Nebraska
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.
Copyright 2024 WOWT. All rights reserved.
Nebraska
Nebraska Dept. of Agriculture proposes ban on food and beverages containing any amount of THC
LINCOLN, Neb. — A public hearing Thursday drew strong opposition to proposed rules that would label food adulterated and illegal if it contains any amount of THC and its derivatives, potentially decimating Nebraska’s hemp and CBD industry.
The regulations would affect products like gummies, beverages and oral tinctures. Over 490 people wrote in opposition to the new regulations, while only three supported them.
The rule changes stem from an executive order issued by Gov. Jim Pillen in January requiring state agencies to review laws regarding the use of synthetic THC in food and beverages. The order was made to align with federal law coming in November 2026, which bans synthetic THC products and limits total THC concentrations in hemp products to not exceed 0.4 milligrams per container.
The proposed Nebraska rule goes beyond that federal standard.
“I would say it’d be similar other than it does say no THC. It is zero THC,” said Andrew Bish, chief operating officer of Bish Enterprises. “It’s not we are deferring to the federal government standard and aligning with the federal government standard. It is, in fact, a different standard.”
Fifteen speakers testified during the hearing, with many calling for the Department of Agriculture to regulate the industry rather than enforce outright bans.
“I respectfully urge the department to pursue a balanced science-based approach that protects public safety, targets specific problems, strengths and standards where necessary and holds bad actors accountable without unnecessarily eliminating access to products that may Nebraskans find valuable and beneficial,” said Dr. Andrea Holmes, a professor of chemistry at Doane University.
Many who testified were shop owners who said the regulations would result in major business losses and reduced state revenue.
“In 2025, we pay over $1 million in sales tax. We expect to be over $1.3 million in 2026,” one speaker from The Cannabis Factory said. “We’re not opposed to regulation, or oversight, or even additional taxation.”
The Department of Agriculture will review comments and decide if any changes need to be made. If not, the regulations go to the attorney general and the governor for approval.
The regulations include a carve out for the medical cannabis acts, meaning people with medical cannabis cards could get prescriptions that would not be affected by this proposed regulation change.
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Copyright 2026 KOLN. All rights reserved.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen said Thursday that he has asked President Donald Trump to issue a major disaster declaration for damage caused by storms that hit the state May 15-18.
The storms spawned tornadoes and flash flooding across Buffalo, Fillmore, Gage, Howard, Jefferson, Nemaha, Thayer and Thurston counties. There were numerous downed power poles and lines as well as extensive damage to schools, building and roadways. Damage just to public infrastructure is estimated at nearly $5 million.
In addition to the disaster declaration request, Pillen said he also has requested access to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which provides funding to governments to allow them to rebuild in ways that will reduce or mitigate future disaster losses. Approval would allow the state to apply for such grants.
Thursday’s disaster declaration request is the second in two months. Back in May, Pillen requested one for historic wildfires in March that impacted Arthur, Garden, Grant, Lincoln and Morill counties. At the time of the request, it was estimated there was at least $9.7 million in damage from the fires, which were the worst in Nebraska’s history.
Nebraska
Bandits back in the win column with tournament-opening victory in Nebraska – East Idaho News
OMAHA, Neb. – The Bandits opened the Omaha, Nebraska tournament with a 7-4 win over Fremont.
The Bandits, coming off two losses to Billings at last week’s Bandits Invitational, trailed 4-3 in the fifth, but tied it up on a sac fly by Cole Croft.
They scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth for the win.
Carter Bowen finished 3 for 3 with an RBI and two runs scored. Conner Cannon and Taye Lords each knocked in two runs for Idaho Falls (10-2).
Tyson Christenson picked up the win with four innings of relief.
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