In addition to the advancement of several legislative priorities last week, I was able to incorporate and advance two bills that I introduced this session. Thanks to the primary bill sponsors that allowed me to do so, LB 1232, relating to limited landowner mountain lion permits, was amended into Senator Brandt’s LB 979 on Select File. Amendment 2331 will allow the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to issue a limited number of mountain lion permits to qualified landowners, leaseholders, or their immediate family members provided certain stipulations. The amendment was adopted with no opposition, and the bill was advanced to Final Reading, the final stage of debate.
Additionally, LB 1230, a bill I introduced to address the ongoing concern of abandoned mobile homes was amended into Senator Kauth’s LB 834 on Select File via AM 2252. This amendment will update governing laws to reduce title barriers, clarify abandonment and disposal procedures, and better protect ownership and lien rights. Amendment 2252 was adopted with a vote of 28-0, and LB 834 was advanced to the final stage of deliberations.
As previously referenced, Monday marked Day 40 of the legislative session and the beginning of discussions on the state budget. On Tuesday, after a lengthy floor debate and successful cloture vote, the body voted 32-14 to advance LB 1071, the first of two significant budget bills, to the second round of floor debate. LB 1071 also incorporates LB 1231, a bill I introduced on behalf of my constituency, that would appropriate funds from the Panhandle Improvement Project Cash Fund to the Animal Damage Control Cash Fund for the purpose of carrying out Nebraska’s Animal Damage Control Program.
The second budget bill, LB 1072, was also deliberated at length this week with successful advancement. The bill addresses statutory changes needed to implement the approved budget adjustments. LB 1072 also contains provisions from LB 1229, a bill that I introduced this session relating to funds awarded to the state of Nebraska pursuant to the federal Rural Health Transformation Program. The Legislature is expected to finalize both budget bills and send them to Governor Pillen’s desk by March 25.
The week also brought constituents to the Capitol. On Wednesday, I met with Special Olympics athlete Jason Gieschen during Special Olympics Hill Day. Additionally, Sand Canyon Therapy of Hemingford received the 2025 Innovation Business of the Year Award on Thursday. A press conference was held in the Governor’s Hearing Room to recognize founder Jenilee Woltman for her outstanding work and contributions.
As always, I appreciate your continued engagement on these important topics. If you have any feedback or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your input is invaluable in shaping the future of our district and state. You can contact my office at (402) 471-2616 or by email at pstrommen@leg.ne.gov.