Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee
April 16, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Rita Sanders | Bills Heard: 3 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB644: Foreign Adversary and Terrorist Agent Registration Act and related national security measures
Introduced by: Sen. Eliot Bostar | Testimony: 9 proponents, 1 opponents, 2 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nebraska advances sweeping foreign adversary legislation targeting Chinese influence operations. LB644 would require registration of agents representing foreign adversaries, ban such entities from state incentive programs, regulate genetic sequencing data, and create enhanced penalties for transnational repression crimes. The bill reflects growing concern that federal government cannot adequately police foreign interference at state level.
Why it matters: Chinese Communist Party actively targets state and local leaders through influence operations, according to testimony. Beijing Genomics—sanctioned by U.S. government but controlling 20% of American genomic sequencing market—poses bioweapon threat, with PLA officials publicly discussing genetically targeted weapons. Testimony documented CCP intelligence operations in Omaha and surveillance of Chinese students at Nebraska universities.
What they're saying: Proponents argued states must act where federal government has failed. "The federal government is not taking care of all of this," Sen. Bostar said. "They can't." Law enforcement testified that Chinese-made drones remain essential for lifesaving operations until American alternatives mature. Criminal defense attorneys opposed enhanced penalties as arbitrary, arguing existing crimes already capture the conduct. One testifier noted federal FARA has only 17 registrants from China despite estimated 600 CCP-affiliated groups operating in U.S.
By the numbers: Foreign adversaries list includes six entities: China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Nicolas Maduro regime. Beijing Genomics controls approximately 20% of U.S. genomic sequencing market. Federal FARA has 17 Chinese registrants versus estimated 600 CCP-affiliated groups operating in U.S.
What's next: No vote taken. Committee heard amendments addressing fiscal concerns, ACLU input on immigration attorneys, and State Patrol flexibility. Sen. Bostar indicated openness to expanding criminal penalty provisions beyond those currently listed.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Bob Andersen, Sen. Dave Wordekemper Skeptical: Sen. John Cavanaugh, Sen. Myra Hunt Unclear: Sen. Dunixi Guereca
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB193: Committee for a Pacific Conflict membership increase
Introduced by: Sen. Bob Andersen | Testimony: 0 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Legislature moves to expand Pacific Conflict committee. LB193 increases Committee for a Pacific Conflict membership from 4 to 5 legislators. All four current members support the expansion.
Why it matters: Committee created last year to prepare Nebraska for potential Pacific conflict with China. Expansion suggests growing legislative focus on foreign adversary threats.
What they're saying: Sen. Andersen presented bill as straightforward housekeeping measure with full support from current committee members.
What's next: No testimony offered. Online comments: 1 proponent, 0 opponents, 0 neutral. Sen. Andersen waived closing statement.
Committee sentiment: Unclear: Sen. John Cavanaugh
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB660: Secure Drone Purchasing Act / Nebraska Anti-Foreign Surveillance Act (NAFSA)
Introduced by: Sen. Bob Andersen | Testimony: 1 proponents, 1 opponents, 2 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Competing approaches emerge on securing drone technology from Chinese surveillance. LB660 would authorize state to maintain list of secure drones for government purchase, with amendment (NAFSA) expanding scope to livestock tracking devices. Debate centers on whether to require drones from federal "Blue List" or allow mitigation strategies like air-gapping.
Why it matters: Chinese drones control 90% of global market and pose national security risk. Chinese law requires companies to share data with CCP. U.S. intelligence reports Chinese government can access drone systems and retrieve data without operator knowledge, developing detailed pictures of critical infrastructure.
What they're saying: Sen. Andersen emphasized collaborative approach with law enforcement and federal agencies to develop secure drone list. Law enforcement testified Blue List requirement impractical—listed drones cost $35,000-$200,000 versus $1,500 for current Chinese drones, and many are military-only or no longer manufactured. Federal agencies at 2025 inauguration flew DJI drones using CISA best practices and air-gapping, suggesting data security achievable without equipment replacement. Utilities requested exemption for entities complying with mandatory NAERCCIP cybersecurity standards.
By the numbers: DJI and Autel control 90% of global drone market. Blue List drones cost $35,000-$200,000; current law enforcement drones cost $1,500. OPPD operates 22 drones (19 USA-built, 2 Swiss).
What's next: No vote taken. Sen. Andersen indicated not wedded to Blue List; open to collaborative approach. Law enforcement indicated support if bill amended to allow sandboxing and air-gapping techniques instead of Blue List restriction.
Committee sentiment: Skeptical: Sen. John Cavanaugh Unclear: Sen. Dave Wordekemper
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
Committee heard three bills. LB644 received extensive testimony (9 proponents, 1 opponent, 2 neutral) on foreign adversary registration, genetic data protection, and transnational repression. LB193 presented as housekeeping measure with no testimony. LB660 generated debate between law enforcement (opposing Blue List requirement) and security experts (supporting collaborative approach). Online position comments submitted: LB644 (4 proponents, 5 opponents, 1 neutral); LB193 (1 proponent, 0 opponents, 0 neutral); LB660 (1 proponent, 2 opponents, 2 neutral). Hearing lasted approximately 6 hours.
Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.