Nebraska Legislature Moves Forward with Cultivated Meat Ban Amid Concerns of Government Overreach

A bill that would ban the sale of cultivated animal protein in Nebraska has cleared its first hurdle in the Legislature. Legislative Bill 246, introduced by Sen. Barry DeKay of Niobrara on behalf of Governor Jim Pillen, passed its first round of debate with 33 votes and now needs two more approvals before it can reach the governor’s desk. The measure, a legislative priority for both Pillen and the Agriculture Committee, seeks to prohibit lab-grown protein products made from animal cells, often referred to by supporters as “fake meat.” Proponents argue the ban protects consumers and supports Nebraska’s livestock industry, with Gov. Pillen calling the product “a dishonest attack on producers.” Opponents, including Sens. Megan Hunt and Jane Raybould, criticized the bill as premature and anti-innovation, warning it could stifle future investment and limit consumer choice. While cultivated protein is not yet available in stores, it has been served in some U.S. restaurants. The bill’s February hearing drew mixed reactions from the agriculture industry, with some ranchers in support and the Nebraska Cattlemen expressing skepticism about whether a ban was necessary. The debate highlighted broader concerns about food labeling, consumer rights, and the role of government in emerging technologies.