Legislature hits halfway point, looks at priority bills

This week marked the halfway point of the 2024 legislative session, meaning the remaining time will be spent on senator, committee and speaker priority bills. Given the time left in the session, I will be focused on my priority bill for the year, LB1301. LB1301 would adopt the Foreign-owned Real Estate National Security Act, put guardrails and protections in place on foreign ownership of ag land and help safeguard sensitive military installations from threats posed by foreign adversaries.

I also wanted to provide an update on water projects in northeast Nebraska. There are two major projects under consideration, working to secure safe and reliable drinking water for their ag producers and residents, both of which are complex and expensive. One involves the Cedar Knox Rural Water Project, which is overseen by the Lewis & Clark Natural Resources District. This project impacts two counties, includes more than 400 miles of pipe and infrastructure and involves two phases of construction. The first phase, planned to start later this year, is a major upgrade to the existing infrastructure. The second phase planned is connecting into the Yankton, South Dakota, facility and completing the infrastructure necessary to tie the source into the existing system. After several meetings garnering public input and a meeting with the governor and his staff, the NRD board plans to move forward with the Yankton option, which is more economical and will provide the area with a safe and adequate drinking supply for at least 50 years.

I want to applaud the efforts of the Lewis & Clark NRD for prioritizing drinking water and working to find a solution to meet long-term needs. Rural water projects provide unique funding challenges. With the state’s partnership, I am confident the project can move forward. I will continue to keep the governor and Appropriations Committee members updated on the need for the state dollars that were previously allocated and are essential to making the project feasible for our district. The governor’s input and leadership have been helpful.

The second critical water project in the district involves the Santee Sioux Nation. The Santee Sioux Nation has been working to secure a clean source of water to Santee and surrounding areas. Sen. Raybould introduced LB1131, which will help.

Raybould's bill would appropriate funds for grants for tribal-owned community drinking water and sewer systems. From the most recent conversations I have had with the Lewis & Clark NRD, the NRD is also now open to discussions to assist them in expanding their rural water system to meet the needs for the tribe. Whatever direction the tribe decides to pursue, my office will be available to assist their efforts.

The issue of safe and accessible water is one of the most important functions our state is responsible for. It is a precious resource that impacts the viability of agriculture and is the lifeblood of northeast Nebraska. It also impacts our ability to retain and grow our communities. I appreciate the past support I have received from my colleagues in the legislature on this critical issue facing northeast Nebraska. I am also thankful for the governor’s help in balancing our needs with the reality of finding the most cost-effective option.

Meanwhile, senators debated LB137 for several days this week. This bill would provide for enhanced penalties for people who manufacture or distribute controlled substances which knowingly or intentionally cause the death or serious bodily injury of another person. Similar legislation has been enacted in more than 20 states in response to the rise of fentanyl and synthetic opioid overdoses. Following the adoption of a compromise amendment which narrowed the bill to only address situations where the controlled substance “directly and proximately caused” the death or serious injury of a drug user, senators advanced LB137 to the second stage of consideration on a 35 to 2 vote. I am a co-sponsor of LB137 and voted in support.

Finally, on a very sad and heartfelt note, northeast Nebraska was hit hard this week with the tragedy that unfolded in the community of Bloomfield. It is hard to process. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families involved. I also want to express my appreciation for the members of law enforcement and first responders who responded to this situation.

You can always contact me with your thoughts and opinions on bills that have been introduced. Call my Capitol office telephone number at 402-471-2801 or send email to [email protected]. My mailing address is: Senator Barry DeKay, District #40, P.O. Box 94604, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509.