Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee
January 22, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Rita Sanders | Bills Heard: 3 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB126: Allow counties using competitive bond sales to use ten-year call provisions
Introduced by: Sen. Rick Holdcroft | Testimony: 2 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nebraska counties could get more flexibility in bond sales under LB126. The bill would allow counties using competitive bond sales to use ten-year call provisions instead of the current five-year requirement, while counties using negotiated sales would keep five-year calls. Why it matters: The change aligns Nebraska law with national bond market standards and is expected to lower borrowing costs for counties, while giving them flexibility to respond to market conditions. What they're saying: Beth Bazyn Ferrell of the Nebraska Association of County Officials noted that other public agencies—power districts, cities, school districts, and the University of Nebraska—already have authority to use longer call periods. Bond attorney Mike Rogers confirmed the bill's straightforward approach. What's next: No vote was taken during the hearing. Sen. Holdcroft noted the bill previously passed committee 6-0 last year as LB1175 and expressed hope it could advance quickly this session, potentially via consent calendar.
LB135: Restrict school bond and levy elections to primary and general elections
Introduced by: Sen. Rick Holdcroft | Testimony: 1 proponents, 10 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Sen. Holdcroft's push to restrict school bond elections to general election cycles faces overwhelming opposition from education and construction sectors. LB135 would eliminate special mail-in elections for school bonds and levy overrides, requiring them only during primary and general elections. Why it matters: The bill aims to increase voter participation in bond decisions, but opponents warn it would increase construction costs, reduce competition for bids, and force rural districts to wait years between election opportunities—ultimately raising property taxes rather than lowering them. What they're saying: Holdcroft argued that general elections naturally draw higher turnout and voters should understand bonds raise taxes. "The idea that more people turn out for special elections just doesn't pass the commonsense test," he said. But opponents countered with data: Mike Rogers cited districts seeing 65-70% turnout at special mail-in elections. Jack Moles warned rural districts would suffer most, with only 40-50% of their bonds passing versus 75% in larger districts. Tim Royers noted special elections allow timing for favorable interest rates, potentially saving taxpayers millions. Chip Kay of Columbus Public Schools warned a one-year delay would increase construction costs 10-12%. By the numbers: One proponent (Platte Institute); 10 opponents including school administrators, construction groups, architects, and education associations. Online comments: 0 proponents, 1 opponent, 0 neutral. What's next: No vote was taken. The committee heard extensive testimony on both sides, with Sen. Andersen pressing for data on special election turnout claims.
Committee sentiment: Skeptical: Sen. Bob Andersen Unclear: Sen. Dan Lonowski, Sen. Dunixi Guereca
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB58: Repeal county jewelers lien statutes
Introduced by: Sen. Rita Sanders | Testimony: 1 proponents, 0 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nebraska would eliminate rarely-used jewelers lien statutes under LB58. Sen. Sanders' bill would repeal four sections of statute requiring jewelers, silversmiths, and watch/clock repairers to file liens with county clerks when customers don't claim repaired items. Why it matters: County officials report never encountering these liens in practice, creating confusion. The change would let repair shops resolve disputes through the Uniform Commercial Code instead—a faster, 90-day process versus the current year-long county procedure. What they're saying: Beth Bazyn Ferrell of the Nebraska Association of County Officials testified that county clerks have never seen a jewelers lien filed and were unsure how to handle one if it occurred. "It creates confusion if suddenly someone goes, well, why aren't we doing this?" she said. The statutes date to 1921 with last substantive changes in 1943. What's next: No vote was taken. Sen. Sanders waived closing. Online comments: 0 proponents, 0 opponents, 1 neutral.
Committee sentiment: Unclear: Sen. Dan Lonowski
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
Committee Chair Sen. Rita Sanders opened the hearing with procedural instructions for testifiers, including use of green/yellow/red light system for three-minute testimony limits. Committee members introduced themselves: Sen. Megan Hunt (LD8), Sen. Dunixi Guereca (LD7), Sen. Bob Andersen (LD49, Vice Chair), Sen. Dan Lonowski (LD33), Sen. Dave Wordekemper (LD15), and Sen. Dan McKeon (LD41). Legal counsel Dick Clark and committee clerk Julie Condon assisted. Pages were Demet Gedik (UNL political science major) and Logan Walsh (UNL junior, econ/finance). The committee heard three bills: LB126 (bond call provisions), LB135 (school election timing), and LB58 (jewelers liens). LB135 generated substantial testimony with 10 opponents and 1 proponent, while LB126 and LB58 proceeded with minimal opposition. No votes were taken during the hearing.
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