State senators debate parental rights, SNAP eligibility for people convicted of drug felonies
By Brian Beach 
, Reporter Nebraska Public Media
April 10, 2025, 5:30 p.m. ·
State senators passed eight bills on Thursday, including one to ensure parents have access to the books their children read at school libraries.
Sen. Dave Murman, who chairs the Legislature’s Education committee, introduced LB390 requiring libraries to publish a catalog of materials and allow parents to be notified when their children check anything out.
He said his legislation gives parents a greater ability to be involved in their kid’s education.
“Do we want government raising our kids, or should parents be in the driver's seat to raise our kids?" he asked. "These are kids that are in school, and it just allows a parent, if they ask for it, to be more involved in their child's learning experience, and to have the ability to know what their child is checking out from the library.”
But some, including Sen. John Cavanaugh, said the bill amounts to unnecessary government meddling.
“Not everything needs to be law, and the state doesn't need to be involved," he said. "We should stay out of the way. Allow parents to be parents. Allow those of us who want to read with our kids, but not get in between us and our kids.”
Sen. Megan Hunt speculated the bill could limit the autonomy of kids and, in some cases, result in parental abuse.
“If there's a high schooler who's checking out a book at Central High School, where my kid goes to school, and it's about being gay or something, and that parent gets a note home, that parent can use that as a reason to kick their kid out of the home," she said. "And I know this because it happens in this state, and they've come to my office to talk to me about it.”
After nearly two hours of debate, the bill passed final reading with yes votes from 34 of the body’s 49 members. It now goes to Gov. Jim Pillen, who will be able to sign it into law.
Later on Thursday, senators discussed whether certain people with felony convictions should have access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
Under federal law, anyone convicted of a felony for possession, use or distribution of drugs receives a lifetime ban on SNAP benefits, unless a state law provides exceptions.
Currently, Nebraska provides an exception for those with two or fewer felonies for drug use and possession, but those with drug distribution felonies remain banned.
A bill from Sen. Victor Rountree would allow all felons to be eligible for SNAP after completing their sentence.
Rountree said his legislation, LB319, would make around 1,000 new Nebraskans eligible for federal food stamps.
“This is not a handout. It's a hand up," he said. "I've heard countless stories of single parents trying to do right by their families, but they are denied assistance to put food on their table. We have a chance to right that right now and to feed over 1000 Nebraskans.”
Sen. Bob Andersen pushed back on the proposal. He said the high cost of keeping drug dealers in jail – nearly $50,000 each year – adds up over time and they should not receive additional government assistance upon release.
“We’re now up to half a million dollars of government funds being spent on this person because they want to be, they chose to be a drug dealer, and now when they come out of prison, you want to give them more money in food stamps," he said in response to Rountree. "That's why I take objection to it, and that's why I stand opposed to LB319.”
Rountree’s bill advanced on a 32 to 5 vote, with some senators hoping to add amendments in the next stage of debate.
The Legislature then returned to a discussion of parental rights through debate on a bill requiring social media companies to obtain parental consent before allowing a minor to open a social media account.
LB383, dubbed the Parental Rights in Social Media Act, would also require that social media companies give parents the ability to monitor and manage their child’s online activity.
Introducing Sen. Tanya Storer said the bill would help curb social media addiction and address high rates of anxiety, depression and suicide among young people.
“It puts parents back in the driver's seat," she said. "We are asking that parents be given the tools to make the decisions for what social media platforms their children have access to. It's really that simple.”
But many senators, including Sen. Terrell McKinney, said the bill could be unconstitutional due to its potential restrictions on free speech.
“I think we all agree we want to protect our kids," he said. "We want to protect youth, but the First Amendment concerns exist due to its restrictions on access, monitoring and potential chilling effects.”
A similar bill passed in Arkansas was recently struck down by the 8th Circuit Court, which Nebraska is also a part of, due to First Amendment concerns.
A vote to postpone Storer’s bill failed 26 to 4, and debate on the legislation will continue Friday.
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