This bill appropriates $1 million from the Medicaid Managed Care Excess Profit Fund for each of fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The funds are specifically designated for Program 33 to support the implementation of Legislative Bill 48 (which establishes Medicaid managed care reforms). The appropriation includes a $60,000 annual cap on salary and per diem expenses for the program. The bill becomes effective September 1, 2025, and directly affects Medicaid program administration.
LB 245 updates Nebraska's food safety regulations by amending the Pure Food Act and Weights and Measures Act. It harmonizes state rules with current federal standards, specifically adopting the 2022 FDA Food Code (excluding certain definitions like "adulterated food"). The bill clarifies exemptions for small-scale food operations, including home-based sales at farmers markets, bake sales, and temporary events like festivals, while removing outdated sections of the law. These changes directly affect small vendors, home cooks, and temporary food sellers by reducing regulatory burdens for specific activities. The law also updates requirements for food facility permits and equipment standards.
LB 192 modifies Nebraska's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility rules and removes certain administrative requirements. It temporarily increases the gross income eligibility limit to 165% of the federal poverty guideline (until October 1, 2025), while keeping net income limits unchanged, and eliminates the annual report requirement for the Department of Health and Human Services on SNAP efforts. The bill also removes the need for an evaluation report on the TANF-funded program that implemented the income change. This directly affects SNAP beneficiaries and streamlines reporting for the state agency managing the program.
LB 275A appropriates $329,347 for Program 33 and $629,165 for Program 354 within Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services for the 2026-27 fiscal year, with the latter amount designated as state aid to support Legislative Bill 275. It provides no funding for these programs during the 2025-26 fiscal year. The bill sets a $95,442 cap on salary spending for Program 33 in 2026-27 while prohibiting all salary expenses for Program 354. This funding directly affects how the Department of Health and Human Services allocates resources for these specific programs.
LB 391 creates the Give to Enable Support Program to help individuals with disabilities cover qualified disability expenses. It establishes a cash fund funded solely by private donations (not state funds) managed by the State Treasurer, starting January 1, 2026. Qualified individuals with disabilities can apply annually to receive accounts funded from this cash fund, which they can then use to pay for approved disability-related expenses. The program requires applicants to submit documentation proving disability status and personal details, with approvals based on available funding. The bill also includes minor tax adjustments related to interest and dividends but focuses primarily on the new disability support mechanism.
LB 275 requires Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services to screen all children in state custody (state wards) for eligibility for Social Security benefits within 60 days of entering care. If eligible, the department must apply for benefits, manage payments through a trust account, and provide written notices to the child (in age-appropriate language), parents, and guardian ad litem about eligibility, approvals, denials, and payment management. The bill mandates detailed accounting of benefit use and ensures funds are conserved for the child's future needs while complying with federal asset limits. This directly affects children under state care who may qualify for Social Security benefits, ensuring their potential benefits are identified and managed properly.
This bill adds nurse anesthetists and dietitian nutritionists to Nebraska's Rural Health Systems and Professional Incentive Act. It expands eligibility for student loans and loan repayment programs to include these professions, allowing them to qualify for financial assistance if they practice in designated health shortage areas. Specifically, nurse anesthetists and dietitian nutritionists become eligible for up to $15,000 annually in loan repayment (capped at $45,000 total) under the same terms as other qualifying healthcare providers like nurse practitioners and physical therapists. The bill amends existing statutes to formally include these professions in program eligibility and shortage area designations.
Nebraska's LB 9 updates tobacco tax and regulation laws to address new nicotine products. It defines "nicotine analogues" (substances chemically similar to nicotine or with similar effects) and creates a new category for "alternative nicotine products" (noncombustible items like vapes or gums containing nicotine, excluding e-cigarettes and FDA-regulated drugs). The bill adds taxes on these products, allows seizure of illegal items as contraband, and imposes penalties for violations. It directly affects retailers selling these products, requiring compliance with new tax rules and labeling. The law excludes e-cigarettes and FDA-approved nicotine products from its provisions.
LB 50 changes how revenue from Nebraska's nameplate capacity tax on renewable energy facilities is distributed. Five percent of the tax revenue will go directly to the community college in the area where the renewable energy facility (like wind or solar farms) is located. The remaining revenue will be distributed to local governments (cities, counties) that would have collected property taxes on the facility if it weren't exempt, calculated based on each government's share of typical property tax revenue. This distribution continues until the facility's equipment is sold or removed, and the tax revenue cannot be redirected to the state General Fund.
LB 499 amends Nebraska's Crime Victim's Reparations Committee membership rules to ensure more targeted representation. It requires the Governor to appoint five public members: two representing charitable organizations serving victims of sexual assault, human trafficking, or domestic abuse; two with direct experience supporting victims of those crimes; and one victim themselves. The bill also establishes staggered two-year terms for initial appointments before standard four-year terms begin. This directly affects the committee's composition and ensures members have specific expertise relevant to victim support services.
This is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) recognizing the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) for purchasing 202 acres of farmland for over $5 million. The resolution acknowledges the purchase despite documented concerns: the land was appraised at $11,000/acre ($2.3M total) but bought at $25,000/acre ($5.1M), with the $2.7M difference paid by ratepayers. It references unresolved conflict-of-interest questions involving NPPD staff and a closed board meeting about the transaction. The resolution does not change policy or address the financial discrepancy but formally honors the purchase.
LB 490 updates Nebraska's Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title Act to require titles for specific vehicle types. It mandates titles for new all-terrain vehicles, minibikes, and low-speed vehicles sold after 2004 or 2012, and adds new requirements for agricultural equipment (like fertilizer applicators and hay grinders) starting January 1, 2026. The bill also creates an electronic title and lien system, allowing lienholders and dealers to file liens electronically and replacing paper records for title issuance. These changes directly affect owners of these vehicle types, dealers, and lenders holding liens on vehicles.
