Nebraska 2023-2024 Regular Session

Nebraska Legislature Bill LR298

Introduced

2/5/24

Refer

2/5/24

Refer

2/6/24

Passed

2/23/24

Passed

2/28/24

Caption

Provide for the Executive Board of the Legislative Council to appoint a committee of the Legislature to be known as the Legislative Oversight Review Special Committee of the Legislature

Impact

If passed, LR298 would fundamentally modify the existing oversight mechanisms within the state legislature by creating a dedicated body responsible for the systematic review of legislation and executive actions. This resolution emphasizes the importance of scrutiny in government dealings and is prominent in enhancing the checks and balances inherent in the legislative process. The establishment of such a committee may also lead to increased transparency and a better understanding of legislative impacts on the state.

Summary

LR298 is a legislative resolution seeking to establish a new committee within the Legislature, specifically the Legislative Oversight Review Special Committee. The intent of this committee is to enhance oversight and review functions to improve government accountability. The formation of this committee would allow for more structured evaluations of state operations and policies, potentially leading to improved efficiency and responsiveness of government resources.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding LR298 has been largely supportive, with many legislators recognizing the necessity of a formalized approach to legislative oversight. Proponents argue that such a committee is critical to fostering accountability and ensuring that governmental actions align with legislative intents. However, there could be apprehensions regarding the effectiveness of adding another layer of bureaucracy, which has been a point of contention among some legislators concerned with efficiency.

Contention

Discussion surrounding LR298 has revealed underlying tensions regarding government oversight. Some lawmakers believe that the creation of an oversight committee, while essential for accountability, could lead to potential overreach or unnecessary delays in the legislative process. Others express concerns regarding the potential for politicization of the committee’s findings and the true independence of its operations. As the resolution moves forward, these points of contention highlight the broader debate over the balance between oversight and operational efficiency within state governance.

Latest LR298 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NE LB634

Adopt the Legislative Sunset Review Act and eliminate the Legislature's Planning Committee

NE LR21

Provide for a special committee of the Legislature to be known as the Small Modular Nuclear Reactor Study Committee

NE LR188

Interim study to examine issues related to the committee system of the Legislature and the referencing of legislative bills by the Reference Committee of the Legislature

NE LR300

Commend the National Conference of State Legislatures for its leadership and its commitment to the legislative institution

NE LR2CA

Constitutional amendments to change from a unicameral legislature to a bicameral legislature, provide for election of members of the Legislature on a partisan ballot, require election of legislative officers and committee chairpersons by a public vote, and require all meetings of the Legislature to be open to the public

NE LR198

Interim study to examine the process of creating the Technology Committee of the Legislature as a new standing committee and combining the Agriculture Committee of the Legislature and the Natural Resources Committee of the Legislature

NE LB298

Provide for the Division of Legislative Oversight, the Director of Legislative Oversight, and the Legislative Oversight Committee and change provisions relating to the Public Counsel, the office of Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare, and the office of Inspector General of the Nebraska Correctional System

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.