Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee
February 20, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Rita Sanders | Bills Heard: 4 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB659: Election Security and Transparency - Vote Counting Device Testing
Introduced by: Sen. Bob Andersen | Testimony: 3 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Sen. Andersen's election security bill would require public posting of vote machine test results. The measure codifies three independent tests of vote counting devices before each election and mandates that results be posted on the Secretary of State's website—a transparency measure aimed at rebuilding voter confidence after recent election integrity concerns.
Why it matters: Nebraska has a strong election record, but constituents have raised concerns about the certification process for voting machines. Making test results publicly available addresses those concerns without disrupting existing procedures, which already include the three tests.
What they're saying: - Proponents: "Sunlight is the best disinfectant," Andersen said, quoting Justice Brandeis. Common Cause Nebraska urged adding public observation rights, noting 35 states already allow it. Election observers testified that transparency about test results would help them report back to their parties that procedures were followed. - No organized opposition was presented at the hearing.
By the numbers: Written position comments showed 28 proponents, 8 opponents, and 1 neutral.
What's next: The bill advanced without a vote being taken during the hearing. It now moves toward General File consideration.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Dunixi Guereca
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB604: Initiative and Referendum Process - Legal Challenge Timeline
Introduced by: Sen. Jared Storm | Testimony: 1 proponents, 68 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Sen. Storm's ballot initiative bill would give courts months instead of days to rule on legal challenges. The measure extends the timeline for legal sufficiency challenges by requiring the Secretary of State to announce refusals when petitions are published and allowing 60 days for challenges—a dramatic shift from the current compressed process.
Why it matters: Nebraska has seen a surge in ballot initiatives (15 in the last six elections vs. 10 in the prior seven), overwhelming both county election officials and courts. The current system forces legal challenges into a 10-day window before ballot certification, leaving little time for proper judicial review.
What they're saying: - Proponents: "We need more time. Everybody needs more time," Storm said. Courts are currently forced to rule on the day of certification, sometimes after ballots are printed. The bill allows challenges to be raised before signature collection, preventing wasted effort on legally insufficient measures. - Opponents: The ACLU and grassroots organizations warned the bill invites litigation as a delay tactic. "You'd be encouraged to sue," one opponent noted. A 60-day delay would "burn up the entire summer" for signature collection, they argued, undermining the people's right to the second house.
By the numbers: Written position comments showed 1 proponent and 68 opponents.
What's next: No vote was taken. Sen. Storm indicated willingness to work with the committee on amendments, particularly addressing concerns from Sens. Hunt and Guereca.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Bob Andersen Skeptical: Sen. Megan Hunt, Sen. Dunixi Guereca
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LR23CA: Constitutional Amendment - Initiative Petition Deadline
Introduced by: Sen. Rita Sanders | Testimony: 0 proponents, 55 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Sanders' constitutional amendment would push back initiative deadlines by a full year to ease election official workload. The proposal moves the petition submission deadline from 4 months before a general election to July of the odd-numbered year prior—a shift that would not take effect until 2030.
Why it matters: County election officials faced unprecedented pressure in 2024, verifying 850,000 signatures in a compressed 40-day window. The amendment would allow verification during non-election years with 50-60 days per county. But it would also dramatically shorten the window for citizens to collect signatures.
What they're saying: - Proponents: Deputy Secretary Bena testified that officials were "pushed to the absolute brink" in 2024. The amendment would spread work across a non-election year and give courts more time to resolve legal challenges before the election year. - Opponents: Grassroots organizations and the ACLU warned the amendment prioritizes government convenience over people's constitutional rights. "The people's voice" would be "tangled up in litigation," one opponent said. Voters passed medical marijuana and minimum wage because the Legislature failed to act—this amendment could allow the Legislature to intervene.
By the numbers: Written position comments showed 6 proponents and 55 opponents.
What's next: No vote was taken. The amendment would require voter approval in 2026 before taking effect in 2030.
Committee sentiment: Skeptical: Sen. Dunixi Guereca Unclear: Sen. Megan Hunt
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB521: Election Administration Omnibus Bill
Introduced by: Sen. Rita Sanders | Testimony: 7 proponents, 57 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Sanders' election omnibus bill would let the Secretary of State help counties verify ballot initiative signatures—but opponents fear it could lead to a complete takeover. The 62-page measure addresses 50+ election law updates, most uncontroversial. But Section 32 has sparked significant opposition from civic groups and election transparency advocates.
Why it matters: County election officials hit capacity in 2024, verifying 850,000 signatures in 40 days. Douglas County alone hired 60 temps, worked 14-hour days, and spent $400,000. The bill would allow the Secretary of State to assist as a "pressure release valve." But the language is vague enough that a future secretary could interpret it as authorization for a complete takeover.
What they're saying: - Proponents: Bena emphasized Section 32 is permissive ("may"), not mandatory ("shall"). "I don't have the capacity to take over this entire process," he said. County officials testified the decentralized approach spreads work and provides transparency. - Opponents: Civic groups warned that centralizing signature verification would "undermine trust in the community" and move power away from local leaders people know. "If we want to improve the signature verification process," one opponent said, "these proposed changes don't do that."
By the numbers: Written position comments showed 7 proponents, 57 opponents, and 1 neutral.
What's next: No vote was taken. Bena indicated willingness to add guardrails to Section 32 if needed. Committee members suggested an interim study to explore alternatives.
Committee sentiment: Skeptical: Sen. John Cavanaugh, Sen. Dunixi Guereca Unclear: Sen. Dan Lonowski
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
This was a full day of hearings on election-related bills. Committee Chair Sanders introduced herself and explained hearing procedures at the outset. The committee heard four bills total: LB659 (vote counting device testing), LB604 (initiative/referendum legal challenge timeline), LR23CA (constitutional amendment on initiative deadlines), and LB521 (election omnibus bill). A common theme across multiple bills was the challenge of managing an increasing number of ballot initiatives and referendums, with 15 citizen-initiated measures in the last six elections compared to 10 in the prior seven. Deputy Secretary of State Wayne Bena testified on all four bills, providing detailed explanations of election administration challenges and proposed solutions. The committee did not take votes on any bills during the hearing.
Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.