LINCOLN- The Nebraska Legislature’s Judiciary Committee heard testimony on two bills, LB 52 by State Senator Justin Wayne and LB 71 by State Senator Terrell McKinney, both aiming to legalize and tax marijuana to help offset property taxes. Supporters argued that criminalizing cannabis has disproportionately harmed marginalized communities and emphasized the potential revenue benefits from cannabis sales, with projections suggesting at least $95 million that could aid in property tax relief. The bills would legalize cannabis for those 21 and older, create a regulatory framework, and provide expungement procedures for past cannabis-related convictions, with Wayne's bill proposing a 25% tax on growers and retailers, and McKinney's suggesting 16%.
Law enforcement and other opponents, including Nebraska State Patrol Colonel John Bolduc and Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson, testified against the bills, citing concerns about increased crime, enforcement costs, and negative societal impacts observed in other states that have legalized marijuana. Governor Jim Pillen also opposed the legislation, with representatives from state agencies under his control and Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers expressing concerns about the potential harms of marijuana use. Despite these objections, proponents like Jason Witmer from ACLU Nebraska and parents seeking medicinal marijuana for their children argued that the criminalization of cannabis drains resources and doesn't enhance public safety.
During the hearing, frustrations emerged, with McKinney expressing a desire to introduce a bill to prohibit alcohol sales to highlight perceived inconsistencies in the opposition's stance. The committee received a mix of letters both in support and against the bills, with opponents warning of potential risks to children and increased public health costs. As the Legislature considers property tax relief measures, the debate over marijuana legalization highlights the broader discussion on how to generate revenue and address social justice issues in Nebraska.
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