Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee
February 28, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Rita Sanders | Bills Heard: 2 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB334: Judicial Security: Withholding Judge Contact Information from Public Records
Introduced by: Sen. Jana Hughes | Testimony: 2 proponents, 1 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nebraska would automatically withhold judges' home addresses from public records when they file for retention elections. LB334 addresses a real security threat: judges have been targeted by individuals convicted of crimes, and a Nebraska judge received a terroristic threat just this week. The bill doesn't restrict voting on judge retention—judicial districts will still appear on ballots—only personal contact information filed with the Secretary of State.
Why it matters: Judges already have protections at the county level through assessor and register of deeds offices. This closes a remaining loophole while maintaining public participation in retention elections.
What they're saying: - Proponents: State Court Administrator Corey Steel said judicial security is "paramount" and that judges don't always make people happy with decisions. The Nebraska State Bar Association supported the bill as consistent with Nebraska's judicial nominating system, where judges are appointed rather than elected. - Opponents: Media of Nebraska argued criminals access information through Google and other databases, not government websites, making the bill ineffective at improving safety.
What's next: No vote was taken. The bill advanced with AM142, a technical amendment clarifying that judicial retention forms are not candidate filing forms.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Dan Lonowski, Sen. John Cavanaugh, Sen. Dunixi Guereca, Sen. Bob Andersen
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB663: County Zoning Permit Review Process: Timelines, Objective Standards, and Planning Commission Education
Introduced by: Sen. Tanya Storer | Testimony: 4 proponents, 4 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nebraska would impose strict timelines and objective standards on county zoning permit decisions, capping the process at 240 days. LB663 addresses a real problem: some agricultural producers wait 1.5 years for permits while others get approval in 2 months. The bill requires decisions based on county zoning regulations, not subjective concerns, and mandates planning commission education. But it's sparked fierce debate over whether it strips local control.
Why it matters: Livestock operations cost $900,000-$1.2 million and generate significant property tax revenue. Permit delays cost producers money as interest rates and building costs fluctuate. But rural residents fear the bill makes Nebraska attractive to out-of-state industrial operations at the expense of local decision-making.
What they're saying: - Proponents: Agricultural engineers and producers testified that current timelines are "ridiculous" and inconsistent. Bruce Rieker (Farm Bureau) noted that state permits take 110 days, so 240 days is reasonable. Dean Settje said over half of 500+ zoning meetings he's attended are "contentious" and "poorly run." - Opponents: Rural residents and county officials argued the bill is a "pre-emption" that favors out-of-state corporations over local constituents. Seward County Commissioner Misty Ahmic said her county already processes permits in 60 days and questioned whether decisions should be limited to regulations when public hearing input raises legitimate safety concerns.
By the numbers: 16 proponents, 21 opponents, 1 neutral testimony. 83 of 93 Nebraska counties are zoned.
What's next: No vote was taken. Senator Storer indicated she's working with NACO on amendments addressing timeline concerns and clarifying that public hearings remain part of the process.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Dan Lonowski, Sen. Dan McKeon Skeptical: Sen. Dunixi Guereca, Sen. John Cavanaugh
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
Committee Chair Rita Sanders opened the hearing with procedural instructions regarding testifier sheets, time limits (3-minute green light system), and written position comment deadlines (8 a.m. day of hearing via Legislature website). Committee members present included Sen. Dunixi Guereca (LD7), Sen. John Cavanaugh (LD9), Sen. Dan Lonowski (LD33), and Sen. Dan McKeon (LD41). Vice Chair Sen. Bob Andersen was testifying in another committee. Legal counsel Dick Clark and committee clerk Julie Condon assisted. Pages were Logan Walsh (UNL junior, econ major) and Arnav Rishi (UNL junior, political science major). The hearing covered two bills: LB334 (judicial security) and LB663 (county zoning permit process). No votes were taken on either bill 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.