Senate advances paid‑maternity proposal after tense debate over gendered amendment

Senator Greco (listed in the transcript as Gareca) opened LB 8‑78 as a personal priority bill to require six weeks of paid maternity leave for eligible permanent state employees following birth or adoption. "Looking after our state employees is not only the right thing to do, it also contributes to the success of our great state," Greco said.

Floor discussion focused on eligibility and the fiscal note. Greco said the Department of Administrative Services and agency fiscal notes indicated most state employees already use other leave sources and that only a small number of employees (the transcript referenced roughly 13 among three groups) would be newly affected. Senators pressed for clarity on which employees were covered and whether fathers or adoptive parents would be eligible under statutory language.

A contentious floor amendment, AM 27‑15, clarified the statute by explicitly defining 'maternity' as a woman who gives birth or adopts and placing administration with the Department of Administrative Services, and it limited eligibility language to permanent part‑time employees in some drafting lines. Supporters of the amendment said it strengthens statutory guardrails and prevents regulatory slippage; opponents warned the language could unintentionally exclude adoptive single fathers and other parents and urged further drafting work. After the chamber was placed under call for the recorded vote, the amendment was adopted (vote reported as 27 ayes, 9 nays). A motion to reconsider failed.

After further floor colloquy, the Legislature advanced LB 8‑78 to E & R initial on a recorded vote of 29 ayes, 5 nays. Sponsors emphasized the bill primarily codifies benefits already provided by contract for most state employees and closes gaps for groups such as state troopers and some corrections staff.