Welcome


Senator Bill AveryHello, I'm Nebraska State Senator Bill Avery.

Welcome to the online headquarters for the 28th District of the Nebraska Legislature. It has been my honor to serve as your Senator since January 2007.

The 103nd Legislature, First Session has adjourned Sine Die! In the words of Speaker Adams, the session was "difficult", however we accomplished a great deal of very important work. As always, it has been an honor to be a part of a unique and successful one-house institution, which was the vision of former Senator George W. Norris.

During the 2013 session, I was successful in repealing the unconstitutional Campaign Finance Limitation Act; allowing for greater access to public records; eliminating conflicts of interest from college Board of Governors; and eliminating inefficient boards and commissions from statute. Missed last year's accomplishments? Please visit my 2012 End of Session Update to learn about what we did last year.

Finally, please don't hesitate to contact me and let me know what's on your mind. You can contact me by phone: (402) 471.2633; by mail: 1423 Nebraska State Capitol, Lincoln, Nebraska 68509; by email: bavery@leg.ne.gov; or on Facebook or Twitter.  I look forward to hearing from you!

Best Wishes,

Bill Avery
Bill Avery

“Sen. Bill Avery … a thoughtful student of the Legislature, routinely works with lawmakers on his political left or right, building concensus through a focus on practical discussion …” -Omaha World Herald, Editorial, Nov. 28, 2008

Lastest News

06/05/13 LJS: Lawmakers Leave Meaty Issues on the Table

* PUBLIC RECORDS. A bill (LB363) by Sen. Bill Avery of Lincoln will help ensure the public can access government records and data at a fair cost. The bill closes a loophole in the public records law that some public entities took advantage of to make public records so expensive that they, in effect, discouraged public access, Avery said.

It says a public agency or political subdivision can charge a fee for making copies of public records but cannot exceed the actual, reasonable cost of doing so. No charge for searching, identifying and copying records can be added until the time goes beyond four hours.

OWH 05/28/13: Filibuster Frustration Growing in Legislature

Lincoln Sen. Bill Avery, a retired political science professor, said that such a change would be a two-edged sword. Filibusters are used by the minority to thwart the majority, but today's minority might be tomorrow's majority, he said.

LJS 05/01/13: Changes would hinder utility rate challenges

"This is an industry bill," Avery said. "That's the way they want it, folks. Keep it under the radar. Keep it quiet."

OWH 4/28/13: DNA Needs Fixing

State lawmakers should work with Avery to revise the law to treat all felons the same, to obtain the DNA at the start of their sentences - before they get the privilege of returning to our communities on probation.

OWH 04/11/13: Welcome Sunshine on Campaign Laws

State Sen. Bill Avery of Lincoln explained the new reporting system during legislative debate, saying the system would provide "more accurate and quicker access to information for the public."

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