2010 Legislative Session Convenes
Posted February 2, 2010
Nebraska Legislative Session Convenes
Unicameral Update - January 2010
As another winter storm blew into Lincoln the second session of the 101st Nebraska Legislature convened. Less than seven weeks ago legislators ended the special budget-cutting session. For most current legislators this was their first glimpse into crafting a state budget during harsh economic times. Because of the reality that the state does not have the funds to create new or expand current programs most assume this will be a session focused more on philosophical agendas.
In the first three days of this 60-day session legislators introduced 164 bills and four proposed constitutional amendments. Bill introduction will continue through the 10th legislative day, January 21st. All indications are that the number of bills introduced will be low due to the state’s fiscal situation.
Because this is a short session, floor debate will begin next week on bills that carried over from last year. Committee hearings will begin January 19th and are expected to end in late February. The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn sine die on April 14th.
For those of you who are stuck in the snow or enjoy live webcasts, the Nebraska Legislature provides webcasts of floor debate as well as committee hearings. You can access the webcasts via the Unicameral’s website at: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov. This website also provides links to information about legislation and legislators.
