Fred Knapp

6 days ago | nebraskapublicmedia.org | Fred Knapp

The Nebraska Legislature wrapped up its 2025 regular session Monday, with praise for what it accomplished mixed with caution about what comes next. On the last day of this year’s session, there were no governor’s vetoes to attempt to override, and no debate on final passage of any bills. Instead, there was a closing speech by Gov. Jim Pillen, who praised lawmakers for their efforts over the last five months.

1 week ago | nebraskapublicmedia.org | Fred Knapp

Gov. Jim Pillen and his allies celebrated new laws Friday they say will protect Nebraska’s children online. And the Legislature passed a proposal extending Nebraska’s tax-exempt college savings plan to cover private and religious schools before college. At a news conference Friday, Pillen celebrated the Legislature’s passage of four bills. One will prohibit online companies from using design features like infinite scroll for users under age 13.

1 week ago | nebraskapublicmedia.org | Fred Knapp

The Nebraska Legislature weighed in Thursday on which tests students can take for admissions and scholarships at state colleges and universities. And there were recriminations over another attempt to promote a lower minimum wage for young workers. Thursday began with Speaker of the Legislature John Arch telling senators this was the last day to make changes to bills and still give them enough time to pass in this year’s legislative session.

1 week ago | nebraskapublicmedia.org | Fred Knapp

How to keep tabs on local governments and how to pay for schools were main topics discussed in the Nebraska Legislature Wednesday. Wednesday marked the second round of debate on Speaker John Arch’s proposal to create a new legislative oversight division to house the inspectors general, who oversees the state’s prison and child welfare systems. But much of the discussion centered on oversight of local governments -- ranging from cities and towns to public power districts. Sen.

1 week ago | nebraskapublicmedia.org | Fred Knapp

The Nebraska Legislature gave final approval Wednesday night to scaling back paid sick leave. But an attempt at creating a lower minimum wage for young workers ran out of time. Last November, Nebraskans voted nearly 3-1 to require employers to provide paid sick leave to employees. On Wednesday, the Legislature held its final debate before voting to exclude businesses with 10 or fewer employees from that requirement.