Nebraska Lawmakers Propose New Legislative Initiatives

Nebraska lawmakers have introduced a legislative package called 'GOAT' — Government Oversight, Accountability, and Transparency — aimed at reducing regulatory burdens and saving taxpayer money. The initiative includes a proposal requiring executive agencies to review existing regulations every three years, reflecting a similar effort made by former Governor Pete Ricketts in 2017. Concurrently, Attorney General Mike Hilgers outlined plans for two new bills addressing synthetic cannabinoids and mental health crisis management in rural areas. One bill aims to make synthetic cannabinoid products illegal due to safety concerns, while the other seeks to improve mental health care access through a pilot program. Additionally, a proposal to establish an Office of Climate Action under the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy is gaining traction, with support from several Democratic senators. These initiatives reflect a broader effort to streamline governance and tackle pressing issues in Nebraska.