Senator Ernie Chambers of Omaha is promising a full filibuster to protest a bill that would let Nebraska work-camp inmates work for nonprofit groups.
Chambers slowed the Legislature to a near-standstill on Tuesday with a series of amendments that prevented lawmakers from voting on the bill. Chambers told his colleagues they might as well take the rest of the day off, because he plans to prolong debate for as long as he can.
Sen. Mark Christensen of Imperial introduced the bill for the city of McCook, home to Nebraska's work-ethic camp. Supporters say the bill would help inmates transition back to regular lives. Chambers argues that the bill could allow department officials to coerce inmates into providing free or cheap labor for groups that participate.
