Listen To This Story
The Nebraska Legislature on Wednesday delayed a proposal specifically tailored to put former Husker head football coach Tom Osborne in the state’s Hall of Fame.
Sen. Dan Lonowski had originally pitched a bill on behalf of Gov. Jim Pillen to change the Hall of Fame requirements. That bill was unlikely to be debated this year, so he crafted an amendment to another bill.
Current Hall of Fame requirements say inductees must first be dead for 35 years. Lawmakers said that state law blocks a bill that would have required someone with Osborne’s exact resume to be put in the Nebraska Hall of Fame by 2027.
Sen. Megan Hunt made a constitutional objection to the amendment and summarized Article 3, Section 18 of the state constitution like this:
“If it’s a law that only applies to one person, it’s not constitutional,” Hunt said.
She added that the proposal makes her skin crawl.
“I think it sort of tarnishes the honor it would have bestowed on him unfortunately,” Hunt said.
Sen. Danielle Conrad agreed, arguing that there are other ways to honor Osborne while he is alive.
The effort to change the hall of fame rules to favor Osborne is not dead, however. Lonowski and Conrad agreed to work on crafting a new amendment to address the constitutionality concerns.
More from the Unicameral:
Senators reject tobacco tax increases amid budget warnings
Senators consider cigarette tax hike to help balance budget
Immigration advocates call for regulations on ICE activity
Legislative bill would make officer relations with a minor illegal
Bill would require 'good faith' negotiations from governor with tribes
Lawmakers consider bill tailored to get former Husker head coach in Nebraska Hall of Fame
Senators pitch business incentives to keep Union Pacific in Nebraska during merger
Senators debate making workers' comp injury reports confidential
Tighter Capitol security, reporting on disabled housing advance in Legislature
Should insurance companies cover cost of eating disorder treatments?