Fight over ag tourism bill started early

McCOOK, Neb. -- Legislators recently passed an agri-tourism bill that local tourism officials believe would benefit the region.

It passed 46-0, but the fight started long before the floor debate, according to District 44 Sen. Dan Hughes.

LB 329 had been introduced at least a couple of times before, but failed to advance out of the Judiciary Committee, Hughes said during last week's McCook Area Chamber of Commerce legislative breakfast. Hughes indicated supporters of the legislation believed it had a better chance for success if they could reroute the bill to the Natural Resources Committee.

Sen. Hughes is a member of the Executive Board which holds responsibility over selecting the committee introduced legislation is ultimately referred to. Sending LB 329 to the Natural Resource Committee was not an easy task and the rookie senator found himself facing opposition from one of Nebraska's most experienced legislators, Sen. Ernie Chambers.

"Sen. [Ernie] Chambers is not as agri-tourism friendly as others and he was adamant the bill should go there again," said Sen. Hughes, referencing the Judiciary Committee.

Sen. Hughes said it took some work but he made the argument and in the end had the votes to send the bill to the Natural Resources Committee, a strategy he believed was vital to the legislation finding success.

"A lot of dynamics to the legislator and a lot going on the behind the scenes," said Sen. Hughes while reflecting on the path the bill took. Sen. Hughes said he was very much enjoying his time as a state senator and indicated he also had a healthy amount of respect for Sen. Chambers.

"Sen. Chambers is probably he smartest man in the building, but that doesn't mean he is always right," said Hughes.

State chamber representatives praised the passing of LB 329 and said it should help long-term tourism in Nebraska, especially in rural areas. The bill limits landowner's legal liability when allowing public access for certain tourism activities.

Red Willow County Tourism Director Carol Schlegel testified at the capital in support of LB 329 and offered further praise last week during a visit with the Gazette.

"It's something that lays the groundwork for people to get involved in an agri-tourism activity and supplement their farm income," said Schlegel. She said it should benefit rural property owners interested in tourism activity related to hunting, farming, ranching and especially the "you-pick em' farm operations."

"It absolutely does not protect anyone that is negligent. You still have to provide a safe environment for your guests," said Schlegel. She also said there were some inherent risks involved with animals and undeveloped land that participants would need to understand.

"Bird watchers don't want paved paths and guard rails, they want natural habitat," said Schlegel.

Schlegel said the agri-tourism legislation was at least 10 years in the making.

Looking ahead at the 2016 session, Sen. Hughes predicted medicinal marijuana and incentives for development of wind generation to be among the hot topics.