Filibuster returns to Nebraska Legislature over bill targeting fentanyl crisis

LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) – The filibuster came roaring back to the Nebraska Legislature on Monday. It surfaced early in the day centered on a bill about crime and punishment.

Monday morning’s debate at the unicameral began over LB137, a bill that would hold drug dealers accountable in the midst of a fentanyl crisis.

The bill is sponsored by State Sen. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln, legislation championed by her predecessor, Suzanne Geist. She says 12 states have these enhanced penalties to tackle the epidemic.

But she received pushback from a number of senators, including the chief organizer of last year’s session-long filibuster: State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha.

“I don’t think that this is going to help us address our opioid crisis in this state, and we have a severe prison overcrowding,” she said. “Creating enhanced penalties does not seem like a thoughtful way to approach the crisis.”

Sen. Cavanaugh’s filibuster last year centered on the Republican majority going after reproductive healthcare in women and healthcare for transgender youth.

Other senators made it known Monday that they would gladly filibuster too.

“There’s going to be enough amendments that I’m going to take up four hours, but I want votes,” said State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha. “Let’s put people on record, where their conscience really is when it comes to certain things. If we’re going to attack this from all sides, well stated on the floor by the introducer, then let’s put votes on this. For example, let’s put a vote on Sen. Hunt’s bill. Let’s bring that back up. There’s enough for a majority. Let’s put it on this bill.”

Sen. Wayne pointed out a bill from State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha that had overwhelming support a couple weeks ago. LB307 would have permitted cities to participate in a needle-sharing program to get addicts the help they need — legislation that’s law in 45 other states.

Seven of Hunt’s colleagues changed their minds last week after the Governor’s team pushed to block the bill, and never spoke about it. Sen. Bosn, the sponsor of Monday’s bill, was one of them. That’s why Sen. Wayne said they should file all these bills under the same umbrella — along with the conversation about how opioid use drops in states where marijuana is legal.

After several hours of debate, the original bill was not taken up for a vote.

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