The 2008 Legislative Session has arrived and it is the second week of the second session. I would like to share with you what bills will be introduced in the upcoming weeks and what bills I have already been introduced this past week. The 2008 session will be a short one but I believe it can be a successful one.

LB 751 has been introduced to try and expand the area where riparian vegetation removal funding can be used, as outlined and provided in LB 701. Currently this area runs 100 feet from the bank of the stream; I would like to change it to 1320 feet, which is one quarter of a mile. This would allow us to reach more areas of infestation near the stream.

In addition, I have introduced LB 743 to repeal the prohibition of roadside trapping on county roads. Last session it was not discussed in committee and the prohibition affects the livelihood of several constituents. The Legislature should give trappers a fair shake by having a proper discussion.

The last bill that was introduced this past week is LB 826 which changes the Concealed Handgun Permit Act to provide a residency exception for certain members of the armed forces. Permanent Military personnel should be recognized while stationed in Nebraska.

Another important water issue that touches all of you is the ability of the NRDs to pay irrigation districts for surface water leased. I am working hard to make sure irrigators get paid.

A bill regarding trees and other woody vegetation being a safety hazard in the right-of-ways on state highways is being reviewed for introduction. It would require the Department of Roads, whenever it removes vegetation in the process of construction, reconstruction, and resurfacing to maintain those areas free of trees and large woody vegetation from that time into the future. In addition, the bill would require the Department of Roads to maintain the right-of-ways of new and resurfaced roads from these hazards into the future.

In addition, I have a bill that I am preparing that will intend to provide downstream protection from diversions for any surface water and groundwater purchased to release for compliance to any agreement or compact.

There are five other bills. Four are in the process of finalizing the drafts and one is stuck in Judiciary Committee from last year. One bill will clarify that Rural Health Clinics owned by not-for-profit hospitals are tax exempt like the entity that owns them.

Another, which I am calling the Community Defense Initiative, will be introduced to create minimum standards, or a baseline if you will, regarding sexually-oriented businesses across the state. The purpose will be to lessen the undesirable activity that is often attracted to such businesses and areas surrounding them.

I have also been working to protect the citizens of Nebraska by looking for ways to crack down on habitual drunk driving. I have decided to focus on a bail statute to give judges the ability to look at the seriousness and danger of the offender when setting bail. I will also be introducing a bill regarding special education students.

This bill would require schools to allow special education students, if they choose, to participate one time in a graduation ceremony with their class by receiving a certificate of attendance.

Lastly, is LB 700 which would ban human cloning, somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), in Nebraska. This bill is being held over from last year in the Judiciary Committee. Recent breakthroughs this fall have shown there are better routes to acquiring stem cells with embryonic stem cell qualities than creating and destroying human life. It is important that the Judiciary Committee advance this important issue to General File for a full debate.

I am excited and ready for the second Legislative session with the Nebraska Unicameral. I encourage all of my constituents to voice any support or concern by contacting my Capitol office.