GERING, NE - A western Nebraska state senator has introduced legislation to modernize the state's cattle branding statute.

Senator John Stinner of Gering announced the proposal in a news release Thursday morning. LB 1165 would move the Nebraska Brand Committee to the state Department of Agriculture.

"I am not attempting to eliminate brand registration, but to seek out fiscally sound solutions so that we can move forward," Stinner said in a news release.

The bill would retain cattle producer's rights to own and use registered brands, but remove the brand inspection requirement.

It would also streamline the administration and registration process for brand applications and renewals.

"The status quo for brand policy in Nebraska cannot be sustained and we must make changes now," Stinner said. "I am more than willing to work with stakeholders to find a solution that works for all of Nebraska's beef industry and that does not raise fees on our producers."

According to the release, the Brand Committee is currently considering increasing inspection fees amidst questions about cost exceeding revenue.