Nebraska's LB 1061 revises residency rules for determining eligibility for in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities. It requires students to establish a Nebraska home for at least 180 days with intent to make it permanent, supported by documentation, for most cases. The bill adds specific pathways, including for military-affiliated students (active duty or spouses of service members stationed in Nebraska), students who graduated from Nebraska high schools (with three years of prior residency), and students with parents who established residency while they attended school. This change directly affects students seeking lower in-state tuition rates at Nebraska's public postsecondary institutions.
Nebraska's LB 1097 adopts the State and Political Subdivisions Sexual Abuse Liability Act, allowing victims of child sexual abuse or sexual abuse involving individuals with developmental disabilities to sue state agencies and local governments (like school districts or cities) directly. The bill waives government immunity for these cases, meaning victims can pursue civil claims against public entities in the same way they could against private organizations. It extends the statute of limitations, permitting lawsuits within 12 years after the victim turns 21 for abuse claims under specific statutes (sections 28-319.01 or 28-320.01), while removing time limits for claims against the direct abuser. This policy change removes barriers to holding public entities accountable for sexual abuse occurring in their care or oversight.
LB 972 amends Nebraska's vehicle and licensing laws to update rules for designated parking spaces for people with disabilities, requiring clearer signage and including out-of-state permits. It changes license suspension penalties for certain traffic violations to license revocation, modifies boat title bond requirements, and introduces "Choice Color Plates" as a new license plate option while ending special interest plates. The bill also eliminates snowmobile safety certificate requirements and updates military service provisions for license holders. These changes directly affect disabled drivers, vehicle owners, and license applicants across Nebraska. The bill focuses on administrative clarity and modernizing existing vehicle regulations without creating new substantive requirements.
LB 825 requires licensed mental health practitioners in Nebraska to complete at least two hours of domestic abuse training every two years. It also mandates that individuals seeking provisional mental health licenses must complete three hours of specific domestic abuse training covering screening tools, risk indicators, trauma-informed care, and referrals. The training must be provided by qualified instructors with relevant experience and additional certification. This applies to all licensed practitioners and provisional license holders under the Mental Health Practice Act, effective January 1, 2027. The bill defines domestic abuse using Nebraska's existing legal definition from section 42-903.
Nebraska's LB 938 creates a state tax-advantaged savings program to help first-time homebuyers. It allows individuals to contribute up to $5,000 annually (or $10,000 for joint filers) to designated savings accounts, reducing their state taxable income. Contributions can be used for eligible home purchase costs like down payments, closing fees, or construction financing for a primary residence in Nebraska. The program limits lifetime contributions to $25,000 per individual ($50,000 for joint filers) and requires account holders to designate a qualified beneficiary (the homebuyer) by April 15 each year. This directly affects first-time homebuyers who meet the definition: individuals without prior primary residence ownership or those divorced and not on title for 3+ years.
Nebraska's LB 1139 amends laws governing liens from child and spousal support orders. It clarifies that current support payments (verified by the Title IV-D Division) automatically release property liens, eliminating the need for court action when payments are up-to-date. If a support creditor refuses to release a lien despite current payments, the debtor can seek court approval for release or subordination after providing proof of payment. The bill also sets a 10-year expiration for these liens (from when support ends or the last collection attempt), and establishes procedures for handling disputes over lien releases. This directly affects individuals owing support (who face property liens) and those receiving support (who manage lien enforcement).
LB 880 prohibits Nebraska residential landlords from banning or charging extra fees for rent payments made via electronic transfer (such as direct deposit or online payment systems). It directly affects landlords renting residential properties and their tenants who use electronic payment methods. The law requires landlords to accept these payments without restrictions and without additional charges, amending the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. This ensures tenants can use convenient payment options without financial penalties.
LB 922 amends Nebraska's Motor Vehicle Industry Regulation Act to update the fee schedule for industry licenses, specifically revising Section 60-1411.01. It lists current fees for licenses including motor vehicle dealers ($1,400), manufacturers ($1,560), distributors ($1,560), and others, while repealing the original section. The bill directly affects auto dealers, manufacturers, distributors, and related businesses that pay these annual licensing fees. No new fees are created - this is a procedural update to align the statute with existing fee amounts. The change ensures the law accurately reflects current licensing costs without altering the financial burden on license holders.
This proposed constitutional amendment (LR 303CA) would require all employers in Nebraska to provide paid family medical leave to employees. It mandates a minimum of six weeks of paid leave starting October 1, 2027, increasing to twelve weeks by October 1, 2028. The amendment must be approved by Nebraska voters in the November 2026 general election to become part of the state constitution. If approved, it would directly affect all Nebraska employers and their employees by establishing a state-wide paid leave requirement.
LB 1136 requires cities, counties, and other local governments in Nebraska to publicly list on their websites who can legally accept tort claims (like injury or property damage lawsuits against them). This includes the name, title, and mailing address of the designated official or law department. Filing a claim with this listed recipient satisfies legal filing requirements, and if a government fails to maintain accurate website information, the deadlines for filing claims and lawsuits are extended. The bill directly affects residents filing claims against local governments and ensures clearer, more accessible claim submission processes.
Nebraska's LB 868 creates an inheritance tax exemption for property transferred from a person who was a homicide victim. This directly affects individuals inheriting assets from someone killed in a homicide, as they may qualify for the exemption by filing an application with the Department of Revenue. The bill changes the tax payment deadline: if an exemption application is filed within 12 months of the death, the tax becomes due 12 months after the exemption determination (not the death date). The exemption applies to deaths on or after June 1, 2026, and requires either a homicide conviction or a court determination that the decedent was a victim.
LB 974 would impose a supplemental 9.5% excise tax on individual income above $1 million for single filers or $2 million for married couples filing jointly, calculated after subtracting existing income tax rates. It creates the "Tax Equity Cash Fund" to collect this new tax revenue, which the Department of Revenue would manage. Funds in the account may only be used for administrative costs related to the tax or transferred to three specific state funds (General Fund, Education Future Fund, or Property Tax Credit Cash Fund), not for new programs. This bill directly affects high-income Nebraskans earning above the thresholds, with no specified new spending beyond fund transfers.
