Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee
March 20, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Senator Rita Sanders | Bills Heard: 2 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LR33: Legislative resolution calling on congressional delegation to end twice-yearly clock changes
Introduced by: Sen. Senator Danielle Conrad | Testimony: 2 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nebraska lawmakers seek federal action on daylight saving time. Sen. Danielle Conrad introduced a legislative resolution urging Congress to end the twice-yearly clock changes, positioning it as a backstop to competing state bills already advancing through the Legislature.
Why it matters: Nebraska has spent years debating whether to adopt permanent standard time or daylight saving time. Conrad's resolution sidesteps that internal disagreement by asking the federal government to impose uniformity, preventing a patchwork of state rules that could disrupt commerce and coordination.
What they're saying: - Conrad: The resolution is a "belt-and-suspenders" approach that recognizes "significant consensus on ending the practice" even as lawmakers remain divided on which time to choose. - Sen. Lonowski raised whether a half-hour compromise had been studied; Conrad confirmed scholars have proposed splitting the difference.
By the numbers: One proponent testified (Tanya Cruz, via ADA accommodation); one online comment submitted in support; zero opponents.
What's next: No vote was taken. Conrad waived closing remarks. The resolution remains in committee.
Committee sentiment: Unclear: Sen. Lonowski, Sen. Andersen
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB243: Shell bill held in committee
Introduced by: Sen. Senator Rita Sanders | Testimony: 1 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Committee Chair Sanders introduced a shell bill with no immediate legislative purpose. LB243 was presented as a placeholder measure with no substantive content or plans for development at this time.
Why it matters: Shell bills serve as legislative vehicles that committees can use later in the session if needed. Sanders' explicit statement that the bill will remain in committee signals no action is anticipated.
What they're saying: - Sanders: "We do not have any plans for it at this time, and plan to keep it in committee for now."
By the numbers: One proponent (likely online); zero opponents; zero neutral testimony.
What's next: No vote was taken. Sanders waived closing remarks. The bill remains in committee with no scheduled action.
Session Notes
Vice Chair Sen. Bob Andersen presided over the opening portion of the hearing and introduced committee procedures. Committee Chair Rita Sanders joined partway through and took over for the remainder of the hearing. Legal counsel Dick Clark and committee clerk Julie Condon assisted. Two pages served: Ruby Kinzie (Wayne, UNL political science major) and Arnav Rishi (Omaha, UNL political science and biology student). The hearing concluded after LB243 with no additional bills scheduled.
Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.