We’re watching two pieces of legislation that are set for public hearings this week. On Wednesday [3.8.23], the Nebraska Legislature’s Government, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee will consider LB770, a bill to ascertain ADA compliance at polling places. On Thursday [3.9.23], the Executive Board will consider LR2CA, a proposed constitutional amendment that would create a bicameral, partisan Legislature. You can weigh in on both until noon CST the day before each hearing.
LB770
Government, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee
1:30 pm CST, March 8, 2023
Room 1507, Nebraska State Capitol
This bill, introduced by State Sen. Michaela Cavanaugh, requires the Secretary of State to audit the offices of the Department of Motor Vehicles, county election commissioners and county clerks, and all polling locations to determine if they are Americans with Disabilities Act compliant. While the ADA passed in 1990, Nebraska is still behind in ensuring our election spaces are compliant. In recent years, the Secretary of State’s Office has provided some leadership on this issue by providing a few hundred thousand dollars, but that is only a fraction needed to bring Nebraska into full compliance.
Civic Nebraska supports LB770, as well as the Secretary of State’s Office’s work and leadership in this area. Commonly reported ADA violations at polling places are most often a lack of designated parking, ramps, and electric doors, and no voter should be kept from the polls because of these kinds of fixable barriers.
Submit your comment in support of LB770 before noon today [3.7.23].
LR2CA
Executive Board
Noon CST, March 9, 2023
Room 1525, Nebraska State Capitol
LR2CA is a proposed amendment to the Nebraska Constitution that would eliminate our one-house Legislature and replace it with a bicameral system. It also would do away with Nebraska’s long tradition of electing lawmakers to the statehouse on nonpartisan tickets. State Sen. Steve Erdman introduced the measure on Jan. 5, 2023.
Civic Nebraska opposes LR2CA. For nine decades, our one-house, nonpartisan Legislature has served this state and its people well. The current proposal would expand the size, cost, and complexity of the Legislature with little or no benefit to the people of the state.
Submit your comment opposing LR2CA before noon tomorrow [3.8.23].
Thank you, sincerely, for all that you do as the “Second House.” We’ll be sure to keep you posted on these and other bills of interest throughout the Legislature’s 2023 session. Visit our Bill Tracker for information on all bills that Civic Nebraska is working on.
Best,
Heidi Uhing
Director of Public Policy
Civic Nebraska
