Nebraska brand bill hearing: Feb. 17

Anyone with interest in LB 1258 or LB 1187 should plan to attend and testify at an Agricultural Committee hearing at the capitol on Feb. 17 at 12:30 mountain time. The committee has not yet announced a room number.

LB 1258, introduced by Senator Ben Hanson, a chiropractor who lives outside of the brand inspection area, would eliminate mandatory brand inspection in the state and provide for voluntary inspections upon request. The brand inspection area in Nebraska covers approximately the western 2/3 of the state. In that area, cattle owners are required to obtain a brand inspection when selling cattle or moving them out of the inspection area.

LB 1187, introduced by Senator Barry Dekay, a 4th generation rancher and farmer from Verdel would increase the cap on the brand inspection fee from the current limit of $1.10 to $1.50. This would not automatically raise the inspection fee, but would give the Nebraska Brand Committee (the state oversight board) the leeway to raise the fee as high as $1.50 if needed to cover expenses.

Because Nebraska’s legislature operates in two-year sessions, Senator Teresa Ibach’s controversial 2025 bill, LB 646, which would reduce the cost of inspections for Registered Feedlots, remains active and could be brought forward for a vote during the 2026 session.

Watch the Tri-State Livestock News Facebook page for last minute updates and room number for the Feb. 17, 2026, hearing.