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No two days are ever the same at the Nebraska State Legislature. Some days things move quickly. And then there are others when a filibuster lingers in the air bringing everything to a halt. During the 60 day session it is extremely important to get a priority designation on a bill so that debate will occur. Otherwise, you can amend your bills into what is known as 'a Christmas tree' bill. Amendments on 'a Christmas tree' are much like holiday ornaments-some are beautiful (and garner little debate) and others...well, they should have stayed in the storage box.
"Christmas tree" bills allow similar legislation to be incorporated into one bill. In a short session it helps move more bills through the process and allows for discussion. Rules of the Legislature give
Senators many opportunities to raise issues for the public record. That public record is important for use in future legislation, and for the judicial and executive branches to interpret laws that are passed.
This legislative session I introduced six bills. Of those six bills, two have been killed in committee. The other four are being held in committee several with possibility of becoming a part of a 'Christmas tree' bill. I am looking forward to the advancement of several bills.
You may ask, can a bill that has been killed in Committee be amended to a 'Christmas tree'? The answer is yes, but it takes considerable more votes.
LB 676 from last year and LB 1069 introduced this year were both killed by the Transportation Committee. These bills were collectively known as the railroad legislation. As I have stated, the topic seems to rise to the top for constituent comments and a desire for remedy. The interim hearings indicated that this is a statewide frustration. While I appreciate what the rail industry contributes to the state most people expect them to be considerate corporate neighbors. Time is money for the railroads and the same is true for other individuals and businesses in the local economy.
The rationale for killing these bills is that it is difficult for states to legislate local railroad issues as they are mostly controlled at the Federal level. While that is true to a degree, similar statute remains on the books that makes the blocking of a public railroad crossings by a train at a standstill for longer than 10 minutes illegal and subject to a fine. Thirty-two other states have some type of controls or penalties in place for blocked crossing. I am convinced that this is good policy and that the issue has become convoluted.
I am happy to report that meetings between railroad officials and local law enforcement are now occurring. In fact, because of the legislation and interim hearings, a coalition of individuals has emerged including emergency personnel representatives, local law enforcement and railroad officials who are trying to address the public safety concerns of blocked crossings at the local level. As long as a solution can be worked out through these meetings, then I am happy to leave legislation out of the picture.
Thank you for your continued contact. For the record, I do not support LB 958 or eroding your Second Amendment gun rights. Thank you for contacting my office with your opposition. Please do not hesitate to contact me with other concerns:
Senator Annette Dubas
State Capitol
PO BOX 94604
Lincoln, NE 68509-4604
E-mail: adubas@leg.ne.gov
Phone: (402) 471.2630
Website: www.annettedubas.com
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