A measure that would have made it easier for Nebraskans to have a vote on state laws and the state constitution got a tiny number of votes from lawmakers. In fact, a majority didn't vote on it at all on Thursday.

The proposed constitutional amendment that failed in the Legislature would have substantially decreased the number of petition signatures needed to put proposed laws and constitutional amendments on the ballot.

Senator John Nelson of Omaha said it was needed to allow volunteer groups and those with little money to have the same access as out-of-state groups with money.

Nelson says he thought many senators chose not to vote at all because groups including the statewide teachers union and Nebraska
Cattlemen opposed the measure.