Indefinitely postponed
Adopt the Nebraska Consumable Hemp Control Act ↗
| Sponsor | Sen. John Cavanaugh (District 9) (Introduced 01/09/2025) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Ranking | The Nebraska Legislature is officially nonpartisan, and no published ideology measurement of its members is in our database - so none is shown. This page shows how members voted, never where anyone places them. |
| KJV verdict | FAIL · 8 grounds ↓ |
| Committees | Judiciary |
| Latest Action | 04/17/2026 Indefinitely postponed |
| Roll Call Votes | There have been no roll call votes |
| Source | view on nebraskalegislature.gov (new tab) → |
Brief (4)
If it passes, what changes
Creates a whole new licensing, taxing, and enforcement system for retail sales of hemp products meant to be eaten or inhaled.
- §1-3 adopt the Nebraska Consumable Hemp Control Act and define terms like "consumable hemp product," "retailer," "minor."
- §4 creates the Nebraska Hemp Control Commission, made up of the same members as the Liquor Control Commission.
- §17 sets retail license fees: $500 (refundable) + $400 application fee initially, $500 + $45 to renew.
- §22 bars new retail licenses within 150 feet of a church, school, hospital, or veterans' home.
- §31-32 require child-resistant packaging, ingredient/warning labels, and a posted warning sign for licensees.
- §51 levies a 3% excise tax on the first sale from distributor to retail licensee.
- §34-35 make selling to a minor a Class II misdemeanor and a minor possessing it a Class III misdemeanor.
Does it do what it claims
The title matches the operative sections closely; this is a straightforward regulatory-and-tax bill, not a broader hemp or marijuana measure.
- Title says "adopt the Nebraska Consumable Hemp Control Act" — done in §1-55.
- Title says "change provisions relating to immunity for eligible drug offenses" — done in §56, adding a new subdivision to the Good Samaritan statute (28-1701).
- Title says "the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission and its commissioners" — done in §57-61, folding the new commission into the existing one and adding conflict-of-interest and unmarked-vehicle coverage.
- Title says "provide for unmarked vehicles" — §61 adds Hemp Control Commission inspectors to the exempted list.
- No provision addresses raw hemp farming, THC potency caps, or marijuana; the bill is retail sale and taxation only, matching its stated scope.
The case each way
The dispute is whether treating consumable hemp like alcohol is proportionate regulation or an overreach that burdens a legal product.
- For: §31 age/label/testing rules and §22 buffer zones address real safety gaps (unregulated potency, child access) alongside the current OSHA-free hemp market.
- For: §51's 3% excise tax and §17 fees fund enforcement (§54, General Fund) without new general tax revenue.
- Against: §18 licensing bars felons, spouses of ineligible people, and non-residents, which critics could call excessive gatekeeping for a legal, non-intoxicating product category.
- Against: §21 lets local objections and vague "public convenience and necessity" findings (§21(2)(d)) block a license, giving discretion critics may call arbitrary.
What the text cannot settle
This reading covers only what the text states; it cannot tell you how the new system will function in practice.
- The bill does not state expected revenue from the §51 excise tax or §17 fees.
- §3(6) excludes topical products and GRAS seed products, but "generally recognized as safe" determinations are left to the FDA, not defined here.
- §21(3) lists many discretionary factors (traffic, zoning, "undue concentration") without weighting, so outcomes depend on commission judgment.
- §48 lets the commission set training program details and fees (up to $30/$20) later by rule; the actual amounts are unknown until then.
- The bill does not say how many licenses currently exist or are expected, so the practical scale of the new market is unstated.
Written by claude-sonnet-5 from the Introduced of this bill on 2026-09-13, and from nothing else. It is a reading, not a source: bullets naming a section this bill does not contain are dropped before the page is built, but the prose is not otherwise checked. The verdict above does not come from it.
KJV verdict (8)
FAIL — Departs from the KJV
This bill sets up a state commission to license stores to sell hemp products that people smoke or eat to get intoxicated, and it takes a three percent tax on every such sale. The bill's own required warning label admits the product impairs the user, so the state is handing its neighbor the bottle and profiting from it (Habakkuk 2:15; Proverbs 20:1). The good parts, like the ban on sales to anyone under twenty-one and the bribery rules, do not cleanse the whole (1 Corinthians 5:6).
8 grounds: 4 FAIL, 4 PASS. Any FAIL fails the bill.
FAIL Sec. 17(1)
“The commission may issue a retailer license to any person to sell and offer for sale at retail”
“Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness!”Habakkuk 2:15
“Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”Romans 13:13-14
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”Galatians 5:19-21
“Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?”1 Corinthians 5:6
The state authorizes and organizes the sale of an intoxicant for inhalation or ingestion, making provision for the flesh, and the good provisions elsewhere do not sanctify this one.
FAIL Sec. 31(1)(b)(iii)
“consumption of certain cannabinoids may impair your ability to drive and operate heavy machinery”
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”Proverbs 20:1
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”1 Peter 5:8
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”Titus 2:11-12
“Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.”1 Thessalonians 5:6
The bill itself labels the product as impairing sobriety, yet permits its sale to the public; the standard commands sobriety and calls the one deceived by such things unwise.
FAIL Sec. 51(1)
“There is levied and shall be collected an excise tax on the first sale or transfer of consumable hemp products”
“And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.”Romans 3:8
“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”1 Timothy 6:10
“Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.”Proverbs 13:11
The state takes revenue from a trade in intoxicants, doing evil that good may come and gathering wealth by vanity.
FAIL Sec. 22(3)
“a license may be issued if the commission gives notice to the affected church and holds a hearing”
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.”1 Thessalonians 5:22
“Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.”Romans 14:13
“But take heed lest by any means this liberty of your's become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.”1 Corinthians 8:9
The bill allows a store selling intoxicants within one hundred fifty feet of a church after a hearing, placing a stumblingblock at the church door.
PASS Sec. 34(1)
“No person shall knowingly sell, furnish, give away, exchange, or deliver, or permit the sale”
“But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!”Matthew 18:6-7
“Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.”Luke 17:1-2
“And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.”Mark 9:42
Forbidding the product to anyone under twenty-one guards the little ones from offence.
PASS Sec. 60
“shall not solicit or accept any gift, gratuity, emolument, or employment from any person subject to the Nebraska Liquor Control Act”
“Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.”Deuteronomy 16:19
“A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.”Proverbs 11:1
Forbidding commissioners and employees to take gifts from those they regulate keeps judgment from being blinded by a gift.
PASS Sec. 17(5)
“If any false statement is made in any part of such application, the applicant shall be deemed guilty of perjury”
“Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.”Proverbs 12:22
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.”Exodus 20:16
Punishing lies in the license application upholds truthful dealing.
PASS Sec. 56(3)(a)(iii)
“A violation of subsection (2) of section 35 of this act”
“Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.”Proverbs 31:8-9
“Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed; To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!”Isaiah 10:1-2
Extending immunity so a minor who reports a sexual assault is not prosecuted for possession opens the mouth for the afflicted rather than turning them aside from judgment.
Read against the KJV standard from the Introduced text on 2026-09-13. Every quotation of the bill is checked against the bill's text and every verse is quoted from the 1769 text, not from the model.
Text (1)
- Introduced (new tab) (application/pdf)
Each link opens the legislature's own document.
All Actions (6)
| Date | Actor | All Actions |
|---|---|---|
| 04/17/2026 | Indefinitely postponed | |
| 01/07/2026 | Title printed. Carryover bill | |
| 01/22/2025 | Notice of hearing for January 29, 2025 | |
| 01/14/2025 | Conrad name added | |
| 01/13/2025 | Referred to Judiciary Committee | |
| 01/09/2025 | Date of introduction |
Votes (0)
There have been no roll call votes on this bill.
Sponsors (2)
- Sen. John Cavanaugh [District 9] — primary sponsor
- Sen. Danielle Conrad [District 46] — cosponsor (01/14/2025)
Committees (1)
| Committee | Activity | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Judiciary | Referred | 01/13/2025 |
Amendments (0)
There are no amendments to this bill.
Fiscal Notes & Statements (2)
The legislature's own companion documents; each link opens the official copy.
Related Bills (0)
No related bill information was received.
How this was worked out (1)
1. What was read
| version | Introduced |
| file | 01-introduced.pdf |
| sha256 | 9f5f395950ee355e16f677f39bf59ce9 |
| characters | 79,903 |
2. What it was read against
| the standard | bills/kjv_prompt.txt, sha256 79671b42553a40fe28a8ac9c8ce9e60a |
| model | claude-fable-5-1 |
| read on | 2026-09-13 |
| the model was shown | the standard -- the verses of the 1769 text, quoted in full -- and the bill's words, and nothing else |
3. The grounds (8)
| FAIL | |
|---|---|
| FAIL | Sec. 17(1)
“Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness!” Habakkuk 2:15 “Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” Romans 13:13-14 “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21 “Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?” 1 Corinthians 5:6 The state authorizes and organizes the sale of an intoxicant for inhalation or ingestion, making provision for the flesh, and the good provisions elsewhere do not sanctify this one. |
| FAIL | Sec. 31(1)(b)(iii)
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” 1 Peter 5:8 “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” Titus 2:11-12 “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” 1 Thessalonians 5:6 The bill itself labels the product as impairing sobriety, yet permits its sale to the public; the standard commands sobriety and calls the one deceived by such things unwise. |
| FAIL | Sec. 51(1)
“And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.” Romans 3:8 “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10 “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” Proverbs 13:11 The state takes revenue from a trade in intoxicants, doing evil that good may come and gathering wealth by vanity. |
| FAIL | Sec. 22(3)
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22 “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.” Romans 14:13 “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of your's become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.” 1 Corinthians 8:9 The bill allows a store selling intoxicants within one hundred fifty feet of a church after a hearing, placing a stumblingblock at the church door. |
| PASS | |
| PASS | Sec. 34(1)
“But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!” Matthew 18:6-7 “Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” Luke 17:1-2 “And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.” Mark 9:42 Forbidding the product to anyone under twenty-one guards the little ones from offence. |
| PASS | Sec. 60
“Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.” Deuteronomy 16:19 “A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.” Proverbs 11:1 Forbidding commissioners and employees to take gifts from those they regulate keeps judgment from being blinded by a gift. |
| PASS | Sec. 17(5)
“Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.” Proverbs 12:22 “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” Exodus 20:16 Punishing lies in the license application upholds truthful dealing. |
| PASS | Sec. 56(3)(a)(iii)
“Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9 “Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed; To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!” Isaiah 10:1-2 Extending immunity so a minor who reports a sexual assault is not prosecuted for possession opens the mouth for the afflicted rather than turning them aside from judgment. |
4. How the verdict follows
| FAIL grounds | 4 |
| PASS grounds | 4 |
| the rule | any FAIL ground fails the bill -- even one, even beside good provisions (1 Corinthians 5:6), even for a good end (Romans 3:8); PASS grounds alone pass it; no grounds, no verdict. No counting, no weighing, nothing added up. |
| verdict | FAIL — Departs from the KJV |
5. What this cannot tell you
Every ground above quotes the bill and quotes the verse, so each can be checked. What the model did not raise cannot be checked the same way: a provision it passed over looks exactly like one that is not there. How often a ground is wrong, and how often one is missing, are not known.
Bill data comes from the Nebraska Legislature's own website, scraped and stored by our own pipeline; titles, sponsors, actions and vote tallies are shown as the Legislature published them. Nothing is generated. Nebraska's Legislature is unicameral and officially nonpartisan; its members carry no party label here because they carry none there. No published ideology measurement is in our database, so no bill or member on this site is placed on a left-right axis: every meter is a roll-call tally, labeled (Vote Record).