U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts is calling for a new national registry to track repeat violent offenders, while also highlighting priorities for Nebraska agriculture and the state’s Air National Guard. Ricketts announced the proposed Carly Rain Wood Act, named after a 20-year-old Omaha woman, who was killed in a 2022 shooting.
The legislation would create a publicly searchable national registry for repeat violent offenders, similar to the national sex offender registry. Ricketts says the bill is intended to improve public safety by notifying communities when convicted repeat violent offenders are released.
Rickets also said passing a new five-year federal farm bill remains a top priority before the current legislation expires September 30. Ricketts voiced support for including year-round sales of E-15 ethanol in the measure, arguing it would lower fuel prices for consumers while benefiting Nebraska farmers and ranchers.
He said negotiations are continuing in the Senate to secure enough bipartisan support for the bill. Ricketts also said he is urging the Air Force to award the Nebraska Air National Guard’s 155th Air Refueling Wing in Lincoln the new KC-46A Pegasus tanker aircraft as soon as possible.
He pointed to the unit’s strong recruiting record, experienced personnel and Lincoln’s nearly 13,000-foot runway as reasons Nebraska is well-positioned to receive the aircraft ahead of other locations.