Strommen highlights petition study, mountain lion bill as session reaches midpoint

SIDNEY, Neb. — State Sen. Paul Strommen of Sidney said the Legislature has reached the halfway point of its 60-day session as debate begins to shift from committee hearings to extended floor discussion in March.

The week opened with a recess in observance of Presidents’ Day, traditionally known as George Washington’s Birthday.

On Tuesday, Strommen spoke at a Nebraska Chamber meeting and later addressed a luncheon hosted by the Grocery Industry Association, where he discussed his interim study, LR 206. The study examines initiative and referendum petition processes in the 26 states where those systems exist.

Strommen said one concern raised in the study is the role of out-of-state funding in Nebraska ballot measures. As a smaller state, he said Nebraska can be particularly vulnerable to outside influence. He referenced a recent lawsuit filed by Attorney General Mike Hilgers against what he described as a network of dark money groups funded by a foreign billionaire, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in the petition process.

On Wednesday, Strommen presented LB 1232 to the Natural Resources Committee. The bill would allow the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to issue limited mountain lion permits to qualified landowners, leaseholders or immediate family members under certain conditions.

Strommen said the measure seeks to balance wildlife conservation with agricultural interests while protecting Nebraska’s natural resources and agricultural heritage. He thanked those who provided supportive testimony during the hearing.

Throughout the week, Strommen also met with community leaders and constituents from District 47, including Sarah Meyer, an afterschool program leader serving Alliance and Bayard, and BNSF Railway employees to discuss policies affecting the rail industry.

The Appropriations Committee concluded public hearings on Feb. 18 and is expected to advance its budget proposal to the floor by March 6. Budget bills are anticipated to move to General File debate shortly thereafter.

As of Day 30 on Feb. 20, Speaker Priority Designations were announced. Speaker John Arch identified priority bills focused on public safety, tax and housing policy, health care and professional practice, government efficiency, veterans and military affairs, and economic development.

Strommen encouraged residents to continue sharing feedback with his office at (402) 471-2616 or [email protected].