Governor Jim Pillen signed ceremonial copies of three new laws Wednesday, which he says are aimed at boosting government efficiency, cutting outdated regulations, and reducing costs across state agencies.
The legislative package includes LB346, LB660 and LB376. The first two received unanimous support in the Nebraska Legislature earlier this year, while the last passed with 47 votes.
“Improving government efficiency while lowering costs is essential for accountability, economic growth, and effective delivery of services for Nebraskans,” Pillen said during a press conference. “These bills contribute to those goals, and I am grateful to the legislature for getting them passed.”
LB346, introduced by Speaker John Arch on the governor’s behalf, eliminates or modifies roughly 40 boards, commissions, and committees that were found to be duplicative or outdated. Most now have a termination date of July 1, 2026.
Speaker Arch called the bill a “good government” measure, praising the collaboration between the Legislature and the administration to “improve the functioning of our state government.”
LB376, advanced by the Health and Human Services Committee, eliminates 28 outdated reports previously required of the Department of Health and Human Services and modifies eight more. DHHS CEO Steve Corsi said the department had been required to submit, on average, one report every other day — totaling over 1,800 pages per year.
“Instead of wasting time on outdated reports that serve no useful purpose, DHHS public servants can focus on what really matters,” Corsi said.
LB660, an omnibus bill sponsored by Sen. Bob Andersen, incorporates several efficiency-focused proposals, including LB662, which increases transparency in how state agencies manage federal funds.
“This legislative package strengthens Nebraska’s economic security,” Andersen said. “Good governance begins with accountability.”
The final version of LB660 also included LB664, sponsored by Sen. Eliot Bostar. That measure streamlines the regulatory comment and challenge process for state agencies, allowing Nebraskans to submit materials and legal challenges closer to home rather than traveling across the state.
“LB664 is a vital, commonsense reform that enhances government accessibility and responsiveness,” Bostar said.
Pillen emphasized that ongoing reforms require continued dedication.
“It’s easy to talk about, but it takes perseverance and a lot of dedication by senators to help make it happen,” he said. “We all need to stay committed to shrinking government and getting it out of our hair.”