Hey Hey! First, let me start with a brief introduction. My name is Jen Day and I am the new policy director for the Women’s Fund of Omaha. I previously served as a State Senator Representing District 49 and have a passion for this work that I am excited to share with you all! This session is already moving quickly, so let’s dig in.
We’ve already seen the resignation of a senator, renewed attacks on trans youth right out of the gate, several bills related to immigration enforcement, and even some good stuff: expanding paid leave, expanding SNAP access, and so much more. Today is the 10th day of a short, 60-Day legislative session, which means it’s the final day for bill introduction. So far, more than 400 new bills have been introduced, and bills in process from last session are still in play (although with little time and a big budget deficit to overcome, it’s unlikely stalled bills will move unless a lawmaker prioritizes it). Speaker John Arch has already laid out shorten debate guidelines for “controversial and emotionally-charged” bills for which he deems extended debate will not lead to further understanding and compromise.
Committee hearings began this week, so below we’re breaking down key bills that will impact gender equity and how you can use your voice to advocate for change. If you have questions about bills or how to advocate, please connect with me. Trust me, lawmakers need and want to hear from you Nebraskans with lived experience who are the experts on their own lives.
Are you ready?! Let’s get into it!
KEY LEGISLATION IMPACTING WOMEN AND GIRLS
- SUPPORT LB 304 (Sen. Wendy DeBoer) is a carryover bill from last session that has already been prioritized by the senator. This bill would maintain current eligibility levels for federal child care subsidies, which means that low-income families that rely on assistance for affordable child care won’t lose the it.
- SUPPORT LB 739 (Sen. Victor Rountree) makes adjustments to the name change process, which will especially benefit domestic violence survivors.
- SUPPORT LB 773 (Sen. George Dungan) eliminates a sunset date for Prenatal Plus program and adds a minimum of two breastfeeding support sessions.
- SUPPORT LB 907 (Sen. Margo Juarez) prohibits law enforcement officers from entering community safe spaces, include rape crisis centers and domestic violence shelters.
- SUPPORT LB 966 (Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh) expands eligibility for more students to receive free breakfast and lunch at school.
- SUPPORT LB 1089 (Sen. Jana Hughes) reinstates the ability for employees to take legal action against employers who violate their right to earned paid sick leave, originally included in the ballot initiative passed by 75% of voters in November 2024 before being removed by lawmakers last year.
- SUPPORT LR 303CA (Sen. M. Cavanaugh) is a constitutional amendment to provide six weeks paid family medical leave to hardworking Nebraskans so they can care for themselves and their families.
- OPPOSE LB 926 (Sen. Bob Andersen) removes extreme hardship assistance for Nebraskans who need it most, including low-income families.
UPCOMING HEARINGS OF MORE BILLS IMPACTING GENDER EQUITY
Below is a list of hearings for bills we’re following over the next two weeks. Make your plan now to attend in person or submit your online comment. Online comments can be submitted up until 8:00 am (CST) the day of the hearing to be considered as part of the official record. If you don’t want your information and testimony to be part of the record, simply select “no” under “including comment in public hearing record.” This means committee members can see your comment, but it won’t be part of the public committee statement. As always, you can watch hearings online thanks to Nebraska Public Media.
With the continued rise in domestic-abuse related deaths in our state, lawmakers are looking for legislative solutions. Three bills relating to gender-based violence will be heard by the Judiciary Committee starting at 1:30 pm in Room 1525.
- SUPPORT LB 751 (Sen. Ashlei Spivey) that would require a study to improve the reporting and investigation of missing Black women and children. According to I Be Black Girl, more than 600 Black women and children have gone missing in the last five years. We support this legislation because we know that when reporting increases, the ability to identify solutions also increases.
- SUPPORT LB 753 (Sen. Rountree) to ensure military protection orders are recognized and enforced in Nebraska. Protection orders can play an important role in a victim’s safety plan.
- SUPPORT LB 876 (Sen. Bob Hallstrom) to allow immediate, short-term protection orders to be granted when someone is arrested for domestic or sexual assault with the order prohibiting the offender from possessing or purchasing a firearm.
Another domestic abuse-related bill will be heard by the Health and Human Services Committee in Room 1510 beginning at 1:30 pm.
- SUPPORT LB 825 (Sen. Beau Ballard) to strengthen training requirements related to domestic abuse for mental health professionals. This bill is a recommendation from the Domestic Abuse Death Review Team.
This day begins a two-day stretch of anti-trans bills, introduced once again by Senator Kathleen Kauth, being heard by various committees of the Nebraska Legislature. We will continue to oppose harmful legislation that discriminates against an already marginalized group. The first bill to be heard will be in front of the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.
- OPPOSE LB 730 which would ban trans and gender-expansive people from using restrooms at state agencies (like the DMV and court houses) and from bathrooms and locker rooms in public schools (K-12 plus colleges and universities). The hearing will follow an annotated hearing process with one hour of those in support followed by one hour of those in opposition and then repeating that process until all testifiers are heard.
🚨 ACTION: Submit your online comment in opposition by 8 am on Jan. 28.
The next day, the Health and Human Services Committee will hear a bill to further restrict health care for young Nebraskans. This hearing also begins at 1:30 pm and will follow the annotated hearing process.
- OPPOSE LB 732 that would further expand the ban on gender-affirming care, inserting politics once again into medically-approved health care while also criminalizing doctors. The priority and commitment to discriminate against trans youth and remove access to life-saving care is hateful and harmful. We all have a right to bodily autonomy, being trans doesn’t change that.
🚨 ACTION: Submit your online comment in opposition by 8 am on Jan. 29.
- SUPPORT LB 878 (Sen. Dunixi Guereca) requires paid maternity leave for state employees. We have regularly supported paid leave bills because we know that new parents need paid time off work to care for their growing families without missing the pay they need to also provide for their families. This bill will be heard by the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee next Friday.
HOW TO USE YOUR VOICE
The start of the legislative session can feel overwhelming. Please don’t let that stop you from getting involved. Take just five minutes out of your day to contact your senator and let them know your position on bills impacting you. Your stories and voice truly help shape the future of our communities. Join us in helping to create a state where everyone can thrive.
→ Call or Email Your Senator
→ Submit An Online Comment
→ Amplify Your Advocacy Online
If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
SUPPORT OUR WORK
The ability to boldly and effectively create policy change is fueled by donations from individuals like you. To keep our work moving forward, we need your ongoing support.
Thank you for your advocacy for gender equity for all Nebraskans. Together, we will continue to make a bold impact for women and girls!
Jen Day
Policy Director
JDay@OmahaWomensFund.org