-By Martha Stoddard
January 13, 2012- LINCOLN — A bill that would require Nebraskans to show government-issued photo identification to vote has been pulled from the legislative agenda.
Legislative Bill 239 had been expected to come up for debate next week.
The bill's sponsor, State Sen. Charlie Janssen of Fremont, said Thursday he asked to have the bill pulled because he wants more time to counter misinformation from opponents.
"I wanted people to educate themselves on it," he said. "It's a pretty watered-down ID bill."
But Janssen vowed the bill won't go away.
He said he or another senator will name it as a priority bill for the year, which means it would have a good chance of being debated this session.
A coalition of more than more than 20 civil rights, advocacy and other groups has mounted a campaign against LB 239.
Senators opposed to the measure have filed numerous amendments, which would ensure a lengthy debate.