Clearing red tape: A smarter path to Nebraska growth
Panelists discuss the state's workforce problems and possible solutions at the annual legislative summit of the Platte Institute. Pictured, from left, are State Sen. Danielle Conrad, Diane Good-Collins of Metropolitan Community College, Heath Mello, head of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, and moderator Laura Ebke. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)
Imagine a Nebraska where innovation is not stifled by red tape, where businesses can thrive under a streamlined regulatory system and where government spending is scrutinized for maximum impact. Thanks to bipartisan leadership and forward-thinking legislation being considered this session, this vision is closer than ever to becoming reality.
Recently, the Platte Institute hosted a press conference on regulatory modernization featuring Speaker John Arch, State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, Chair of the Government, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee, and Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, a longtime champion of regulatory reform.
This diverse coalition, representing both sides of the aisle, underscored the urgency of modernizing Nebraska's regulatory framework. Their united support demonstrates that reforming outdated regulations is not a partisan issue. It is a commonsense investment in our state's future.
Several promising bills under consideration this session build upon Nebraska's reputation as a leader in regulatory reform. The REINS Act, introduced by Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston, would require legislative approval for any regulation deemed to have a significant economic impact.
This ensures that costly rules are rigorously scrutinized before being imposed on businesses and families. Recent polling commissioned by the Platte Institute reveals that an overwhelming 74% of Nebraskans support legislative oversight of new regulations, with 72% favoring periodic reviews of existing rules by the Legislature. Additionally, the act empowers lawmakers to reassess original authorizing legislation when the economic consequences of regulations prove significant, fostering greater accountability and transparency.
Conrad's proposal to codify Governor Ricketts' 2017 executive order on reviewing existing regulations every three years is another critical step forward. By requiring state agencies to review the necessity of current rules and report their findings to the Legislature, this bill will help Nebraska stay ahead of regulatory inefficiencies and ensure our laws evolve with the times.
Other proposals address specific challenges while enhancing Nebraska's competitive edge. Omaha Sen. Bob Andersen's Federal Fund Inventory would require a full audit of federal funds received by the state, providing a contingency plan in case of a federal funding reduction. Whitman Sen. Tanya Storer's Venue Freedom bill would allow businesses to resolve disputes with state agencies in local courts, cutting down on travel costs and legal fees for Nebraska entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, the proposed Office of Regulatory Management introduced by Amherst Sen. Dan McKeon draws inspiration from a successful model in Virginia, where a small office has saved millions through cost-benefit analyses and streamlined regulatory oversight. Similarly, the Regulatory Advisories bill sponsored by Grand Island Sen. Dan Quick ensures that businesses are not burdened by non-binding advisories unless federally mandated, promoting fairness and consistency in regulatory compliance.
These initiatives are not just about cutting rules. They represent a smarter approach to governance — one that balances regulatory rigor with economic opportunity.
As Platte Institute Senior Fellow Laura Ebke recently highlighted, Nebraska has already made great strides in occupational licensing reform, including universal license recognition and fair chance licensing for those with criminal records. But there is still more we can do to ensure that our regulatory system serves the public interest and not special interests.
The Platte Institute's research on regulatory modernization highlights the significant economic benefits of reform. From 2020 to 2023, states that aggressively pursued regulatory reform experienced higher GDP growth than those that did not. Nebraska can be next in reaping these rewards by passing legislation that caps regulatory growth, ensures outdated rules are sunset and reduces compliance costs for businesses and workers.
Modernizing Nebraska's regulatory framework is not just a policy debate. It is a pivotal step toward building a state where families and entrepreneurs can thrive. The bipartisan coalition advocating for these reforms, coupled with the low-cost investment they require, makes this a win-win for Nebraskans. With the support of lawmakers, businesses, and communities, we can unlock Nebraska's full economic potential and set an example for the rest of the nation.
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