayers to annually offset a certain portion of federal adjusted gross income into the savings account —&nbsp;$4,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint tax return, or $2,000 for others with the new account.&nbsp;The maximum values would increase with inflation starting in 2027. Tax-deductible contributions could continue for up to 10 calendar years, or the date of the account holder’s first withdrawal of funds not related to qualified home purchases.Cavanaugh said the goal is “to make the dream of home ownership a little bit more realistic for more Nebraskans.”<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59327" target="_blank">LB 152</a>, also from Cavanaugh, reintroduces a proposal from the Legislature’s summer special session on property taxes. It would offer tax relief targeting owner-occupied properties — a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/ne-lawmaker-calls-proposed-homestead-exemption-universal-relief-for-husker-homeowners/">homestead exemption for the first&nbsp;</a><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/ne-lawmaker-calls-proposed-homestead-exemption-universal-relief-for-husker-homeowners/">$100,000&nbsp;</a>of a home’s value —&nbsp;rather than giving relief to “big out-of-state property owners,” such as Ted Turner or Bill Gates.Cavanaugh estimated it could provide about $2,000 in targeted relief for average homeowners in Douglas County at less cost than similar relief efforts for all owners, including corporations or those living out of state.<h2>Proposed sales tax expansion</h2>Lawmakers also have begun to introduce measures to expand the state sales taxes to more goods or services that currently aren’t taxed, partly to fund new tax relief programs.Among those are&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59353" target="_blank">LB 169</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59157" target="_blank">LB 170</a>, from State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth. State Sen. Myron Dorn of Adams is cosponsoring both measures.LB 169 would extend the tax to two dozen “luxury” items, such as lobbying or dating services, and that Brandt coined as “low-hanging fruit.” The taxes would begin Oct. 1.&nbsp;The items are similar to those identified by former Omaha State Sens. Lou Ann Linehan and Justin Wayne at the end of the summer special session.&nbsp;A majority of lawmakers in summer 2024&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/09/02/a-timeline-of-the-nebraska-legislatures-summer-property-tax-debate-april-18-to-aug-21/">refused to eliminate some sales tax exemptions</a>, even as the list of possible targets dwindled from&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/14/gov-pillens-property-tax-plan-would-add-new-taxes-on-120-goods-and-services-draft-indicates/">more than 120</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/property-tax-debate-to-pick-up-friday-as-nebraska-lawmakers-continue-to-seek-broader-relief/">12</a>&nbsp;by the end of the summer.Brandt’s list, estimated to bring in $25-30 million annually, includes:<ul>
 <li>Pet grooming services.</li><li>Tattoos and body modification services.</li><li>Nail care services.</li><li>Hair care and removal services (but not hair cuts).</li><li>Skin care services.</li><li>Dry cleaning services.</li><li>Local passenger transportation by chartered road vehicles, such as limousines and similar “luxury” vehicles.</li><li>Sightseeing services by ground vehicles.</li><li>Travel agency services.</li><li>Weight loss services.</li><li>Telefloral delivery services.</li><li>Dating services.</li><li>Golf, dance and tennis lessons.</li><li>Swimming pool cleaning and maintenance services.</li><li>Interior design and decorating services.</li><li>Lobbying services.</li><li>Marketing and telemarketing services.</li><li>Chartered flights.</li><li>Massage services.</li><li>Pinball machines.</li><li>Film rentals.</li><li>Certain purchases by museums, including fine art.</li><li>Historic automobile museum sales, leases, rentals, storage or use.</li><li>Admissions to nationally accredited nonprofit zoos or aquariums.</li>
 </ul>As drafted, the bill would also add sales taxes to household pet veterinary services and to memberships to or purchases by accredited zoos or aquariums. Brandt said that isn’t his intent and that he would amend his bill with help from the Revenue Committee.In 2024, lawmakers defined massages as part of health care, and Brandt said he and about four or five lawmakers who helped craft the list could find another exemption to remove.<h2>‘A breath of fresh air’</h2>Asked what’s different now from last summer, Brandt said: 17 new senators.“It’s always good to get a breath of fresh air in the chamber, and I think it’s good that they’ll come in with an open mind, take a fresh look at this, and the fact that we’re starting out $432 million in the hole,” Brandt said, referring to a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/07/speaker-arch-nebraska-budget-without-a-doubt-biggest-issue-of-2025-session/">projected state budget shortfall</a>&nbsp;by summer 2027.Brandt’s LB 170 would add sales taxes to soft drinks and candy, defined as:<ul>
 <li>Soft drinks — Nonalcoholic beverages that contain natural or artificial sweeteners. The bill would not tax beverages with milk or milk products; soy, rice or similar milk substitutes; or that contain greater than 50% of vegetable or fruit juice by volume.</li><li>Candy — Preparation of sugar, honey or other natural or artificial sweeteners combined with chocolate, fruits, nuts or other ingredients or flavorings in the form of bars, drops or pieces. Such foods that are prepared with flour or that need refrigeration would not be taxed.</li>
 </ul>Brandt also introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58969" target="_blank">LB 171</a>, which would pause the state’s multi-year plan to reduce top income and corporate tax rates. Instead of going down to 3.99% by the start of 2027, the top tax rates would freeze at 4.99% for taxable years after Jan. 1, 2026.“They are forecasting better times ahead, and I certainly hope they’re correct, but on the off chance that that doesn’t happen and they needed to do something, it would be sitting there,” Brandt said of his bill.<h2>Other new proposals</h2>Those proposals were among&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/calendar/legislation.php?day=2025-01-13" target="_blank">67 bills or constitutional amendments</a>&nbsp;introduced Monday, as introductions continue through Jan. 22.Other items introduced Monday include:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59361" target="_blank">LB 131</a>, by State Sen. Tony Sorrentino of Omaha, would open up state educational savings plans for college to include private elementary and secondary schools.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58971" target="_blank">LB 137</a>, by State Sen. George Dungan of Lincoln, would prohibit homeowners associations from restricting the installation of solar panels or pollinator gardens.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58954" target="_blank">LB 141</a>, by State Sen. Victor Rountree of Bellevue, would require credible reports of child abuse or neglect of a member of a military family to be reported to the appropriate military authorities and any appropriate military family advocacy program established to address child abuse and neglect in military families.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58865" target="_blank">LB 143</a>, also by Rountree, would require local K-12 schools to accept children of military families for preliminary enrollment, regardless of whether the child has an individualized family service plan, individualized education plan, requires special accommodations or services under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or receives special education.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59054" target="_blank">LB 147</a>, by State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, would allow school districts to suspend students in pre-kindergarten through second grade.&nbsp;The prohibition started in 2023 led by State Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha. He had argued that it was hard for young students to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/01/18/omaha-senator-pushes-parole-board-changes-marijuana-decriminalization/">bounce back after being suspended</a>&nbsp;and that suspensions&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ketv.com/article/omaha-teachers-question-suspension-law/60336070" target="_blank">disproportionately impacted students of color</a>.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58835" target="_blank">LB 155</a>, by State Sen. Brian Hardin of Gering, would allow people to use deadly force to defend their vehicles from carjacking, unless they were the initial aggressor.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59138" target="_blank">LB 165</a>, from State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, would allow municipalities or counties to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/legislature-passes-nebraska-needle-exchange-program/">authorize syringe services programs</a>&nbsp;to distribute hypodermic, sterile syringes to reduce the spread of infectious diseases. The bill addresses one of the concerns Gov. Jim Pillen raised when he&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Untitled.pdf">vetoed</a>&nbsp;Hunt’s measure in 2024: whether minors could access the programs. One lawmaker who sustained Pillen’s veto, after voting for the bill, co-sponsored Hunt’s measure: State Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue. Hunt fell&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=10299" target="_blank">three votes short</a>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/03/12/lawmakers-fail-to-override-veto-of-nebraska-safe-syringe-programs/">overriding</a>&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/pillen-vetoes-nebraska-safe-syringes-program-legislation-as-expected/">veto</a>.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59182" target="_blank">LB 189</a>, by State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, would create baseline standards for paid family and medical leave, beginning Jan. 1, 2028.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59588" target="_blank">LB 190</a>, also by Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, would require the Legislature’s Performance Audit Committee to create a rotating schedule so that all state agencies are audited every five years, rather than on a case-by-case basis.</li><li><a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58805" target="_blank">Legislative Resolutions 10CA</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58806" target="_blank">11CA</a>, also by Hardin, would impose consumption or excise taxes on all new goods and services, except groceries (10CA), and eliminate all taxes other than retail consumption and excise taxes (11CA). The effort is the “EPIC Option,” to eliminate property, income and corporate taxes.</li>
 </ul>

First-time Homebuyer Savings Accounts, New Sales Taxes Proposed by Nebraska Senators

Confirmation hearings for&nbsp;Donald Trump’s&nbsp;cabinet picks began Tuesday. Senators on the Armed Service Committee questioned defense secretary, nominee Pete Hegseth.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/event/senate-committee/defense-secretary-nominee-pete-hegseth-testifies-at-confirmation-hearing/429823">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;a replay of the hearing

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736865351790.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Confirmation hearings for&nbsp;Donald Trump’s&nbsp;cabinet picks began Tuesday. Senators on the Armed Service Committee questioned defense secretary, nominee Pete Hegseth.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/event/senate-committee/defense-secretary-nominee-pete-hegseth-testifies-at-confirmation-hearing/429823">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;a replay of the hearing<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Discouraging the use of the words “mom and dad” at our military academies is nuts and so are racial quotas for officers. Our military needs to get out of the DEI business and focus on lethality. Period. <a href="https://t.co/DgZGuNlZ7h">pic.twitter.com/DgZGuNlZ7h</a>&mdash; Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Eric_Schmitt/status/1879264783456965079?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;I appreciate your service to our nation. It&#39;s something that I know you are very proud of and it is something that we have in common and that we share.&quot; WATCH: Complete exchange between <a href="https://twitter.com/SenJoniErnst?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenJoniErnst</a> and Defense Secretary Nominee Pete Hegseth. <a href="https://t.co/ichJIGfdwZ">pic.twitter.com/ichJIGfdwZ</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1879252453016678571?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;Anonymous smears.&quot; Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth responds to several questions from <a href="https://twitter.com/SenMarkKelly?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenMarkKelly</a> regarding statements about Hegseth&#39;s past personal behavior. <a href="https://t.co/yLKgMITr8M">pic.twitter.com/yLKgMITr8M</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1879239114807034006?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenMullin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenMullin</a>: &quot;How many senators have shown up drunk to vote at night?...And how many senators do you know have gotten divorced for cheating on their wives...it&#39;s for show....it is so ridiculous you guys hold yourselves to a higher standard.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/6OICfbzsjo">pic.twitter.com/6OICfbzsjo</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1879225972488032392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) criticizes Pete Hegseth for having never managed an organization of more than 100 people.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorWicker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenatorWicker</a>: &quot;Mr. Hegseth, it seems to me that you&#39;ve supervised far more people than the average United States Senator supervises.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/X9zi3xTZjv">pic.twitter.com/X9zi3xTZjv</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1879223729986682970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenWarren?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenWarren</a>: &quot;You&#39;re quite sure that every general who serves should not go directly into the defense industry for 10 years. You&#39;re not willing to make that same pledge? Pete Hegseth: &quot;I&#39;m not a general, Senator.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/X2IcnoRAzR">pic.twitter.com/X2IcnoRAzR</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1879218809090813965?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenTimKaine?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenTimKaine</a> to Pete Hegseth: &quot;You had fathered a child two months before by a woman that was not your wife...Can you so casually cheat on a second wife and cheat on the mother of a child that had been born two months before and you tell us you&#39;re completely cleared?&quot; <a href="https://t.co/JxLAo1ctvt">pic.twitter.com/JxLAo1ctvt</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1879215000268521736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sen. <a href="https://twitter.com/maziehirono?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@maziehirono</a>: Would you carry out an order from President Trump to seize Greenland...by force or would you comply with an order to take over the Panama Canal? Pete Hegseth: I will emphasize that President Trump received 77 million votes to be the lawful Commander-in-chief. <a href="https://t.co/SWKkhgDQoH">pic.twitter.com/SWKkhgDQoH</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1879209803446194178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;You will have to change how you see women to do this job well and I don&#39;t know if you are capable of that.&quot; Full exchange between <a href="https://twitter.com/SenGillibrand?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenGillibrand</a> and Pete Hegseth on women and LGBTQ serving in the military. <a href="https://t.co/UkSMppbJDF">pic.twitter.com/UkSMppbJDF</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1879202428546941075?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenGillibrand?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenGillibrand</a> to Pete Hegseth: &quot;What&#39;s wrong with a mom, by the way? Once you have babies you therefore are no longer able to be lethal? You&#39;re basically saying women after they have children can&#39;t ever serve in the military in a combat role. It&#39;s a silly thing to say.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/81oehgr1Pr">pic.twitter.com/81oehgr1Pr</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1879199920688635943?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Exchange between <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorShaheen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenatorShaheen</a> and Defense Secretary Nominee Pete Hegseth on women in the military. <a href="https://t.co/hgYYL4S00i">pic.twitter.com/hgYYL4S00i</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1879199544103043384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Trump's Nominee for Defense Secretary Grilled on Qualifications

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/13/lawmaker-revives-proposal-to-hold-nebraska-schools-liable-for-some-child-sexual-assaults/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;A state lawmaker is seeking to uphold her promise to a Lincoln family to fight for and revive a 2024 vetoed proposal for families to sue public schools in&nbsp;some&nbsp;cases of child sexual assault.

State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/Intro/LB156.pdf" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 156</a>&nbsp;on Monday as a revived version of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50137" target="_blank">LB 25 of 2024</a>, which Gov. Jim Pillen&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/24/pillen-vetoes-nebraska-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse-proposal/">vetoed</a>&nbsp;after lawmakers had already&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/18/nebraska-lawmakers-adjourn-but-break-will-be-short-lived-as-special-session-looms-this-summer/">adjourned</a>&nbsp;the 2024 legislative session, preventing any attempt at a possible veto override. The new bill is narrower, applying only to sexual assaults of children in school settings.

Conrad said the legislation comes in response to a string of Nebraska Supreme Court decisions that closed the courthouse doors for families to allege negligence against political subdivisions in cases more broadly including&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/06/nebraska-supreme-court-dismisses-foster-care-abuse-case-against-dhhs-expands-immunity/">abuse of children in foster care</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/26/nebraska-corrections-officials-face-another-lawsuit-over-slaying-of-inmate-in-a-double-bunked-cell/">deaths of state prisoners</a>.

“The point is quite simple: When a citizen is hurt by their government they should have access to recourse,” Conrad told the Nebraska Examiner. “It’s our job to fight for citizens, not to give big government special favors and immunities when they hurt their citizens.”

Conrad’s legislation would allow lawsuits arising out of sexual assaults of children that occurred:

LB 25 would have allowed lawsuits beyond direct ties to a school, when the child abuse or sexual assault of a child was the “proximate result” of the failure of&nbsp;any&nbsp;political subdivision or an employee to exercise “reasonable care” to protect the child.

Private schools can already be sued and held liable in these instances.

LB 25 was led by former State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha, then chair of the Judiciary Committee. Pillen vetoed the bill days after it passed in a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=11138" target="_blank">28-17</a>&nbsp;vote, having received broad support across the proverbial aisle.

The governor had argued that Wayne’s legislation, one of many since&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://law.justia.com/cases/nebraska/supreme-court/2020/s-19-726.html" target="_blank">Moser v. State</a>&nbsp;(2020) decision by the Nebraska Supreme Court&nbsp;prohibited similar lawsuits against state or local government, was “overly broad.” Pillen said it would “substantially erode” decades-old sovereign immunity protections.

“We must hold perpetrators accountable and protect children from abuse by enforcing the criminal laws that exist and by targeting the wrongdoer,” Pillen said in his veto letter. “Taxpayers should not bear this burden.”

Laura Strimple, a spokesperson for the governor, had said several criminal and civil remedies already existed and that Pillen would fight “soft-on-crime efforts to water down those protections,” in addition to ones like LB 25 that she said could open the “floodgates” to trial lawyers and “frivolous lawsuits.”

Former State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/09/lawmakers-seek-to-hold-public-schools-state-employees-liable-for-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse/">challenged opponents</a>&nbsp;arguing LB 25 would raise taxes, asking: “How many child molesters is your school district employing if it’s going to impact your bottom line?”

Other supporters of the law have said the lawsuits would allow an attempt, but not a guarantee, at financial rewards that could help a child with medical care or counseling that they might need for the rest of their lives.

Conrad and Wayne, both lawyers, have said attorneys have an ethical duty against filing frivolous claims.

One of the faces behind the LB 25 measure, and others like it, goes back to 2016 —&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/25/we-were-so-close-nebraska-mother-responds-to-veto-of-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse-bill/">Loree Woods and her daughter Taylor Woods</a>.

Loree Woods had testified multiple times on behalf of her daughter, including most recently in August, during the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/04/second-attempt-made-to-let-nebraska-families-sue-local-government-in-cases-of-child-abuse-sexual-assault-death/">summer special session</a>&nbsp;on property taxes, detailing how 19-year-old Taylor Woods was sexually assaulted in October 2016 while in the care of Lincoln Public Schools.&nbsp;

Taylor Woods was in a program to help prepare students with disabilities, primarily aged 18 to 21, for a positive transition to adulthood.

The day after Pillen’s veto, Loree Woods joined Conrad to talk with reporters, saying her daughter’s life had been defined by trauma and fear since her assault.

“If you could live in her head for one day, you would not want to be a part of that,” she said of her daughter, now 27, who would have been too old to benefit from the law change.

The Nebraska Supreme Court decided in&nbsp;2020, in Moser v. State, that cases arising from assault or battery precluded any lawsuits against political subdivisions under the State Tort Claims Act and Political Subdivisions Tort Claims Act.&nbsp;

The Woods family was scheduled for a court date just weeks&nbsp;after the Moser decision, leading to the Woods’ case being dismissed.

Conrad said the Nebraska Supreme Court had for decades “struck the right balance” between government immunity and citizens seeking justice.&nbsp;But she pointed to decisions like Moser v. State, related to a state prisoner’s death, and&nbsp;<a href="https://law.justia.com/cases/nebraska/supreme-court/2024/s-21-1037.html" target="_blank">Joshua v. State</a>&nbsp;in May 2024,&nbsp;related to foster care abuse, as tipping points.

She said Pillen “needlessly and heartlessly” vetoed the measure that Conrad had pledged to the Woods family to continue highlighting after Wayne and after lawmakers left the Legislature.&nbsp;

Part of LB 156, Conrad said, is paying respects to Loree Woods and her husband, Roger, who died in a September accident. She shared a letter she had received from Taylor Woods.

“It will keep me and my peep’s safe again,” Taylor Woods wrote in a letter to Conrad. “I am a very strong girl and want you to tell my story just like my mom. I am proud of myself and proud of you caring about me and my friends.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736874272815.jpeg" alt="A letter from Taylor Woods of Lincoln, a survivor of sexual assault at 19 years old while she was in a transitionary Lincoln Public Schools program for adults with disabilities, to State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln sits on Conrad’s desk in the legislative chamber on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>A letter from Taylor Woods of Lincoln, a survivor of sexual assault at 19 years old while she was in a transitionary Lincoln Public Schools program for adults with disabilities, to State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln sits on Conrad’s desk in the legislative chamber on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/13/lawmaker-revives-proposal-to-hold-nebraska-schools-liable-for-some-child-sexual-assaults/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN —&nbsp;A state lawmaker is seeking to uphold her promise to a Lincoln family to fight for and revive a 2024 vetoed proposal for families to sue public schools in&nbsp;some&nbsp;cases of child sexual assault.State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/Intro/LB156.pdf" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 156</a>&nbsp;on Monday as a revived version of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50137" target="_blank">LB 25 of 2024</a>, which Gov. Jim Pillen&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/24/pillen-vetoes-nebraska-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse-proposal/">vetoed</a>&nbsp;after lawmakers had already&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/18/nebraska-lawmakers-adjourn-but-break-will-be-short-lived-as-special-session-looms-this-summer/">adjourned</a>&nbsp;the 2024 legislative session, preventing any attempt at a possible veto override. The new bill is narrower, applying only to sexual assaults of children in school settings.Conrad said the legislation comes in response to a string of Nebraska Supreme Court decisions that closed the courthouse doors for families to allege negligence against political subdivisions in cases more broadly including&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/06/nebraska-supreme-court-dismisses-foster-care-abuse-case-against-dhhs-expands-immunity/">abuse of children in foster care</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/26/nebraska-corrections-officials-face-another-lawsuit-over-slaying-of-inmate-in-a-double-bunked-cell/">deaths of state prisoners</a>.“The point is quite simple: When a citizen is hurt by their government they should have access to recourse,” Conrad told the Nebraska Examiner. “It’s our job to fight for citizens, not to give big government special favors and immunities when they hurt their citizens.”Conrad’s legislation would allow lawsuits arising out of sexual assaults of children that occurred:<ul>
 <li>On school grounds.</li><li>In a vehicle owned, leased or contracted by a school and being used for a school purpose.</li><li>In a vehicle being driven for a school purpose by a school employee or designee.</li><li>At a school-sponsored activity or athletic event.</li>
 </ul>LB 25 would have allowed lawsuits beyond direct ties to a school, when the child abuse or sexual assault of a child was the “proximate result” of the failure of&nbsp;any&nbsp;political subdivision or an employee to exercise “reasonable care” to protect the child.Private schools can already be sued and held liable in these instances.<h2>The governor’s veto</h2>LB 25 was led by former State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha, then chair of the Judiciary Committee. Pillen vetoed the bill days after it passed in a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=11138" target="_blank">28-17</a>&nbsp;vote, having received broad support across the proverbial aisle.The governor had argued that Wayne’s legislation, one of many since&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://law.justia.com/cases/nebraska/supreme-court/2020/s-19-726.html" target="_blank">Moser v. State</a>&nbsp;(2020) decision by the Nebraska Supreme Court&nbsp;prohibited similar lawsuits against state or local government, was “overly broad.” Pillen said it would “substantially erode” decades-old sovereign immunity protections.“We must hold perpetrators accountable and protect children from abuse by enforcing the criminal laws that exist and by targeting the wrongdoer,” Pillen said in his veto letter. “Taxpayers should not bear this burden.”Laura Strimple, a spokesperson for the governor, had said several criminal and civil remedies already existed and that Pillen would fight “soft-on-crime efforts to water down those protections,” in addition to ones like LB 25 that she said could open the “floodgates” to trial lawyers and “frivolous lawsuits.”<h2>Promise to a Lincoln family</h2>Former State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/09/lawmakers-seek-to-hold-public-schools-state-employees-liable-for-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse/">challenged opponents</a>&nbsp;arguing LB 25 would raise taxes, asking: “How many child molesters is your school district employing if it’s going to impact your bottom line?”Other supporters of the law have said the lawsuits would allow an attempt, but not a guarantee, at financial rewards that could help a child with medical care or counseling that they might need for the rest of their lives.Conrad and Wayne, both lawyers, have said attorneys have an ethical duty against filing frivolous claims.One of the faces behind the LB 25 measure, and others like it, goes back to 2016 —&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/25/we-were-so-close-nebraska-mother-responds-to-veto-of-child-sexual-assault-and-abuse-bill/">Loree Woods and her daughter Taylor Woods</a>.Loree Woods had testified multiple times on behalf of her daughter, including most recently in August, during the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/04/second-attempt-made-to-let-nebraska-families-sue-local-government-in-cases-of-child-abuse-sexual-assault-death/">summer special session</a>&nbsp;on property taxes, detailing how 19-year-old Taylor Woods was sexually assaulted in October 2016 while in the care of Lincoln Public Schools.&nbsp;Taylor Woods was in a program to help prepare students with disabilities, primarily aged 18 to 21, for a positive transition to adulthood.The day after Pillen’s veto, Loree Woods joined Conrad to talk with reporters, saying her daughter’s life had been defined by trauma and fear since her assault.“If you could live in her head for one day, you would not want to be a part of that,” she said of her daughter, now 27, who would have been too old to benefit from the law change.The Nebraska Supreme Court decided in&nbsp;2020, in Moser v. State, that cases arising from assault or battery precluded any lawsuits against political subdivisions under the State Tort Claims Act and Political Subdivisions Tort Claims Act.&nbsp;The Woods family was scheduled for a court date just weeks&nbsp;after the Moser decision, leading to the Woods’ case being dismissed.<h2>‘I am a very strong girl’</h2>Conrad said the Nebraska Supreme Court had for decades “struck the right balance” between government immunity and citizens seeking justice.&nbsp;But she pointed to decisions like Moser v. State, related to a state prisoner’s death, and&nbsp;<a href="https://law.justia.com/cases/nebraska/supreme-court/2024/s-21-1037.html" target="_blank">Joshua v. State</a>&nbsp;in May 2024,&nbsp;related to foster care abuse, as tipping points.She said Pillen “needlessly and heartlessly” vetoed the measure that Conrad had pledged to the Woods family to continue highlighting after Wayne and after lawmakers left the Legislature.&nbsp;Part of LB 156, Conrad said, is paying respects to Loree Woods and her husband, Roger, who died in a September accident. She shared a letter she had received from Taylor Woods.“It will keep me and my peep’s safe again,” Taylor Woods wrote in a letter to Conrad. “I am a very strong girl and want you to tell my story just like my mom. I am proud of myself and proud of you caring about me and my friends.”

Lawmaker Revives Proposal to Hold Nebraska Schools Liable for some Child Sexual Assaults

Lincoln, NE – Governor Jim Pillen joined Attorney General Mike Hilgers and state senators to speak on four bills which will be introduced to protect children from online abuse and the addictive nature of phone apps and online services. These four bills are being introduced at the request of the Governor.

Gov. Pillen said, “Attorney General Hilgers and I wanted to partner together as we both have good ideas on how we can best protect kids in Nebraska. These bills will address the addictive nature of social media, prohibit the generation of AI child pornography, restrict the use of phones and electronic devices in schools and require parental consent for minors to set up social media accounts.”

Attorney General Hilgers added, “One of the top priorities for our office is protecting children. And right now, some of the biggest threats to children originate online, through cell phones, social media, and child sexual abuse material. These bills are necessary to enhance current laws. I am proud to work with Governor Pillen and senators to enact laws that hold those perpetrating harm against our children accountable.”

Legislation Senator Sanders will introduce requires each public school board to adopt policies to restrict the use of phones in schools before the start of the next academic year. This bill includes some exceptions and accommodations to this policy, such as medical needs, emergency situations, educational purposes, or if the child has an individualized education plan.

Speaking on the cell phones in schools bill, Senator Sanders said, "I believe that students deserve the best possible chance to succeed, and creating an education free from digital distraction is an important step in ensuring that they can reach their full potential. I am committed to supporting policies that prioritize the well-being and academic growth of every student. By removing electronic communication devices from the classroom, we can create an environment free from distractions, allowing both teachers and students to fully succeed."

Additionally, the&nbsp;Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act, which Senator Bosn plans to introduce, contains several provisions to protect Nebraska’s children from the harms of social media and other online services. The bill requires social media and other online services to include design features that prevent compulsive usage of the product, severe psychological harm such as anxiety and depression, severe emotional harm, identity theft, and privacy violations. The&nbsp;Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act&nbsp;also requires these services to provide parents the ability to manage their child’s privacy and account settings and allow parents the ability to restrict the hours of use of these services. It also requires online services to establish default settings for users the service knows are minors and restricts data collection to the minimum amount of a user’s personal data to provide its services. Importantly, the bill also restricts the ability of these services to send push alerts during hours children are in school or sleeping.

To protect Nebraska children against inappropriate advertisements, online services may not facilitate targeted advertising to an individual the service knows is a minor, and they are prohibited from facilitating ads for products inappropriate for minors such as alcohol, tobacco or gambling.

Finally, the bill requires online services to create mechanisms to report harm to minors on their services and allows civil penalties against online services that violate the bill.

Addressing the bill, Senator Bosn said, “This legislation prioritizes the best interests of children over company&nbsp;profits.&nbsp;The Age-Appropriate Design Code Act&nbsp;ensures a safer online space for children.&nbsp;It requires companies to consider the privacy and protection of children in the design of digital products and services that kids are likely to access without undermining the&nbsp;First Amendment.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also, addressing issues surrounding children’s use of social media, Senator Storer will introduce legislation to create the&nbsp;Parental Rights in Social Media Act. The Act requires social media companies to verify parental consent prior to allowing a minor to create a social media account.

Speaking on the importance of parent’s roles in their children’s social media use, Senator Storer said, “I am pleased to be introducing the&nbsp;Parental Rights in Social Media Act&nbsp;on behalf of our children, parents and Nebraska. Children today are more anxious, more depressed and inflicting self-harm and at the highest rates ever. Our kids are our most precious resource, and it’s time to take action to protect them in the social media world.

This legislation empowers parents to supervise their children on social media in a meaningful way."

Office Governor Jim PillenLincoln, NE – Governor Jim Pillen joined Attorney General Mike Hilgers and state senators to speak on four bills which will be introduced to protect children from online abuse and the addictive nature of phone apps and online services. These four bills are being introduced at the request of the Governor.Gov. Pillen said, “Attorney General Hilgers and I wanted to partner together as we both have good ideas on how we can best protect kids in Nebraska. These bills will address the addictive nature of social media, prohibit the generation of AI child pornography, restrict the use of phones and electronic devices in schools and require parental consent for minors to set up social media accounts.”Attorney General Hilgers added, “One of the top priorities for our office is protecting children. And right now, some of the biggest threats to children originate online, through cell phones, social media, and child sexual abuse material. These bills are necessary to enhance current laws. I am proud to work with Governor Pillen and senators to enact laws that hold those perpetrating harm against our children accountable.”Legislation Senator Sanders will introduce requires each public school board to adopt policies to restrict the use of phones in schools before the start of the next academic year. This bill includes some exceptions and accommodations to this policy, such as medical needs, emergency situations, educational purposes, or if the child has an individualized education plan.Speaking on the cell phones in schools bill, Senator Sanders said, "I believe that students deserve the best possible chance to succeed, and creating an education free from digital distraction is an important step in ensuring that they can reach their full potential. I am committed to supporting policies that prioritize the well-being and academic growth of every student. By removing electronic communication devices from the classroom, we can create an environment free from distractions, allowing both teachers and students to fully succeed."Additionally, the&nbsp;Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act, which Senator Bosn plans to introduce, contains several provisions to protect Nebraska’s children from the harms of social media and other online services. The bill requires social media and other online services to include design features that prevent compulsive usage of the product, severe psychological harm such as anxiety and depression, severe emotional harm, identity theft, and privacy violations. The&nbsp;Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act&nbsp;also requires these services to provide parents the ability to manage their child’s privacy and account settings and allow parents the ability to restrict the hours of use of these services. It also requires online services to establish default settings for users the service knows are minors and restricts data collection to the minimum amount of a user’s personal data to provide its services. Importantly, the bill also restricts the ability of these services to send push alerts during hours children are in school or sleeping.To protect Nebraska children against inappropriate advertisements, online services may not facilitate targeted advertising to an individual the service knows is a minor, and they are prohibited from facilitating ads for products inappropriate for minors such as alcohol, tobacco or gambling.Finally, the bill requires online services to create mechanisms to report harm to minors on their services and allows civil penalties against online services that violate the bill.Addressing the bill, Senator Bosn said, “This legislation prioritizes the best interests of children over company&nbsp;profits.&nbsp;The Age-Appropriate Design Code Act&nbsp;ensures a safer online space for children.&nbsp;It requires companies to consider the privacy and protection of children in the design of digital products and services that kids are likely to access without undermining the&nbsp;First Amendment.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Also, addressing issues surrounding children’s use of social media, Senator Storer will introduce legislation to create the&nbsp;Parental Rights in Social Media Act. The Act requires social media companies to verify parental consent prior to allowing a minor to create a social media account.Speaking on the importance of parent’s roles in their children’s social media use, Senator Storer said, “I am pleased to be introducing the&nbsp;Parental Rights in Social Media Act&nbsp;on behalf of our children, parents and Nebraska. Children today are more anxious, more depressed and inflicting self-harm and at the highest rates ever. Our kids are our most precious resource, and it’s time to take action to protect them in the social media world.This legislation empowers parents to supervise their children on social media in a meaningful way."The final bill discussed at the press conference is legislation Senator Hardin will introduce to add “computer-generated child pornography” to the statutes that prohibit child pornography and defines the term in statute. The bill addresses AI-generated and other child pornography created by minors by making such crime a Class III felony. Adults who violate the act will be guilty of a class 1D felony. These changes will ensure there is no loophole for predators in our statutes.Speaking on the harms of AI-generated pornography, Senator Hardin said , “I have spoken with multiple parents who have had their daughter’s photo taken in public, then uploaded to AI platforms to create AI pornography which later was distributed to people the girls knew. This is a devastatingly harmful offense against any young person. Unfortunately, the creation of AI-generated videos or photos featuring minors is not restricted to older, deviant people. It also occurs among young adults disappointed in the end of a relationship and seeking revenge. School superintendents have told me that the problem of students creating AI pornography involving classmates is alive and well in Nebraska and causing harm to its victims. My legislation seeks to address this issue.”The State of Nebraska will not tolerate the exploitation of its children by those who seek to use Artificial Intelligence to create and distribute Child Sexual Abuse Material.