The NAPE/AFSCME Government Affairs Committee, a bipartisan group of union members, has been closely monitoring bills in the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature that could affect NAPE/AFSCME members. The Committee previously met to take positions on bills based on our legislative platform and priorities.
The Legislature’s Government, Military, and Veterans’ Affairs Committee heard testimony on LB224 and LB233 on February 21, 2025. Field Representative Billy Stock testified in support of both bills on behalf of our union. LB 224 would require the state to offer 12 weeks of paid maternity leave to all mothers who give birth. There was no opposition to the bill at hearing. LB233 would require the state to offer optional in vitro fertilization coverage as part of the state’s health insurance package. You can watch Billy’s testimony here.
The Legislature’s Business and Labor Committee heard testimony on February 24, 2025 on LB258, LB397, and LB477. NAPE/AFSCME Vice President and GAC Committee Chair Brandon Brown (Revenue, Lincoln) testified in favor of LB477 and opposed LB258 and LB397. LB477 would prohibit an employer from tracking an employee by an electronic device. LB258 would lower increases to the state’s minimum wage that was passed by ballot initiative, and LB397 would eliminate requirements for employers to have a safety committee as a condition of their worker’s compensation insurance coverage. You can watch Brandon’s testimony here.
The Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony on February 12 on LB668. NAPE/AFSCME Executive Director Justin Hubly testified in opposition to the bill, because of a clause in the bill that would allow DHHS to outsource case management services of certain cases. Hubly suggested that the committee amend the bill to take out the outsourcing position, and NAPE would withdraw its opposition to the bill. You can watch Hubly’s testimony here.
The Legislature’s Judiciary Committee heard testimony on February 12 on LB535. NAPE/AFSCME Executive Director Justin Hubly testified in support of the bill. LB535 would make criminal penalties for assault of a health care worker apply to all staff, not just nurses, at our YRTCs and Regional Centers. You can watch Hubly’s testimony here.
We have also voiced our opposition to LB229 to our Senators. Although not directly affecting our members, we stand united with the affiliates of the Nebraska State AFL-CIO in opposition to this bill that is bad for workers. LB229 would classify workers of companies like Uber and Lyft as independent contracts. This would prevent Uber and Lyft drivers from organizing to negotiate wages and terms of employment. The bill is currently on final reading.
More bills will be up for hearing later in March. You can track their progress on our GAC page on the NAPE/AFSCME website here.
