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Legislature clears annual state claims bill totaling several million for settlements and write-offs
Summary
Senator Machaela Kaut presented LB534, the annual state claims bill, which includes payments to accident victims, line-of-duty and wrongful-death settlements, workers' compensation settlements, and agency write-offs totaling several million dollars; the committee amendment AM1243 was adopted and the bill advanced.
Senator Machaela Kaut presented LB534, the Legislature's annual state claims bill, detailing 18 claims, multiple settlements, and requests to write off uncollectible debts.
Kaut summarized the bill and its committee amendment (AM1243), providing a line-by-line accounting: general fund claims totaling $2,023,191.75; workers' compensation settlements of $1,260,000 to be paid from the Workers' Compensation Claims Revolving Fund; State Insurance Fund payouts of $1,446,454.12 for tort claims; and agency write-offs totaling $1,767,570.24. Kaut described several high-profile items, including a $445,000 settlement related to the 2020 murder of an incarcerated person at the Nebraska State Penitentiary (first $50,000 already paid), a $212,500 settlement for alleged abuse in a placement and earlier $50,000 paid, and a $950,000 claim related to a state trooper's illegal U-turn that caused serious injuries.
Senator Spivey emphasized that many of these payouts stem from institutional practices and urged upstream reforms, noting the human and taxpayer costs of avoidable harm. Senator Conrad also urged that the settlements underscore the legislature's need to restore oversight and inspector-general access to troubled agencies.
The committee amendment AM1243, which consolidated and updated the list of claims, was adopted 36-0, and the bill was advanced to E & R initial on a 37-0 recorded vote. Kaut urged the body to "please vote green on AM1243 and LB534."
