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105th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association Document LB23
Senator Scheer
LB24
Scheer
LB36
Harr
LB52
Schumacher
LB107
Crawford
LB150
Stinner
Position
Committee Status Description Appropriations In Committee Provide for transfers of funds and terminate funds 01/17/2017 01/09/2017 Introduced at the request of the Governor, provides for transfers from various cash funds to the General Fund. Appropriations In Committee Change provisions relating to the Cash Reserve Fund 01/17/2017 01/09/2017 Introduced at the request of the Governor, transfers $92 million from the Cash Reserve Fund to the General Fund by March 31, 2017. Government, Military In Committee Provide for review by state agencies of occupational credentials and provide for a critical assessment and Veterans Affairs 01/09/2017 document 01/20/2017 Requires all agencies to review rules and regulations pertaining to the issuance of occupational credentials every five years and issue a "critical assessment document" to provide a critical analysis of the significance and necessity of the agency's rules or regulations pertaining to the issuance of all occupational credentials. Oppose
Revenue In Committee Adopt the Modern Tax Act 01/18/2017 01/09/2017 Creates a tax of 5.5% on the interest paid on loans. The debtor is responsible for paying the tax, and the lender is responsible for collecting and forwarding the tax revenue. The loans which are subject to the tax include a loan secured by: real estate located in Nebraska, a filing with the Sec. of State under the UCC, security or commercial paper held in Nebraska, a vehicle titled in Nebraska, or any loan in which Nebraska courts have jurisdiction. The tax is applicable to any resident of Nebraska, any trust created under Nebraska law, and any Nebraska corporation, LLC, or other business entity. Judiciary In Committee Prohibit sexual assault of a patient, client, or student as prescribed 02/08/2017 01/10/2017 Criminalizes sexual contact with someone aged 16-18 and adults in positions of authority. A health professional commits the offense of sexual abuse of a patient or client if such health professional subjects a patient or client who is at least sixteen years of age but less than nineteen years of age to sexual penetration or sexual contact. A health care professional is defined as an individual who is or who holds himself or herself out to be credentialed under the Uniform Credentialing Act or who otherwise provides professional physical or mental health services, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, or counseling. Appropriations 02/21/2017
In Committee 01/10/2017
Provide for a transfer from the Cash Reserve Fund
Budget placeholder bill LB165
Brewer
LB299
Ebke
Oppose
Judiciary In Committee Require employer identification numbers and use of the federal immigration verification system 02/22/2017 01/12/2017 Requires every employer making wages subject to withholding to register with the Tax Commissioner and be assigned a state employer ID number; such registration is to be renewed annually. The bill further requires such employers to register with and use the federal immigration verification system to verify the work eligibility of new hires. Employers are prohibited from hiring an unauthorized alien and must submit an affidavit to the Tax Commissioner confirming compliance. Existing hires are exempt from this bill if hired prior to the employer registering with the verification system. If an employer is not in compliance, the Commissioner has the authority to revoke the employer ID number. Employers may appeal the decision of the Commissioner using the method proscribed in the APA. Government, Military and Veterans Affairs 02/24/2017
Approved by Adopt the Occupational Board Reform Act and change procedures for rules and regulations Governor 04/23/2018 Ebke Priority Bill The bill creates the Office of Supervision of Occupational Boards to provide active supervision over occupational boards. This includes approving or rejecting any proposed rule, regulation, policy, enforcement action, or other regulatory actions set forth by occupational boards. The Office is to play a role in the development of a Board’s rules and regulations to ensure they benefit consumers and do not serve the private interests of the providers the Board regulates. The bill establishes that the policy of the State shall be: to protect the fundamental right of an individual to pursue an occupation, to use the least restrictive means to protect consumers from harm, and to enforce occupational regulation against an individual only if the individual conducts business explicitly included in statute. It also creates the Legislative Office of Occupational Regulations to provide ongoing review of occupational legislation.
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105th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association Document
Senator
Position
Committee
Status
Description
AM1665 (GMVA): Keeps the individual rights portion of the bill, eliminates the executive branch enforcement board. Vests regulatory oversight in the legislature through regulatory evaluations. Creates a state policy that occupational regulations shall be construed (a) to protect the individual worker's right to pursue a lawful occupation, (b) to use the least restrictive means necessary to protect public health and safety, and (c) to require actual enumeration of a product or service as regulated by statute as condition of any enforcement action against an individual. Creates a process for an individual considering a new career to pay $100 and petition a licensing board for an advisory opinion on the effect of a past conviction on the individual's eligibility for an occupational license. Requires legislative staff to make review of occupational regulation.-ADOPTED 3/14/18 AM2013 (Crawford): Defines "provider" as a provider of goods or services engaged in a lawful occupation regulated by an occupational board, except that provider does not include any regulated health professions as defined in Section 71-6218 or any health professional groups not previously regulated as defined in section 71-6211 except as otherwise specifically provided in section 15 of the act.-LOST 2/20/18 AM1993 (Crawford): Creates same provider definition as AM 2013, but would also strike numerous sections of the bill.-WITHDRAWN 2/20/18 FA102 (Hilgers): Eliminates the requirement that when a bill modifies occupational regulations the legislative committee must review the proposed legislation with respect to the policies of the Act (LB 299), determine whether the proposed legislation meets the requirements of the Act by using the least restrictive means possible, and issue a report regarding the proposed legislation in a timely fashion in order that the committee may review the report prior to voting on the legislation.-WITHDRAWN 3/14/18 AM2028 (Ebke): Strikes the guidelines the occupational board must adhere to when determining whether an individual’s criminal conviction would disqualify the individual from obtaining an occupational license. The language struck by the amendment provides that in making such determination, an individual’s criminal history shall only disqualify the individual if the individual has a felony conviction, the felony conviction is expressly listed as a disqualifying offense in the statutes governing occupational regulation by the occupational board, and the occupational board concludes that the state has an important interest in protecting public safety that outweighs the individual’s right to pursue an occupation.-WITHDRAWN 3/14/18 AM2349 (Ebke): Allows an individual who has a criminal conviction to petition the appropriate occupational board, including prior to obtaining required education or paying any fee, for a determination as to whether the criminal conviction would disqualify the individual from 3obtaining an occupational license, government certification, or state recognition of the individual’s personal qualifications from that occupational board. Requires a determination within 90 days. Beginning in 2019, each standing committee of the Legislature shall annually review and analyze approximately 20% of the occupational regulations within the jurisdiction of the committee and prepare and submit an annual report electronically to the Clerk of the Legislature by December 15 of each year. Each committee shall complete this process for all occupational regulations within its jurisdiction within 5 years and every 5 years thereafter. Each report shall include the committee's recommendations regarding whether the occupational regulations should be terminated, continued, or modified.-ADOPTED 3/14/18 AM2674 (Ebke): Redefines “certification.” The bill as amended by the committee amendment provided that occupational regulation does not include an occupational license administered by the Supreme Court; AM 2674 strikes this provision. Adds a non-exclusive list of 171 occupations which qualify as “providers of goods or services engaged in a lawful occupation regulated by an occupational board.” The amendment clarifies that “registration” does not include any requirements to show personal qualifications but may require a bond or insurance. Adds provisions regarding specialty occupational licenses for medical reimbursement. Clarifies provisions related to individuals with criminal convictions petitioning for a pre-determination. Modifies the provisions related to the Legislature’s standing committees’ review of occupational licensing regulations.-ADOPTED 4/10/18 LB312
Briese
Oppose
Revenue 02/22/2017
In Committee 01/17/2017
Change and eliminate revenue and taxation provisions
Repeals: - The sales and use tax exemption for newspapers (77-2704.07) - The sales and use tax exemption on coin-operated laundering and cleaning machines (77-2704.14) - The sales and use tax exemption on lottery tickets (77-2704.38) - The sales and use tax exemption for prepaid calling service (77-2704.52) - The sales and use tax refund for a homeowner paying for construction services (77-2704.55)
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105th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association Document
Senator Position Committee Status Description - The sales and use tax exemption on property or fine art owned by a museum (77-2704.56) - The sales and use tax exemption for museums purchasing historic automobile items (77-2704.65) - The sales and use tax exemption on membership or admission sales to zoos and aquariums (77-2704.67) Repeals exemption for gross income received for animal specialty services and pet related services. Current law states "except veterinary services, specialty services performed on livestock as defined and animal grooming performed by a licensed veterinarian or veterinary technician in conjunction with medical treatment.
LB313
Briese
LB354
Kolowski
Monitor
LB402
Hilkemann
Monitor
LB452
Lindstrom
LB461
Smith
Revenue In Committee Change the sales tax rate and the earned income tax credit and provide property tax credits 02/22/2017 01/17/2017 Raises the state sales tax to 6.5%. Changes the earned income tax credit to 17% of the federal earned income credit for tax year 2018. Creates the Excess Revenue Property Tax Credit Fund which is to be funded by the tax increases made in this bill. The property tax credit is disbursed to counties and is based upon the ratio of real property valuation in the county to the real property valuation of the State. The credit will show on the property tax statement provided to property owners. Business and Labor In Committee Adopt the Wage Disclosure Act 02/27/2017 01/17/2017 Prohibits employers (defined as anyone employing 4 or more employees in Nebraska at any one time) from screening job applicants based on their current or prior wages, including any requirement that a job applicant’s current or prior wages satisfy minimum or maximum criteria. Prohibits employers from requesting or requiring as a condition of consideration that the applicant disclose his or her current or prior wages. Prohibits employer from seeking information regarding an applicant’s current or prior wages from the current or former employer, except that an employer may confirm an applicant’s wages if given written authorization and the confirmation is done after the employer has made an offer of employment to the applicant. Authorizes the Labor Commissioner to subpoena records and witnesses to enforce and makes violating employers guilty of a Class IV misdemeanor. Health and Human In Committee Change provisions of the Nebraska Regulation of Health Professions Act Services 01/17/2017 02/15/2017 An applicant group with one or more members of a regulated health profession may apply at its discretion for the review of a proposed change in the scope of practice for the regulated health profession. If the director determines that the application presents issues below, the director shall appoint a technical committee (made up of members of the board of health) to perform factfinding functions and present a report electronically to the chairperson of the Health and Human Services Committee of the Legislature. Issues to be reviewed and reported to the HHS Committee of the Legislature for changes to the scope of practice of a regulated health profession are: (a) The health, safety, and welfare of the public are inadequately addressed by the present scope of practice or limitations on the scope of practice; (b) Enactment of changes in the scope of practice would benefit the health, safety, or welfare of the public; (c) Changes in scope of practice do not create a significant new danger to the health, safety, or welfare of the public; (d) The education and training for the health profession adequately prepares practitioners to perform the new skill or service; (e) There are appropriate postprofessional programs and competence assessment measures available to assure that the practitioner is competent to perform the new skill or service in a safe manner; and (f) There are adequate measures to assess whether practitioners are competently performing the new skill or service and to take appropriate action if they are not performing competently. Revenue In Committee Impose sales tax on services and change income tax rates and personal exemption amounts 02/15/2017 01/19/2017 Repeals sales tax exemption on newspapers, laundromats, lottery tickets purchased pursuant to the State Lottery Act, nonbusiness motor vehicle maintenance and repair, storage and moving services, personal care services, local taxi or other ground transportation services, and dry cleaning or other laundry services. Starting in 2018, it consolidates the bottom two state income tax brackets and sets the rate at 3.1%, and also lowers the top rate to 6.73%. The bill also lowers the top rate by .1% each year thereafter until 2025. Beginning in 2019, the bill requires a growth rate of 3.5% in General Fund receipts to prevent a deferral of the income tax deductions mentioned previously. If a deferral takes place, the bill requires growth of 4.2% to cancel a previous deferral. The bill reduces the amount of personal exemption credit allowed on income taxes; the reduction is tiered based upon AGI on the federal return. Finally, it reduces the corporate tax rate by .23% starting in 2018 and every year thereafter until 2025; the bill establishes General Fund growth rate requirements of 3.7% for these reductions to take place. See also LB337. Monitor bill Revenue General File Correct references to a federal act in a revenue statute amended 02/15/2017 04/07/2017 into this bill Proposed AM954 (Revenue): The committee amendment incorporates provisions from LB338, LB337, and LB452.
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105th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association Document
Senator
Position
Committee
Status
Description
Beginning January 1, 2018, it changes ag land valuation from a comparable sales approach for determining assessed valuation to an income-approach calculation. Ag land will be divided into classes and subclasses that reflect the uses of the land. A 5-member Ag Land Valuation Committee (comprised of the Tax Commissioner and 4 members appointed by the Commissioner) are to develop the income and expense estimates, as well as capitalization rates, that will be used to calculate ag land valuation. This new valuation method is prohibited from increasing valuation more than 3.5% from the prior year. Beginning in tax year 2019, the two lowest individual income tax brackets are to be merged into one, and the rate of income tax is to be 3.25%. The personal exemption credit is reduced if adjusted gross income (AGI) is $150,000 for individuals and $300,00 for joint filers, and is not available if AGI is above $200,000 for individuals and $400,000 for joint filers. It also increases the Earned Income Tax Credit to 11% of the federal credit in 2019, and 12% of the federal credit in 2020. The top corporate income tax rate is to be reduced to 7.59% from 7.81%. Finally, the amendment suspends the New Markets Job Growth Investment Act and the Nebraska Job Creation and Mainstreet Revitalization Act beginning on July 1, 2017 and lasting through December 31, 2022. Beginning in tax year 2020, the top individual income tax bracket could be reduced from 6.84% to 5.99%, and can be reduced in incremental steps in the years following so long as the Tax Review Committee finds that the expected rate of growth in net General Funds receipts is above 3.5%. It also allows the top corporate income tax bracket to be reduced in increments of .20% each year beginning January 1, 2020 if the Tax Rate Review Committee finds the rate of growth in net General Fund receipts to be more than 4%. The top corporate income tax rate is prohibited from going below 5.99%, however. In each situation, if the expected growth in net General Fund receipts does not occur, the Committee is to withhold the decrease in tax rate until the following year, provided that year meets the growth threshold. LB553
Lowe
Business and Labor In Committee Provide for a nonelection of coverage under the Nebraska Workers' Compensation Act 02/27/2017 01/20/2017 Allows any individual employer, partner, LLC member, or self-employed person who is actually engaged in said business on a substantially full-time basis to file with the Workers’ Compensation Court a written nonelection of workers’ compensation coverage.
LB586
Linehan
LB596
Groene
Health and Human In Committee Change requirements for the prescription drug monitoring system Services 01/20/2017 03/23/2017 MCO PDMP Bill. Allows the MCO or an MCO’s designee access to the PDMP information. Oppose
Health and Human Services 03/09/2017
Approved by Exempt equine, cat, and dog massage practice from licensure and regulation Governor on April 17, 2018 04/18/2018 Speaker Priority Bill Adds language to the Veterinary Practice Act that a person engaged solely in the practice of equine massage therapy shall not be practicing veterinary medicine and shall not require licensure under the act. AM621 (HHS): Strikes “high performance” from the definition of equine massage therapy.-ADOPTED 3/20/18 AM1500 (Groene): Provides that equine massage practitioners must obtain a credential under the Uniform Credentialing Act. Creates the Equine Massage Practitioner Registry. Any person engaged in the practice of equine massage for compensation shall (a) apply to the department for listing in the registry, (b) submit as part of the application (i) evidence of receipt of a degree or certificate in equine massage from a school approved by the department or with an accreditation recognized by the United States Department of Education or (ii) until January 1, 2022, two letters of recommendation from licensed veterinarians attesting to the applicant's competence to engage in equine massage practice, and (c) pay the applicable fee. A listing in the registry shall be valid for five years and shall be eligible to be renewed unless such listing is refused renewal or removed. Any person convicted of violating the Livestock Animal Welfare Act shall be denied registration or renewal of a registration and shall be removed from the registry.-WITHDRAWN 3/20/18 FA112 (Kuehn): Changes a reference from “horses” to “equine.”-WITHDRAWN 3/20/18
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105th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association Document
Senator
Position
Committee
Status
Description
AM2315 (Groene): Adds provisions to AM1500: Defines equine massage practice as the application of hands-on massage techniques for the purpose of increasing circulation, relaxing muscle spasms, relieving tension, enhancing muscle tone, and increasing range of motion in equine; and equine massage practitioner as a person registered on the Equine Massage Practitioner Registry to engage in equine massage practice. Adds that the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act shall not be construed to prohibit an equine massage practitioner from engaging in equine massage practice.-ADOPTED 3/20/18 AM2578 (Chambers): Expands equine massage to also allow massage of “cats and dogs.”-ADOPTED 3/28/18 AM2523 (Kuehn): Removes the registry requirement and states that the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act shall not be construed to require licensure for persons engaged in equine massage therapy (or for the other acts permitted without a veterinarian license).-ADOPTED 3/28/18 LB731
Williams
Oppose bill amended into this bill
Health and Human Services 01/18/2018
Approved by Change provisions relating to physical therapy, respiratory care, and the Cosmetology, Electrology, Governor on Esthetics, Nail Technology, and Body Art Practice Act, provide for mobile salons and remote April 19, 2018 dispensing pharmacies, and adopt the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact 04/23/2018 Health and Human Services Priority Bill Provide for licensure of remote dispensing pharmacies. At the time of initial licensure, the remote dispensing pharmacy must be located ten driving miles or more from the nearest pharmacy. If the remote dispensing pharmacy employs a certified pharmacy technician, the remote dispensing pharmacy shall be supervised via a real-time audiovisual communication system by a licensed pharmacist employed by a supervising pharmacy. The remote dispensing pharmacy must have the same pharmacist in charge as the supervising pharmacy. AM2432 (Health and Human Services): AM2432 includes portions of LB681, LB788, LB790 and LB1107. AM2432 adds an exception that a pharmacist in charge is not required to work within the physical confines of a remote dispensing pharmacy unless otherwise required by law. Mandates a pharmacy shall not be licensed as both a remote dispensing pharmacy and a pharmacy. LB681 adopts the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact. LB788 requires continuing education for health care professionals regarding opiate prescriptions—requires nurse midwives, dentists, physicians, PAs, nurse practitioners, podiatrists, and veterinarians prescribing controlled substances to obtain 5 CE hours biennially regarding prescribing and administering opiates; a half hour of the 5 hours must be on the PDMP. Terminates on Jan. 1, 2029. LB790 provides licensure requirements of mobile cosmetology and nail technology salons. LB1107 changes provisions relating to barber licensing and the Cosmetology, Electrology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, and Body Art Practice Act.-ADOPTED 3/27/18 AM2611 (Kolterman): Reduces the required continuing education hours on opiates for health practitioners who prescribe controlled substances from five hours to three hours.-ADOPTED 3/27/18 AM2381 (Kolterman) Inserts LB360 (Surgical Technologist Registry Act).-WITHDRAWN 3/27/18 AM2830 (Erdman): Expands the definition of “massage therapy establishment” to include a vehicle in which a massage therapist practices.-WITHDRAWN 4/9/18 AM2864 (Riepe): At the NMA’s request, this amendment includes language that would allow other subjects than the ones currently listed in the bill to count as opioid related education for the purposes of the continuing education requirements.-ADOPTED 4/9/18 LB681, LB788, LB790, LB794 and LB1107 amended into LB731.
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105th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association Document LB788
Senator Riepe
Position Oppose
Committee Status Description Health and Human General File Require continuing education for health care professionals regarding opiate prescriptions Services 03/20/2018 01/18/2018 Requires continuing competency requirements for a nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist, dentist, physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, podiatrist, and veterinarian to include at least five hours of continuing education biennially regarding prescribing opiates. The continuing education may include training on prescribing and administering opiates, the risks and indicators regarding development of addiction to opiates, and emergency opiate situations. Two of the five hours shall cover the prescription drug monitoring program. Proposed AM2184 (Health and Human Services): Adds that only practitioners that prescribed controlled substances are required to complete the continuing education. Reduces the PDMP CE requirement from two hours to one-half hour. Removes nurse anesthetist. The requirement terminates on Jan. 1, 2029. LB788 amended into LB731.
LB829
Erdman
Monitor
LB834
Howard
Support (with letter)
LB892
Howard
Monitor
LB893
Wishart
Oppose
Revenue 01/25/2018
In Committee Adopt the Property Tax Relief Act 01/08/2018 Erdman Priority Bill For taxable years beginning or deemed to begin on or after January 1, 2019, there shall be allowed to each taxpayer a refundable credit against the taxpayer’s state income tax in the amount of fifty percent of the school district taxes levied on the taxpayer’s property and paid by the taxpayer during such taxable year. Health and Human In Committee Provide for waiver of certain occupational and licensing fees as prescribed Services 01/08/2018 01/24/2018 Requires all licensing authorities to waive initial occupational fees and fees from licensing requirements for low-income individuals, military families, and young workers. An individual seeking a waiver of initial occupational fees and fees from licensing requirements shall apply to the appropriate licensing authority and the application shall be processed within 30 days after receiving it from the applicant. Judiciary In Committee Prohibit restraining animals in the event of certain natural or manmade disasters or severe weather 02/23/2018 01/09/2018 events as prescribed Prohibits an animal (any vertebrate member of the animal kingdom, not including an uncaptured wild creature or a livestock) from being restrained with a chain, tether, or similar device and left unsheltered or unattended in the event of a severe weather event or natural or manmade disaster including, but not limited to, during a tornado warning or after a mandatory or voluntary evacuation order. Severe weather event means the existence of severe climatic conditions creating rain, hail, sleet, snow, high winds, extremely high or low temperatures, or any combination thereof that would make restraint of an animal unsafe. A violation is a Class I misdemeanor (with a maximum penalty of not more than one year imprisonment, or $1000 fine, or both). Agriculture In Committee Change seller disclosure statement requirements and provide for restrictions and duties on pet shop 02/20/2018 01/09/2018 owners under the Dog and Cat Purchase Protection Act Prohibits a pet shop owner from selling a pet animal (dog or cat) in a pet shop unless such animal was obtained from an animal control facility, animal shelter, or animal rescue. Requires additional records retention requirements—each pet shop shall maintain records sufficient to document the source of each pet animal for the duration of each animal’s housing at the pet ship and for at least one year after the date of sale to the purchaser, and such records shall be available for USDA inspection. Each pet store shall post, in a conspicuous location on the cage or enclosure of each pet, a sign listing the name of the animal control, facility, animal shelter, or animal rescue from which the animal was obtained.
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105th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association Document LB931
Senator Howard
Position Neutral
Committee Judiciary 01/26/2018
Status Description Approved by Provide requirements for opiate and controlled substance prescriptions Governor 04/04/2018 Howard Priority Bill Prohibits a practitioner who is prescribing an opiate for a patient younger than 19 years of age for outpatient use for an acute condition from prescribing more than a 7-day supply. If, in the professional medical judgment of the practitioner, more than a 7-day supply of an opiate is required to treat such patient’s medical condition or is necessary for the treatment of chronic pain management or pain associated with a cancer diagnosis or for palliative care, the practitioner may issue a prescription for the quantity needed to treat such patient’s medical condition or pain. The practitioner shall document the medical condition triggering the prescription of more than a 7-day supply of an opiate in the patient’s medical record and shall indicate that a nonopiate alternative was not appropriate to address the medical condition. If the practitioner has not previously prescribed an opiate for such patient, the practitioner shall discuss with a parent or guardian of such patient the risks associated with use of opiates and the reasons why the prescription is necessary. AM1849 (Judiciary): Removes a reference to opiates being appropriate for treatment of "chronic pain management.” Adds a sunset date of January 1, 2029. Adds legislative findings relating to opiate abuse and best practices in prescribing opiate drugs. Inserts provisions of LB933 (Lindstrom) to require opiate prescribers to first discuss certain information with the patient or patient's parent or guardian, including risks of addiction and overdose, reasons why the practitioner deems the prescription necessary, and alternative treatments that may be available; discussions would be required prior to the first prescription and again prior to issuing a third prescription to the patient; practitioner would be required to include a note in the patient's medical record confirming that the mandated discussion occurred. Adds provisions of LB934 (Kuehn) to require that persons receiving dispensed opiates provide photographic identification; an exception is provided for patients, residents, and employees of licensed healthcare facilities so long as there are related identification procedures in place at the facility.-ADOPTED 2/26/18 AM2115 (Larson): Inserts a new subsection that provides that in order to have access to the fundamental right to health care, an individual who does not have a valid driver's or operator's license or state identification card needs access to a state identification card for purposes of this section. In order to have such identification available at the appropriate time, any individual who does not have a such identification may apply to the DMV for a state identification card at any time and for any purpose which shall be issued at no cost.-WITHDRAWN 2/26/18 AM2228: Under the original bill, a practitioner that prescribes an opiate to a patient under 18 must discuss the risks with the patient’s parent or guardian. The amendment clarifies that the practitioner must discuss the risks with the patient, if the patient is an emancipated minor. Additionally, the amendment strikes the requirement that the practitioner include a note in the patient's medical record that the patient or the patient's parent or guardian, as applicable, has discussed with the practitioner the risks of developing a physical or psychological dependence on the controlled substance or opiate and alternative treatments that may be available. The amendment further provides that if the recipient of dispensed opioids is personally and positively known to the pharmacist or dispensing practitioner, the recipient does not have to show identification. Additionally, identification requirements do not apply to a patient, resident, or employee of a health care facility licensed pursuant to the Health Care Facility Licensure Act.ADOPTED 3/15/18 LB933 and LB934 amended into LB931.
LB933
Lindstrom
Judiciary General File Provide prescription requirements for certain controlled substances 01/26/2018 02/12/2018 Requires a practitioner when prescribing a controlled substance or any opiate, prior to issuing the initial prescription for a course of treatment for acute or chronic pain and again prior to the third prescription for such course of treatment, to discuss with the patient, or the patient’s parent or guardian if the patient is younger than 18 and not emancipated, specific risks of addiction and overdose associated with the prescription, the reasons why the prescription is necessary, and alternative treatments that may be available. The practitioner shall include a note in the patient’s medical record that the patient or the patient’s parent or guardian has discussed with the practitioner the risks of developing a physical or psychological dependence and alternative treatments that may be available. LB933 amended into LB931.
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105th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association Document LB934
Senator Kuehn
Position Neutral
Committee Status Description Judiciary General File Require identification prior to receipt of dispensed opiates 01/26/2018 02/12/2018 Requires a customer to display a valid driver’s or operator’s license, a Nebraska state ID card, a military ID card, an alien registration card, or a passport as proof of identification in order to take receipt of dispensed opiates listed in Schedule II, III, or IV of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. Proposed AM1841 (Judiciary): An exception is provided for patients, residents, and employees of licensed healthcare facilities so long as there are related identification procedures in place at the facility. LB934 amended into LB931.
LB944
Scheer
Appropriations 02/05/2018
Approved by Provide, change, and eliminate provisions relating to appropriations and reduce appropriations Governor (EClause) 04/04/2018 -Provides $103.2 million of total General Fund appropriation reductions ($77.1 million of across-the-board reductions (2% in FY17-18 and 4% in FY18-19, with approximately $3.1 billion or 71% of budget excluded from across-the-board reductions); $25.1 million of specific reductions (including $19.7 million for TEEOSA in FY18-19 and $1.9 million in FY18-19 related to lower-than-estimated health insurance increases); and $1.1 million of reappropriation reductions). -Provides $35.1 million total net increase over two fiscal years for child welfare and public assistance, $15 million increase in FY18-19 for reduced federal Medicaid match rate, $2.5 million fund source shift in Beatrice State Developmental Center appropriation in FY17-18, $3.7 million increase for TEEOSA in FY17-18 for lower-than-estimated insurance premium tax, $3.1 million increase each fiscal year for Homestead Exemption Program for higher-than-estimated local government tax loss; $1.3 million reduction in FY17-18 and $2 million reduction in FY18-19 for Personal Property Exemption Program due to lower-than-estimated local government tax loss; and $500,000 increase in FY18-19 for state contribution to defined benefit retirement plans. -Governor’s budget explanation is available at http://budget.nebraska.gov/assets/2018_mid-biennium_budget_-adjustments_book.pdf. AM2274 (Bolz): The amendment provides that no funds appropriated or distributed under the Federal Title X program shall be used for abortion or abortion counseling and that no funds shall be granted to an organization that performs, assists with the performance of, or provides directive counseling in favor of abortion. The amendment clarifies that organizations may provide neutral, factual information, nondirective counseling, or referral upon request. An otherwise qualified organization shall not be disqualified from receipt of Title X funds when the organization can demonstrate objective independence. Objective independence includes legal, physical, and financial separation between the provision of abortion services and the services provided with Title X funds.-WITHDRAWN 3/13/18 AM1699 (Appropriations): The committee amendment becomes the bill. The amendment contains the Appropriations Committee's recommendation for new and adjustments to existing appropriations and re-appropriations for state operations, aid and construction programs, provides for certain transfers, and modifies intent language and earmarks accompanying appropriations approved by the legislature for the current fiscal year ending June 30, 2018, and the next fiscal year ending June 30, 2019. Details of the Committee's recommendation may be found here: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/pdf/reports/fiscal/2018proposal.pdf -ADOPTED 3/13/18 AM2289 (Krist): Adds a $50,000 appropriation for FY 2018-19 to the Gambler’s Assistance Fund.-ADOPTED 3/21/18 Proposed AM2346 (Pansing Brooks): Strikes the language prohibiting Title X disbursement to organizations that perform, assist with, provide directive counseling for, or refer for abortion. AM2405 (Erdman): Reduces the amount appropriated to the University of Nebraska for FY 2018-19 by $17.4 million from $574,745,874 to $557,329,332.-LOST 3/21/18 Proposed AM2407 (Erdman): Reduces the amount appropriated to the University of Nebraska for FY 2018-19 by $17.4 million from $574,745,874 to $557,329,332.
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105th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association Document
Senator Position Committee Status Description Proposed AM2356 (Schumacher): Inserts a new section that would require DHHS, no later than September 1, 2018, to submit a state plan amendment to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to provide medical assistance for family planning services for people whose family's earned income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. Requires that family planning services be consistent with federal law and include coverage, without imposition of utilization controls of all FDAapproved family planning methods, screening and treatment for cervical and breast cancers, interpersonal violence screening and prevention, and follow-up family planning appointments and counseling. Family planning services also includes, but is not limited to, training in the responsibilities of parenthood and education in the financial, career, and generational implications of pregnancy and child rearing. Provides that no state funds will be utilized to pay for elective abortion services. Proposed AM2408 (Bolz): Strikes the language prohibiting Title X disbursement to organizations that perform, assist with, provide directive counseling for, or refer for abortion, and replaces with language that provides that no funds appropriated or distributed under the Federal Title X program shall be used for abortion or abortion counseling, nor shall funds be granted to organizations that perform, assist with, or provides directive counseling in favor of abortion. Provides that organizations may provide neutral, factual information, nondirective counseling, or referral upon request. Provides that an otherwise qualified organization will not be disqualified from receipt of Title X funds when the organization can demonstrate objective independence (legal, physical, and financial separation between the provision of abortion services and the services provided with Title X funds). Provides legislative intent that Title X funds shall be distributed statewide and that DHHS will ensure that a network is maintained that is sufficient in numbers and types of providers to assure that Title X services will be accessible without unreasonable delay. Proposed AM2410 (Bolz): Same as AM 2408 but amends the Final Reading copy of the bill. Proposed FA116 (Chambers): Amends Title X provision to strike "Pursuant to" and insert "In accord with". Proposed FA117 (Chambers): Adds at the end of the Title X provision: "This provision is designed to serve as a campaign issue in the Governor's bid for reelection." AM2464 (Stinner): Cleans-up language by correcting an omission, eliminating an incorrect federal regulation reference, adding the Film Office Fund created by LB945, eliminating unnecessary Health Care Cash Fund transfers, and correcting the intended cut to health insurance for the Tax Commissioner.-ADOPTED 3/21/18 AM2514 (Wishart): Provides that no funds appropriated under the Federal Title X program will be used for abortion or abortion as a method of family planning. No funds will be granted to an organization that provides directive counseling in favor of abortion. Requires Title X organizations to provide neutral, factual information, nondirective counseling, or referral upon request. Requires each Title X-receiving organization to demonstrate financial separation between their Title X services and other services not funded by Title X funds, including abortion services. Financial separation will be demonstrated by a detailed monthly record of Title X expenditures to DHHS.-WITHDRAWN 3/23/18 Proposed AM2515 (Wishart): Same as AM2514 but amends the final reading copy of the bill. AM2750 (Scheer): Provides that no Title X funds shall be disbursed to an organization that performs, assists with the performance of, provides directive counseling in favor of, or refers for abortion. Referral for an abortion is limited to the act of recommending a pregnant woman to doctors, clinics, or other persons or entities for the purpose of obtaining an abortion. Neutral, factual, nondirective information about prenatal care and delivery, infant care, foster care, adoption, and pregnancy termination or referral for an emergency situation shall not constitute a referral for abortion. An otherwise qualified organization shall not be disqualified from receipt of such funds because of its affiliation with an organization that performs, assists with the performance of, provides directive counseling in favor of, or refers for abortion, if the affiliated organization is objectively independent of the qualified organization. Objective independence includes, but is not limited to, legal, physical, and financial separation between the affiliated organization and the qualified organization.-ADOPTED 3/28/18 Proposed FA142 (Chambers): Strikes the severability clause that provides if any part or section in this act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the declaration shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portions. LB674, LB802, LB864, LB1055 and LB1062 amended into LB944.
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105th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association Document LB945
Senator Scheer
Position Committee Status Description Monitor Appropriations Approved by Create funds and authorize, change, provide, and eliminate fund transfer provisions (testify in 01/22/2018 Governor (Esupport of Clause) univ. vet 04/04/2018 programs) -Provides $21.7 million to General Fund through transfer adjustments to/from the General Fund and agency cash funds. -Makes various cash fund transfers to the General Fund on or before June 30, 2019, including $170,325 from the Underground Storage Tank Cash Fund; $1.3 million from the HHS Cash Fund (to be credited to the X-Ray Cash Fund); $520,000 from the HHS Cash Fund (to be credited to the Emergency Preparedness Cash Fund); $750,000 from the HHS Cash Fund (to be credited to the Radioactive Materials Cash Fund); the unobligated balance on September 30, 2017, of the Nebraska Progress Loan Fund; $50,000 from the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission Cash Fund; $250,000 from the Commission on Public Advocacy Operations Cash Fund; an additional $4.5 million from the Game and Parks Commission Capital Maintenance Fund; an additional $750,000 from the State Settlement Cash Fund; $384,222 plus any accrued interest from the Natural Resources Department’s Critical Infrastructure Facilities Cash Fund; $275,000 from the funds received under the Commercial Fertilizer and Soil Conditioner Act and Agricultural Liming Materials Act; $1 million from the State Visitors Promotion Cash Fund; an additional $500,000 from the Litter Reduction and Recycling Fund. -Transfers up to $15 million from the Medicaid Intergovernmental Trust Fund to the HHS Cash Fund (amount will be the lesser of $15 million or the certified amount of FY1718 General Fund encumbrances for Child Welfare Aid in excess of the available General Fund appropriation balance existing on June 30, 2018) -Credits any reimbursement to Nebraska from other states operating in accordance with the Emergency Management Assistance to the Governor’s Emergency Cash Fund. -Decreases the transfer from the General Fund to the Water Sustainability Fund by $1.5 million (from $10.67 million to $9.17 million) for FY17-18 (this amount represents the accrued interest since the beginning of the fund; the programs funded in November 2017 will not be impacted by this reduction) and reduces the FY18-19 appropriation by $3.47 million (from $9.47 million to $6 million) (the budget explanation document states that the projected fund balance after this reduction will still allow for $11 million of projects to be funded in FY18-19). -Cash Fund descriptions and balances are available at https://nebraskalegislature.gov/pdf/reports/fiscal/funddescriptions_2017.pdf. AM1700 (Appropriations): The amendment becomes the bill. Specifically, the amendment (1) Transfers $170,325 from the Underground Storage Tank Cash Fund to the General Fund; (2) Transfers $1.3 million from the Health and Human Services X-Ray Cash Fund to the General Fund; (3) Transfers $520,000 from the Health and Human Services Emergency Preparedness Cash Fund to the General Fund; (4) Transfers $750,000 from the Health and Human Services Radioactive Materials Cash Fund to the General Fund; (5) Transfers the unobligated balance on September 30, 2017, of the Nebraska Progress Loan Fund to the Intern Nebraska Cash Fund; (6) Transfers $50,000 from the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission Cash Fund to the General Fund; (7) Transfers $200,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Cash Fund; (8) Creates the Nebraska Film Office Fund to be administered by the Department of Economic Development; (9) Changes a transfer of $4.5 million from the Game and Parks Commission Capital Maintenance Fund to the General Fund to an $8.5 million transfer between June 1 and June 30, 2019; (10) Changes the date of a transfer from the Compensation Court Cash Fund to the General Fund. Currently, the transfer is to happen between June 1 and June 30, 2018. The amendment changes the transfer to occur between June 1 and June 30, 2019; (11) Allows for transfers from the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Cash Fund to the General Fund at the direction of the Legislature; (12) Allows for transfers from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Cash Fund; (13) Allows for transfers from the State Settlement Cash Fund to the Legal Education for Public Service and Rural Practice Loan Repayment Assistance Fund; (14) Directs the State Treasurer to credit any fund received by the state for settlement of claims regarding Colorado's past use of water under the Republican River Compact to the Water Resources Cash Fund. Furthermore, legislative intent is provided that the State Treasurer deposit any money received from any Republican River Compact settlement to the Water Resources Cash Fund in the fiscal year in which funds are received; (15) Allows for transfers from the Critical Infrastructure Facilities Cash Fund to the General Fund at the direction of the Legislature and makes such a transfer for $384,222 plus accrued interest through the effective date of the Act; (16) Increases a transfer from the Nebraska Medicaid Intergovernmental Trust Fund and the Nebraska Tobacco Settlement Trust Fund to the Nebraska Health Care Cash Fund on or before July 15, 2018 from $60,700,000 to $61,200,000. In addition, the amendment makes another transfer of $60,700,000 on or before July 15, 2019; (17) Allows transfers from the Fertilizers and Soil Conditioners Administrative Fund to the General Fund at the direction of the Legislature. The amendment then transfers $275,000 on or before June 30, 2019; (18) Requires reimbursement to the State of Nebraska from other states operating in accordance with the Emergency Management Assistance Compact to be credited as receipts to the Governor's Emergency Cash Fund; (19) Removes the allowance of providing grants from the Job Training Cash Fund; (20) Creates the Intern Nebraska Cash Fund; (21) Allows the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Cash Fund to receive transfers from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and limits to no more than 15%, the amount of grant proceeds that may be used for administrative expenses for grants paid from the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Cash Fund; (22) Reduces the 2018 transfer from the General Fund to the Water Sustainability Fund by $1.5 million; Reduces the 2019 transfer from the General Fund to the Water Sustainability Fund by $3,470,000; (23) Increases a transfer from the Nebraska Litter Reduction and Recycling Fund to the General Fund by $500,000.-ADOPTED 3/13/18 AM2288 (Krist): Increases the transfer to the Compulsive Gambler’s Assistance Fund from $50,000 to $100,000.-ADOPTED 3/13/18
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105th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association Document
Senator
Position
Committee
Status
Description
AM2463 (Stinner): Includes interest accruals in the funds to be transferred from the Nebraska Progress Loan Fund to the Intern Nebraska Cash Fund.-ADOPTED 3/21/18 LB678 and LB1002 amended into LB945. LB946
Scheer
Appropriations 01/22/2018
Approved by Change provisions relating to the Cash Reserve Fund Governor (EClause) 04/04/2018 -Decreases the transfer from the Cash Reserve Fund to the Capital Construction Fund for FY17-18 by $2.3 million from up to $43,015,439 to up to $40,715,439. -Directs a transfer of $108 million from the Cash Fund to the General Fund by June 30, 2018. -Maintains an unobligated Cash Reserve Fund balance of $274 million during current biennium. AM1701 (Appropriations): The amendments reflect the Appropriations Committee recommendations, which makes the following two changes to the original bill: (1) Reduces the Governor's proposed transfer of $108 million to the General Fund to $100 million; (2) Changes the timing and individual amounts of transfers to the Nebraska Capital Construction Fund in support of the HVAC project for the State Capitol Building. The changes net to no change in total transfers.-ADOPTED 3/13/18 AM2368 (Chambers): Eliminates requirement that the official slogan and symbol for the State of Nebraska be imprinted on all state letterheads and the reverse side of all mailing envelopes as new supplies are acquired.-WITHDRAWN 3/13/18
LB947
Smith
Revenue 01/31/2018
General File Adopt the Nebraska Property Tax Cuts and Opportunities Act, change income tax rates, and eliminate 03/21/2018 certain exemptions and credits Smith Priority Bill Eliminates existing property tax credit program ($224 million annually) beginning in FY18-19 and personal property tax exemption (about $17 million annually) beginning in FY19-20. Beginning with the 2018 tax year, creates a new refundable income tax credit for ag and owner-occupied residential property owners worth about 10% of property taxes paid. Caps the amount of relief a homeowner can receive at $230, limited to a taxpayer’s main residence. Provides for additional relief in future years when our budget is growing (triggers future increases based on actual General Fund tax receipts relative to certified forecast). Reduces the top individual and corporate income tax rates (from 6.84% and 7.81%, respectively) to 6.75% effective Jan. 1, 2019, and then to 6.69% effective Jan. 1, 2020. Provides for an additional $5 million for workforce development in each of FY18-19 and FY19-20. Proposed AM1620, AM1621, AM1622, AM1667, AM1668, AM1669 1M1670, AM1671 and AM1672 (Smith): Placeholder amendments Proposed AM2542 (Revenue): The amendment creates a refundable income tax credit for homeowners that is equal to a percentage of property taxes paid. A cap is set on the maximum amount of the credit for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2018. The credit is available for both resident and nonresident taxpayers. The credit is equal to 1 percent of property taxes paid, with a $25 cap in 2018. The credit increases each year until 2030, topping out at 20 percent with a $500 cap. The amendment allows for distribution of the tax credit for shareholders, partners, members, or beneficiaries of S corporations, partnerships, LLC's, trusts or estates. The owner of a homestead who purchases another homestead prior to August 15 may file an affidavit with the Tax Commissioner to allow the credit to be claimed on the new homestead during the taxable year. Additionally, the amendment creates a refundable income tax credit for agricultural and horticultural property owners equal to a percentage of property taxes paid. There is no cap on the maximum amount of the credit for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2018. The credit is available for both resident and nonresident taxpayers. The credit is equal to 2 percent of property taxes paid in 2018 and increases each year until 2027, topping out at 20 percent. The amendment also reduces the highest marginal corporate income tax rate over a five-year period from 7.81% to 6.84%, bringing it to the same level as the highest marginal rate on individual income taxes. It applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2019. Finally, the amendment maintains the Property Tax Credit Fund at the current amount of $224 million and transfers $5 million from the Cash Reserve Fund to the Job Training Cash Fund. Proposed FA123, FA124, FA125, FA126, AM2617, AM2615, AM2616, AM2620, AM2619, AM2618, AM2621, AM2622 (Harr): Filibuster amendments. Proposed AM2682 (Harr): Accelerates corporate income tax reductions.
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105th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association Document
Senator
Position
Committee
Status
Description
Proposed AM2709 (Harr): Accelerates corporate income tax reductions; increases transfer from Cash Reserve Fund from $34,450,000 to $35,690,000. Proposed AM2898 (Harr): Amends in the Jobs of Tomorrow Innovation Act and the Yes to Occupational Learning Opportunities Act. Creates the Grow Nebraska Through Quality Employment Strategic Partnership to develop a workforce plan. Provides for refundable state individual income tax credits for the School Readiness Tax Credit Act, Nebraska Property Tax Cuts and Opportunities Act, and the Jobs of Tomorrow Innovation Act. LB1021
Schumacher
LB1022
Schumacher
LB1034
Riepe
Oppose
Revenue In Committee Eliminate certain sales and use tax exemptions 02/27/2018 01/18/2018 -Eliminates the sales tax exemption for “animal grooming performed by a licensed veterinarian or a licensed veterinary technician in conjunction with medical treatment.” -Adjusts the exemption from sales and use tax for electricity, coal, gas, fuel oil, diesel fuel, tractor fuel, propane, gasoline, coke, nuclear fuel, butane, wood as fuel, and corn as fuel when more than 50% of the amount purchased is for use directly in processing, manufacturing, or refining, in the generation of electricity, in the compression of natural gas for retail sale as a vehicle fuel, or by any hospital. Processing includes the drying and aerating of grain in commercial agriculture facilities. Previously, the exemption also applied when more than 50% of the amount purchased was for direct use in irrigation or farming, and the exemption applied for any purchases of water used for irrigation of agricultural lands and manufacturing. -Outright repeals sales and use tax exemptions for semen and insemination services for use in ranching or farming; for feed, water, veterinary medicines, and agricultural chemicals for use in food or apparel production; for any form of animal life and seeds and annual plants ordinarily used for human consumption, for agricultural chemicals for use in commercial agriculture, and oxygen for use in aquaculture; for mineral oil to be applied to grain as a dust suppressant; for agricultural machinery and equipment; for repair or replacement parts for agricultural machinery and equipment used in commercial agriculture; and for depreciable repairs or parts for agricultural machinery or equipment. Revenue In Committee Adopt the Irrigation Tax Act and change the valuation of agricultural land for property tax purposes 02/21/2018 01/18/2018 Imposes a tax upon the use of water to irrigate ag land, equal to one cent for every 10 gallons of water pumped from a covered well (capable of producing at least 5,000 gallons of water per day) to be paid by the land owner by November 1 annually and remitted to the School Aid Fund to be administered by the State Board of Education to provide payments to school districts that did not receive equalization aid under TEEOSA. All ag and horticultural land shall be valued at 75% of the actual value such land has as dryland. For any irrigated land, the added value associated with such irrigation shall be disregarded for purposes of determining the land’s taxable value. Monitor bill amended into this bill
Health and Human Services 02/02/2018
Approved by Change credentialing provisions for health care professions and occupations and licensure provisions Governor for health care facilities and services and school-age child care programs and adopt the EMS 04/23/2018 Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact and the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact Riepe Priority Bill Under current law, DHHS may. inspect any child care program to determine if it meets standards of sanitation and physical well¬being. Under this proposal, child care programs in schools that meet the Department of Education’s standards for the care and protection of children while attending school would be deemed to meet the DHHS standards. AM2322 (Health and Human Services): Amends LB344, LB686, LB894, LB924, and LB1057, as amended by their respective committee amendments, into LB1034. The provisions of LB344 combine the separate Mental Health Center and the Substance Abuse Treatment Center statutes into one health care facility type that can provide both mental health and substance abuse treatment services. The provisions of LB686 create the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact to facilitate the practice of telepsychology and temporary in-person, face-to-face practice of psychology across state lines in compact states. The provisions of LB894 authorize Nebraska to be a participating state in the EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact, which allows EMS personnel to practice in member states in certain circumstances. The provisions of LB924 amend the Emergency Medical Services Practice Act to eliminate outdated language, amend the Occupational Therapy Practice Act to allow internationally-educated individuals to obtain licensure in the State of Nebraska, eliminate the requirement for signatures on license documents, and modify language contained in the Uniform Credentialing Act regarding the authority of the State to require criminal background checks to be in compliance with requirements of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact. The provisions of LB1057 clarify language regarding the definition of dispenser and dispensing to a nonhuman patient as it relates to the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.-ADOPTED 4/3/18
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105th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association Document
Senator Position Committee Status Description AM2573 (Riepe): Provides that if a school-age child care program accepts reimbursement from a state or federal program, DHHS will also determine whether the school-age child care program complies with the requirements of the state or federal program for such reimbursement.-ADOPTED 4/3/18 AM2676 (Kolterman): Adds LB703 (provides a licensure exemption for visiting athletic team physicians), LB704 (reduces from three years to two years the period of board approved graduate medical education required for licensure as a physician for graduates of foreign medical schools), and LB1035 as amended (amends the Stroke System of Care Act to add "designated thrombectomy-capable stroke centers").-ADOPTED 4/3/18 LB344, LB686, LB703, LB704, LB894, LB924, LB1035 and LB1057 amended into LB1034.
LB1057
Kuehn
Monitor
Health and Human General File Change provisions relating to prescription drug monitoring Services 03/15/2018 02/23/2018 Current law requires that all dispensed prescriptions of controlled substances be reported. The current definition of “dispensed prescription” excludes, through December 31, 2017, a veterinarian licensed under the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act when dispensing prescriptions for animals in the usual course of providing professional services. This bill strikes that (obsolete) exclusion and replaces it with an exclusion for “the dispensing to a nonhuman patient of a prescription drug which is not a controlled substance listed in Schedule II, Schedule III, Schedule IV, or Schedule V of section 28-405.” LB1057 amended into LB1034.
LB1084
Briese
Oppose
Revenue 02/08/2018
In Committee Adopt the Property Tax Request Limitation Act, provide sunset dates for certain tax exemptions and 01/22/2018 incentives, and change other revenue and taxation provisions Briese Priority Bill -Increases the state sales tax by a half cent, increases cigarette taxes by $1 a pack, and eliminates several sales tax exemptions, including those applied to a wide array of services (including all “pet-related services,” removing the exemption for animal grooming performed by a licensed veterinarian or a licensed veterinary technician in conjunction with medical treatment), as well as the purchase of candy and soda pop. -Applies a surcharge to the highest income earners (those earning $500,000 or more). Eliminates the personal property tax exemption along with a designated capital gains exclusion. Directs revenue from internet sales tax collections to the state’s property tax credit fund. The measure would place a soft cap (2.5 percent annual growth) on the amount districts are allowed to increase their local school property taxes, with flexibility for inflation, student growth, and poverty growth. The bill would raise an estimated $700 million to $800 million in annual revenue. Along with restoring cuts in state aid to schools and reinstating a previous change in the school aid formula, the proposal would inject an additional $600 million into the state property tax credit fund. Proposed FA103, FA104, FA105 and FA109 (Briese): Placeholder amendments Proposed AM2082, AM2083, AM2084 and AM2085 (McDonnell): Placeholder amendments Proposed AM2453 (Briese): Adds a further half-cent sales tax increase to 6.5%. Removes more sales tax exemptions. Creates the Occupational Learning Opportunities Act with $15 million in funding. Allows employers that plan to provide job training activities to employees to apply to DED for tax credits. Increases the tax imposed on deed executions and documentary stamps with credit of 2 cents of the stamp tax increase to the Brain Injury Cash Fund and the balance to the Property Tax Credit Cash Fund. Proposed FA120 (Briese): Strikes section 1
LR436
Crawford
Health and Human Services
In Committee 04/04/2018
Interim study to evaluate the effectiveness of occupational licensing processes in accommodating military spouses and transitioning service members
LR462
Briese
Revenue
In Committee 04/04/2018
Interim study to examine the possible elimination of various exemptions of goods and exclusions of services under Nebraska's sales and use tax laws
