Nebraska Rules Committee debates sweeping changes to how senators introduce bills, end debate and organize committees

The Nebraska Legislature Rules Committee heard wide-ranging testimony on two dozen proposed changes to its procedural rules, with back-and-forth on how the chamber should limit bills, end debate and structure committees.

Chair Lauren Lippincott, presiding over the hearing, opened the session noting the scope: “This committee will hear 22 rule proposals today,” and explained the hearing order and timing for testimony.

Senator Terrell McKinney, who represents District 11, proposed removing the current rule that limits each senator to introducing 20 bills per session. McKinney said the cap “effectively stifles the voice of the people, making it challenging for senators to adequately respond to constituent concerns,” and argued the limit benefits lobbyists and the governor, who is not subject to the same restriction.

Proponents of retaining limits and of alternative approaches testified in turn. Ally Bush of the grassroots group Nebraskans Against Government Overreach said the cap helps ensure senators prioritize: “If you’re presenting over 20 bills, it’s hard to believe that you’re really giving each one of them the attention and focus that they deserve.” Timothy C. Melcher, a frequent testifier at the hearing, argued the limit can be gamed and pointed to legislative drafting and the ‘‘divide the question’’ tactic as reasons the cap may not reduce legislative volume.

Cloture and the effect of senators voting “present, not voting” drew the most sustained debate. Senator Kathleen Kauth proposed treating cloture as based on members who actually vote “yay” or “nay,” so…