LB 311 would allow certain Nebraska telecommunications carriers (specifically "electing local exchange carriers" with pre-1996 service certificates) to seek state deregulation of their service areas if competition meets a defined threshold. To qualify, at least 90% of households outside tribal areas must have access to voice service from two additional carriers (including one wireline/cable provider), with rebuttable evidence required if this standard isn't met. The bill explicitly preserves existing state and federal obligations, including 911 services, universal service fund contributions, and intercarrier compensation rules. It directly affects incumbent telecom providers seeking to remove state oversight from specific geographic exchanges while maintaining regulatory authority over core services.
LB 666 amends Nebraska law to change how the Public Service Commission handles broadband deployment projects under the Rural Communications Sustainability Act. It requires the Commission to relieve incumbent telephone carriers of certain obligations (like "carrier of last resort" duties) when a competing broadband provider meets program requirements. The bill also gives the Commission authority to decide how universal service funds are allocated and whether carrier obligations should transfer to the competing provider. This directly affects rural broadband providers, incumbent carriers, and the Public Service Commission in managing Nebraska's broadband funding programs.
LB 595 creates the Research Excellence Cash Fund, administered by the University of Nebraska, to support research critical to Nebraska's economy. The fund will be financed through gifts, grants, or legislative transfers and can be used for data systems, data collection, and ongoing research projects like the Nebraska Mesonet. It directly affects the University of Nebraska (as the fund administrator) and supports research initiatives benefiting Nebraska's economic development. The bill establishes a dedicated funding mechanism for research infrastructure without altering existing laws.
This bill creates a property tax exemption for Nebraska landowners who place perpetual recreational trail easements on their land. The exemption provides $0.10 per square foot annually for qualifying easements that grant public nonmotorized access (such as walking, hiking, or biking) and connect to existing or planned trails. To qualify, easements must be held by eligible entities like municipalities, accredited land trusts, or specific nonprofits focused on public access and conservation, and landowners must apply through the Department of Revenue with proof of the recorded easement. The bill also updates filing procedures for easement documentation to support this tax program.
Nebraska's LB 539 would eliminate the requirement for most individuals to obtain a certificate before purchasing a handgun, removing a key provision from current law. The bill preserves exceptions for licensed dealers, antique firearms, law enforcement, family transfers, and permit holders, but removes the certificate mandate for all other handgun purchases. It also modifies background check procedures by restricting the information shared with the National Instant Criminal Background Check System to only disqualifying factors, while keeping requirements for mental health and disability reporting. The bill is currently pending in the Judiciary Committee and has not yet become law.
Nebraska bill LB 474 consolidates and updates financial regulations by renaming the Nebraska Installment Sales Act to the Nebraska Installment Loan and Sales Act and eliminating the separate Nebraska Installment Loan Act. It transfers key provisions from the old Installment Loan Act into the revised Installment Loan and Sales Act while modernizing the Nebraska Money Transmitters Act to clarify licensing, fees, enforcement, and reporting requirements for money transmitters. The bill also makes minor adjustments to tax provisions under the Medicaid Access and Quality Act. These changes primarily affect financial institutions, lenders, and money transmitters operating in Nebraska by streamlining related regulations.
LB 179 increases police officers' required retirement contribution rate from 7% to 9% starting October 1, 2025, for cities of the first class, with cities covering these costs instead of deducting from officers' salaries. It updates firefighter retirement options by allowing those retiring on or after January 1, 1997, to choose lump-sum or installment payments of their retirement value, expanding choices previously limited to later retirees. The bill amends sections 16-1005 (Police Officers Retirement Act) and 16-1027 (Firefighters Retirement Act) to implement these changes and removes obsolete provisions. These adjustments directly affect police officers and firefighters in Nebraska's largest cities who are covered under these retirement systems.
LB 461 modifies retirement benefit options for firefighters in Nebraska cities of the first class. It expands payment choices to include annual, quarterly, or monthly installments (previously limited to monthly or lump sum) for firefighters retiring on or after January 1, 1997. The bill clarifies lump-sum payment rules by requiring cities to compare two annuity contracts (one chosen by the firefighter, one by the city) to determine the equivalent value, with city council approval if the cost difference exceeds 5%. It also updates minimum pension formulas to ensure retirees receive at least 50% of their final salary based on years of service, with specific provisions for those retiring before age 55 with 21+ years of service.
LB 473 updates Nebraska's Money Transmitters Act to modernize regulations for digital payment services and money transmission businesses operating in the state. It revises definitions (like "average daily money transmission liability" calculated quarterly), adjusts licensing fees (including a $50,000 fee for digital asset depositories), and clarifies requirements for licenses, examinations, and prohibited activities. The bill directly affects money transmitters, including digital payment platforms and money transfer services, by updating their regulatory obligations and fee structure. It also eliminates outdated sections (8-2743-8-2747) to streamline the law.
LB 332 creates a new "assistant funeral director" role to support licensed funeral directors, allowing assistants to help with funeral arrangements and management under direct supervision but prohibiting embalming (Sections 4-8). The bill expands Medicaid coverage to include psychology services provided by qualified practitioners and establishes the Rural Health Opportunity Program requiring a memorandum of understanding (Sections 38-1509, 38-1512). It also updates regulations for hearing instrument specialists, changes pharmacy board membership rules, and modifies prescription refill requirements. These changes directly affect funeral service professionals, healthcare providers, and Medicaid recipients in Nebraska.
This bill updates licensing rules for therapists and child care providers in Nebraska. It creates a new pathway for marriage and family therapists licensed in other states to obtain Nebraska licenses by meeting requirements (like passing a Nebraska jurisprudence exam), without needing to retake all exams. It also clarifies the scope of practice for occupational therapists by defining specific treatment modalities (like electrotherapeutic devices). Additionally, it changes liability insurance requirements for child care facility licensees and inspectors under the Child Care Licensing Act. These changes directly affect therapists seeking to practice in Nebraska and child care providers operating under state licensing rules.
LB 660 adopts two new acts: the State Building Construction Alternatives Act, which creates new contracting methods (like design-build and construction manager contracts) for state building projects, and the Secure Drone Purchasing Act. It requires state agencies (such as Corrections, Transportation, and the State Building Division) to seek approval from the Director of Administrative Services before using these methods, especially for projects over $30 million, and mandates justification based on cost, schedule, or complexity. The bill also updates rules for agency procurement, building regulations, and acquisition of art for state buildings, while excluding universities and specific existing laws like the Public Water Project Contracting Act. It does not include detailed provisions for the Secure Drone Purchasing Act in the provided text.
