Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, questioned Brooke Rollins at&nbsp;the confirmation hearing on her nomination to be Secretary of Agriculture.

During the hearing, Senator Fischer asked Rollins about her plans to hold America’s trading partners accountable, the role of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in creating new export markets, and the importance of the biofuels market for agricultural producers.&nbsp;Senator Fischer also asked Rollins to commit to working with her to complete&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/7/fischer-advances-additional-16-million-for-construction-of-agricultural-research-service-facility-at-unl">the USDA Agricultural Research Service facility at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Innovation Campus</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Senator Fischer questions Brooke Rollins:

Senator Fischer:&nbsp;Mrs. Rollins, so good to see you. I really, really appreciated you coming to the office last month, and the great discussion that we had. As you know, the agricultural industry is the economic engine of Nebraska. We grow a lot of corn and beans and wheat and sugar beets and livestock. So, we understand the necessity of having that strong economy for our state, that food security, how important it is for our country.&nbsp; And I look forward to working with you in the future on that.

Brooke Rollins:&nbsp;&nbsp;Thank you.

Senator Fischer:&nbsp;&nbsp;You noted in your testimony that we must demand strong and steady markets for our agricultural bounty. And this is a statement that I hear consistently from our producers as well. One of those really important markets for Nebraska's agriculture is biofuels.

In his day one actions, President Trump emphasized the need for our country to be energy dominant. The President has long recognized that ag producers have a role to play in producing abundant homegrown energy. And he took steps in his executive order declaring a national energy emergency so that we can continue to allow for the sale of E15 year-round. And I've long led an effort to make this policy permanent, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to deliver on that part of the President's agenda.

We know that there's going to be a number of other biofuel decisions that will be made in the coming months that will have significant impacts on the biofuel market. I know you've heard from a number of my colleagues on this committee about the importance of that. Can you just speak briefly about how you view the importance of biofuel markets for our farmers?

Brooke Rollins:&nbsp;I will and Senator, thank you. Loved being in your office and meeting Fred Fisher. And really look forward to hopefully having more conversations in your office and in your home state of Nebraska, which is one of the shining stars of our country.

In the last few months, since the announcement was made that I was going to be hopefully, if confirmed, joining this administration and the Cabinet as the head of USDA, I have had multiple conversations with many of you on the committee and outside the committee. Your governor flew to Texas to give me a couple of hours of his time to make sure I understood specifically within your state, but frankly, how this affects so much of the Midwest and in our corn states.

My commitment is to defend and protect and fight for all of American agriculture. Clearly, in the last administration, this issue was under the National Economic Council, Larry Kudlow, so I didn't manage it under the Domestic Policy Council. But I was certainly in a lot of the meetings, which there were a lot of meetings. President Trump would tell you in the Oval Office about this. His executive order in the last few days, mentioning biofuels is a part of his all-of-the-above strategy to reclaim energy dominance across the world is important.

Senator Fischer:&nbsp;President Trump was very generous with his time in his previous time in the Oval Office. And he's correct, we had a lot of meetings in the Oval Office.

Brooke Rollins:&nbsp;I think he said 27.

Senator Fischer:&nbsp;Truly, and he would like to get this issue settled as well. I thought maybe we would in the CR, but we'll continue to push for that. What we've seen over the last four years, and what I've heard has been a lot of disappointment from Nebraskans about the lack of any kind of trade agenda from the Biden Administration.

In fact, for the first time in decades, we've had an agricultural trade deficit. And as you said earlier, it's projected to hit a record breaking $45 billion. I understand there can be a variety of factors that impact a trade deficit, but I am concerned that part of this stems from there not being really any kind of clear agricultural trade agenda from the last administration.

We cannot see that happen again. Can you talk about how you would both hold our current trading partners accountable, and the role that you will or that you would want to see USDA play in developing these new export markets?

Brooke Rollins:&nbsp;Yes, Senator, and that $45 billion, what's remarkable about that is 42 percent of that is just in the last year. So, the wheels are falling off, and it is very, very important that the wheels get put back on as soon as possible.

I think those that know me for a long time—but even Senator, you and I have just gotten to know each other in the recent months—know that I am a relentless cheerleader for whatever it is that I have been called to do. And for this moment in my life, and to me, this moment as Scripture says, I am called to take agriculture, to preserve our rural communities, and take our products to the world and work around the clock to ensure that that sort of trade deficit begins to peel back—and hopefully, by the end of our time here in the next four years, is completely gone. And in fact, we are back in the positive and I believe we can do that.

I mentioned earlier, I think President Trump is the consummate deal maker. His heart, for rural America and for our farmers and ranchers, I think will hopefully lead the way. I certainly will be right next to him, whispering in his ear as we move forward on this and I think and hope and pray that we can begin to solve this immediately.

Senator Fischer:&nbsp;Yes. Great. Another area that I focus on is how precision ag technology can help our farmers and ranchers to achieve better yields and reduce environmental impact, and improve economic returns.

I've had a number of bills on that, and I'm going to be reintroducing and including, hopefully, in the Farm Bill that we work on. Additionally, myself and really the entire Nebraska delegation, along with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, have been working in a very close partnership with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) on the National Center for Resilience and Regenerative Precision Agriculture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Innovation Campus.

And last May, we broke ground on that facility. And I hope that I can continue to work with you to make sure that we get that facility completed. Can I get your commitment to continue working with me on this facility? Can I get your commitment to come to Nebraska? We had Sonny Perdue out at the ranch and had a great barbecue with neighbors. We can do that and another trip we can get you to Lincoln to see the ARS facility, what we're doing there.

Brooke Rollins:&nbsp;That would be my great honor.

Senator Fischer:&nbsp;Great, thank you.

Brooke Rollins:&nbsp;Thank you, Senator.

Office of U.S. Senator Deb FischerWASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, questioned Brooke Rollins at&nbsp;the confirmation hearing on her nomination to be Secretary of Agriculture.During the hearing, Senator Fischer asked Rollins about her plans to hold America’s trading partners accountable, the role of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in creating new export markets, and the importance of the biofuels market for agricultural producers.&nbsp;Senator Fischer also asked Rollins to commit to working with her to complete&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/7/fischer-advances-additional-16-million-for-construction-of-agricultural-research-service-facility-at-unl">the USDA Agricultural Research Service facility at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Innovation Campus</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Senator Fischer questions Brooke Rollins:Senator Fischer:&nbsp;Mrs. Rollins, so good to see you. I really, really appreciated you coming to the office last month, and the great discussion that we had. As you know, the agricultural industry is the economic engine of Nebraska. We grow a lot of corn and beans and wheat and sugar beets and livestock. So, we understand the necessity of having that strong economy for our state, that food security, how important it is for our country.&nbsp; And I look forward to working with you in the future on that.Brooke Rollins:&nbsp;&nbsp;Thank you.Senator Fischer:&nbsp;&nbsp;You noted in your testimony that we must demand strong and steady markets for our agricultural bounty. And this is a statement that I hear consistently from our producers as well. One of those really important markets for Nebraska's agriculture is biofuels.In his day one actions, President Trump emphasized the need for our country to be energy dominant. The President has long recognized that ag producers have a role to play in producing abundant homegrown energy. And he took steps in his executive order declaring a national energy emergency so that we can continue to allow for the sale of E15 year-round. And I've long led an effort to make this policy permanent, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to deliver on that part of the President's agenda.We know that there's going to be a number of other biofuel decisions that will be made in the coming months that will have significant impacts on the biofuel market. I know you've heard from a number of my colleagues on this committee about the importance of that. Can you just speak briefly about how you view the importance of biofuel markets for our farmers?Brooke Rollins:&nbsp;I will and Senator, thank you. Loved being in your office and meeting Fred Fisher. And really look forward to hopefully having more conversations in your office and in your home state of Nebraska, which is one of the shining stars of our country.In the last few months, since the announcement was made that I was going to be hopefully, if confirmed, joining this administration and the Cabinet as the head of USDA, I have had multiple conversations with many of you on the committee and outside the committee. Your governor flew to Texas to give me a couple of hours of his time to make sure I understood specifically within your state, but frankly, how this affects so much of the Midwest and in our corn states.My commitment is to defend and protect and fight for all of American agriculture. Clearly, in the last administration, this issue was under the National Economic Council, Larry Kudlow, so I didn't manage it under the Domestic Policy Council. But I was certainly in a lot of the meetings, which there were a lot of meetings. President Trump would tell you in the Oval Office about this. His executive order in the last few days, mentioning biofuels is a part of his all-of-the-above strategy to reclaim energy dominance across the world is important.Senator Fischer:&nbsp;President Trump was very generous with his time in his previous time in the Oval Office. And he's correct, we had a lot of meetings in the Oval Office.Brooke Rollins:&nbsp;I think he said 27.Senator Fischer:&nbsp;Truly, and he would like to get this issue settled as well. I thought maybe we would in the CR, but we'll continue to push for that. What we've seen over the last four years, and what I've heard has been a lot of disappointment from Nebraskans about the lack of any kind of trade agenda from the Biden Administration.In fact, for the first time in decades, we've had an agricultural trade deficit. And as you said earlier, it's projected to hit a record breaking $45 billion. I understand there can be a variety of factors that impact a trade deficit, but I am concerned that part of this stems from there not being really any kind of clear agricultural trade agenda from the last administration.We cannot see that happen again. Can you talk about how you would both hold our current trading partners accountable, and the role that you will or that you would want to see USDA play in developing these new export markets?Brooke Rollins:&nbsp;Yes, Senator, and that $45 billion, what's remarkable about that is 42 percent of that is just in the last year. So, the wheels are falling off, and it is very, very important that the wheels get put back on as soon as possible.I think those that know me for a long time—but even Senator, you and I have just gotten to know each other in the recent months—know that I am a relentless cheerleader for whatever it is that I have been called to do. And for this moment in my life, and to me, this moment as Scripture says, I am called to take agriculture, to preserve our rural communities, and take our products to the world and work around the clock to ensure that that sort of trade deficit begins to peel back—and hopefully, by the end of our time here in the next four years, is completely gone. And in fact, we are back in the positive and I believe we can do that.I mentioned earlier, I think President Trump is the consummate deal maker. His heart, for rural America and for our farmers and ranchers, I think will hopefully lead the way. I certainly will be right next to him, whispering in his ear as we move forward on this and I think and hope and pray that we can begin to solve this immediately.Senator Fischer:&nbsp;Yes. Great. Another area that I focus on is how precision ag technology can help our farmers and ranchers to achieve better yields and reduce environmental impact, and improve economic returns.I've had a number of bills on that, and I'm going to be reintroducing and including, hopefully, in the Farm Bill that we work on. Additionally, myself and really the entire Nebraska delegation, along with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, have been working in a very close partnership with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) on the National Center for Resilience and Regenerative Precision Agriculture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Innovation Campus.And last May, we broke ground on that facility. And I hope that I can continue to work with you to make sure that we get that facility completed. Can I get your commitment to continue working with me on this facility? Can I get your commitment to come to Nebraska? We had Sonny Perdue out at the ranch and had a great barbecue with neighbors. We can do that and another trip we can get you to Lincoln to see the ARS facility, what we're doing there.Brooke Rollins:&nbsp;That would be my great honor.Senator Fischer:&nbsp;Great, thank you.Brooke Rollins:&nbsp;Thank you, Senator.

Fischer Questions Brooke Rollins at Confirmation Hearing

WASHINGTON —A Capitol Police officer has been suspended after a man with a gun was able to get past a security check at the Capitol Visitor Center.

“On Tuesday, the United States Capitol Police (USCP) received a lookout for a man with reported mental health issues and suicidal thoughts who was believed to be armed and in the area, according to a media release.

Just after 1p.m. Capitol Police officers spotted the man’s car on First Street, near East Capitol Street, NE. Officers conducted a canvass of the area and discovered that the man had recently entered the Capitol Visitor Center&nbsp; and taken a Capitol tour.

At 2:15 p.m., the man identified as 27-year-old James A. Faber of Massachusetts, was found leaving the Library of Congress, after the tour, and walking towards his car. He was stopped, searched, and arrested. 

Officers discovered a small 9mm handgun concealed in his waistband. 

Faber is being held on requested charges of Unlawful Activities, Carrying a Pistol Without a License, Possession of an Unregistered Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, and Resisting Arrest. 

The case is currently with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. 

USCP security video shows Faber entered through the south Capitol Visitors Center checkpoint. After the magnetometers sounded, an officer performed a secondary hand search, and Faber was let into the building.&nbsp; The officer is suspended while the USCP’s Office of Professional Responsibility is conducting an administrative investigation into the officer’s performance of that search. 

At this time, there is no indication that the man was coming to harm the Congress. Nobody was hurt. The USCP demands the highest standards when it comes to screening visitors, so a full review of this incident has already been ordered, as well as mandatory refresher training on security screening, so this never happens again.”

WASHINGTON —A Capitol Police officer has been suspended after a man with a gun was able to get past a security check at the Capitol Visitor Center.“On Tuesday, the United States Capitol Police (USCP) received a lookout for a man with reported mental health issues and suicidal thoughts who was believed to be armed and in the area, according to a media release.Just after 1p.m. Capitol Police officers spotted the man’s car on First Street, near East Capitol Street, NE. Officers conducted a canvass of the area and discovered that the man had recently entered the Capitol Visitor Center&nbsp; and taken a Capitol tour.At 2:15 p.m., the man identified as 27-year-old James A. Faber of Massachusetts, was found leaving the Library of Congress, after the tour, and walking towards his car. He was stopped, searched, and arrested. Officers discovered a small 9mm handgun concealed in his waistband. Faber is being held on requested charges of Unlawful Activities, Carrying a Pistol Without a License, Possession of an Unregistered Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, and Resisting Arrest. The case is currently with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. USCP security video shows Faber entered through the south Capitol Visitors Center checkpoint. After the magnetometers sounded, an officer performed a secondary hand search, and Faber was let into the building.&nbsp; The officer is suspended while the USCP’s Office of Professional Responsibility is conducting an administrative investigation into the officer’s performance of that search. At this time, there is no indication that the man was coming to harm the Congress. Nobody was hurt. The USCP demands the highest standards when it comes to screening visitors, so a full review of this incident has already been ordered, as well as mandatory refresher training on security screening, so this never happens again.”

Man with a loaded gun got past security at U.S. Capitol

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/23/lawmakers-propose-regulations-to-implement-nebraskas-new-medical-cannabis-laws/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Three similar legislative proposals introduced Wednesday seek to help implement the voter-enacted legalization and regulation of medical cannabis in Nebraska by later this year.

The legislation, introduced by State Sens. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, Ben Hansen of Blair and Terrell McKinney of Omaha, would create registry programs and further stipulate the licensing and regulatory duties of the new Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission.&nbsp;

All three would allow Nebraskans, after receiving a written recommendation from a health care practitioner for medical cannabis, to apply for a registry card, identifying them as a qualified patient. The registry would similarly apply to registered caregivers, such as for minors.

The bills, which are all structurally similar with some key differences, are:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59170" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 651</a>&nbsp;(Conrad),&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58979" target="_blank">LB 677</a>&nbsp;(Hansen) and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59708" target="_blank">LB 705</a>&nbsp;(McKinney).

“The time is long overdue that Nebraskans in need of care have access to that care,” Conrad told reporters.

“I think we’re in a little bit of a unique position, where a lot of other states have already gone this direction,” Hansen said. “We have the ability to see what has worked well for others and what hasn’t.”

Without further state law changes, the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission must establish criteria to accept or deny applications for registered cannabis establishments&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/26/whats-next-for-nebraska-medical-cannabis-paid-sick-leave-abortion-school-choice/">by July 1</a>. Licenses could then be granted as early as Oct. 1.

Conrad, Hansen and McKinney would delay the start of licensing slightly, to give commissioners more time to work on the new regulations. Applications could instead be filed beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

A fourth bill,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59393" target="_blank">LB 483</a>&nbsp;from freshman State Sen. Jared Storm of David City, would limit legal medical cannabis to 300 milligrams of delta-9 THC, the compound in the cannabis plant most commonly associated with getting a person high.

LB 483 would also limit “permissible” cannabis to the form of pills or liquid tinctures, which are concentrated herbal extracts.&nbsp;

With about 28,350 milligrams per ounce, Storm’s bill would reduce legalization to about 0.21% of what&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/2024/2024%20General%20Canvass%20Book.pdf" target="_blank">71% of voters authorized</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/06/medical-cannabis-prevails-at-nebraskas-ballot-box-but-fate-depends-on-legal-challenges/">less than three months ago</a>. About 67% of Nebraska voters also supported the second measure, to&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/2024/2024%20Ballot%20Measures%20Pamphlet.pdf" target="_blank">regulate medical cannabis</a>. Storm’s legislative district of Butler, Colfax and Saunders Counties approved both measures.

Conrad said some patients seeking medical cannabis can’t take pills because of their conditions. She said she drafted her bill with advocates from the recent medical marijuana campaign for “one of the most expansive bills possible to effectuate the will of the people as swiftly as possible.”

She said she and Hansen are committed to enacting the will of the people.

“When and if those negotiations happen, I want to make sure to have their best interest at heart and in the room,” Conrad said.

Hansen said enacting the will of the people is important to him after multiple years around the issue, including working with former State Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln, a former lead member of the medical cannabis efforts. A&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=43730" target="_blank">2021 bill from Wishart</a>&nbsp;fell&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=7039" target="_blank">two votes short</a>&nbsp;of advancing.

“It’s my kind of somewhat conservative-Libertarian-leaning stance about is it the government’s right to deny you a natural or a different form of medication to help with a&nbsp;condition&nbsp;as opposed to pharmaceutical medications,” Hansen said. “That’s what the people, I think, wanted as well, just the option to use it if they could.”

The cannabis ballot measures continue to be challenged in court, with one lawsuit being appealed to the Nebraska Supreme Court and another&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/13/lawsuit-against-nebraska-medical-cannabis-extended-to-regulatory-board-state-agencies/">against multiple state officials and the campaign</a>&nbsp;in Lancaster County District Court.

Gov. Jim Pillen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers have&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/12/medical-cannabis-paid-sick-leave-abortion-restrictions-and-school-choice-repeal-take-effect/">questioned the constitutionality of the measures</a>&nbsp;under federal law, which they argue bans marijuana because the drug is classified as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling" target="_blank">Schedule I drug</a>, defined as having no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.

Conrad, however, said that opposition is a “political opinion” that is odd when compared with the wide latitude authorized in the U.S. Constitution for states’ rights. The Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana campaign has made similar arguments, pointing to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/10/new-lawsuit-seeks-to-void-nebraska-medical-cannabis-ballot-measures/">dozens of other states with medical cannabis programs</a>&nbsp;under the&nbsp;<a href="https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-10/#:~:text=Tenth%20Amendment%20Explained,respectively%2C%20or%20to%20the%20people." target="_blank">10th Amendment</a>.

Under the regulatory bills from McKinney, Conrad and Hansen, all three would prohibit a patient, caregiver or other licensed officials under the law from being arrested, prosecuted or penalized for following the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act or Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act.

Medical cannabis would be legalized for all patients in all three bills, up to 5 ounces.&nbsp;

Conrad and McKinney would allow a health care practitioner to write a recommendation for a greater amount, depending on a patient’s needs.

The bills from Conrad and McKinney would set up a confidential patient and caregiver registry in the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Hansen’s bill would put a registry as part of the new Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission, with an application fee of up to $45.

All three regulatory bills would maintain membership on the new commission as the members of the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission and the authority of the governor to appoint up to two more commissioners.&nbsp;

The new commission also would have an executive director, who could be the same person across the liquor and medical cannabis commissions.

Under the proposed laws, commissioners could not have conflicts of interest for cannabis sales or licensing, in addition to existing conflict of interest laws governing liquor sales and licensing.

The Nebraska Department of Revenue, DHHS, Nebraska Department of Agriculture and the Medical Cannabis Commission would all collaborate to execute the new laws, too.

The new bills include language about cultivating and transporting cannabis in Nebraska.

The laws voters passed do not supersede or replace prohibitions on using or possessing cannabis in the following situations:

In some circumstances, minor patients or workers could use or access their medical cannabis at schools or in child care, foster care or health care facilities. Those places could impose “reasonable restrictions” but could not “unreasonably limit” the patient’s access to the medicine.

However, if allowing cannabis would risk financial penalties or loss of a license under federal law or regulations, cannabis could still be banned.

Smoking cannabis or inhaling cannabis would also remain illegal if it could be inhaled by a nonpatient minor child or is used in a public place, other than with an aerosol inhaler.

Employers would not be required to permit or accommodate cannabis possession or use or and could restrict use of the drug&nbsp;under all three bills.&nbsp;Drug-testing and drug-free work policies could still be enforced.

McKinney’s bill would specifically prohibit employers from discriminating against a qualified patient or registered caregiver in hiring, firing or other conditions of employment unless the employee used cannabis during work hours and the usage impaired job performance or safety. Employers would need to provide reasonable accommodations under McKinney’s approach.

Insurance and Medicaid plans would not be required to cover the costs of cannabis in the versions from Hansen and Conrad. Insurance coverage is not specified in McKinney’s bill.

All three bills would establish more specific licensing requirements, similar to alcohol establishments now, with set fees, license types or business tiers.

Conrad would create five license types: cultivator, dispensary, products manufacturer, testing facility and vertical (for an “integrated” medical cannabis business). Hansen would allow one additional type for transporters.

Vertical licenses, which would include other licenses for businesses, would be limited across congressional districts. All licenses would also be limited in the number issued, except transporters.

Instead of “vertical” licenses, McKinney would add a patient delivery license and set up three tiers of businesses —&nbsp;microbusinesses, small businesses and large-scale operators.

McKinney’s bill would stipulate that beginning on Jan. 1 for licensing applications, only “social equity applicants” could apply. He would reserve more than half of all licenses for people who have lived in areas impacted by state and federal marijuana possession and distribution laws or who were themselves disproportionately harmed by the country’s “war on drugs.”

Such applicants would be eligible for mentorship and financial assistance in new programs proposed through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

Other applicants could apply beginning April 1, 2026.

The bill also offers resentencing or the automatic erasure and expungement of criminal wrongdoing for certain marijuana-related offenses.&nbsp;

McKinney said his goal in LB 705 is to have a conversation about equity and justice, particularly for people who have been harmed in the past.

“It’s cool to legalize it, but I want to make sure that those that have been negatively affected and disproportionately affected by marijuana laws and cannabis laws have an opportunity to take advantage of the law change,” McKinney said.

Hansen said many factors went into his bill, such as the ballot measure and what voters approved, possible economic benefits and “what we can with live with as a Legislature.”

“I don’t think we should pass the bill or do this because we’re going to make money,” Hansen said. “It’s because it’s what the people wanted, and it’s right for our state.”

Sales taxes are not applied to medicines in Nebraska, but McKinney, Conrad and Hansen would redefine “medical cannabis” to make it subject to state and local sales taxes.&nbsp;

Storm’s bill doesn’t include that change, meaning it would not be taxed under LB 483.

McKinney would tax cannabis at the statewide 5.5 cents per $1 purchase, before local taxes. Hansen and Conrad are seeking a 4-cent state sales tax rate per $1 purchase, before local taxes.

Revenue from sales taxes would be funneled back into the program under the proposals from McKinney and Conrad. Hansen’s bill would redirect the cannabis tax revenues toward property tax relief.

Because voters enacted the measures at the ballot box, lawmakers would need 33 votes in the 49-member Legislature to amend, narrow or reapl any related legislation&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/articles.php?article=III-2#:~:text=The%20first%20power%20reserved%20by,be%20set%20forth%20at%20length." target="_blank">under the Nebraska Constitution</a>.

Conrad said that means patients and advocates already have a “fail-safe plan” because if lawmakers don’t get 33 votes, the measures are self-enacting and will take effect anyway.

“Our hope is that we’re going to work as fast and as hard as possible to make sure that they can get access to the care that they need,” Conrad said. “But if the Legislature stands in the way of that, the will of the people will prevail.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737665685146.jpeg" alt="Supporters of medical cannabis helped two measures reach the 2024 general election ballot, Initiatives 437 and 438. Some spoke during a public hearing at the University of Nebraska at Omaha on Oct. 25, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Supporters of medical cannabis helped two measures reach the 2024 general election ballot, Initiatives 437 and 438. Some spoke during a public hearing at the University of Nebraska at Omaha on Oct. 25, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/23/lawmakers-propose-regulations-to-implement-nebraskas-new-medical-cannabis-laws/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Three similar legislative proposals introduced Wednesday seek to help implement the voter-enacted legalization and regulation of medical cannabis in Nebraska by later this year.The legislation, introduced by State Sens. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, Ben Hansen of Blair and Terrell McKinney of Omaha, would create registry programs and further stipulate the licensing and regulatory duties of the new Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission.&nbsp;All three would allow Nebraskans, after receiving a written recommendation from a health care practitioner for medical cannabis, to apply for a registry card, identifying them as a qualified patient. The registry would similarly apply to registered caregivers, such as for minors.The bills, which are all structurally similar with some key differences, are:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59170" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 651</a>&nbsp;(Conrad),&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58979" target="_blank">LB 677</a>&nbsp;(Hansen) and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59708" target="_blank">LB 705</a>&nbsp;(McKinney).“The time is long overdue that Nebraskans in need of care have access to that care,” Conrad told reporters.“I think we’re in a little bit of a unique position, where a lot of other states have already gone this direction,” Hansen said. “We have the ability to see what has worked well for others and what hasn’t.”Without further state law changes, the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission must establish criteria to accept or deny applications for registered cannabis establishments&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/26/whats-next-for-nebraska-medical-cannabis-paid-sick-leave-abortion-school-choice/">by July 1</a>. Licenses could then be granted as early as Oct. 1.Conrad, Hansen and McKinney would delay the start of licensing slightly, to give commissioners more time to work on the new regulations. Applications could instead be filed beginning Jan. 1, 2026.<h2>A fourth proposal</h2>A fourth bill,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59393" target="_blank">LB 483</a>&nbsp;from freshman State Sen. Jared Storm of David City, would limit legal medical cannabis to 300 milligrams of delta-9 THC, the compound in the cannabis plant most commonly associated with getting a person high.LB 483 would also limit “permissible” cannabis to the form of pills or liquid tinctures, which are concentrated herbal extracts.&nbsp;With about 28,350 milligrams per ounce, Storm’s bill would reduce legalization to about 0.21% of what&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/2024/2024%20General%20Canvass%20Book.pdf" target="_blank">71% of voters authorized</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/06/medical-cannabis-prevails-at-nebraskas-ballot-box-but-fate-depends-on-legal-challenges/">less than three months ago</a>. About 67% of Nebraska voters also supported the second measure, to&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/2024/2024%20Ballot%20Measures%20Pamphlet.pdf" target="_blank">regulate medical cannabis</a>. Storm’s legislative district of Butler, Colfax and Saunders Counties approved both measures.Storm declined to comment on his bill.<h2>‘Best interest at heart’</h2>Conrad said some patients seeking medical cannabis can’t take pills because of their conditions. She said she drafted her bill with advocates from the recent medical marijuana campaign for “one of the most expansive bills possible to effectuate the will of the people as swiftly as possible.”She said she and Hansen are committed to enacting the will of the people.“When and if those negotiations happen, I want to make sure to have their best interest at heart and in the room,” Conrad said.Hansen said enacting the will of the people is important to him after multiple years around the issue, including working with former State Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln, a former lead member of the medical cannabis efforts. A&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=43730" target="_blank">2021 bill from Wishart</a>&nbsp;fell&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=7039" target="_blank">two votes short</a>&nbsp;of advancing.“It’s my kind of somewhat conservative-Libertarian-leaning stance about is it the government’s right to deny you a natural or a different form of medication to help with a&nbsp;condition&nbsp;as opposed to pharmaceutical medications,” Hansen said. “That’s what the people, I think, wanted as well, just the option to use it if they could.”The cannabis ballot measures continue to be challenged in court, with one lawsuit being appealed to the Nebraska Supreme Court and another&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/13/lawsuit-against-nebraska-medical-cannabis-extended-to-regulatory-board-state-agencies/">against multiple state officials and the campaign</a>&nbsp;in Lancaster County District Court.Gov. Jim Pillen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers have&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/12/medical-cannabis-paid-sick-leave-abortion-restrictions-and-school-choice-repeal-take-effect/">questioned the constitutionality of the measures</a>&nbsp;under federal law, which they argue bans marijuana because the drug is classified as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling" target="_blank">Schedule I drug</a>, defined as having no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.Conrad, however, said that opposition is a “political opinion” that is odd when compared with the wide latitude authorized in the U.S. Constitution for states’ rights. The Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana campaign has made similar arguments, pointing to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/12/10/new-lawsuit-seeks-to-void-nebraska-medical-cannabis-ballot-measures/">dozens of other states with medical cannabis programs</a>&nbsp;under the&nbsp;<a href="https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-10/#:~:text=Tenth%20Amendment%20Explained,respectively%2C%20or%20to%20the%20people." target="_blank">10th Amendment</a>.<h2>Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission</h2>Under the regulatory bills from McKinney, Conrad and Hansen, all three would prohibit a patient, caregiver or other licensed officials under the law from being arrested, prosecuted or penalized for following the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act or Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act.Medical cannabis would be legalized for all patients in all three bills, up to 5 ounces.&nbsp;Conrad and McKinney would allow a health care practitioner to write a recommendation for a greater amount, depending on a patient’s needs.The bills from Conrad and McKinney would set up a confidential patient and caregiver registry in the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Hansen’s bill would put a registry as part of the new Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission, with an application fee of up to $45.All three regulatory bills would maintain membership on the new commission as the members of the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission and the authority of the governor to appoint up to two more commissioners.&nbsp;The new commission also would have an executive director, who could be the same person across the liquor and medical cannabis commissions.Under the proposed laws, commissioners could not have conflicts of interest for cannabis sales or licensing, in addition to existing conflict of interest laws governing liquor sales and licensing.The Nebraska Department of Revenue, DHHS, Nebraska Department of Agriculture and the Medical Cannabis Commission would all collaborate to execute the new laws, too.The new bills include language about cultivating and transporting cannabis in Nebraska.<h2>Proposed restrictions to use</h2>The laws voters passed do not supersede or replace prohibitions on using or possessing cannabis in the following situations:<ul>
 <li>While undertaking any task that would constitute negligence or professional malpractice because of cannabis use (including driving or while at work).</li><li>On K-12 postsecondary school grounds, including on school buses or in vans.</li><li>In any jail, adult or juvenile correctional facility or a youth rehabilitation and treatment center.</li><li>At any child care facility or home day care.</li>
 </ul>In some circumstances, minor patients or workers could use or access their medical cannabis at schools or in child care, foster care or health care facilities. Those places could impose “reasonable restrictions” but could not “unreasonably limit” the patient’s access to the medicine.However, if allowing cannabis would risk financial penalties or loss of a license under federal law or regulations, cannabis could still be banned.Smoking cannabis or inhaling cannabis would also remain illegal if it could be inhaled by a nonpatient minor child or is used in a public place, other than with an aerosol inhaler.Employers would not be required to permit or accommodate cannabis possession or use or and could restrict use of the drug&nbsp;under all three bills.&nbsp;Drug-testing and drug-free work policies could still be enforced.McKinney’s bill would specifically prohibit employers from discriminating against a qualified patient or registered caregiver in hiring, firing or other conditions of employment unless the employee used cannabis during work hours and the usage impaired job performance or safety. Employers would need to provide reasonable accommodations under McKinney’s approach.Insurance and Medicaid plans would not be required to cover the costs of cannabis in the versions from Hansen and Conrad. Insurance coverage is not specified in McKinney’s bill.<h2>Licensing requirements</h2>All three bills would establish more specific licensing requirements, similar to alcohol establishments now, with set fees, license types or business tiers.Conrad would create five license types: cultivator, dispensary, products manufacturer, testing facility and vertical (for an “integrated” medical cannabis business). Hansen would allow one additional type for transporters.Vertical licenses, which would include other licenses for businesses, would be limited across congressional districts. All licenses would also be limited in the number issued, except transporters.Instead of “vertical” licenses, McKinney would add a patient delivery license and set up three tiers of businesses —&nbsp;microbusinesses, small businesses and large-scale operators.<h2>Social equity and justice</h2>McKinney’s bill would stipulate that beginning on Jan. 1 for licensing applications, only “social equity applicants” could apply. He would reserve more than half of all licenses for people who have lived in areas impacted by state and federal marijuana possession and distribution laws or who were themselves disproportionately harmed by the country’s “war on drugs.”Such applicants would be eligible for mentorship and financial assistance in new programs proposed through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.Other applicants could apply beginning April 1, 2026.The bill also offers resentencing or the automatic erasure and expungement of criminal wrongdoing for certain marijuana-related offenses.&nbsp;McKinney said his goal in LB 705 is to have a conversation about equity and justice, particularly for people who have been harmed in the past.“It’s cool to legalize it, but I want to make sure that those that have been negatively affected and disproportionately affected by marijuana laws and cannabis laws have an opportunity to take advantage of the law change,” McKinney said.<h2>‘The will of the people’</h2>Hansen said many factors went into his bill, such as the ballot measure and what voters approved, possible economic benefits and “what we can with live with as a Legislature.”“I don’t think we should pass the bill or do this because we’re going to make money,” Hansen said. “It’s because it’s what the people wanted, and it’s right for our state.”Sales taxes are not applied to medicines in Nebraska, but McKinney, Conrad and Hansen would redefine “medical cannabis” to make it subject to state and local sales taxes.&nbsp;Storm’s bill doesn’t include that change, meaning it would not be taxed under LB 483.McKinney would tax cannabis at the statewide 5.5 cents per $1 purchase, before local taxes. Hansen and Conrad are seeking a 4-cent state sales tax rate per $1 purchase, before local taxes.Revenue from sales taxes would be funneled back into the program under the proposals from McKinney and Conrad. Hansen’s bill would redirect the cannabis tax revenues toward property tax relief.Because voters enacted the measures at the ballot box, lawmakers would need 33 votes in the 49-member Legislature to amend, narrow or reapl any related legislation&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/articles.php?article=III-2#:~:text=The%20first%20power%20reserved%20by,be%20set%20forth%20at%20length." target="_blank">under the Nebraska Constitution</a>.Conrad said that means patients and advocates already have a “fail-safe plan” because if lawmakers don’t get 33 votes, the measures are self-enacting and will take effect anyway.“Our hope is that we’re going to work as fast and as hard as possible to make sure that they can get access to the care that they need,” Conrad said. “But if the Legislature stands in the way of that, the will of the people will prevail.”

Lawmakers Propose Regulations to Implement Nebraska’s New Medical Cannabis Laws

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/22/second-nebraska-bill-focused-on-transgender-athletes-is-based-on-nsaa-participation-policy/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Transgender student-athletes in Nebraska K-12 schools would have a narrow path to participation in a new legislative proposal unveiled Wednesday seeking to codify existing guidelines.

<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59468" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 605</a>, from State Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln, would require all of Nebraska’s 245 public school districts to adopt policies regarding the eligibility of transgender students to participate in extracurricular activities, including sports.&nbsp;

Time is being taken up, Raybould said, focusing on an effort from State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha to define “male” and “female” in state law and restrict sports teams and bathrooms to a student’s sex at birth.

Kauth’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58025" target="_blank">LB 89</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/11/nebraska-lawmakers-aim-to-define-male-female-for-sports-bathrooms-and-more/">Stand With Women Act</a>, would also apply to collegiate athletics and other areas of state government, such as prisons, economic development and health care.

Raybould said some senators are concerned that Kauth’s effort revolves around a very small number of students who have applied to and been approved by the nonprofit Nebraska School Activities Association to participate in school sports that match their gender identity.

“We’re talking less than 10 [students] when there are perfectly detailed guidelines,” Raybould told reporters.

LB 605, from Raybould, seeks to mirror the&nbsp;<a href="https://nsaahome.org/about/gppolicy.pdf" target="_blank">NSAA’s Gender Participation Policy</a>&nbsp;adopted in 2016. It offers a&nbsp;<a href="https://nsaahome.org/equity-inclusion-information/" target="_blank">narrow path for participation</a>&nbsp;in NSAA-sponsored athletics based on gender.

That’s a nonstarter for Kauth, who has regularly criticized the NSAA policy for letting school districts choose their own policies. That includes some districts —&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/09/05/kearney-norfolk-school-officials-explain-trans-student-athlete-policies/">at least Kearney Public Schools and Norfolk Public Schools</a>&nbsp;—&nbsp;that have chosen to restrict athletic teams to sex at birth.

Kauth said a patchwork of participation policies only “solidifies the problem.”

“I’m shocked that Senator Raybould, who has done so much with women’s groups, would choose to allow men [to] pretend to be women and take away opportunities [and] impact their safety and their privacy,” Kauth said.

The NSAA-mirrored steps in LB 605 would require school boards to collect documentation of whether a student is transgender, relying upon medical records and documentation from friends, family or teachers “affirming the actions, attitudes, dress and manner of the student that demonstrates the student’s consistent gender identification and expression.”

Raybould’s bill states that nothing in her proposed law or required school policies “shall be construed to encourage any student to undergo hormone therapy, sex reassignment surgery or other medical treatment resulting in a change to the student’s gender.”

Schools participating with the NSAA could continue to use the existing participation policy, which requires the activities association to convene a “Gender Identity Eligibility Committee” to review each student’s eligibility, which must unanimously approve the application.

The eligibility committee group includes a physician with experience in transgender health care; a psychiatrist, psychologist or licensed mental health professional; a school administrator from a non-appealing school and an NSAA staff member.

The eligibility committee must unanimously approve a student’s application to approve participation, which, as Raybould said, has happened fewer than 10 times since 2017.

Female transgender students are subject to more steps than transgender male students under the NSAA policy, including medical examination and physiological testing to prove they do not possess “physical or physiological advantages over genetic females of the same age group.”

Transgender girls must also have at least one year of hormone treatment related to gender transition or have gone through gender reassignment surgery.

Kauth’s 2023 bill, the Let Them Grow Act, banned gender reassignment surgery for minors in Nebraska and set an&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/28/nebraskans-testify-largely-against-gender-care-regulations-ask-for-looser-restrictions/">extensive state process for obtaining hormones</a>&nbsp;as part of gender care after months of gender-identity-focused therapy.

LB 605 doesn’t specify what guidelines local school districts would need to abide by in allowing trans youths to participate in school sports, which could lead to de facto bans.

Raybould said her concern is many senators have been fed information, particularly in the last presidential election cycle, that “distorts the truth of the matter.” She wants parents and transgender youths to have a voice.

“We certainly hope the schools that haven’t adopted it [the NSAA guidelines] will review that policy and give it more thoughtful consideration,” Raybould said.

Lawmakers aren’t strangers to the NSAA approach, partly thanks to State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston who passed out the NSAA policy ahead of debate in 2024 on a different Kauth bill to restrict K-12 sports and bathrooms to sex at birth, which&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/05/bathroom-sports-team-restrictions-fall-short-in-nebraska-legislature/">fell short by two votes</a>.&nbsp;

Riepe and State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, both Republicans, refused to vote for or against the bill —&nbsp;LB 575, the Sports and Spaces Act.

Both Raybould and Riepe said the NSAA policy offers clear protocols and guidelines, backed by evidence from the NSAA in 2016 that is well thought out.

However, Riepe said he is waiting for guidance from the federal government and President Donald Trump, who is seeking to have Congress pass similar legislation.

“Last I knew, the feds, when they call the shots, it’s game over,” Riepe said. “I want to wait and see.”

Riepe said he is concerned about possible physiological advantages of trans students and does want to “protect” women’s sports, but he doesn’t feel legislation needs to go much further, such as to other areas of government as in Kauth’s Stand With Women Act.

He added that local control equates to local accountability and if local communities feel strongly, they can vote, as the districts in Kearney and Norfolk did.

Still, Riepe said he doesn’t want to drive transgender youths “into a total isolation.”

“Doesn’t mean I want them to play the sport,” Riepe said, “but doesn’t mean you can’t go to the school dance.”

The Nebraska School Activities Association oversees athletics and general activities for many of Nebraska’s public and private K-12 schools. The association implemented a&nbsp;<a href="https://nsaahome.org/about/gppolicy.pdf" target="_blank">Gender Participation Policy</a>&nbsp;in January 2016, avoiding a “sex at birth” rule that year supported by former Gov. Pete Ricketts.

Transgender students wishing to utilize the outlined procedures must follow these steps:

A four-member Gender Identity Eligibility Committee through the NSAA must reviews the student’s application. For participation to be approved, the committee must unanimously agree.

Transgender female students must also take one year of hormones or go through gender reassignment surgery, which was banned for minors after Oct. 1, 2023.

Trans girls, in either case, must also demonstrate through a medical examination and physiological testing they do “not possess physical … or physiological advantages over genetic females of the same age group.”

This includes bone structure, muscle mass and testosterone hormonal levels.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737664984866.jpeg" alt=" Lawmakers are set to consider two proposals in 2025 involving participation of transgender student-athletes in K-12 sponsored sports. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Lawmakers are set to consider two proposals in 2025 involving participation of transgender student-athletes in K-12 sponsored sports. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/22/second-nebraska-bill-focused-on-transgender-athletes-is-based-on-nsaa-participation-policy/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Transgender student-athletes in Nebraska K-12 schools would have a narrow path to participation in a new legislative proposal unveiled Wednesday seeking to codify existing guidelines.<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59468" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 605</a>, from State Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln, would require all of Nebraska’s 245 public school districts to adopt policies regarding the eligibility of transgender students to participate in extracurricular activities, including sports.&nbsp;Time is being taken up, Raybould said, focusing on an effort from State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha to define “male” and “female” in state law and restrict sports teams and bathrooms to a student’s sex at birth.Kauth’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58025" target="_blank">LB 89</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/11/nebraska-lawmakers-aim-to-define-male-female-for-sports-bathrooms-and-more/">Stand With Women Act</a>, would also apply to collegiate athletics and other areas of state government, such as prisons, economic development and health care.Raybould said some senators are concerned that Kauth’s effort revolves around a very small number of students who have applied to and been approved by the nonprofit Nebraska School Activities Association to participate in school sports that match their gender identity.“We’re talking less than 10 [students] when there are perfectly detailed guidelines,” Raybould told reporters.<h2>A patchwork approach</h2>LB 605, from Raybould, seeks to mirror the&nbsp;<a href="https://nsaahome.org/about/gppolicy.pdf" target="_blank">NSAA’s Gender Participation Policy</a>&nbsp;adopted in 2016. It offers a&nbsp;<a href="https://nsaahome.org/equity-inclusion-information/" target="_blank">narrow path for participation</a>&nbsp;in NSAA-sponsored athletics based on gender.That’s a nonstarter for Kauth, who has regularly criticized the NSAA policy for letting school districts choose their own policies. That includes some districts —&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/09/05/kearney-norfolk-school-officials-explain-trans-student-athlete-policies/">at least Kearney Public Schools and Norfolk Public Schools</a>&nbsp;—&nbsp;that have chosen to restrict athletic teams to sex at birth.Kauth said a patchwork of participation policies only “solidifies the problem.”“I’m shocked that Senator Raybould, who has done so much with women’s groups, would choose to allow men [to] pretend to be women and take away opportunities [and] impact their safety and their privacy,” Kauth said.The NSAA-mirrored steps in LB 605 would require school boards to collect documentation of whether a student is transgender, relying upon medical records and documentation from friends, family or teachers “affirming the actions, attitudes, dress and manner of the student that demonstrates the student’s consistent gender identification and expression.”Raybould’s bill states that nothing in her proposed law or required school policies “shall be construed to encourage any student to undergo hormone therapy, sex reassignment surgery or other medical treatment resulting in a change to the student’s gender.”<h2>NSAA guidelines</h2>Schools participating with the NSAA could continue to use the existing participation policy, which requires the activities association to convene a “Gender Identity Eligibility Committee” to review each student’s eligibility, which must unanimously approve the application.The eligibility committee group includes a physician with experience in transgender health care; a psychiatrist, psychologist or licensed mental health professional; a school administrator from a non-appealing school and an NSAA staff member.The eligibility committee must unanimously approve a student’s application to approve participation, which, as Raybould said, has happened fewer than 10 times since 2017.Female transgender students are subject to more steps than transgender male students under the NSAA policy, including medical examination and physiological testing to prove they do not possess “physical or physiological advantages over genetic females of the same age group.”Transgender girls must also have at least one year of hormone treatment related to gender transition or have gone through gender reassignment surgery.Kauth’s 2023 bill, the Let Them Grow Act, banned gender reassignment surgery for minors in Nebraska and set an&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/28/nebraskans-testify-largely-against-gender-care-regulations-ask-for-looser-restrictions/">extensive state process for obtaining hormones</a>&nbsp;as part of gender care after months of gender-identity-focused therapy.LB 605 doesn’t specify what guidelines local school districts would need to abide by in allowing trans youths to participate in school sports, which could lead to de facto bans.Raybould said her concern is many senators have been fed information, particularly in the last presidential election cycle, that “distorts the truth of the matter.” She wants parents and transgender youths to have a voice.“We certainly hope the schools that haven’t adopted it [the NSAA guidelines] will review that policy and give it more thoughtful consideration,” Raybould said.<h2>‘I want to wait and see’</h2>Lawmakers aren’t strangers to the NSAA approach, partly thanks to State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston who passed out the NSAA policy ahead of debate in 2024 on a different Kauth bill to restrict K-12 sports and bathrooms to sex at birth, which&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/05/bathroom-sports-team-restrictions-fall-short-in-nebraska-legislature/">fell short by two votes</a>.&nbsp;Riepe and State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, both Republicans, refused to vote for or against the bill —&nbsp;LB 575, the Sports and Spaces Act.Both Raybould and Riepe said the NSAA policy offers clear protocols and guidelines, backed by evidence from the NSAA in 2016 that is well thought out.However, Riepe said he is waiting for guidance from the federal government and President Donald Trump, who is seeking to have Congress pass similar legislation.“Last I knew, the feds, when they call the shots, it’s game over,” Riepe said. “I want to wait and see.”Riepe said he is concerned about possible physiological advantages of trans students and does want to “protect” women’s sports, but he doesn’t feel legislation needs to go much further, such as to other areas of government as in Kauth’s Stand With Women Act.He added that local control equates to local accountability and if local communities feel strongly, they can vote, as the districts in Kearney and Norfolk did.Still, Riepe said he doesn’t want to drive transgender youths “into a total isolation.”“Doesn’t mean I want them to play the sport,” Riepe said, “but doesn’t mean you can’t go to the school dance.”<h2>NSAA Gender Participation Policy</h2>The Nebraska School Activities Association oversees athletics and general activities for many of Nebraska’s public and private K-12 schools. The association implemented a&nbsp;<a href="https://nsaahome.org/about/gppolicy.pdf" target="_blank">Gender Participation Policy</a>&nbsp;in January 2016, avoiding a “sex at birth” rule that year supported by former Gov. Pete Ricketts.Transgender students wishing to utilize the outlined procedures must follow these steps:<ul>
 <li>Provide written notice to their home school that will determine whether the student meets the activity eligibility standards.</li><li>Apply for participation with the NSAA and complete a&nbsp;<a href="https://nsaahome.org/about/appform.pdf" target="_blank">Transgender Student Application</a>.</li><li>Provide affirming information of the student’s gender identity and expression, such as credible documentation from parents, friends or teachers “affirming the actions, attitudes, dress and manner” of the student’s identity.</li><li>Submit written verification from an appropriate health care professional affirming the student’s identity.</li>
 </ul>A four-member Gender Identity Eligibility Committee through the NSAA must reviews the student’s application. For participation to be approved, the committee must unanimously agree.Transgender female students must also take one year of hormones or go through gender reassignment surgery, which was banned for minors after Oct. 1, 2023.Trans girls, in either case, must also demonstrate through a medical examination and physiological testing they do “not possess physical … or physiological advantages over genetic females of the same age group.”This includes bone structure, muscle mass and testosterone hormonal levels.

Second Nebraska Bill Focused on Transgender Athletes is Based on NSAA Participation Policy

NASHVILLE —Homicide Unit detectives along with their law enforcement partners in Nashville and federal/state agencies are examining very concerning on-line writings and social media posts connected to 17-year-old Solomon Henderson as they work to establish the motive behind Henderson’s gunfire Wednesday morning in Antioch High School’s cafeteria, according to a statement from Metro Nashville Polixe.

Sixteen-year-old Josselin Corea Escalante was fatally wounded. A 17-year-old male student was grazed in the arm. He has been treated and released from Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Henderson died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

The investigation to this point has not established a connection between Henderson and the two shooting victims. It may be that they were struck by his random gunfire in the cafeteria.

The two school resource officers assigned to Antioch High School were in another part of the building when the gunfire started. They rushed to the cafeteria and arrived just after Henderson killed himself.

“On behalf of this entire police department, I extend our deep condolences to Antioch High students, parents, and staff,” Chief John Drake said. “Our officers and counselors will work to be part of the healing process in the days and weeks ahead.”

As to questions concerning any prior police interaction with Henderson, the MNPD will not be at liberty to address those as Tennessee law protects juvenile information in most law enforcement matters.

NASHVILLE —A shooting incident is under investigation at Antioch High School in Nashville, according to a statement from Metro Nashville Police.

Police report a 17-year-old male student fired multiple shots in the cafeteria at 11:09 a.m. Two students were wounded including a teen girl who died.

A boy student suffered a graze wound to the arm. The 17-year-old shot himself in the head and is deceased.

Reunification site for parents is 3754 Murfreesboro Pike. Buses will be taking students there.

Parents needing information regarding reunification can call: 615-401-1712

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737571069866.jpeg" alt="Photo Metro Nashville Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Metro Nashville Police</figcaption>
 </figure>NASHVILLE —Homicide Unit detectives along with their law enforcement partners in Nashville and federal/state agencies are examining very concerning on-line writings and social media posts connected to 17-year-old Solomon Henderson as they work to establish the motive behind Henderson’s gunfire Wednesday morning in Antioch High School’s cafeteria, according to a statement from Metro Nashville Polixe.Sixteen-year-old Josselin Corea Escalante was fatally wounded. A 17-year-old male student was grazed in the arm. He has been treated and released from Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Henderson died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.The investigation to this point has not established a connection between Henderson and the two shooting victims. It may be that they were struck by his random gunfire in the cafeteria.The two school resource officers assigned to Antioch High School were in another part of the building when the gunfire started. They rushed to the cafeteria and arrived just after Henderson killed himself.“On behalf of this entire police department, I extend our deep condolences to Antioch High students, parents, and staff,” Chief John Drake said. “Our officers and counselors will work to be part of the healing process in the days and weeks ahead.”As to questions concerning any prior police interaction with Henderson, the MNPD will not be at liberty to address those as Tennessee law protects juvenile information in most law enforcement matters.-----------NASHVILLE —A shooting incident is under investigation at Antioch High School in Nashville, according to a statement from Metro Nashville Police.Police report a 17-year-old male student fired multiple shots in the cafeteria at 11:09 a.m. Two students were wounded including a teen girl who died.A boy student suffered a graze wound to the arm. The 17-year-old shot himself in the head and is deceased.Reunification site for parents is 3754 Murfreesboro Pike. Buses will be taking students there.Parents needing information regarding reunification can call: 615-401-1712

Police ID 16-year-old Killed in Shooting at Tennessee High School

On Wednesday, President Trump signed an Executive Order re-designating Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The Houthis’ activities threaten the security of American civilians and personnel in the Middle East.

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101&nbsp;et seq.) (INA), it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1.&nbsp; Purpose. &nbsp;This order sets in motion a process by which Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, shall be considered for designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, consistent with section 219 of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1189).

Supported by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force (IRGC-QF), which arms and trains terrorist organizations worldwide, the Houthis have fired at U.S. Navy warships dozens of times since 2023, endangering American men and women in uniform. &nbsp;Since seizing most Yemeni population centers by force from the legitimate Yemeni government in 2014-2015، the Houthis have launched numerous attacks on civilian infrastructure, including multiple attacks on civilian airports in Saudi Arabia, the deadly January 2022 attacks on the United Arab Emirates, and more than 300 projectiles fired at Israel since October 2023.&nbsp; The Houthis have also attacked commercial vessels transiting Bab al-Mandeb more than 100 times, killing at least four civilian sailors and forcing some Red Sea maritime commercial traffic to reroute, which has contributed to global inflation.

The Houthis’ activities threaten the security of American civilians and personnel in the Middle East, the safety of our closest regional partners, and the stability of global maritime trade.

Sec. 2. &nbsp;Policy. &nbsp;It is the policy of the United States to cooperate with its regional partners to eliminate Ansar Allah’s capabilities and operations, deprive it of resources, and thereby end its attacks on U.S. personnel and civilians, U.S. partners, and maritime shipping in the Red Sea.

Sec. 3. &nbsp;Implementation. &nbsp;(a) &nbsp;Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of State shall, after consultation with the Director of National Intelligence and the Secretary of the Treasury, submit a report to the President, through the National Security Council, concerning the designation of Ansar Allah as a foreign terrorist organization consistent with 8 U.S.C. 1189.

(b) &nbsp;Within 15 days after submitting the report required under subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary of State shall take all appropriate action, consistent with 8 U.S.C. 1189, with regards to a designation of Ansar Allah as a terrorist organization.

(d) &nbsp;Following any designation of Ansar Allah as a foreign terrorist organization under 8 U.S.C. 1189, the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) shall jointly conduct a review of the United Nations partners, nongovernmental organizations, and contractors through which USAID works in Yemen, and identify any entities with a relationship with USAID that has:

(i)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; made payments to members of, or governmental entities controlled by, Ansar Allah; or

(ii)&nbsp;&nbsp; has criticized international efforts to counter Ansar Allah while failing to document Ansar Allah’s abuses sufficiently.

(e) &nbsp;The Administrator of USAID shall take all appropriate action to terminate the projects, grants, or contracts identified under subsection (e) of this section as appropriate.

Sec. 4. &nbsp;General Provisions.&nbsp; (a)&nbsp; Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i)&nbsp;&nbsp; the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii)&nbsp; the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b)&nbsp; This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c)&nbsp; This order is not intended to and does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, o

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1561036312700.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Wednesday, President Trump signed an Executive Order re-designating Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The Houthis’ activities threaten the security of American civilians and personnel in the Middle East.The executive order is printed below.By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101&nbsp;et seq.) (INA), it is hereby ordered as follows:Section 1.&nbsp; Purpose. &nbsp;This order sets in motion a process by which Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, shall be considered for designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, consistent with section 219 of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1189).Supported by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force (IRGC-QF), which arms and trains terrorist organizations worldwide, the Houthis have fired at U.S. Navy warships dozens of times since 2023, endangering American men and women in uniform. &nbsp;Since seizing most Yemeni population centers by force from the legitimate Yemeni government in 2014-2015، the Houthis have launched numerous attacks on civilian infrastructure, including multiple attacks on civilian airports in Saudi Arabia, the deadly January 2022 attacks on the United Arab Emirates, and more than 300 projectiles fired at Israel since October 2023.&nbsp; The Houthis have also attacked commercial vessels transiting Bab al-Mandeb more than 100 times, killing at least four civilian sailors and forcing some Red Sea maritime commercial traffic to reroute, which has contributed to global inflation.The Houthis’ activities threaten the security of American civilians and personnel in the Middle East, the safety of our closest regional partners, and the stability of global maritime trade.Sec. 2. &nbsp;Policy. &nbsp;It is the policy of the United States to cooperate with its regional partners to eliminate Ansar Allah’s capabilities and operations, deprive it of resources, and thereby end its attacks on U.S. personnel and civilians, U.S. partners, and maritime shipping in the Red Sea.Sec. 3. &nbsp;Implementation. &nbsp;(a) &nbsp;Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of State shall, after consultation with the Director of National Intelligence and the Secretary of the Treasury, submit a report to the President, through the National Security Council, concerning the designation of Ansar Allah as a foreign terrorist organization consistent with 8 U.S.C. 1189.(b) &nbsp;Within 15 days after submitting the report required under subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary of State shall take all appropriate action, consistent with 8 U.S.C. 1189, with regards to a designation of Ansar Allah as a terrorist organization.(d) &nbsp;Following any designation of Ansar Allah as a foreign terrorist organization under 8 U.S.C. 1189, the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) shall jointly conduct a review of the United Nations partners, nongovernmental organizations, and contractors through which USAID works in Yemen, and identify any entities with a relationship with USAID that has:(i)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; made payments to members of, or governmental entities controlled by, Ansar Allah; or(ii)&nbsp;&nbsp; has criticized international efforts to counter Ansar Allah while failing to document Ansar Allah’s abuses sufficiently.(e) &nbsp;The Administrator of USAID shall take all appropriate action to terminate the projects, grants, or contracts identified under subsection (e) of this section as appropriate.Sec. 4. &nbsp;General Provisions.&nbsp; (a)&nbsp; Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:(i)&nbsp;&nbsp; the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or(ii)&nbsp; the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.(b)&nbsp; This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.(c)&nbsp; This order is not intended to and does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, o

Read the order: U.S. redesignates Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization

January 22, 2025 (Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The Nebraska State Patrol is proud to once again to receive accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). NSP was recently awarded reaccreditation by CALEA after a lengthy review process.

“CALEA accreditation is a major recognition for our team,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Receiving this reaccreditation is a demonstration that NSP’s policies meet CALEA’s rigorous standards. It’s also a validation that NSP personnel, from our troopers and investigators to our professional staff across the state, are living up to the high standards that Nebraskans have come to expect from the Nebraska State Patrol.”

NSP received its reaccreditation in late 2024 following a process that included a self-assessment of NSP policies and procedures, in-depth comparison of NSP’s operations to CALEA’s internationally recognized public safety standards, and a complete assessment by CALEA evaluators. During the process, NSP must prove compliance with approximately 500 CALEA standards for law enforcement agencies.

NSP was one of the first state law enforcement agencies in the country to receive CALEA accreditation in 1989 and has been awarded reaccreditation numerous times since.

CALEA serves as the international gold standard for public safety agencies. Approximately 10 percent of all law enforcement agencies in the United States hold CALEA accreditation. CALEA accreditation lasts for four years with annual assessments during that time.

Cody ThomasNebraska State PatrolJanuary 22, 2025 (Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The Nebraska State Patrol is proud to once again to receive accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). NSP was recently awarded reaccreditation by CALEA after a lengthy review process.“CALEA accreditation is a major recognition for our team,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Receiving this reaccreditation is a demonstration that NSP’s policies meet CALEA’s rigorous standards. It’s also a validation that NSP personnel, from our troopers and investigators to our professional staff across the state, are living up to the high standards that Nebraskans have come to expect from the Nebraska State Patrol.”NSP received its reaccreditation in late 2024 following a process that included a self-assessment of NSP policies and procedures, in-depth comparison of NSP’s operations to CALEA’s internationally recognized public safety standards, and a complete assessment by CALEA evaluators. During the process, NSP must prove compliance with approximately 500 CALEA standards for law enforcement agencies.NSP was one of the first state law enforcement agencies in the country to receive CALEA accreditation in 1989 and has been awarded reaccreditation numerous times since.CALEA serves as the international gold standard for public safety agencies. Approximately 10 percent of all law enforcement agencies in the United States hold CALEA accreditation. CALEA accreditation lasts for four years with annual assessments during that time.

Nebraska State Patrol Receives CALEA Reaccreditation

January 22, 2025 – LINCOLN, Neb. –&nbsp;The Conservative Energy Network - Nebraska (CEN-NE), an affiliate organization of the Conservative Energy Network, launched today, joining a national network of 26 state-based organizations focused on championing secure, reliable, affordable, and clean American energy.

"Today marks an exciting new chapter for Nebraska’s energy future,” said Chris Peterson, Director of the Conservative Energy Network - Nebraska. “By cultivating partnerships and empowering communities, we’re working to ensure Nebraska’s energy solutions are secure, reliable, affordable. Together with the Nebraska Land &amp; Liberty Coalition, we aim to protect property rights, drive economic growth, and champion innovative energy policies that benefit all Nebraskans.”

As part of the launch, CEN-NE&nbsp;also announced the launch of the Nebraska Land &amp; Liberty Coalition. The Land &amp; Liberty CoalitionⓇ&nbsp;(L&amp;LC), a project of the Conservative Energy Network (CEN), is a grassroots organization that partners with local citizens, landowners, rural Nebraska advocates and policymakers to promote commonsense policies that advance energy-focused economic opportunity projects while protecting and benefiting local communities.&nbsp;

“The Land &amp; Liberty Coalition helps preserve the property rights of farmers and landowners who choose to voluntarily lease their land for renewable energy projects, and also helps connect local citizens who support energy-focused economic development in their communities with tools and information,” said Bradley Pischea, National Director of the Land &amp; Liberty Coalition. “I’m proud to personally live in the great state of Nebraska, and to bring a local chapter of the coalition here to help tell the story of the positive economic impacts of new energy developments in rural communities across the state.”

By providing relevant information and helping citizens organize as effective advocates, L&amp;LC empowers individuals and communities to take control of their community’s land-use future.

“The Nebraska Land &amp; Liberty Coalition is committed to empowering rural communities and landowners with the tools they need to shape their energy future," said Dylan Glaser, Field Representative of the Nebraska Land &amp; Liberty Coalition. "By fostering collaboration among local citizens, farmers, and policymakers, we’re helping ensure that renewable energy projects not only respect property rights but also drive economic opportunity and growth for Nebraska’s rural communities."

CEN recognized the need for grassroots involvement in energy-focused economic development projects and launched L&amp;LC in Michigan in 2018 with a mission to support rural residents as they navigate the siting process that goes along with these projects. The program quickly grew to include chapters in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin. By establishing a Nebraska chapter, L&amp;LC seeks to leverage their experience to ensure local Nebraska communities reap the benefits of a growing energy industry.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737576285601.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>January 22, 2025 – LINCOLN, Neb. –&nbsp;The Conservative Energy Network - Nebraska (CEN-NE), an affiliate organization of the Conservative Energy Network, launched today, joining a national network of 26 state-based organizations focused on championing secure, reliable, affordable, and clean American energy."Today marks an exciting new chapter for Nebraska’s energy future,” said Chris Peterson, Director of the Conservative Energy Network - Nebraska. “By cultivating partnerships and empowering communities, we’re working to ensure Nebraska’s energy solutions are secure, reliable, affordable. Together with the Nebraska Land &amp; Liberty Coalition, we aim to protect property rights, drive economic growth, and champion innovative energy policies that benefit all Nebraskans.”As part of the launch, CEN-NE&nbsp;also announced the launch of the Nebraska Land &amp; Liberty Coalition. The Land &amp; Liberty CoalitionⓇ&nbsp;(L&amp;LC), a project of the Conservative Energy Network (CEN), is a grassroots organization that partners with local citizens, landowners, rural Nebraska advocates and policymakers to promote commonsense policies that advance energy-focused economic opportunity projects while protecting and benefiting local communities.&nbsp;“The Land &amp; Liberty Coalition helps preserve the property rights of farmers and landowners who choose to voluntarily lease their land for renewable energy projects, and also helps connect local citizens who support energy-focused economic development in their communities with tools and information,” said Bradley Pischea, National Director of the Land &amp; Liberty Coalition. “I’m proud to personally live in the great state of Nebraska, and to bring a local chapter of the coalition here to help tell the story of the positive economic impacts of new energy developments in rural communities across the state.”By providing relevant information and helping citizens organize as effective advocates, L&amp;LC empowers individuals and communities to take control of their community’s land-use future.“The Nebraska Land &amp; Liberty Coalition is committed to empowering rural communities and landowners with the tools they need to shape their energy future," said Dylan Glaser, Field Representative of the Nebraska Land &amp; Liberty Coalition. "By fostering collaboration among local citizens, farmers, and policymakers, we’re helping ensure that renewable energy projects not only respect property rights but also drive economic opportunity and growth for Nebraska’s rural communities."CEN recognized the need for grassroots involvement in energy-focused economic development projects and launched L&amp;LC in Michigan in 2018 with a mission to support rural residents as they navigate the siting process that goes along with these projects. The program quickly grew to include chapters in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin. By establishing a Nebraska chapter, L&amp;LC seeks to leverage their experience to ensure local Nebraska communities reap the benefits of a growing energy industry.

Conservative Energy Network - Nebraska and  Nebraska Land & Liberty Coalition Launch

WASHINGTON (January 22, 2025)&nbsp;– Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced that Anselmo, Nebraska cattle producer Barb Cooksley will serve as chair of the association’s Property Rights and Environmental Management Committee (PREM). Initiated in 1898, NCBA is the oldest and largest national trade association representing America’s cattle farmers and ranchers.

“Barb Cooksley is a lifelong advocate for the cattle industry and a leader we are proud to have at the forefront of our Property Rights and Environment Management Committee,” said NCBA Policy Division Chair Kim Brackett. “Our policy committee leaders serve NCBA by helping us develop the association’s policy book—a collection of policy positions that guide NCBA’s advocacy in Washington, D.C. This grassroots policy process ensures that cattle producers are the ones making decisions on NCBA’s priorities. Barb’s career both on the ranch and with the Natural Resources Conservation Service make her an incredible asset to NCBA as we continue protecting private property rights and telling the cattle industry’s sustainability story.”

As a grassroots organization, NCBA policy committees provide a venue for cattle producers to discuss issues facing the cattle industry and pass policy resolutions that direct the association’s advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. The PREM committee has jurisdiction over NCBA policies involving land private property rights, conservation practices, and environmental policy.

Cooksley earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in range management at the University of Nebraska. She then joined the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, for 14 years. Cooksley has served in numerous leadership roles with Nebraska Cattlemen and most recently served as vice chair of the NCBA PREM committee. Cooksley has also remained involved in policy by serving as an agriculture policy staff member for U.S. Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) and former U.S. Congressman Tom Osborne (R-NE).

“As a conservationist for NRCS, a congressional staffer, and a dedicated rancher, Barb Cooksley is the leader the cattle industry needs to protect our private property rights, show the cattle industry’s dedication to conservation practices, and highlight our sustainability for consumers,” said Nebraska Cattlemen Executive Vice President Laura Field. “Nebraska Cattlemen is proud to have one of our most dedicated leaders now join the ranks of NCBA and advocate for the cattle industry nationwide.”&nbsp;

Policy committee leaders serve a two-year term expiring at the end of 2026. To learn more about NCBA’s grassroots policy process, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncba.org/policy" target="_blank">ncba.org/policy</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737572755445.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska Cattle Beef AssociationWASHINGTON (January 22, 2025)&nbsp;– Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced that Anselmo, Nebraska cattle producer Barb Cooksley will serve as chair of the association’s Property Rights and Environmental Management Committee (PREM). Initiated in 1898, NCBA is the oldest and largest national trade association representing America’s cattle farmers and ranchers.“Barb Cooksley is a lifelong advocate for the cattle industry and a leader we are proud to have at the forefront of our Property Rights and Environment Management Committee,” said NCBA Policy Division Chair Kim Brackett. “Our policy committee leaders serve NCBA by helping us develop the association’s policy book—a collection of policy positions that guide NCBA’s advocacy in Washington, D.C. This grassroots policy process ensures that cattle producers are the ones making decisions on NCBA’s priorities. Barb’s career both on the ranch and with the Natural Resources Conservation Service make her an incredible asset to NCBA as we continue protecting private property rights and telling the cattle industry’s sustainability story.”As a grassroots organization, NCBA policy committees provide a venue for cattle producers to discuss issues facing the cattle industry and pass policy resolutions that direct the association’s advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. The PREM committee has jurisdiction over NCBA policies involving land private property rights, conservation practices, and environmental policy.Cooksley earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in range management at the University of Nebraska. She then joined the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, for 14 years. Cooksley has served in numerous leadership roles with Nebraska Cattlemen and most recently served as vice chair of the NCBA PREM committee. Cooksley has also remained involved in policy by serving as an agriculture policy staff member for U.S. Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) and former U.S. Congressman Tom Osborne (R-NE).“As a conservationist for NRCS, a congressional staffer, and a dedicated rancher, Barb Cooksley is the leader the cattle industry needs to protect our private property rights, show the cattle industry’s dedication to conservation practices, and highlight our sustainability for consumers,” said Nebraska Cattlemen Executive Vice President Laura Field. “Nebraska Cattlemen is proud to have one of our most dedicated leaders now join the ranks of NCBA and advocate for the cattle industry nationwide.”&nbsp;Policy committee leaders serve a two-year term expiring at the end of 2026. To learn more about NCBA’s grassroots policy process, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncba.org/policy" target="_blank">ncba.org/policy</a>.

Nebraska Cattle Producer Barb Cooksley to Lead NCBA Property Rights and Environmental Management Committee

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, reintroduced the Amtrak Transparency Act. The legislation would fix longstanding concerns about closed-door decision-making at Amtrak, increasing accountability and transparency in the organization.

“For too long Amtrack has been allowed to operate behind closed doors, awarding six-figure bonuses to executives despite struggling performance. My bill will pull back the curtain. The American people have a right to know how their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.

Despite being funded by taxpayers, Amtrak's Board of Directors conducts closed-door meetings without adhering to the Government Sunshine Act, denying the public access and failing to publish minutes or transcripts. This is especially concerning given recent reports of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/05/us/politics/amtrak-executive-pay-bonus.html">large bonuses for top executives</a>&nbsp;amidst financial losses and decreased ridership.

The Amtrak Transparency Act would address these concerns by enhancing accountability and openness in the organization. Specifically, the legislation would:

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/0177a956-4d31-47de-87a6-d3fe72960c3f/amtrak-transparency-act.pdf">Click here</a>&nbsp;for a one-pager of the bill.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/a08379f2-936b-4f6b-b56c-8ba6f4d423aa/amtrak-transparency-act-bill-text.pdf">Click here&nbsp;</a>to read the text of the bill.

Office of U.S. Senator Deb FischerWASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, reintroduced the Amtrak Transparency Act. The legislation would fix longstanding concerns about closed-door decision-making at Amtrak, increasing accountability and transparency in the organization.“For too long Amtrack has been allowed to operate behind closed doors, awarding six-figure bonuses to executives despite struggling performance. My bill will pull back the curtain. The American people have a right to know how their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.Background:Despite being funded by taxpayers, Amtrak's Board of Directors conducts closed-door meetings without adhering to the Government Sunshine Act, denying the public access and failing to publish minutes or transcripts. This is especially concerning given recent reports of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/05/us/politics/amtrak-executive-pay-bonus.html">large bonuses for top executives</a>&nbsp;amidst financial losses and decreased ridership.The Amtrak Transparency Act would address these concerns by enhancing accountability and openness in the organization. Specifically, the legislation would:<ul>
 <li>Expand board meeting requirements to include representatives from state-sponsored and long-distance routes and Amtrak passenger groups.</li><li>Mandate compliance with federal open meeting requirements, with a public notice at least 30 days prior.</li><li>Require disclosure to Congress of bonus payments exceeding $50,000 to Amtrak employees.</li><li>Mandate disclosure of vendor agreements and associated costs over $250,000, facilitating informed decision-making by states and rail partners.</li>
 </ul><a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/0177a956-4d31-47de-87a6-d3fe72960c3f/amtrak-transparency-act.pdf">Click here</a>&nbsp;for a one-pager of the bill.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/a08379f2-936b-4f6b-b56c-8ba6f4d423aa/amtrak-transparency-act-bill-text.pdf">Click here&nbsp;</a>to read the text of the bill.

Fischer Reintroduces Legislation to Increase Accountability and Transparency at Amtrak

&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/5/fischer-introduces-bill-to-modernize-vehicle-safety-tests-require-use-of-female-crash-test-dummies">reintroduced legislation</a>&nbsp;to modernize vehicle safety tests by requiring the use of the most advanced testing devices available—including a female crash test dummy. The She Develops Regulations In Vehicle Equality and Safety (She DRIVES) Act would enhance passenger vehicle safety by updating U.S. crashworthiness testing procedures.

In addition to Senator Fischer, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).

Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer&nbsp; WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/5/fischer-introduces-bill-to-modernize-vehicle-safety-tests-require-use-of-female-crash-test-dummies">reintroduced legislation</a>&nbsp;to modernize vehicle safety tests by requiring the use of the most advanced testing devices available—including a female crash test dummy. The She Develops Regulations In Vehicle Equality and Safety (She DRIVES) Act would enhance passenger vehicle safety by updating U.S. crashworthiness testing procedures.In addition to Senator Fischer, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).“Outdated crash testing standards make women 17 percent more likely to be killed in auto crashes than men, but that doesn’t have to be the case. By updating crash test dummy standards, our bill will save thousands of lives and prevent thousands more serious injuries each year,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.&nbsp;“Women are the majority of drivers on our streets and are historically less likely to get into a crash than men are—but they are also 73% more likely to sustain serious injuries from a crash. Despite this troubling statistic, conventional crash testing in the United States has never used female dummies appropriately. For the first time in over 60 years, this legislation will finally ensure that women are represented in crash testing, and it will prevent avoidable tragedies. We must pass this legislation immediately to keep our mothers and daughters safe on the road,”&nbsp;said Senator Blackburn.“We can be doing more to improve our roadways and make sure visiting a family member or a routine trip to the grocery store doesn’t end in tragedy,”&nbsp;said Senator Duckworth.&nbsp;“I’m proud to help reintroduce this bipartisan legislation, which would help mitigate injuries and save lives on our roadways by ensuring our crash test standards better represent the safety needs of all Americans.”“Women across Nebraska and the nation will be safer because of Senator Fischer. The reintroduction of the She DRIVES Act is a monumental step towards finally making cars safe for women,”&nbsp;said Maria Weston Kuhn, Founder and President of Drive US Forward."We are deeply grateful for Senator Deb Fischer’s leadership in championing this critical legislation and her ability to bring together a bipartisan group of Senators, including Senator Patty Murray, Senator Marsha Blackburn, and Senator Tammy Duckworth. This bill reflects their shared commitment to having female crash test dummies included in testing for car safety standards. Senator Fischer and her colleagues have shown that women’s safety is not a partisan issue but a necessary priority,"&nbsp;said Susan Molinari and Beth Brooke, Co-Chairs of Women Drive Too.“Unfortunately on American roads today, how safe you are depends on who you are,"&nbsp;said Lorraine Martin, President and CEO of the National Safety Council.&nbsp;"We have the tools to eliminate the gap in crash fatality and serious injury risk, and the time has long since passed to employ them. The National Safety Council applauds Senator Fischer and her bipartisan efforts to ensure our vehicles are built to keep everyone safe through test devices that resemble the American public.”Background:Multiple studies have shown that women die and are seriously injured at much higher rates than men in crashes. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 1,300 women die every year who would have otherwise lived if female death and injury rates were comparable to that of males.A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-23-105595">Government Accountability Office (GAO)</a>&nbsp;report outlined the deficiencies in crash testing program, and NHTSA has missed multiple self-declared deadlines on dummy deployment. While NHTSA has long acknowledged that a family of crash test dummies is needed for accurate crash tests, the agency has yet to deploy dummies or tests that represent females, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups.The She DRIVES Act would enhance passenger vehicle safety by updating crashworthiness testing procedures under NHTSA’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).The bill would require the use of the most advanced testing devices available — including a female crash test dummy and a more technologically advanced male dummy.The legislation would also establish injury criteria based on real-world data and introduce specific crashworthiness tests for female occupants in both front and rear seating positions.The bill is estimated to save 1,300+ lives, prevent and mitigate tens of thousands of serious injuries, and save billions of dollars in economic impact from preventing and mitigating injuries and deaths.Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/028a4be3-aea8-4dce-9983-8e080cd70be8/she-drive-act-bill-text.pdf">here</a>&nbsp;to read the text of the bill.&nbsp;&nbsp;