Skip to content

Rules Debate Complete – Committee Hearings Commence

Rules Debate Complete – Committee Hearings Commence

January 19, 2024 Last Edit: July 18, 2024

Committee hearings will commence next Monday with floor debate on carryover bills during the morning sessions and committee hearings in the afternoons.

Wednesday marked the last day for new bill introductions, with a total of 596 new bills and 11 new Constitutional Amendments being introduced during the 2024 legislative session. Committee hearings will commence next Monday with floor debate on carryover bills during the morning sessions and committee hearings in the afternoons.

The legislature spent most of the week debating rules changes. Among the changes to the permanent rules which will govern the legislature for the balance of the 2024 session are: a) a requirement for separate votes to be taken to suspend the rules and to pass a subsequent motion; b) clarification of the timing for which priority motions, typically utilized during filibusters may be introduced; c) a requirement for Introducer’s Statements of Intent to be posted at least three days in advance of a committee hearing; d) allowing bills on consent calendar to be removed by the filing of objections by five (was three) senators; and e) clarifying that a motion to return a bill from Final Reading to Select File for specific amendment and the amendment itself are not subject to being divided or amended.

On Thursday, a motion to replace the long-standing practice of electing leadership (Speaker and Committee Chairs) by secret ballot with an open voting process failed to garner the 30 votes required for adoption. When the Legislative Update went to press, lawmakers were debating a proposed rule to limit the number of legislative bills that could be introduced each session by an individual senator.

GOVERNOR’S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS

Governor Jim Pillen delivered his State of the State address on Thursday morning, calling for a lower overall tax burden and increased efforts to cut spending at both the state and local levels. Among the legislative priorities that Governor Pillen will be promoting:

  • Reducing spending by .5% in the current fiscal year-this effort includes transfers from multiple state agency “cash funds” totaling over $250 million to the General Fund.
  • Allocating $5 million to provide income tax credits to cover relocation expenses for workers moving to Nebraska from out-of-state to take jobs paying $70,000 or more.
  • Investing $25 million in rural workforce housing and providing incentives for employers to provide childcare for employees to address the workforce shortage.

The Governor has expressed his intention to reduce the overall property tax burden by 40%, to be funded in part by fiscal restraint by both state and local governments, a 0% “hard cap” on property tax growth by local governments and a broader sales tax base.

Get to know NFIB

NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.

Receive our newsletter and email notification
Knowledge is power. Let us help you stay informed with breaking legislative news, regulatory updates, business tips, and more.

Related Articles

April 15, 2025
How a Potential Small Business Tax Hike Will Impact Nebraska
NFIB Releases Report Detailing Benefits of 20% Small Business Tax Deduction…
Read More
Small Business Owner Calculates Taxes Finance Expensive Inventory Inflation Cost
April 15, 2025
How a Potential Small Business Tax Hike Will Impact Minnesota
NFIB Releases Report Detailing Benefits of 20% Small Business Tax Deduction…
Read More
Rhode Island capitol building
April 14, 2025
Rhode Island Capitol Update
NFIB State Director Christopher Carlozzi testified before the House Committ…
Read More
Text Property Taxes is on the white paper with coffee, calculator and ball pen aside.
April 10, 2025
Vermont Lawmakers Consider New Property Tax Classes
The Vermont House is working on a plan to overhaul the state’s property t…
Read More

© 2001 - 2025 National Federation of Independent Business. All Rights Reserved. Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Accessibility