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LR 198

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

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kathleen Kauth

Interim study to create a new Technology Committee and merge Agriculture with Natural Resources, with a report on feasibility, structure, and impacts on oversight and resources.

Notice of hearing for October 15, 2025
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Bill Summary · LR 198

Summary of LR 198 – Interim study on Technology Committee and combined Agriculture/Natural Resources Committees

Basic bill information

  • Bill number: LR 198
  • Title: 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
  • Status: Notice of hearing for October 15, 2025
  • Introduced: May 14, 2025
  • Classification: Legislative Resolution (LR), not a bill to enact immediately
  • Sponsor: Kauth (primary)

Purpose and intent

  • LR 198 proposes an interim study to evaluate how to:
    1. Create a new standing committee—the Technology Committee of the Legislature, and
    2. Combine the existing Agriculture Committee and Natural Resources Committee into a single committee.
  • The study aims to examine the process and implications of these structural changes, rather than enact immediate reforms.

Key provisions

  • Designated lead for the study: The Executive Board of the Legislative Council shall conduct the interim study.
  • Reporting requirement: Upon concluding the study, the Executive Board must prepare a report detailing findings and provide recommendations. The report is to be submitted to the Legislative Council or Legislature (i.e., the body that can adopt or consider recommendations).
  • Scope of study (implied): The resolution directs an exploration of the process to establish a new standing Technology Committee and to merge the Agriculture and Natural Resources committees, including considerations such as structure, jurisdiction, efficiency, and potential implications for legislative oversight and resource allocation.

Procedural and timeline details

  • Referral actions:
    • Referred to the Executive Board on May 14, 2025.
    • Additional related action on May 19, 2025 (also referencing the Executive Board).
  • Hearing information:
    • Notice of hearing issued for October 15, 2025 (with a specific notice date of October 8, 2025).
  • Reporting timeline: The executive board is to report its findings and recommendations after the study concludes (no explicit final deadline stated in the bill text; standard interim-study practice would apply).
  • Status context: As a resolution, LR 198 directs oversight and study rather than immediate statutory changes or new laws.

Potential impact and considerations

  • If the interim study leads to enactment of changes, Nebraska could:
    • Establish a new formal standing committee focused on technology issues.
    • Realign responsibilities by merging Agriculture and Natural Resources into a single committee, potentially affecting oversight, member assignments, hearing schedules, and budgetary provisions.
  • Implications for stakeholders may include:
    • Industry groups and agencies related to technology, agriculture, and natural resources.
    • Legislators who would serve on the new or merged committee(s) and the resources allocated to committee staff.
  • The final report, with recommendations, will inform future legislative decisions about committee structure, jurisdiction, and efficiency.

What to watch next

  • Attend/monitor the October 15, 2025 hearing to learn more about the study scope, criteria, and anticipated timeline.
  • Review the Executive Board’s interim-study report for findings on feasibility, governance, and implementation steps if changes are pursued.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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