LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Counties may soon have a way to regulate door-to-door salesmen through a bill in the Nebraska Legislature.
The legislation would allow counties to regulate the salesmen through charging a fee, issuing a permit or both. Sen. John Murante of Gretna introduced the bill, which was heard by the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee on Wednesday.
Murante said his constituents have had a problem with the issue. The county has seen door-to-door salespeople, such as those trying to sell magazines, be aggressive to the point that some of his constituents called the Sarpy County sheriff, Murante said.
Cities have a way to regulate these salesmen but counties do not, he said. Most of his constituents live outside the boundaries of a municipality.
Murante said the bill is not aimed at religious or political speech. The bill could also be structured in a way to not include Girl Scouts selling cookies or other charitable organizations, Murante said.
Bonnie Moore testified in support of the bill on behalf of the Sarpy County Board of Commissioners. She said that right now, counties have limited ordinance authority. For example, Sarpy County only has two ordinances, she said. The bill would add to the county’s ordinance authority.
The Nebraska Association of County Officials also testified in support of the bill. No one testified against the bill.
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The bill is LB1013
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