LINCOLN- During the debate on LB574, opponents made it clear that if the bill were to advance, the familiar filibuster will make its return in the reaming forty days of session and in a much stronger form. A day after that bills advancement, opponents of the bill held true to their word, providing a picture of the upcoming weeks.

Senator Macheala Cavanaugh, who has led the filibuster in previous weeks, said it does not matter what the bill or subject matter is, it will be filibustered. The body debated LB276 Friday morning, a behavioral health bill, but it could not move from its first round of consideration despite support from both sides of the aisle. Instead, the conversation rehashed the debate earlier this week that would prohibit anyone under 19 from seeking puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, or gender-affirming surgery in Nebraska.

Some opponents of LB574 sided with Sen. Cavanaugh on that subject but had criticism for the filibuster tactics. Sen. Terrell McKinney had a bill scheduled that was not reached due to the filibuster. He told his fellow lawmakers that they needed to move on so the Legislature could address other issues this year. Sen. Justin Wayne said that the body needs to be more selective of where they filibuster since they could be shutting out legislation that benefits Nebraskans.

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