LB 116 amends definitions in Nebraska's Convention Center Facility Financing Assistance Act and Nebraska Visitors Development Act to clarify eligibility for state funding. It specifies that "associated hotels" and "nearby retailers" must be within 600 yards of a convention center (with special rules if near the State Capitol), and excludes new sports arenas with over 16,000 seats from becoming "eligible facilities" for state assistance. The bill also adjusts funding limits, capping total state assistance at $150 million per project, with modified rules for facilities near the State Capitol. These changes directly affect local governments seeking state financial support for convention center development or related infrastructure.
Nebraska's LB 373 updates rules for counties to abandon or vacate public roads that were previously declared public roads under older law. It removes the requirement for a county to conduct a study before abandoning such roads (previously needed under Section 39-1410), while still requiring city approval for roads within city zoning areas. The bill also clarifies that abandoned road right-of-way reverts to adjacent private landowners after 10 years of nonuse if the county doesn't specify a disposition. This affects county boards, cities with zoning jurisdiction, and landowners adjacent to roads being vacated.
This bill amends two Nebraska economic development laws by changing the deadlines for applications. It sets December 31, 2025 as the final date for organizations to apply for Innovation Hub designation under the Nebraska Innovation Hub Act and for matching funds under the Nebraska Rural Projects Act. The bill does not change the requirements for these programs, only the date by which applications must be submitted. This change affects nonprofit organizations, inland port authorities, and other entities seeking to participate in these economic development programs.
LB 593 updates Nebraska's fuel standards by adopting the latest ASTM International specification (D4814-24b) for automotive spark-ignition engine fuel, replacing the outdated reference to D4814-89. It requires all gasoline and its oxygenate blends (like ethanol) sold in Nebraska to meet this new standard starting January 1, 1992. Fuel sellers who fail to comply face a Class I misdemeanor for the first violation and a Class IV felony for subsequent violations. The bill directly affects gas stations, fuel distributors, and manufacturers selling automotive fuel within the state.
Nebraska bill LB 289 modifies how villages structure their governing boards. It allows villages to change the number of board members (from three to five or five to three) through a voter referendum, requiring petitions signed by at least 5% of registered voters or a board resolution. The bill specifies that petitions must be filed 70 days before an election and outlines procedures for adjusting board terms during transitions. This directly affects Nebraska villages by giving them a formal process to modify their local governance structure. The bill also redefines "qualifying business" under the Local Option Municipal Economic Development Act, though specific details are not provided in the excerpt.
LB 396 modifies how Nebraska's public power districts submit budgets and audits to the Nebraska Power Review Board. It requires districts to create annual budgets showing detailed revenue and spending from the prior two years, make these budgets available for public inspection 7 days before board meetings, and post any last-minute changes at district headquarters. The bill also mandates that districts file completed financial audits with both the Auditor of Public Accounts and the Nebraska Power Review Board within 180 days after their fiscal year ends. These changes apply directly to public power districts, public power and irrigation districts, and rural power districts operating under Nebraska law. The bill repeals the original budget and audit filing requirements it amends.
LB 377 removes the three-term limit for members of Nebraska's Game and Parks Commission. Previously, no member could serve more than three full terms; this bill eliminates that restriction. The change directly affects current and future commission members who would otherwise be ineligible for reappointment after three terms. The bill amends Section 37-101 of Nebraska law to delete the term limit provision while retaining other appointment rules. It does not alter the commission's structure, membership requirements, or other existing provisions.
LB 241 (signed March 17, 2025) shields private businesses - including corporations, nonprofits, and other private entities - from class action lawsuits following cybersecurity events, unless the breach resulted from their willful, wanton, or gross negligence. The bill defines a "cybersecurity event" as unauthorized access or disruption of systems holding nonpublic information (like Social Security numbers or financial data) and clarifies that entities are not liable for such events under normal circumstances. It specifically exempts private entities from liability in class actions related to these incidents, focusing on preventing lawsuits for routine breaches rather than imposing new privacy requirements. This law directly affects businesses handling sensitive personal data by reducing legal risks from data breaches, provided they meet basic cybersecurity standards.
LB 247 changes fees for solid waste disposal and adjusts how those fees are distributed. It sets a $1.34 fee per 6 cubic yards of uncompacted waste (or equivalent per ton) paid quarterly by landfill operators and waste processing facilities. Fifty percent of collected fees will fund emergency response and cleanup under the Integrated Solid Waste Management Act, while the other 50% will support local waste reduction grants and reimbursements for cleanup at dump sites. The bill also updates the Petroleum Release Remedial Action Cash Fund to clarify its funding sources and uses for environmental remediation.
LB 59 allows Nebraska natural resources districts to disburse funds using electronic payment systems (like ACH transfers) alongside traditional checks. It amends state law to explicitly include electronic payments as a permitted method for district expenditures, requiring written authorization for any officer signing on behalf of the treasurer. The bill also adds bonding requirements to protect districts against losses from unauthorized electronic transactions. This change directly affects how natural resources districts manage their financial operations and fund disbursements.
This bill redefines "all-terrain vehicle" (ATV) and "utility-type vehicle" (UTV) in Nebraska law to clarify size, weight, and design requirements for registration. ATVs must be ≤50 inches wide, ≤1,200 lbs, use 3+ nonhighway tires, and carry only the operator or operator + one passenger. UTVs must be ≤74 inches wide, ≤180 inches long (including bumper), ≤2,000 lbs, and use 4+ nonhighway tires, while explicitly excluding ATVs, golf cars, and low-speed vehicles. The bill also prohibits registration of modified vehicles (with aftermarket parts beyond original specifications) under these categories. It directly affects ATV and UTV owners, particularly those who modify their vehicles, by restricting registration eligibility.
LB 609A appropriates $232,777 for fiscal year 2025-26 and $185,061 for fiscal year 2026-27 from the Financial Institution Assessment Cash Fund to the Department of Banking and Finance's Program 65. This funding supports the implementation of Legislative Bill 609 (which established a new banking oversight program) and limits salary/per diem expenses to $85,000 for 2025-26 and $87,125 for 2026-27. The bill directly affects the Department of Banking and Finance and its Program 65 operations.
