Livestock Brand Bill Advances to Final reading

After 30 minutes of debate LB1187 advances at the Nebraska Legislature on Wednesday.

LB1187, as introduced by Niobrara Sen. Barry DeKay, would raise the maximum per-head inspection fee from $1.10 to $1.50 and replace mileage-based travel charges with a flat surcharge of up to $30 per inspection stop.

DeKay said higher fees are needed to keep the state’s brand system stable and functioning. Rising costs and declining inspection numbers have reduced revenue, he said, making it harder to maintain the commission’s operations.

An Agriculture Committee amendment would replace the bill with a modified version containing the fee increases and broader reforms to the Nebraska Brand Committee’s structure and operations.

District 42 Senator Mike Jacobson of North Platte drafted the compromise amendment that passed two rounds of debate.

District 41 Senator Fred Meyer of St. Paul supported the amendment.

The amendment was adopted on a 36-2 vote