LINCOLN, Neb. - Here’s the Nebraska legislative week 14 update from Senator Tanya Storer:

Greetings District 43, 

I hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend, filled with time spent with loved ones. Easter is a time of renewal, hope, and reflection, offering an opportunity to embrace the blessings of family, faith, and community. As we celebrate the season of resurrection, may we carry its spirit of renewal into the work we do together. Below are the latest updates from the Nebraska State Legislature. 

Floor Action 

This week at the Capitol, several important pieces of legislation were debated. LB632, a bill requiring the burial or cremation of remains from elective abortions, was advanced after two days of debate. Sponsored by Senator Hansen, the bill passed with a 34-11 vote. Despite multiple motions to postpone, bracket, or recommit the bill to committee, it successfully moved forward to select file. The Speaker followed the 4-2-1 cloture threshold, allowing only four hours of debate on general file. The bill was taken to cloture and completed on Wednesday morning, with just 15 minutes of debate remaining that day. Currently, Nebraska hospitals must bury or cremate fetal remains after miscarriages, stillbirths, or spontaneous abortions, but this requirement doesn’t apply to elective abortions, which are subject to medical waste guidelines. I believe every life holds value at every stage, and it is our responsibility to ensure that all lives are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. 

An eight-hour filibuster debate also took place on Senator Clouse's priority bill, LB322, which seeks to expand felony assault protections to include pharmacists and other healthcare workers. AM 767, which adds LB26 to the bill, expands the definition of a healthcare professional to include any employee of a hospital or health clinic. This legislation is crucial for rural communities, where healthcare resources are already scarce, and retaining medical professionals can be a challenge. By protecting frontline workers, this bill helps ensure that hospitals and clinics in rural areas can continue to operate effectively, providing essential care to those who need it most. 

LB645 was debated on Thursday and passed with a 38-0 vote to general file. Introduced by State Senator Beau Ballard, the bill seeks to reduce State, employee and employer contributions to the state’s teacher retirement plan as it nears full funding. The plan is currently 99.91% funded, and if it reaches full funding, employee contributions could drop to 7.25%, potentially increasing teachers' take-home pay by up to $1,500 annually. These changes are expected to save the state at least $80 million over the next two fiscal years, while both protecting the retirement funding and addressing the state's budget deficit. This is simply fiscal prudence in managing state tax payer dollars. 

Congratulations to the Open Frontier Creative District in Chadron and the Heart City Creative District in Valentine for each receiving a $100,000 Development Grant through the Nebraska Creative Districts program. These competitive grants, made possible by legislative support, will help local communities implement projects that drive cultural tourism and economic development. In Valentine, the funding will support the renovation of the historic Jewell Theatre into a vibrant arts and entertainment hub. In Chadron, the grant will assist with several community initiatives, including a cooperative art gallery, enhancements to outdoor performance spaces, and expanded programming through the public library. I'm proud to support efforts that enhance the creative economy and strengthen our rural communities. 

It's an honor to represent District 43 in the Nebraska Legislature. Please feel free to contact me anytime if you have questions or concerns. My priority is to serve our district's best interests.