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Committee considers statutory updates to Nebraska veterans governance, adding ex officio military representation

Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee · January 21, 2026

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Summary

LB 787 would modernize statutes governing the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Commission on Military and Veterans Affairs, add or clarify ex officio military representation (including the 90th Wing command), and change reporting requirements; John Hilgert (NDVA) supported the bill as practical housekeeping that improves communication with military stakeholders.

Lincoln — Senators heard LB 7 87, a bill described as a targeted cleanup of statutes governing the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs and the Commission on Military and Veterans Affairs.

Sponsor Senator Rita Sanders said LB 7 87 updates membership language, clarifies voting and non‑voting ex officio representatives, ensures representation from each congressional district and allows the commission to prepare reports on request rather than automatically every year. John Hilgert, director of the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs, testified the bill strengthens ties to military partners, adds ex officio representation (including the commander of the 90th Wing at Offutt Air Force Base) and modernizes outdated references related to veterans homes. Hilgert said the changes preserve data and reporting while making the reporting process more focused and practical for policymakers.

Committee members asked for copies of Hilgert’s testimony; no opposition testimony appeared on the record in the transcript. The hearing concluded without recorded committee action in the provided transcript.