Bill to Shield Farmers from Nuisance Suits Advances in Nebraska

A bill that would expand protections for Nebraska farmers against public nuisance lawsuits has advanced in the Legislature despite objections that it could infringe on neighbors’ property rights.

Lawmakers gave the measure first-round approval Wednesday with a 31-7 vote.

Sen. Dan Hughes, a Venango farmer, says the bill would help farmers who want to install chicken houses or hog confinements. Farmers would have to comply with local zoning ordinances and use “reasonable techniques” to keep dust, noise, insects and odors to a minimum.

Opponents say the bill is vague and doesn’t do enough to protect neighbors who might find themselves next to a hog confinement. They say that some counties don’t have local ordinances to address those concerns.

Two more votes are needed before the bill goes to the governor.

Topics Lawsuits Agribusiness