Nebraska Liquor Control Commission Members Resign After Governor's Request Following Federal Indictment

Two members of the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission, Chair Bruce Bailey and Commissioner Kim Lowe, resigned immediately at the request of Governor Jim Pillen amid a corruption scandal involving the commission's former executive director, Hobert Rupe, who faces federal fraud and extortion charges. The resignations leave the three-member commission without a quorum, effectively halting its operations, including its role in regulating medical cannabis. Governor Pillen criticized the commission's leadership, particularly rejecting proposed rules that would have allowed inappropriate physical contact between patrons and staff at strip clubs. Bailey and Lowe were not implicated in the indictment but stepped down following Pillen's personal calls for their resignations, signaling a shift in commission leadership and governance. Applications to fill the vacancies are being accepted until October 17, with new appointees expected to take a different approach to commission policies. The scandal has brought increased scrutiny to the commission's oversight, especially regarding liquor licenses and medical cannabis regulations.