Bill introduction gets underway in Legislature

Unicameral Update
 
Nebraska lawmakers began a new session Wednesday focused heavily on how the state will spend more than $1 billion in pandemic relief money, plus debates over prisons, property taxes and state aid for K-12 schools. 
Senators unveiled several new bills Wednesday. Among the 112 measures introduced were:
LB703, sponsored by Gothenburg Sen. Matt Williams, which would appropriate federal funds to the University of Nebraska for an agricultural innovation facility;
LB716, sponsored by Omaha Sen. Megan Hunt, which would allow qualified practitioners to perform abortions;
LB732, sponsored by Omaha Sen. John Cavanaugh, which would prohibit use of deception by peace officers in questioning juveniles;
LB740, sponsored by Bennington Sen. Wendy DeBoer, which would provide an income tax deduction for rent paid on dwellings;
LB755, sponsored by Plymouth Sen. Tom Brandt, which would appropriate federal funds for the Independent Processor Assistance Program;
LB768, sponsored by Thurston Sen. Joni Albrecht, which would change provisions relating to the establishment of academic content standards for school districts;
LB773, sponsored by Gordon Sen. Tom Brewer, which would provide for the carrying of a concealed handgun without a permit and prohibit regulation of such carrying by cities, villages and counties;
LB781, sponsored by Sterling Sen. Julie Slama, which would adopt the Heartbeat Act;
LB785, sponsored by North Platte Sen. Mike Groene, which would change provisions relating to early voting;
LR263CA, sponsored by Bellevue Sen. Carol Blood, which would amend the state constitution to require the Legislature to reimburse political subdivisions as prescribed.
A complete list of bills introduced thus far is available at NebraskaLegislature.gov. New bills may be introduced for the first 10 legislative days, or until Jan. 20.