Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee

January 22, 2026

Committee Chair: Sen. Rita Sanders | Bills Heard: 3 | Full Transcript (PDF)

LB951: Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Voting Rights

Introduced by: Sen. Beau Ballard | Testimony: 6 proponents, 3 opponents, 0 neutral

Senators grapple with "taxation without representation" in extraterritorial zones. LB951 would let residents of city ETJs vote in municipal elections, addressing what proponents call unfair regulation without electoral voice. But opponents warn it flips the problem: non-taxpayers would control decisions affecting city residents.

Why it matters: Thousands of Nebraskans live in ETJs where cities regulate their property through zoning and permitting but residents can't vote for those officials. The bill highlights a genuine tension between property rights and democratic representation—but also exposes a harder question: should people vote on issues that don't directly affect them?

What they're saying: - Proponents: "If you're taxed, you should have a say." Permit fees and inspection costs are indirect taxes. Residents pay sales tax, work in cities, but have zero electoral power over officials controlling their property. - Opponents: "This is representation without taxation." City residents pay property taxes for police, fire, streets. Extending votes to non-residents who use none of these services lets them outvote taxpayers. In Gretna, the ETJ population exceeds the city population.

By the numbers: Gretna's ETJ has 12,000 residents vs. 9,300 in the city. Secretary of State identified administrative costs: every city and village must redraw boundary maps and reprogram voter registration systems. Some villages haven't done this in decades.

What's next: No vote taken. Secretary of State and Deputy Secretary Bena flagged amendments needed on election administration timelines and overlapping ETJ policy. Sponsor indicated willingness to work with election officials on changes.

LR283CA: Constitutional Amendment: Citizenship Requirement for Voting

Introduced by: Sen. Barry DeKay | Testimony: 17 proponents, 9 opponents, 1 neutral

DeKay's citizenship amendment seeks to clarify what's already law. LR283CA would change one word in Nebraska's Constitution—"every" to "only a"—to explicitly state that only U.S. citizens can vote. Federal law and Nebraska statute already require it. But is the clarification necessary or a solution in search of a problem?

Why it matters: Four states and D.C. now allow non-citizen voting in local elections. DeKay argues Nebraska should preemptively close any constitutional loophole before other jurisdictions follow suit. Opponents say Nebraska's constitution is already clear and the amendment will confuse voters into thinking a problem exists.

What they're saying: - Proponents: "Clarification is not redundancy." Eighteen states have made similar amendments. The word "only" is more exclusive than "every." Better to be explicit now than litigate later. - Opponents: "This is symbolic and confusing." Heritage Foundation found zero non-citizen voting in Nebraska over 43 years. Existing law already requires citizenship. Voters will think there's a problem when there isn't one.

By the numbers: 21 states have citizenship-only voting clarifications. 4 states plus D.C. allow non-citizen voting in local elections. Zero documented instances of non-citizen voting in Nebraska (Heritage Foundation, 43-year study).

What's next: No vote taken. Senators questioned whether the change addresses a real problem or creates confusion. DeKay indicated willingness to work with election officials on implementation details.

LR284CA: Constitutional Amendment: Lower Voting Age to 16

Introduced by: Sen. Terrell McKinney | Testimony: 11 proponents, 22 opponents, 0 neutral

McKinney's 16-year-old voting proposal sparks debate over youth representation. LR284CA would lower Nebraska's voting age from 18 to 16, allowing teenagers who work, pay taxes, and face adult criminal prosecution to participate in elections. Proponents see democratic fairness; skeptics question maturity and the logic of tying voting to other adult responsibilities.

Why it matters: The amendment mirrors arguments from earlier LB951 hearing: if government regulates you, you should have a voice. But it also raises harder questions about what makes someone ready to vote—and whether driving privileges, tax obligations, or criminal liability are the right measures.

What they're saying: - Proponents: "If 16-year-olds can be tried as adults, work, and pay taxes, they should vote." Research shows younger voters develop lifelong voting habits. Countries like UK and Germany allow it. Youth are already civically engaged. - Skeptics: "86% of teens get news from social media." Driving and voting are different. Tax payment has nothing to do with voting rights (established 250 years ago). Why 16 and not 17?

By the numbers: Position comments: 11 proponents, 22 opponents, 0 neutral. Current law already allows 17-year-olds to vote in primaries if they turn 18 by general election.

What's next: No vote taken. Sen. Cavanaugh suggested compromise: allow 16-year-old voting in state/local elections only. McKinney indicated openness to that approach. Amendment would go to voters in November 2026 if advanced.

Session Notes

Committee Chair Sanders opened with procedural instructions for testifiers, including three-minute time limits with light system, handout requirements, and written position comment deadlines. Three bills were heard: LB951 on extraterritorial jurisdiction voting rights, LR283CA on citizenship voting requirement, and LR284CA on lowering voting age to 16. The hearing highlighted recurring tension between representation and taxation/services, with similar arguments appearing across all three measures regarding who should have electoral voice. No votes were taken on any measures. Secretary of State Bob Evnen and Deputy Secretary Wayne Bena testified on both LB951 and LR283CA, providing election administration perspective. Multiple high school students testified in support of LR284CA, with committee members noting the challenge of holding hearings during school day for youth participation.

Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.