Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee
March 5, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Rita Sanders | Bills Heard: 2 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB586: Voting access for individuals in restricted facilities
Introduced by: Sen. Ashlei Spivey | Testimony: 72 proponents, 17 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Senator Spivey advances bill to ensure voting access for people in hospitals, nursing homes, and jails. LB586 would codify processes allowing county election commissioners to train registered voters to help eligible voters in restricted facilities cast ballots when they miss mail-in deadlines or can't reach polling places. The bill expands current law to include jails, detention centers, and rehabilitation centers alongside nursing homes and hospitals.
Why it matters: More than 20,000 Nebraskans live in skilled nursing or assisted living facilities, and 30,000 different people are admitted to county jails annually. Unplanned emergencies can trap eligible voters behind facility walls with no way to vote. The bill addresses a real gap: people who suddenly enter hospitals or jails after mail-in deadlines have passed.
What they're saying: Proponents argue the bill removes barriers for vulnerable voters and codifies best practices already used in larger counties. "This is not new policy," Spivey said. "It's codifying what counties are already doing." Opponents contend the bill imposes burdensome mandates on election officials and threatens integrity by extending voting into jails where oversight is limited. Danna Seevers called it "deeply flawed and unnecessary."
By the numbers: 72 proponents testified; 17 opponents. Lancaster County Election Commissioner Todd Wiltgen said the county already serves 44 facilities with no additional cost, suggesting the fiscal note of zero is accurate.
What's next: No vote was taken. Spivey indicated she is working with Lancaster County on amendment language to cap civil penalties, addressing insurance premium concerns.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Dan Lonowski Skeptical: Sen. Bob Andersen
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB541: Election security measures including hand-counting, voter ID, and ballot watermarks
Introduced by: Sen. Rick Holdcroft | Testimony: 104 proponents, 1134 opponents, 2 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Senator Holdcroft's sweeping election security bill faces overwhelming opposition from election officials and voting rights advocates. LB541 would restrict mail-in voting to specific excuses, require hand-counting 25% of ballots, add watermarks, eliminate online voter registration, and shorten early voting from 35 to 22 days. Holdcroft framed the bill as building public confidence in elections, not addressing proven fraud.
Why it matters: Nebraska's election system is already ranked in the nation's top five for integrity by MIT. But Holdcroft said constituents in Sarpy County are losing confidence, and the bill aims to provide "preventive measures" like seatbelts or furnace checks. The bill would cost counties $2.5-7 million per election cycle, according to election officials' estimates.
What they're saying: Proponents argue hand-counting verifies machine accuracy and restricting mail-in voting reduces fraud risk. Melissa Sauder cited voter roll discrepancies and ES&S vulnerabilities. Opponents countered that hand-counting is statistically less reliable than machines, would cost millions, and would reduce voter turnout. Deputy Secretary of State Wayne Bena said current testing procedures ensure accuracy. Election commissioners from Douglas, Lancaster, and Hall counties all opposed the bill, with Brian Kruse calling it "solutions to problems that don't exist."
By the numbers: 104 proponents testified; 1,134 opponents submitted written testimony. Hand-counting 25% of Lancaster County's ballots would require 50 teams, 2,192 staff hours, and cost $132,000 in payroll alone, according to Commissioner Wiltgen.
What's next: No vote was taken. Holdcroft acknowledged the bill is "a lot in one bill" and suggested the committee might hold it over until the budget improves, or incorporate only low-cost provisions. He indicated willingness to back out of online voter registration restrictions.
Committee sentiment: Skeptical: Sen. John Cavanaugh, Sen. Dan Lonowski, Sen. Megan Hunt, Sen. Bob Andersen, Sen. Dunixi Guereca
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
The committee heard two bills on March 5, 2025. LB586 hearing concluded without a vote. LB541 hearing concluded without a vote. Committee Chair Sanders explained annotated hearing procedures at the outset due to expected large attendance. The hearing ran long, with a dinner break taken at 5:00 p.m. Committee members present included Sens. Hunt, Guereca, Cavanaugh, Andersen, Lonowski, Wordekemper, and McKeon. Legal counsel Dick Clark and committee clerk Julie Condon assisted. Pages Logan Walsh and Arnav Rishi provided support.
Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.