Convention of States, inheritance tax, DNA, . . . . and looking for a replacement

Last week the legislature tackled some bills that were controversial to some. The resolution for Nebraska to support a convention of states finally made it to the 3rd round of debate after many attempts over the years. LR 14 was amended to add a sunset date of February 1, 2027. That means if a Convention of States is not called before then Nebraska would withdraw its application. It takes 34 states to call a Convention of States. Historically I have not been in favor of this due to my concerns of a runaway convention. But the mess that DC is currently in I think they need the incentive of a possible convention to get their act together. The danger of a runaway convention versus our current runaway Congress is the question I have. I believe our current Congress is a greater and more immediate threat to our nation than a possible runaway convention.

LB 310 introduced by Robert Clements of Elmwood advanced to the final round last week. This bill would decrease the inheritance tax rates on beneficiaries and increase property value that is exempt from the inheritance tax. This bill, if passed, would apply to those who pass away after December 31, 2022 and not before. It passed the second round on a 34-3 vote, so I do feel fairly confident this bill will pass this year.

Omaha Senator Robert Hilkemann introduced LB 496, which would require an adult charged with a felony crime of violence or burglary to provide a DNA sample. This sample would be taken at booking or during the first appearance. An amendment was adopted that the sample would not be tested or placed in the state database until probable cause was determined or waived. If the charges are dismissed then the sample would be destroyed. This bill advanced to the final round on a 26-16 vote so I wouldn’t say it is out of the woods yet. I did vote for this bill.

If you’re considering running for the Nebraska Legislature, time is running short. I will be term limited out this year which means Legislative District 44 seat will be vacant. If you would like to learn more about what the job entails I encourage you to reach out to me and I’d be happy to talk to you about it. The filing deadline for ANY current office holder is February 15th. For non-incumbents is March 1, 2022. You can find more information on the Nebraska Secretary of State website at https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/sos.nebraska.gov/files/doc/elections/2022/2022_El...

Please feel free to contact my office with any questions or concerns that you might have. My email address is dhughes@leg.ne.gov and my phone number is (402) 471-2805. My office is in room 2108 at the Capitol if you are in the Lincoln area.