LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A push to require public votes for Nebraska committee leadership positions is facing criticism from some lawmakers who see it as an affront to the state’s nonpartisan Legislature.

Sen. Bill Kintner of Papillion once again argued in favor of the change Wednesday before the Legislature’s Rules Committee. The conservative Republican senator says lawmakers should have to disclose their votes for speaker and committee leaders as a matter of transparency.

But some committee members say the rule change is an attempt to put partisan pressure on senators. Sen. Bob Krist of Omaha, a Republican who has clashed with his party, promised to give Kintner “one hell of a fight” if his proposal makes it to the full Legislature.

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider at its Jan. 20meeting a regulation amendment that would allow people to obtain boating safety certification via an online course. The meeting is at 8 a.m. in the third-floor conference room of the Commission’s Lincoln headquarters, 2200 N. 33rd St.

If passed, the amended regulation would help streamline boater education by increasing opportunities for constituents, while retaining the classroom and home-study options for obtaining certification.

Another boating regulation amendment up for consideration would update the maps in the Special Rules and Regulations for Nonpublic Lake Associations.

Also on the agenda are recommendations to:

— approve grant awards for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Stateside Assistance Program to Beatrice, Beemer, David City, Elmwood, Fullerton, Ord, Paxton, Greeley, Lexington, Lincoln, and Palmyra.

— approve the following outdoor trail projects for federal funding through the Recreational Trails Program: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for the Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail, Fullerton for the Powerhouse Park Trail, Tekamah for the Tekamah Tiger Trail Loop, and Norfolk for the Underpass Trail.

— amend wildlife regulations regarding game breeding and controlled shooting areas.

— approve an increase to the Cash Change Fund at Summit Lake State Recreation Area to support the coinage requirements at the new shower house.

For a complete meeting agenda, visit: OutdoorNebraska.gov/commissioners/.

KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) — The Kearney City Council has approved a measure that will see The Archway get an annual payment of $225,000.

The City Council voted Tuesday to approve the payment. The vote will see the city contribute $75,000 annually to the monument. That award is contingent upon the Kearney Area Visitor’s Bureau contributing $150,000 annually, which the group plans to do.

The Archway, which spans Interstate 80 at Kearney, features exhibits commemorating the Oregon, Mormon and California pioneer trails and the nation’s highway systems and railroads. It struggled after its opening in 2001 and was forced into bankruptcy in 2013 following years of disappointing attendance.

However, attendance has exceeded expectations in recent years. About 1.5 million visitors have passed through The Archway since it opened.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — U.S. Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska has been chosen to serve on the House Agriculture Committee.

The committee assignment announced Wednesday gives Nebraska a voice on major federal farm policies, including the farm bill. It’s also noteworthy because, for the first time in decades, Nebraska will not have a representative on the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Bacon says he’s eager to serve on the committee as a member of the state’s congressional delegation.

Bacon grew up and worked on a family farm in Momence, Illinois, until he was 21 years old. He now represents the state’s 2nd congressional district, encompassing the Omaha area.

Nebraska has nearly 49,000 farms. Bacon says residents have spoken to him about opening markets overseas, lowering the costs of health insurance and loosening regulations.