34 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN August 2025 LB 246 (DeKay) introduced at the Governor’s request, prohibits the sale of cell-cultivated meat in Nebraska. NC took a neutral stance, with NC President-Elect Craig Uden testifying on behalf of the association. The bill passed and was signed into law by Gov. Pillen on May 20. LB 658 (Andersen) offered a more moderate approach by requiring labeling of cell-cultivated meat rather than banning it. NC supported this bill, but despite a strong 8-0 committee vote, it was never scheduled for General File. An attempt to amend it into LB 246 by Sen. Danielle Conrad (Lincoln) on Select File failed on the floor. LB 646 (Ibach) originally proposed exempting registered feedlots from brand inspection. NC opposed the bill as introduced but worked collaboratively with Sen. Ibach and others to reach a compromise. Though the bill advanced to Final Reading on a 37-0 vote, it was not scheduled for a final vote. LB 646 remains on Final Reading in 2026 and could be scheduled for action as soon as the session begins in January. LB 665 (Storer) aimed to ban electronic ID tags with components tied to foreign adversaries. NC opposed the bill, citing potential conflicts with USDA traceability rules. The bill did not advance out of committee. LB 303 (Hughes), another governor-backed bill, initially proposed lowering the K-12 education levy cap. It was ultimately scaled down to create a School Financing Review Commission that will explore long-term solutions to Nebraska’s property tax challenges. Two smaller but impactful bills supported by NC that passed this session were LB 343 (Brandt), which reduced the cost of the Beef State license plate from $70 to $40, and LB 490 (McKeon), which clarified feed truck titling statutes, a change initiated by NC. Several interim studies will shape NC’s advocacy in the months ahead, including LR 123 and LR 153, which will examine agricultural data use and EID technology, respectively; LR 255 and LR 189, which will explore property tax reform and school funding; and LR 280, led by the Agriculture Committee, will review the Livestock Brand Act and the Nebraska Brand Committee’s role. These studies offer NC a strategic opportunity to influence policy development before the next session begins. As the Legislature adjourned, Gov. Pillen announced his re-election campaign alongside Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly. Secretary of State Bob Evnen also launched his re-election bid shortly after the session ended. Other various candidates have announced their candidacy for state and federal legislative seats, most notably including current Congressman Don Bacon announcing his plans not to seek reelection next year for the 2nd Congressional District House seat, opening the doors for a flood of Democratic and Republican candidates, including current state Sen. John Cavanaugh, who would be seeking to fill his father’s seat from the 1970s. While not every NC priority crossed the finish line, the 2025 session laid critical groundwork for future victories. From defending brand inspection integrity to advocating for transparent food labeling and resisting overreach in EID regulation, NC’s presence at the capitol remains strong. If you have any questions about the legislative session or concerns that NC’s legislative staff should be aware of, please contact mmelchor@necattlemen.org. ~NC~ 109TH SESSION RECAP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32 To view the most current online issue of the Nebraska Cattleman magazine, visit: https://www.nebraskacattlemen.org/ nebraska-cattleman-magazine 1-877-OLS-TUBS WWW.OLSTUBS.COM IN YOUR FEEDYARD PERFORMANCE MAXIMIZE WITH OLS TUBS. At OLS Tubs, we offer a comprehensive line of tubs specifically formulated to MAXIMIZE PERFORMANCE at all stages of production. We focus on quality ingredients to create premium, low consumption supplements that benefit producers both financially and in saved time. DON’T SEE EXACTLY WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR? Our state-of-theart manufacturing plant makes it easy for us to formulate custom supplements. Send in a feed sample and our experts will make exactly what you need.
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