NE bill would abolish state Brand Committee

The Livestock Protection Act would eliminate the Nebraska Brand Committee and create a new voluntary inspection system in the state. Legislative Bill (LB) 1258, introduced by Nebraska state Sen. Ben Hansen (R-16), would establish a new Division of Brand Registration, Brand Inspection, and Livestock Theft Investigation within the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. The bill would remove mandatory brand inspection requirements and create a voluntary, fee-based inspection system. A similar bill was introduced in the 2025 legislative session, but failed to pass. If passed, LB 1258 would take effect in 2027.