4 minute read
Don't Drive Angry
Don’t Drive Angry
An Update From the Front Seat at the Nebraska Legislature
PHIL ERDMAN Director of Dealer and Government Affairs [phile@ineda.com]
The scene from the movie “Groundhog Day” is a classic. Bill Murray’s character finds himself repeating the same day over and over. On one of those “days”, he steals the groundhog in a pickup and then allows the groundhog to drive the red pickup truck, but with the reminder, “Don’t drive angry. Don’t drive angry!”
As comical as that scene is, it is a good reminder of how many legislative sessions feel to those involved. Similar issues are introduced, discussed, and even voted on every year, only to have those items raised again the next year and the next year. The message of “Don’t drive angry” seems silly when spoken to a groundhog but are very appropriate when talking to public officials steering the policy that affects their constituents.
Setting good public policy depends on input and perspective. Sometimes you don’t like what you are hearing, but understanding the moment accurately will help avoid careening over a cliff ending in a fiery policy inferno.
That’s where you come in!
Nebraska Legislative Breakfast
The Nebraska Legislative Breakfast was held on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln, NE. All State Senators were invited to attend and visit with members. 29 registered and 17 attended, including Speaker of the Legislature John Arch. Nebraska Director of Agriculture Sherry Vinton and Attorney
2025 Nebraska Legislative Issues of Interest:
The 2025 Nebraska Legislative session is underway. With the help of our advocacy partner at Keigher and Associates, we are in regular conversation with State Senators, the Governor’s office, and other Nebraskans in our efforts to protect and promote your interests. Here are just a few of those issues:
• LB 98 – Titling of UTVs (Side by Sides). Working with Chairman Moser, he introduced legislation to address the issue with the inability to title UTVs that are 2000 pounds or more. The bill was passed by the Legislature on March 6, unanimously. Since the bill had the emergency clause, it became law when it was signed into law by Governor Pillen on March 11, 2025.
• LB 525 – Protection of Ag Data. As written, it prevents any data (sales, location, financial, etc.) that was generated in the production of livestock or crops from being shared, stored, or used by anyone without the express written consent of the farmer. Staff and members have been working to understand the intent as well as the impact of the bill as written. Manufacturers and other ag groups have also been consulted. We have visited with Senators and the Governor’s staff about it. Staff testified at the hearing on the bill our availability, as well as that of manufacturers, for the interim study that will happen on this matter during the summer and fall.
• LB 650 – Taxing RTK/GPS Towers and Net Wrap/Twine along with repealing a number of other agricultural programs have been offered as one of the ways to close the projected $432 million shortfall. Senator von Gillern introduced the bill on behalf of Governor Pillen. The hearing on this bill was on March 19, 2025 and staff testified in opposition. We are grateful for the amendment offered by Senator von Gillern to remove the provisions that affect equipment dealers and customers.”
For a complete list of legislative bills we are following in Nebraska, please check out the weekly Legislative Updates emailed each Monday to members in Nebraska by Keigher and Associates. If you are not receiving those emails, please contact Phil Erdman.
