More than just big-ticket items

As usual, a look at the numbers is the best way to determine just exactly what happened during the recently concluded second session of the 103rd Nebraska Legislature.

Over the two years that constitute a full session -- 90 days the first session and 60 days the second -- lawmakers looked at 1,115 bills and 82 accompanying appropriations measures. There were also 628 resolutions -- some of which resulted in things like the Tax Modernization Committee -- and 12 proposed Constitutional Amendments, only one of which (LR41CA to authorize gambling on historic horse races) will face voters in November.

Of that amount, 405 bills will become (or became) law. Of the 185 this session, Gov. Dave Heineman approved 180 of them. Five (including major portions of the budget) were passed notwithstanding his objections. Two bills were returned without his approval and did not pass. One bill (LB1092 to allow for highway bonds) failed on final reading.

Lawmakers killed 727 bills and another six were withdrawn. Lawmakers adopted 135 resolutions.

Such is the unglamorous work of the Legislative branch. The stuff that doesn't make headlines. The stuff that isn't filibustered or otherwise filled with some manner of intrigue or mystery. Such is the stuff for which Nebraska lawmakers are given $12,000 a year plus a per diem for living and travel expenses. Such is the stuff for which 49 state senators are allowed to serve a maximum of eight years.

It is NOT the stuff of Frank Underwood and his "House of Cards." The only "Scandal" might be a senator or an aid getting arrested for drunken driving, and that usually causes someone to wonder why the imbibing miscreant didn't just call a lobbyist for a ride home.

Even with veteran Ernie Chambers zeal to protect the mountain lion and punish those who didn't, and the attempts by those running for higher office to hone their speaking skills at the expense of their colleagues, the drama that was the 103rd Nebraska Legislature was pretty much routine.

Strip away the Governor's ballyhoo that Nebraska taxpayers will save $412 million over the next five years and the Legislature's bragging rights that they overrode an excessive number of gubernatorial vetoes, and you've got a typical day at the office with lawmakers paying attention to the little things.

Here's a look at a handful of measures dealt with in the waning days that paint the true picture of legislative achievement. Lawmakers passed a bill (LB811) to update the list of banned controlled substances and to allow for enhanced penalties for people who assault first responders (firefighters, corrections officers, paramedics). The governor could not restrict firearms in the case of a state of emergency under a bill (LB390), which was also passed. The measure would also allow guns in schools for historic reenactments, hunter safety courses and honor guards.

Veterans will be able to display license plates honoring their branch of service (LB383) effective January 2016. Worker's compensation rates will increase for emergency services personnel under another measure (LB961) passed. Teachers, counselors and school administrators would receive training in suicide prevention under a bill (LB923) that was passed to also establish a state school security director. The measure would also establish a protocol for getting concussion victims back to speed in the classroom and would require schools to hold two tornado drills a year.

Yes, it's the seemingly unglamorous yet essential things that were accomplished by the 103rd Legislature. Lawmakers deserve kudos for doing their job. Lord knows they aren't getting rich at it.