38 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN April/May 2025 Tough and Dependable Construction Built with features to last, Johnson Waterers withstand punishing weather and prove to be dependable year after year. Johnson Waterers are the best waterers available. – 38 different models to fit any need – 15 to 240 gallons – Complete line of repair parts for all waterers – No. 1 Waterer in the industry! Setting the industry standard since 1957 THE BEST NAME IN CATTLE WATERERS Hastings, NE 68901 Competitive pricing 1-800-752-1670 • www.johnsonconcreteproducts.com JOHNSON CONCRETE CATTLE WATERERS POLICY NC P U MATTHEW MELCHOR | NC DIRECTOR OF STATE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS As we approach the end of committee hearings, the Nebraska Legislature is busy with activity as senators look toward bills they will prioritize. With all bills required to be heard in committee by March 28 and priority bills selected by March 14, the legislative process is in full swing. Each senator is allowed one priority bill, which doesnʼt necessarily have to be a bill they have personally introduced. Each committee can select two bills to prioritize. The final option for a bill to receive priority is from the speaker, who may designate up to 25 bills as session priorities. The floor has been busy passing bills, with a couple on Nebraska Cattlemenʼs (NC) bill tracker being signed into law by Gov. Pillen. LB 20, focusing on agricultural self-generation facilities and electricity, was passed and signed on Feb. 25 with NC support. LB 208, which caps some tax credits applicable to agricultural producers, was also passed on the same day. NC monitored this bill, and the Nebraska Ag Leaders Working Group took a neutral stance. A couple of NC-supported transportation bills are expected to reach the floor soon. LB 343, which adjusts the cost of “The Beef State” plate from $70 to $40, and LB 490, which addresses the titling of feed trucks and sales tax at the transfer of the title, are both in the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee. There was little to no opposition to these bills. The conversation around LB 665, which prohibits the use of certain electronic identification tags in livestock, has intensified. Some Agriculture Committee members seem more favorable to the bill than initially perceived. NC is working diligently to have conversations with all committee members, emphasizing the importance of complying with the federal U.S. Department of Agriculture-Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service ruling from last year. NC member Scott Reynolds, DVM, testified on behalf of the association in opposition to this bill. NC has also been actively engaged with Sen. Teresa Ibach regarding LB 646, a bill that would exempt registered feedlots from brand inspection and allow nonregistered feedlots to pay a fee for exemption. NC has discussed possible amendments to align the bill with our policy and hopes to see these changes drafted and proposed before the bill is worked on by the committee. NC members and legislative staff have been busy giving testimony on various bills. LB 496 was heard in the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee. This bill aims to protect the right-of-way for livestock producers driving or herding livestock on roads and highways. NC member Kelly Johnson testified on behalf of himself and his CONTINUED ON PAGE 40
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