Education Committee
February 24, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Dave Murman | Bills Heard: 5 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB691: Requires posting of Ten Commandments in schools
Introduced by: Sen. Dave Murman | Testimony: 94 proponents, 323 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nebraska Education Committee hears deeply divided testimony on bill requiring Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms and buildings.
Why it matters: LB691 would make Nebraska the latest state to mandate religious displays in schools, but faces significant constitutional challenges. A nearly identical Louisiana law was blocked by federal court in 2024. The bill reflects a broader national push to insert religious content into public education, with implications for religious freedom and school operations.
What they're saying:
Proponents: "Recent Supreme Court decisions have fundamentally changed the legal landscape," testified David Barton, citing 2019 and 2022 rulings that shifted away from the Lemon test. Supporters argue the Ten Commandments are foundational to American law and appear throughout federal buildings. "Students should know what the framework of their nation is laid upon," said one witness.
Opponents: "This violates the Establishment Clause and Nebraska Constitution," testified the ACLU. Critics noted the bill mandates a specific Protestant version, excluding Catholic and other religious interpretations. "The First Amendment exists to protect freedom from religion, not just freedom of religion," one opponent argued. A federal judge blocked Louisiana's identical law in November 2024.
By the numbers: Online testimony: 94 proponents, 323 opponents, 1 neutral.
What's next: No vote was taken. Sen. Murman indicated openness to amendments, particularly regarding allowing schools to choose different versions of the Ten Commandments. The bill remains in committee.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Meyer Skeptical: Sen. Hunt, Sen. Conrad, Sen. Juarez
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB122: Requires posting of national and state mottos in schools
Introduced by: Sen. Glen Meyer | Testimony: 76 proponents, 120 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Education Committee debates bill to mandate display of "In God We Trust" and "Equality Before the Law" in Nebraska schools.
Why it matters: LB122 would require schools to post the national and state mottos, reflecting a broader legislative push to emphasize patriotism and historical values in education. The bill raises questions about whether schools are actually failing to teach civics or whether mandates are necessary for displays that can already occur voluntarily.
What they're saying:
Proponents: "In God We Trust" has been the official national motto since 1956 and appears on all currency and in federal buildings, testified supporters. "This is about teaching our children where we came from," said Sen. Meyer. Proponents argue the mottos teach patriotism and civic values without imposing religion, and that cost is minimal.
Opponents: "E Pluribus Unum is a far better cry for connection among differences," testified one witness, arguing it's more inclusive than a religious motto. Critics noted "In God We Trust" was added during the Cold War to oppose communism, not for educational reasons. "Schools already teach civics," said opponents, questioning whether mandates are necessary.
By the numbers: Online testimony: 76 proponents, 120 opponents, 0 neutral.
What's next: No vote was taken. Sen. Meyer indicated openness to amendments, including possibly adding "E Pluribus Unum" to the display. The bill remains in committee.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Meyer Skeptical: Sen. Hunt, Sen. Hughes, Sen. Conrad
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB549: Allows schools to hire chaplains to support students
Introduced by: Sen. Loren Lippincott | Testimony: 38 proponents, 191 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Education Committee hears sharply divided testimony on bill allowing schools to hire chaplains for student support.
Why it matters: LB549 would allow Nebraska schools to employ chaplains to address mental health and behavioral issues, following similar laws in Texas, Florida, Louisiana, and Arkansas. The bill raises fundamental questions about religious neutrality in public schools, professional qualifications for student support roles, and whether chaplains complement or compete with school counselors.
What they're saying:
Proponents: "Chaplains are trained to work in secular environments," testified Johnny Davis of the National School Chaplain Association. Supporters cite research showing chaplains reduce depression by 60% and substance abuse by 40%. "Chaplains have 250+ years of history in U.S. institutions," Davis said, noting they serve in military, hospitals, and prisons without controversy.
Opponents: "Chaplains are not licensed mental health professionals," testified school counselor Malinda Jean Baptiste. Critics argue uncertified religious figures should not provide counseling to vulnerable students. "If chaplains are allowed, Satanic Temple chaplains should have equal access," noted Levi Hand, highlighting the religious neutrality problem. A federal court recently blocked similar Louisiana law.
By the numbers: Online testimony: 38 proponents, 191 opponents, 1 neutral. Texas law (2023) adopted by only 3 of state's school districts.
What's next: No vote was taken. Sen. Hughes suggested amendment clarifying chaplains can be either employed or volunteer. The bill remains in committee.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Lonowski Skeptical: Sen. Hughes, Sen. Juarez, Sen. Conrad
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB426: Allows schools to offer American flag education program
Introduced by: Sen. Bob Andersen | Testimony: 31 proponents, 20 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Education Committee hears mostly supportive testimony on bill allowing schools to teach American flag education with veterans partnerships.
Why it matters: LB426 would allow Nebraska schools to offer flag education for grades 5-8, with each student receiving a 3x5 foot flag. The bill reflects bipartisan interest in civic education and honoring veterans, though raises practical questions about flag care and whether mandates are necessary for voluntary activities already occurring in many schools.
What they're saying:
Proponents: "Many students don't receive hands-on instruction about flag significance," testified VFW Commander Ken Yount. Supporters emphasize partnership with veterans provides authentic connection to those who served. "The 13 folds of the flag and U.S. Flag Code are important for students to understand," Yount said.
Concerns: School board representative Colby Coash noted many schools already do flag folding ceremonies and expressed concern about 25,000+ flags per year statewide. "Will fifth graders properly care for them?" he asked, noting VFW is responsible for proper flag disposal. One witness suggested distributing flags only at transition points to reduce costs.
By the numbers: Online testimony: 31 proponents, 20 opponents, 0 neutral. Updated fiscal note: $60,000 (down from original $609,000).
What's next: No vote was taken. Sen. Andersen is hosting meeting Friday with ESUs, school boards, and veterans organizations to finalize funding approach. The bill remains in committee.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Hughes, Sen. Lonowski, Sen. Conrad Unclear: Sen. Juarez
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB213: Requires teaching human embryology in science curriculum
Introduced by: Sen. Rick Holdcroft | Testimony: 203 proponents, 99 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Education Committee hears sharply divided testimony on bill requiring human embryology in science curriculum, with concerns about ideology and medical accuracy.
Why it matters: LB213 would require Nebraska schools to teach human embryology using Carnegie stages as the standard. The bill reflects a national trend of legislation following Roe v. Wade's overturn, with opponents arguing it's designed to promote anti-abortion ideology rather than genuine science education. Medical professionals raised concerns about accuracy and appropriateness for elementary students.
What they're saying:
Proponents: "Students learn life cycles of butterflies and salmon but not humans," testified Sandy Danek of Nebraska Right to Life. Supporters argue Carnegie stages are the gold standard used in medical schools. "This is science education, not sex education," emphasized Sen. Holdcroft, noting 40% of young adults incorrectly think life begins at birth.
Opponents: "When life begins is a philosophical question, not a scientific one," testified Christian Olson. Dr. Elizabeth Weedin, an OB-GYN, testified that Carnegie stages were developed in the 1920s-40s and are not universally used in medical schools today. She noted the Baby Olivia video contains medical inaccuracies and the bill lacks requirement for expert consultation. "This appears designed to promote anti-abortion ideology," testified ACLU and Planned Parenthood representatives.
By the numbers: Online testimony: 203 proponents, 99 opponents, 0 neutral.
What's next: No vote was taken. Sen. Holdcroft indicated willingness to amend bill to exclude Baby Olivia video reference, remove high-def visual recording requirement, and possibly remove elementary school from mandate. Dr. Weedin offered to serve as expert consultant. The bill remains in committee.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Lonowski Skeptical: Sen. Hughes, Sen. Juarez, Sen. Conrad
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
The Education Committee held an exceptionally long hearing on February 24, 2025, lasting until approximately 9 p.m. Five bills were heard: LB691 (Ten Commandments), LB122 (national and state mottos), LB549 (school chaplains), LB426 (flag education), and LB213 (human embryology). No votes were taken on any bills. The hearing reflected deep divisions on issues of religious content in public schools, with proponents arguing for historical and moral education and opponents citing constitutional concerns about Establishment Clause violations. Several bills generated substantial online testimony, with LB691 receiving 94 proponents and 323 opponents, and LB213 receiving 203 proponents and 99 opponents. Committee members, particularly Sens. Hughes, Conrad, and Juarez, raised numerous questions about constitutional implications, funding, and implementation details. Several introducers indicated willingness to work on amendments based on committee feedback.
Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.