[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6224084,"mediaKeyId","3554610-b1678848a2c6bc43fd2ee0722032722a","parentId",3554610,"title","Nebraska senators reject regulatory compromise, advance bill restricting hemp-derived cannabinoids","audioSeconds",5039,"startMs",2314000,"endMs",7353000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3554610-b1678848a2c6bc43fd2ee0722032722a&start=2314&end=7353","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3554610-b1678848a2c6bc43fd2ee0722032722a/thumbnail_2314000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6224084/Nebraska/Nebraska-senators-reject-regulatory-compromise-advance-bill-restricting-hemp-derived-cannabinoids","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6224084-3bca4abcc6f824d36982001fbb0aa2db/orig.mp4?Expires=1770431383&Signature=aCD0NCS6iew-984Nsn7WvmKFlN2GOltF62jeg57OvNmxyptFpMG2a46WjBEDmih0bPugVq2q2lQvRUtIXpiZJsD7iHc8EyC29kuoaVHlOn6m4-1vZBe77PrcOmy5HurathWGNvs2VIPSkPCrjy6e~Of8nckREr3TdSqN8L4IvSTaa8zFiXrXxm9Il2nV-xQQXHQI9bpaoSJszUv0l9CUy2iKWzLnjY0AeZQ17DyLaXh3QQVHfITLM1beQ04Hzn4kmv4pkW-dYFFyRFbmd2oa5t06xGaRBJJD7DVN-PBjIcoPNogkdwjGGvvb8j7pBfGFTl-oNBqk4-yd8agkT2UEQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Nebraska Legislature","date","2025-05-27T00:00:00Z","article","Nebraska senators spent more than two hours debating LB316, a bill that would change state law on hemp-derived cannabinoids and how the state treats products derived from hemp. Lawmakers rejected a regulatory compromise proposed on the floor and ultimately advanced the original bill.

The bill and the floor fight drew a large and vocal turnout in the chamber: proponents said LB316 closes a legal gap and addresses dangerous synthetic drugs, while opponents — including small-business operators and other senators — said the bill would outlaw a broad range of currently legal hemp products and could create new felony penalties for ordinary consumers.

Author and floor sponsor Senator Kaut (carried on the floor by Senator Kautz in parts of the transcript) framed the debate as a distinction between “synthetic cannabinoids” and “hemp-derived THC.” “Synthetic cannabinoids are chemicals that are manufactured and are different than plant-derived,” the sponsor’s floor remarks said, and the Legislature already bans many synthetic products in statute (citing the Uniform Controlled Substances provisions in Nebraska law as previously amended). The sponsor told the body: “If your goal is to ban synthetics, those are banned already.”

Regulatory alternative fails: Senator John Kavanaugh offered AM15-21, a compromise floor amendment that would have banned synthetic (non–plant-derived) cannabinoids while creating a state regulatory regime for other hemp-derived products (licensing, testing, packaging, age verification and an excise tax). “15-21 bans the bad stuff and then it requires stores to get licensed… It legitimizes the industry,” Kavanaugh said. Supporters of the amendment argued regulation — not a broad ban — would protect consumers while preserving legitimate small businesses. Kavanaugh said the amendment would “ban synthetic delta‑8” while allowing regulated sales of other products.

Opponents of AM15-21 mounted a successful effort to defeat the compromise. Critics urged a full ban and expressed health-safety concerns about hemp-derived THC products and their packaging and labeling. Senator Kautz and others argued “these are dangerous products” and urged rejection of the compromise amendment.

Criminalization concerns: Opponents of LB316 warned that the bill’s definitions could turn currently lawful purchasers into felons. Senator Dungan and others repeatedly pressed the point: under the bill’s draft language, the statute removes an explicit statutory carve-out that currently treats hemp as an agricultural commodity and not a controlled substance, and that could make possession of small or residual amounts of certain hemp-derived cannabinoids a felony. “We are making an entire industry … into felons,” Senator Dungan said. Senators pressed for clarity on whether the bill would criminalize otherwise lawful conduct and warned that proposed “affirmative defenses” would be ineffective because defendants would have to be arrested and try the defense in court.

Stakeholders and hearings: Multiple small-business owners and hemp-industry operators testified at the Capitol and in town halls. Brett Mayo of Sweetwater Hemp Company sent a written note that was read on the floor describing his investment and saying LB316 “will shut down our business.” He told senators his company uses cold-water extraction and said their products test below 0.3% THC. Supporters of a regulatory approach said the amendment would preserve those businesses while targeting illicit products.

Floor votes and outcome: The floor rejected AM15-21 (the regulatory compromise) in a roll-call vote (final recorded tally: 16 ayes, 27 nays). Later the body advanced LB316 to E & R (engrossing). Several other amendments and motions were proposed and withdrawn during the session.

Why it matters: The vote presses Nebraska toward a regulatory posture or a prohibitionist posture depending on later action. Supporters of regulation argued the state can protect consumers and collect revenue by licensing, testing and limiting sales to adults; supporters of a ban argued synthetics and some hemp-derived products pose public-health risks. Opponents warned that the bill’s language as drafted risks criminal penalties for ordinary consumers and uncertainty for farmers and retailers.

What’s next: LB316 was advanced to engrossing for further drafting and final steps. Because major amendments were rejected, stakeholders and legislators said they will continue to press for clarifying language or further changes in the next stages of the process.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Legislative Afternoon Session 5/27/2025","oneSentenceSummary","After extended floor debate, Nebraska senators rejected a regulatory compromise and advanced LB316, a measure that would restrict many hemp-derived THC products; proponents said the bill targets synthetic cannabinoids, critics warned it could criminalize ordinary consumers.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature NE, Nebraska","taxId",77675,"location","Nebraska","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6224087,"Senators approve amendments to Good Life district bill and advance LB707",1341,755000,2096000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3554610-b1678848a2c6bc43fd2ee0722032722a&start=755&end=2096","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3554610-b1678848a2c6bc43fd2ee0722032722a/thumbnail_755000.jpg","/articles/6224087/Nebraska/Senators-approve-amendments-to-Good-Life-district-bill-and-advance-LB707","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6224087-0405f384f9c9ac57c7b0fcb3ab2f4f10/orig.mp4?Expires=1770431383&Signature=g-pl0BPf~xZLEYYD8J2c5KL2z1qEMdlMRSv9jpDNx~oZH~vRAe2GrCnMC-EYKMbtz9GsEEsjASPTulhm30tbRAmxD6f09Hnx13M5kItXUhPwbHA4uBukx4ayCIrCf36PMeNt0ZAv~~3Sti6VtKUfQ1N-XSMEsbhkSm~qEzggknAg1~hJ-m-2N5Pj0doJaLjw6xhrFmj8Gga1E8NFZuPirRWcyjx7F6-kQ7h48cqGOQvSdIII~JmPdoEd8Sc6y3s7yHYACM6otqYNyQr6yxOI0TarP94Lqx~MxHYxzOx~cxAlSUPWkOlQr~kAJPqH9LSzt1B2NemWBzMD9CrDNoRBvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lawmakers on the Nebraska Legislature’s floor adopted a series of amendments to LB707, the state’s Good Life District bill, and advanced the measure for engrossment. Sponsors said the package narrows language, closes loopholes identified after the 2023 law and incorporates edits raised by Omaha-area developers.

The bill package drew repeated floor debate and multiple amendments. Senator Von Gillen, the bill’s floor manager, said the changes are meant to “add additional clarity” and to preserve the original intent of LB727 (2023). “LB727 said that these are supposed to be transformational new-to-market retail developments… Everything that I'm doing in my bill is consistent with that and it does not divert from that mission,” Von Gillen said on the floor.

Supporters emphasized oversight and auditability. Senator Von Gillen described audit checkpoints in the underlying law, noting “there are check-in points every 3 years and then again on the tenth year,” and said the Department of Revenue routes incentive dollars through state processes that can be audited. Senator Brandt supported a floor amendment that would prohibit Good Life districts from expanding beyond their approved boundaries, saying it “put some guardrails in place to ensure that we are being responsible stewards of public funds.”

Floor action: the Legislature adopted several floor amendments (including AM15-99, FA2-86, AM15-81, FA2-87, AM15-73 and AM15-10) and later voted to advance LB707 and an amended version LB707A to E & R (engrossing). The clerk recorded adoption tallies for the floor amendments (e.g., AM15-99: “40 ayes, no nays”). After debate and a series of votes the body voted to advance both LB707 and LB707A for engrossing.

Why it matters: Good Life Districts authorize local tax and incentive tools meant to attract retail, dining and entertainment development. Supporters said the bill closes unintended gaps developers have exploited and protects taxpayers; critics in earlier hearings had warned about over-broad incentives and lack of accountability. The floor amendments include timing changes for collections, minor refund-language edits and limits on district expansion.

What’s next: With the adopted floor amendments, senators advanced LB707 for engrossing and additional review by the clerk’s office. Further technical work and final votes are expected as the bill moves toward final legislative steps.

","Lawmakers adopted multiple floor and technical amendments to LB707, a bill that clarifies and tightens rules for Good Life Districts (local economic development zones). Sponsors said changes protect taxpayers and address developers’ concerns; senators approved the bill for further engrossment.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6224079,"Legislature advances education bill; adds school-finance and homeschool transparency provisions",1876,14712000,16588000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3554610-b1678848a2c6bc43fd2ee0722032722a&start=14712&end=16588","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3554610-b1678848a2c6bc43fd2ee0722032722a/thumbnail_14712000.jpg","/articles/6224079/Nebraska/Legislature-advances-education-bill-adds-school-finance-and-homeschool-transparency-provisions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6224079-12956165659fdccc25f2c2c2dac2e0e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770431383&Signature=UzREzSZWjIps1EI63S2pn-iQWAVEwu9zMPoAHahz5vWZLGBjTcN7BLdMa4I25wveOLgmX93UIN-y1wWwwMBfR8MNiE1CquXbQNrxLqAgyXot1Ufva~Y8RJX51qT0ZyD7pq7lGd2-AryhTbePnDBQsy3OJ-8ytBt-0pEcmuPkoTBe5xfcsZV31cQbGTpeYHqkdwprG30yQuAg7h5eApo~IDgJR33PmS2CV8CJWk5vBCdiy2RuprHS16-srh~i1w~GKYdRjHjDiuvGIfEu~tbhzcixVYwyl2LE94Qx5Th4l8wmQvoXq0fZneyH4skvP7u4p1Yqy9~CNs8Sstc3GVCRHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Nebraska Legislature advanced LB306 and adopted a set of amendments related to school finance reporting and extracurricular access for homeschool students.

Key additions adopted on the floor included a transparency measure that requires public reporting of certain K‑12 financial information in a central location administered by the Department of Administrative Services (DAS). Sponsor Senator Dover described the amendment as a way to “provide 1 place in DAS where anyone can find all financial information for schools across the state.” Senators received assurance on the floor that DAS expects to absorb the workload and that the amendment carries no fiscal note.

Another amendment clarified extracurricular rules for homeschooling students. The floor adopted an amendment to confirm that homeschooled students are not limited to only five credits when seeking association with public-school activities and that they may participate in nearest-district extracurricular programs if the home district does not provide that activity. Sponsor Senator Mermin said the change responds to requests from homeschool families and addresses uneven interpretation by school districts.

The chamber also considered and adopted a cleanup amendment addressing reporting and commission responsibilities tied to coordination of postsecondary education (a technical provision to move functions and data if federal responsibilities shift).

Why it matters: The measures aim to give families and policymakers clearer, centralized access to school financial data and to reduce confusion about homeschool student participation in activities. Supporters argued improved transparency helps local districts, parents and state policymakers make informed decisions.

What’s next: LB306 and its companion A‑bill were advanced to engrossing. Lawmakers said additional fiscal notes and technical adjustments will be finalized prior to select file.

","Senators advanced LB306, an education package, and adopted amendments requiring financial transparency for schools and clarifying homeschool students’ access to extracurricular activities. Lawmakers said changes centralize reporting and improve clarity for families and school boards.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Nebraska senators reject regulatory compromise, advance bill restricting hemp-derived cannabinoids

Senators approve amendments to Good Life district bill and advance LB707

Legislature advances education bill; adds school-finance and homeschool transparency provisions