The first session of the 106th Nebraska Legislature adjourned
sine die
May 31. Senators introduced 739 new bills and seven Constitutional amendments during the 90-day session, and passed a biennium budget as required by law.
Two issues—comprehensive property tax relief and a new business development/tax incentive program—quickly emerged as priorities among a large contingent of senators. They were unable to reach a consensus on either issue and adjourned six days early.
Despite these setbacks, 294 bills became law. Any bill that was not passed or indefinitely postponed will be carried over to the 2020 legislative session.
Budget cuts restored
Across-the-board cuts made to state agencies to balance the budget last year included reductions to early childhood programs. This year's budget restored funding to those programs, including Sixpence (Early Childhood Endowment), the Early Childhood Grant Program and Step Up to Quality child care scholarships and bonuses.
Every year, First Five Nebraska identifies legislation with the potential to impact quality early learning in our state. The Legislation to Watch list for the 2019 legislative session, along with other early childhood bills, are on our website’s
Nebraska Legislation
page.
Be sure to visit our website throughout the summer for updates on interim studies and early childhood news.