Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee
February 6, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Rita Sanders | Bills Heard: 3 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB19: Require metropolitan class cities to conduct elections in conjunction with statewide presidential primaries and general elections
Introduced by: Sen. John Cavanaugh | Testimony: 1 proponents, 2 opponents, 2 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Omaha senator pushes to move city elections to presidential years, citing low turnout and cost savings. Sen. John Cavanaugh's LB19 would require metropolitan class cities to hold elections in May and November of presidential election years beginning in 2028, replacing the current April-May off-cycle schedule.
Why it matters: Omaha city elections draw fewer than 100,000 voters compared to over 200,000 in presidential elections. Cavanaugh argues consolidation would boost participation, reduce voter fatigue, and save the city roughly $236,000-$500,000 per cycle. But opponents worry it would make city races secondary to federal contests, forcing candidates to self-fund.
What they're saying: - Proponents: "Voter participation will increase, communities often ignored will need to be heard by candidates, and the city will bear only a portion of election costs." (Cavanaugh). Retired teacher Dave Richardson cited reduced strain on polling place volunteers. - Opponents: Former Mayor Jim Suttle warned city races would become "C-level elections" on a crowded ballot, forcing wealthy self-funding. "Voter apathy is a marketing problem, not a legislative one," he said. Omaha City Council testified constituents aren't demanding this change.
By the numbers: Omaha spent $388,682 on its 2021 general election and $152,000 to rent space on the 2024 primary ballot. Lincoln, which also holds off-cycle elections, spends $200,000-$350,000 per cycle.
What's next: No vote was taken. The bill drew written position comments: 15 proponents, 17 opponents, 1 neutral.
Committee sentiment: Unclear: Sen. Bob Andersen, Sen. Dan McKeon, Sen. Dan Lonowski
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB74: Allow elected officials to use campaign funds for travel and childcare costs for minor children incurred as part of official duties
Introduced by: Sen. Megan Hunt | Testimony: 0 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Hunt revives bill allowing campaign funds for childcare tied to official duties. Sen. Megan Hunt's LB74 would permit elected officials to use campaign contributions to cover travel and childcare expenses for minor children when those costs arise from official responsibilities like attending state legislator conferences.
Why it matters: Hunt, a single mother, described the bind: she had $65,000 in campaign funds but couldn't afford a $300 plane ticket for her child to attend a conference where she was presenting. Current law allows campaign funds for staff travel and meals but not child expenses. Hunt argues the rules reflect an era when only wealthy men with stay-at-home spouses served in office, creating barriers for parents—especially women and low-income candidates.
What they're saying: - Hunt: "If I have to go give a presentation at a conference in another city, that is an expense related to my duties because I can't leave my kid home alone." She emphasized the "but for" test: expenses wouldn't occur without the official position. - Lonowski: Suggested adding a spending cap ($2,000-$5,000) and extending eligibility to children with special needs or dependents requiring care.
By the numbers: 39 states already permit this—17 via legislation, 22 via ethics rulings. The Federal Election Commission authorized it in 2018. Hunt's bill has passed committee unanimously in prior years but fell through the cracks without floor priority.
What's next: No vote taken. Hunt waived closing. Written position comments: 10 proponents, 2 opponents, 0 neutral.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Dan Lonowski, Sen. John Cavanaugh
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB32: Allow candidates to use PO Box instead of street address on campaign disclaimers
Introduced by: Sen. Megan Hunt | Testimony: 1 proponents, 0 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Hunt pushes to let candidates hide home addresses on campaign mail, citing safety concerns. LB32 would allow candidates to list a PO Box instead of their street address on political disclaimers and campaign materials, while still requiring residential addresses to be filed with the Accountability and Disclosure Commission.
Why it matters: Candidates—particularly women—report feeling unsafe with home addresses plastered on every mailer. Studies show nearly 60% of women are less willing to run for office due to harassment and attacks. Hunt cited a recent legislative candidate who asked NADC for a PO Box but was denied; shortly after, a man was spotted in her neighborhood asking neighbors about her. Accountability remains intact since NADC keeps residential addresses on file.
What they're saying: - Hunt: "We still have accountability and NADC still knows where your house is, but we don't have to put your personal address on every piece of mail." She noted the Federal Election Commission already allows PO Boxes. - Jessica Lathrop, campaign consultant: "Many women running for local and down-ballot offices don't have access to business addresses and are left with no choice but their home address." - David Hunter, NADC director: Suggested limiting the bill to candidates only, since unregistered committees or out-of-state entities might be harder to locate via PO Box.
By the numbers: 39 states already allow campaign funds for childcare; attacks on candidates are rising nationwide.
What's next: No vote taken. Hunt indicated openness to NADC's suggested amendment limiting the bill to candidates. Written position comments: 7 proponents, 1 opponent, 0 neutral.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Dunixi Guereca
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
Committee Chair Rita Sanders opened the hearing with procedural instructions regarding testimony sheets, the 3-minute light system, and written position comment deadlines (8 a.m. day of hearing via nebraskalegislature.gov). Committee members present: Sen. Megan Hunt (LD 8), Sen. Dunixi Guereca (LD 7), Sen. John Cavanaugh (LD 9), Sen. Bob Andersen (LD 49, Vice Chair), Sen. Dan Lonowski (LD 33), Sen. Dave Wordekemper (LD 15), and Sen. Dan McKeon (LD 41). Legal counsel Dick Clark and committee clerk Julie Condon assisted. Pages Ruby Kinzie and Arnav Rishi were present. No votes were taken on any bills during this hearing.
Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.