This week the full Legislature debated LB400 from Omaha Senator Megan Hunt, which would increase the minimum wage for workers compensated by gratuities. LB400 faced a filibuster led by several members who questioned the necessity for such an increase and the financial impact the measure would have on restaurant owners. After three hours of debate spread over two days, the bill was passed over on General File without a vote. Consistent with Speaker Jim Scheer’s practice, Senator Hunt must demonstrate enough support for a cloture motion (33 votes) before LB400 returns to the debate agenda.
The Legislature also passed LB16 from Albion Senator Tom Briese, which adds to Nebraska’s public records law a provision for withholding information from public disclosure related to physical and cyber assets of critical energy or electric infrastructure, if the disclosure would threaten national security, public health or safety.
Several important deadlines for this Legislative Session occur next week. Tuesday, March 19th, is the deadline for designation of senator and committee priority bills. On Wednesday, March 20th, Speaker Jim Scheer will release his list of Speaker priority bills. The designated priority bills will become the focus of legislative debate through the conclusion of this Session.
Monday, March 18th is Day 43 of this 90-day Session.