New Nebraska session begins with focus on taxes, flooding

Nebraska lawmakers have kicked off their 2020 session with an expected focus on property taxes, the state's flood recovery and a surplus of tax revenue after several years of tight budgets. The new, 60-day session will put senators in a time crunch as they consider fresh proposals in addition to legislation carried over from last year's 90-day session. The first proposals slated for debate include a tax exemption for military retirees and a bill that would allow teachers to physically restrain violent students in classrooms. Senators in the one-house, nonpartisan Legislature will introduce new bills starting Wednesday.