LINCOLN — The Nebraska Legislature would maintain a video archive of legislative debate and hearings under a bill advanced Thursday to debate.

Legislative Bill 777 was introduced with the goal of increasing transparency and following the procedure of 46 other states that already keep a library of legislative proceedings. Making legislative proceedings more accessible to the public has gained the support of Sen. Julie Slama and Sen. Suzanne Geist, who said that many entities already record the proceedings.

Under an amendment to LB777, AM2131, the recordings "shall not be used for political or commercial purposes" and are intended for "educational and informational purposes."

Senators not yet in support of LB777 have concerns that the recordings will be used for political purposes, to "gotcha" a senator. There are other concerns that the recordings will be used for interest groups to urge people to call out senators about a particular vote.In response to Sen. Lathrop's question, "Is that political?", the Legislature's Executive Board proposed putting a "watermark" on the video that states the recording cannot be used politically.

LB777 advanced from the Executive Board on a 6-1 vote with Lathrop being the singular "no" vote. Sen. Pansing Brooks and Sen. Vargas were present and not voting. The bill, introduced by Sen. Brewer, was declared a speaker priority bill. Of the groups advocating for the bill, the Platte Institute, an Omaha-based think tank, says it is a way to keep the public more informed.

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