Appropriations Committee
March 12, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Clements | Bills Heard: 4 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB392: Shell bill for general fund contingency
Introduced by: Sen. Clements | Testimony: 0 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Appropriations Committee advances shell bill as annual contingency. LB392 is a placeholder measure designed to give the committee flexibility if budget needs arise during the session. Why it matters: Shell bills are standard practice across legislative committees, allowing them to amend existing legislation rather than introduce new bills mid-session if priorities shift. What they're saying: Sen. Clements explained the bill serves as a vehicle for potential amendments if the committee identifies additional general fund needs. Sen. Spivey confirmed this is routine practice. What's next: No testimony was offered for or against the bill. Sen. Clements waived closing remarks. The hearing concluded without a recorded vote.
Committee sentiment: Unclear: Sen. Spivey
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB393: Shell bill for fund transfer contingency
Introduced by: Sen. Clements | Testimony: 0 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Second shell bill provides fund transfer vehicle for Appropriations Committee. LB393 mirrors LB392 but is specifically designed for fund transfer recommendations rather than general fund appropriations. Why it matters: The committee structures its budget package into separate bills for general funds and fund transfers, requiring distinct legislative vehicles for each category. What they're saying: Sen. Clements noted the bill repeats previous fund transfer language that would not be used as written but would be replaced with amendments if the committee identifies transfer needs. What's next: No testimony was offered. The hearing concluded without a recorded vote.
LB623: Shell bill for general appropriations
Introduced by: Sen. Dover | Testimony: 0 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Third shell bill provides broad appropriations flexibility. LB623, introduced by Sen. Dover (District 19), is a general-purpose shell bill that could be amended to address any appropriations needs. Why it matters: Multiple shell bills give the committee redundancy and flexibility to address unforeseen budget priorities without introducing new legislation mid-session. What they're saying: Sen. Dover stated the bill is simply a placeholder that could be amended to do anything in Appropriations. Sen. Spivey sought clarification on how it differs from the other shell bills. By the numbers: One online opponent comment was submitted for the record. What's next: No in-person testimony was offered. Sen. Dover waived closing remarks.
Committee sentiment: Unclear: Sen. Spivey
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB130: Reinstate Legislature's Cash Reserve Fund transfer formula
Introduced by: Sen. Dungan | Testimony: 2 proponents, 2 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Dungan bill would restore pre-special session formula for state reserve fund, sparking debate over property tax relief guarantees. LB130 reverts to a more complex revenue-growth formula for the Cash Reserve Fund, replacing the simpler 3% threshold enacted in LB34 last summer. Why it matters: The formula change affects how much revenue automatically flows to property tax relief versus the state's rainy day fund. Proponents say the old formula provides stability and flexibility; opponents argue it eliminates a guaranteed $80-90 million annual commitment to property tax relief. What they're saying: Proponents: Hunter Traynor (chambers of commerce) said the formula "provides stability to the Cash Reserve Fund and gives the Legislature flexibility on an annual basis." Craig Beck (OpenSky) emphasized a well-funded reserve is "one of the best hedges against the worst effects of economic downturns." Opponents: Bruce Rieker (Farm Bureau) called reverting the formula "a state-imposed property tax increase" and argued the real solution is controlling local spending. Sen. Briese said the public expects "guarantees when you're talking property tax relief." By the numbers: Two proponents testified; two opponents testified. One online opponent comment submitted. What's next: No vote was taken. Sen. Dungan's staff waived closing remarks.
Committee sentiment: Skeptical: Sen. Armendariz Unclear: Sen. Clements, Sen. Dover, Sen. Dorn, Sen. Spivey
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
The committee heard four bills total: three shell bills (LB392, LB393, LB623) and one substantive bill (LB130). Sen. Dungan was unavailable to introduce LB130 due to court obligations and was represented by Camdyn Kavan from his staff. The hearing on LB130 generated substantial discussion among committee members regarding property tax relief policy, local spending control, and the state's fiscal priorities. 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.