Nebraska workers comp bill vetoed by Heineman

A bill to expand the workers’ compensation program in Nebraska was vetoed last week by Gov. Dave Heineman. The end of the legislative session was April 17, meaning lawmakers could not override his veto of the bill (LB819) that contained the workers’ comp provision, as amended by state Sen. Abbie Cornett of Bellevue.

The measure would have allowed emergency responders who suffered mental illness after witnessing violent acts to get workers’ compensation benefits. Heineman said in his veto message to lawmakers Monday that the expansion of workers’ compensation benefits would be costly for state and local governments. Cornett says she isn’t surprised by the veto because businesses oppose the bill. She plans to bring it back next year.