Blog Posts

Legislative Update - Legal Status of Animals and Prairie Dog Management Discussed in the Legislature

By Administrator, on Jan 30, 2012

This past week, the Legislature discussed several important bills. The Legislature debated and advanced LB459, introduced by Senator Ken Schilz of Ogallala, which limits the authority of political subdivisions in the state to define or assign a legal status to animals that is inconsistent with the status of animals as personal property. Other states have passed similar legislation, and this is a positive step for Nebraska agriculture. 

Legislative Update - LB1095 Introduced to Bring Back "The Beef State" License Plates

By Administrator, on Jan 23, 2012

Bill introduction has concluded for this session with a total of 467 bills and six constitutional amendments being introduced. I introduced two more bills, LB1095 and LB1157. LB1095 allows for the reintroduction of the classic Beef State license plates, creating a new type of specialty license plate that is designed like the black and white Nebraska Beef State license plates used decades ago. This plate would be available under a system similar to the Husker license plates.

Legislative Update - LB915 Introduced To Require the Reporting of Animal Abuse

By Administrator, on Jan 16, 2012

Last week, I introduced LB915, which changes the statutes relating to reports of animal abuse. Current law requires certain employees to report criminal animal abuse, but LB915 expands this requirement to all persons. LB915 also requires that the report be made within 12 hours of the suspected abuse and that any documentation be turned over to authorities with the person’s report. The penalty for failing to report these incidents is also increased significantly.

Legislative Update - 102nd Nebraska Legislature, Second Session Convenes

By Administrator, on Jan 9, 2012

On January 4, 2012,  the second session of the 102nd Nebraska Legislature convened, symbolizing the 75th Anniversary of the only unicameral legislature in the nation. I am excited for my second session as a member of the Legislature and hope to build on my achievements of last year. Last session, my bill, LB305, helped bring national attention to the issues regarding horse processing the U.S., and my priority bill, LB229, helped allocate more Environmental Trust Fund monies to water resources projects. 

Legislative Update - Senators agree on LB1 & LB4 & Federal Government Re-approves Horse Processing Funding

By Administrator, on Nov 22, 2011

Last session, one of my priorities was LB305, which was passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor. LB305 required the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to study implementation of a state meat inspection program. The Department has completed its report and can be accessed online at http://www.agr.state.ne.us/. One impetus for this legislation was the need for the reintroduction of horse processing in the U.S.

Legislative Update - Natural Resources Committee Hears 30 Hours of Debate on Pipeline Bills

By Administrator, on Nov 15, 2011

Hearings on all of the pipeline bills were held last week. The Natural Resources Committee listened to nearly 30 hours of testimony on the bills referenced to that committee, and the Judiciary Committee heard several hours of testimony on LB3, a bill that changes the eminent domain law as it relates to oil pipeline companies. The Natural Resources Committee has advanced siting legislation to the full Legislature. The Legislature began debate on Monday, November 14.

Legislative Update - LB1 & LB4 Highlight Special Session Bills

By Administrator, on Nov 8, 2011

The special session got underway last week with introduction of six legislative bills, one of which authorizes the expenses of the Legislature. The remaining five bills relate to oil pipelines. Senator Annette Dubas of Fullerton, Senator Chris Langemeier of Schuyler, and Senator Ken Haar of Malcolm have each introduced legislation that would put a process in place to give Nebraska siting authority over oil pipelines. The three bills take a different approach as to who would have the authority to grant or deny certification of an oil pipeline.

Senators Larson and Schilz Denounce Agricultural Groups Allying Themselves with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)

By Administrator, on Nov 4, 2011

LINCOLN - While most agricultural organizations in Nebraska have stood in opposition to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and their tactics, one has announced that it will work with HSUS. Following the recent announcement that HSUS will be working with the Nebraska Farmers Union, two Nebraska State Senators have voiced their opposition to the new working relationship between the two groups.

Legislative Update - Governor Heineman Calls Special Session

By Administrator, on Nov 1, 2011

Last week, Governor Dave Heineman called the Legislature into special session to enact legislation relating to oil pipelines. The special session begins November 1 and will continue until the Legislature reaches a consensus. I am pleased that Governor Heineman has called a special session because the regulation of oil pipelines is a very important matter, and the Legislature is responsible for addressing the concerns of people affected by such pipelines and protecting the people and resources of our state. 

Senator Larson Selected as One of Fifty Emerging Leaders From Across the Country

By Administrator, on Jul 11, 2011

O’NEILL -- Senator Tyson Larson has been selected as one of fifty state legislators from across the nation to participate in the annual Emerging Leaders Program, sponsored by the State Legislative Leaders Foundation and the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. This program is designed to enhance the leadership potential and vision of policymakers who are likely to be at the helm of tomorrow’s legislatures.