Skip to content

Rules Debate Complete – Committee Hearings Commence

Rules Debate Complete – Committee Hearings Commence

January 19, 2024 Last Edit: June 5, 2025

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

July 2, 2025
NFIB Key Votes One Big Beautiful Bill Act in U.S. Senate and Ho…
NFIB key votes the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in the 119th Congress and urg…
Read More
July 2, 2025
Small Business Owners Push Priorities in Capitol Hill Meetings
Over 80 small business owners attended NFIB’s annual Fly-In. They attende…
Read More
East Front of United States Capitol
July 2, 2025
NFIB Key Votes Final Passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act…
Read More
Ohio State House Capitol Building
July 1, 2025
Small Businesses Applaud State Budget
Gov. DeWine signed the Ohio budget, House Bill 96
Read More

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