Nebraska legislature discusses education

Two bills regarding education have been debated in the Nebraska legislature over the last few weeks.

Legislative Bill 441, introduced by State Senator Joni Albrecht, failed to pass on March 20. Under current Nebraska law, the distribution of obscene material is illegal, but defensible for cases of teaching in recognized educational institutions or for textbooks and learning aids for these institutions. LB 441 would have removed this defense from employees in K-12 schools and public libraries that provided obscenity to minors.

Debate over the bill became contentious. Speaking in defense of the bill, Senator Steve Halloran read a graphic depiction of sexual assault from the memoir “Lucky,” by Alice Sebold. While reading, Halloran repeatedly entered the name “Senator Cavanaugh” at the end of sentences. He did not specify which senator he was referring to, as there are two senators of that name in the unicameral: siblings Machaela and John Cavanaugh.

During a public hearing on Thursday, March 28, Senator Machaela Cavanaugh requested the censure of Halloran. She argued that his statements were vulgar and who they were directed towards, her or her brother, was irrelevant.

Halloran has stated that although he regrets interjecting the name into his floor statement, his speech during floor debate is protected free speech and he was just trying to gain the attention of Senator John Cavanaugh while reading the scene. He opposes the censure hearing, arguing that it is against the legislature’s process for when a colleague objects to the words spoken during a floor debate.

Another bill regarding education has faced much less scrutiny. Legislative Bill 71, introduced by State Senator Rita Sanders, will update the rights of parents and guardians regarding information from K-12 schools. The current legislation has not been updated in over 30 years. LB 71 adds access to digital materials, websites or apps used for learning and training materials for teachers, administrators and staff. The bill will require public school districts to create and adopt new policies.

The bill passed 43-0 through its first round of debate. It will have to pass through two more rounds before being given to the governor to sign into law or veto.

By Aubrey Benton