Nebraska Bills

This bill changes Nebraska law to allow residents of long-term care facilities to choose their own pharmacy for medications, rather than being required to use the facility's automated medication system. It removes restrictions that previously forced residents to obtain medications through the facility's system, ensuring they can access medications from their preferred pharmacy. The law directly affects residents in Nebraska's long-term care facilities by expanding their medication choice. The bill replaces a previous requirement that limited pharmacy options for these residents.

Nebraska's LB 1156 creates a tax credit program to encourage private investment in economically distressed communities. It allows taxpayers to claim a 50% nonrefundable income tax credit for cash contributions to qualifying organizations (like community development banks or innovation hubs) that fund projects in designated distressed areas. These funds support affordable commercial space, workforce training, site preparation, and small developer projects, with annual limits of $26.5 million for tax credits and $20 million for supplemental grants. The program targets small developers and underrepresented businesses in neighborhoods facing high unemployment and poverty, aiming to expand local economic opportunities without direct public funding.

Nebraska's LB 1260 changes how motor vehicle tax revenue is distributed, directly affecting counties, local school systems, and cities/villages. It increases the percentage counties retain from 1% to 2% after July 1, 2028, and adjusts allocations: for example, school systems receive 60% before 2028 but 48% after, with a new quarterly "motor vehicle tax supplement" (48.8% of allocated funds) paid directly to schools starting October 2028. The bill also revises tax schedules based on vehicle age and modifies funding formulas under the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act. These changes aim to update revenue distribution mechanisms while maintaining school funding through the supplement.

This is a ceremonial legislative resolution (not a bill with policy changes) congratulating Patrick Moore, principal at Blue Hill Community Schools since 2015, for receiving the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals' 2025 Distinguished Service Award. The resolution formally recognizes his contributions to Nebraska education through his school leadership and community involvement. It contains no new laws, funding, or obligations - only a formal expression of appreciation from the Nebraska Legislature. A copy will be sent to Mr. Moore as specified in the resolution.

Legislative Resolution 339 (LR 339) is a Nebraska legislative resolution that commemorates the historical Blue River Cattle Trail, which connected Texas cattlemen to Nebraska markets in the 19th century. It formally celebrates the trail's role in Nebraska's development as the "Beef State" and recognizes the work of historians preserving this history. The resolution encourages Nebraskans to learn about and share the trail's significance, including its impact on Schuyler's growth and cattle farming traditions. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect or direct impact on specific groups, serving solely as a symbolic acknowledgment of historical events.

This bill removes a Nebraska law that currently prohibits selling lottery tickets through vending machines or dispensing devices. It directly affects lottery retailers by allowing them to sell tickets via these machines and may impact consumers who prefer this purchasing method. The key change amends Section 9-829 of the State Lottery Act to delete the specific ban on vending machine sales. The bill repeals the existing prohibition while maintaining other current requirements for lottery ticket sales.

LB 212 changes Nebraska's tax on cigars, cheroots, and stogies by setting a 20% tax on the purchase price or manufacturing price, with a maximum tax of $0.50 per item. This directly affects first owners (importers or manufacturers) and retailers selling these tobacco products. The bill repeals the previous tax structure for these items and takes effect October 1, 2025. The change applies specifically to these products, not other tobacco or e-cigarette taxes.

LB 207 creates a tiered registration fee for alternative fuel vehicles under Nebraska's Motor Vehicle Registration Act. It charges a base $150 fee for most alternative fuel vehicles (reduced to $75 for motorcycles and plug-in hybrids), but imposes a three-times higher fee ($450) for commercially registered vehicles over 7,500 lbs gross weight. The revenue from these fees is directed to the Highway Trust Fund. This bill directly affects commercial fleet operators using alternative fuel vehicles weighing more than 7,500 pounds, modifying their registration costs under existing law.

This bill requires that when counties, cities, or school districts seek property tax increases above the allowed growth rate, at least half of their elected officials must personally attend joint public hearings. Previously, only one representative was required to attend. The hearings must still follow existing notice rules (including postcards to taxpayers and website postings) and include presentations about tax impacts, budget changes, and proposed rates. This change aims to increase direct official involvement in tax discussions while maintaining the existing hearing structure.

LB 518 amends Nebraska law to change reporting requirements for the Department of Correctional Services and Board of Parole. The bill requires these agencies to submit an annual electronic report by February 1 detailing: (1) the percentage of inmates released without supervision, including their offense types and risk assessments; (2) data on parole revocations and hearings; and (3) recommendations to reduce releases without supervision. Key mechanisms include mandating at least nine months of supervision for parolees and requiring risk assessments to inform release decisions. The report aims to provide transparency on recidivism, cost savings from parole, and factors leading to unsupervised releases. This directly affects parole decisions and oversight for inmates completing sentences in Nebraska correctional facilities.

LB 258 changes the calculation method for Nebraska's minimum wage under the Wage and Hour Act by adjusting the formula from an unspecified prior percentage to a fixed 1.75%. This amendment directly affects minimum wage workers in Nebraska, as it modifies how their wage rate is determined annually. The key provision replaces the existing percentage calculation with a specific 1.75% adjustment to the minimum wage rate. The bill does not increase or decrease the current minimum wage but alters the mechanism used to calculate future adjustments. The bill is currently pending in the Business and Labor Committee after being indefinitely postponed.

This bill (LR 337) is a legislative resolution congratulating Mama's Attic - African American History Center and Doll Museum on its five-year anniversary and recognizing founder LaVon Stennis-Williams for her leadership. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the museum's work through a resolution adopted by Nebraska's legislature. The resolution directs copies to be sent to the museum and Ms. Stennis-Williams, celebrating their role in showcasing African American history and culture via doll exhibits. The bill directly affects only the museum and its founder, with no broader policy impact or financial obligations.