LINCOLN — Nebraska lawmakers are considering a measure to beef up protections for meatpacking and poultry workers and ensure emergency plans in situations such as bird flu outbreaks.

Legislative Bill 573, which requires certain ag operations to implement disaster mitigation plans for workers and the food supply, should fortify the state’s economic backbone, said sponsoring State Sen. Dunixi Guereca of Omaha.

LINCOLN — The Nebraska Legislature’s Executive Board heard testimony Tuesday about the effort to clarify its oversight of state agencies after Attorney General Mike Hilgers and Gov. Jim Pillen sought to limit legislative reach.