In another late session, 108th Nebraska Legislature passes its first bill

Filibuster over a ban on youth trans healthcare has slowed the session, but opponents say promised negotiations haven’t come to fruition.
The Nebraska Legislature passed its first bill of this session Monday -- 63 days in.
Published: Apr. 17, 2023 at 8:08 PM CDT
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LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) - On the 63rd day of its first session, the 108th Legislature has passed its first bill.

Passed on Monday, the 63rd day of the first session, LB376e will create a brand registration for the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission.

State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh’s filibuster against LB574 — the proposal to ban gender-affirming care for minors — continued all day Monday ahead of the vote on LB376e. The bill proposed by State Sen. John S. Lowe Sr. of Kearney changes provisions of the Nebraska Liquor Control Act in order to allow the liquor commission to more accurately and correctly identify alcoholic products being imported into or produced in the state.

At about 6:30 p.m. Monday, Speaker John Arch of La Vista updated the legislative body on his next steps this week, saying that other bills that are ready for Round 3 will be scheduled this week.

It’s unclear at this time which bills might be scheduled, but some of the most watched bills during this first session have been the permitless conceal carry bill, the six-week abortion ban, and LB574.

Monday evening, Cavanaugh told senators that has been trying to offer goodwill gestures but isn’t getting any in return.

She reminded lawmakers that State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, the sponsor of LB574 — the bill that would ban trans healthcare for minors, said she would negotiate with opponents of the bill. Cavanaugh said she expected to hear something about that Monday during debate on the floor, but as of about 6:30 p.m., there had been no mention of it.

PREVIOUS LB574 COVERAGE
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A day after a bill to ban gender-affirming care for minors passed the second of three rounds in the Unicameral, the Nebraska Legislature was supposed to move to other items but did not.

State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh
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State Sen. Cavanaugh's filibuster efforts to bring LB574 to the Unicameral floor put Nebraska in the national spotlight.

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On Day 2 of the first-round debate, questions were raised over the legal challenges LB574 is likely to face if passed.

Questions are being raised over the legal challenges LB574 is likely to face if passed.
Doctor questions opposition’s grasp on the issue

Local doctors specializing in gender-affirming care for trans youth say banning it is a bad idea — and prejudicial.

A Nebraska doctor spoke with 6 News on gender-affirming care.
Omaha LGBTQ+ faith community reacts

Local reverends say they’re concerned about transgender youth legislation in both Iowa and Nebraska.

Faith leaders in the LGBTQ+ community are worried about the future if LB574 further advances.
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Nebraska state senators heard public comment from many opposing a bill to ban gender-affirming care for youth.

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This is a developing story. Stay with 6 News for updates.

Digital Director Gina Dvorak contributed to this report.