LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Nebraska Legislature gave final approval Wednesday night to a bill restricting which sports teams transgender athletes can play on.

Senators voted 33-16 to approve Legislative Bill 89, called the Stand With Women Act.

The legislation will bar transgender athletes from competing on sports teams that don’t correspond to their sex assigned at birth.

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The first few senators during debate spoke in opposition of the bill, including Sen. John Frederickson of Omaha.

“I believe we want to protect women,” he said. “I think we also know this is not the way to do it.”

Sen. George Dungan also weighed in on the opposition, saying there are holes in the legislation.

“What I think has gone unanswered at certain times by the proponents of this bill is how it’s supposed to work,” he said. “A simple read of the pages shows it doesn’t make any sense at all.”

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But then Sen. Loren Lippencott spoke in favor of the measure, saying this isn’t about exclusion.

“Some may argue this bill excludes certain efforts,” he said. “But LB 89 is not about shutting doors; it’s about opening the right ones.”

The Nebraska School Activities Association has said it will fully support whatever decision the governor and state lawmakers make on this issue.

The legislation now heads to the desk of Gov. Jim Pillen, who has been pushing for this type of law for years.

“This legislation achieves a key goal — protecting girls and women’s sports,” Pillen said in a statement after the vote. “It’s just common sense that girls shouldn’t have to compete against biological boys. This legislative win will lead to many more victories for Nebraska’s female athletes, as we ensure a level and fair playing field for all girls who compete. I look forward to signing it into law.”

Incoming Huskers attending New Student Enrollment this summer will enjoy a special lunchtime option: a Runza meal served as part of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s orientation experience.

The limited-time offering is the result of a collaboration between University Housing and Dining Services, New Student Enrollment and Runza. The goal is to welcome new students and their families with a taste of a beloved Nebraska tradition.

“This is a great way to introduce students to the Husker community,” said Jenni Brost, director of New Student Enrollment. “We are excited to have Runza on campus during orientation to help create a welcoming, memorable experience for students and their guests.”

The Runza meal will be available exclusively to NSE participants during designated lunch periods. It is being offered as a short-term guest vendor experience in support of the summer orientation program.

University Housing and Dining Services regularly explores creative partnerships that enhance campus programming and student engagement. This temporary addition reflects a spirit of hospitality and connection unique to the orientation experience.

“Our dining team often features pop-up specialty meals during the academic year, but this one is special,” said Lucas Novotny, executive director of Housing and Dining Services. “It is part of orientation, and it highlights a local favorite that resonates with our campus and the broader Nebraska community. It is a fun way to welcome new Huskers and make their first experience here even more memorable.”

For more information about orientation and campus dining, visit websites for New Student Enrollment or University Housing.