Before the Nebraska Legislature today was LB 574, a proposal to adopt The Let Them Grow Act. This bill, proposed by State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, would prohibit performing procedures or referring patients for procedures such as puberty blockers, hormone therapies or genital or non-genital surgeries before the age of 19.
This bill has been the subject of a three week consecutive filibuster in the Nebraska Legislature, led by Omaha Senator Michaela Cavanaugh. Tuesday the bill saw its first round of debate.
“LB 574 is designed to protect children who cannot make informed decisions from experimental, irreversible and often dangerous treatments.” said Sen. Kauth
The session began with a back and forth between Kauth and Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha.
“Colleagues, I want you to know that if this bill advances, the filibuster will resume, I will join it with my whole heart, with my whole chest, and every bill will be going to cloture. You’re going to need 33 votes on every bill after this, if LB 574 doesn’t feel cloture.” said Hunt.
Beyond the civil rights discussion, Senator Jane Raybould of Lincoln offered economic criticism. Saying the advancement of this bill would discourage in-state youth from residing in Nebraska, and out of state youth from moving in.
“Nebraska has difficulty retaining and attracting young talent. Well, no kidding. This bill is going in the wrong direction.” Said Raybould
State Sen. Julie Slama, a proponent of the bill, moved to shut down the debate on a motion to indefinitely postpone it. Lt. Governor Joe Kelly overruled the motion, and Slama brought a motion to overrule the chair, which passed.