Nebraska's LB 1262 prohibits all public and private postsecondary institutions in the state from accepting any funding, gifts, research sponsorships, or partnerships from designated "foreign adversaries," including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Qatar, and entities like the Muslim Brotherhood. The bill defines prohibited entities and requires institutions to return any funds received in violation. It also mandates written certification for cultural exchanges to ensure they do not restrict free speech, control curriculum, or threaten state safety. This directly affects all Nebraska colleges and universities, their research centers, and affiliated organizations. The law aligns with similar measures recently enacted in Florida and Texas.
This bill requires motor carriers (including ride-sharing services) that transport railroad employees within Nebraska for work to obtain a $250 annual license from the state commission. It applies specifically to companies moving railroad workers between their homes and workplaces inside Nebraska, not to general passenger transport. Licensees must comply with existing safety rules on driver qualifications, vehicle standards, and recordkeeping but cannot have their transportation rates regulated by the commission. The bill repeals the previous licensing requirement for this service and adds new application procedures.
LB 772 eliminates specific provisions that allow certain state funds to transfer money to Nebraska's General Fund. The bill targets multiple funds, including the Certified Public Accountants Fund, Small Watersheds Flood Control Fund, and Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Fund, by removing language permitting such transfers. It does not create new funding mechanisms but removes existing authority for these transfers. The bill directly affects how these specific funds can be managed, preventing future transfers to the General Fund without new legislative action. This is a procedural change to fund management rules, not a new policy affecting public services or programs.
LB 1044 amends Nebraska's Business Innovation Act to update two state-funded programs supporting small businesses and individuals. It changes the matching requirements for prototype development funding (25% nonstate funds for businesses in economic redevelopment areas, 50% otherwise) and sets a $150,000 project cap, while requiring a business plan with proof-of-concept. For commercialization, the bill mandates feasibility studies with sales projections, includes specific support services like market assessments and mentorship, and sets a $500,000 project cap with a $4 million annual minimum funding level. The department must also develop an annual qualified action plan by January 1 of even-numbered years, outlining selection criteria focused on job growth, private investment, and repayment.
LB 1234 establishes licensing requirements for freestanding birth centers in Nebraska, which provide pregnancy and birth care outside hospitals for low-risk pregnancies. The bill requires these centers to be licensed by the state, employ a certified nurse midwife as clinical director, and limit services to uncomplicated pregnancies with spontaneous vaginal deliveries - excluding hospital-style anesthesia or extended stays. It sets a $250 annual licensing fee, prohibits unlicensed facilities from using the term "birth center," and defines "low-risk pregnancy" as one with no anticipated medical complications. This directly affects patients seeking non-hospital birth options and birth centers aiming to operate legally within the state.
Nebraska's LB 1194, the Real Food Act, establishes state dietary guidelines prioritizing whole, nutrient-dense foods for public health. It requires state agencies (Health, Agriculture, Education) and programs like school lunches to update educational materials by 2027 to align with specific food recommendations: emphasizing whole proteins (including animal and plant sources), whole-food fats (like nuts and avocados), colorful produce, full-fat dairy without added sugar, and fiber-rich whole grains over refined carbs. The bill directs agencies to launch public awareness campaigns and partner with communities to promote these guidelines, while highlighting Nebraska-produced foods. It directly affects state nutrition programs, schools, and healthcare services that serve residents. The guidelines become effective January 1, 2027.
Nebraska's LB 1073 requires all commercial motor vehicle driver training programs in the state to include 30 minutes of antitrafficking training starting January 1, 2027. This applies directly to driver training schools and future commercial drivers who complete certification courses. The Attorney General must develop and update the training curriculum by December 1, 2026, and every three years thereafter, collaborating with human trafficking experts to cover recognition, prevention, and reporting. The bill repeals the previous version of the relevant licensing law to implement this requirement.
This bill (LB 875) modifies Nebraska's Equipment Business Regulation Act to protect equipment dealers from unfair supplier practices. It prohibits suppliers from forcing dealers to accept unwanted equipment or parts (Section 87-704), and requires suppliers to provide annual opportunities for dealers to return surplus parts with specific credit terms (Section 87-706). Key provisions include: dealers must be allowed to return parts worth at least 6% of their annual purchases, receive 85% credit based on current prices, and have 90 days for credit issuance. The bill directly affects dealers who sell equipment like agricultural or construction machinery, ensuring fairer terms in their agreements and part returns.
Nebraska Legislative Bill LB 1210 eliminates outdated transfer requirements from the Cash Reserve Fund statute. It amends Section 84-612 by removing specific, dated provisions that mandated exact dollar amounts and timelines for transferring funds to various state funds (such as School Safety, Public Safety, Capital Construction, and Emergency Funds). This bill does not create new funding or alter current financial obligations - it simply removes obsolete language from state law. The change affects administrative processes for fund transfers but does not directly impact state agencies or programs.
LB 1162 amends Nebraska's Public Service Commission authority to adopt and enforce specific federal railroad safety standards for safety inspections. The bill allows the commission to use federal standards (from 49 C.F.R. parts 213, 215, 223, 229, 231, and 232) when conducting inspections and participating in federal safety programs. It requires the commission to report potential federal violations to the Federal Railroad Administration for enforcement. This directly affects railroad carriers operating in Nebraska and the Public Service Commission's safety oversight role.
Nebraska's LB 1092 creates two new specialty license plate options: "Back the Blue" plates (supporting law enforcement, available starting January 2027) and "Iconic-Design" plates (inspired by retired Nebraska plates, with black/white background options). Drivers applying for Iconic-Design plates pay a $100 fee, while Back the Blue fees support the Back the Blue Cash Fund. The bill specifies design requirements (e.g., consultation with law enforcement associations for Back the Blue) and directs all fees to designated state funds, including the Developmental Disabilities Provider Capital Fund. It does not alter existing plate programs but adds these new options with defined funding mechanisms.
LB 732 prohibits healthcare practitioners in Nebraska from providing cross-sex hormones or puberty blockers to individuals under 19 years old, as part of amendments to the "Let Them Grow Act." The bill directly affects transgender and non-binary minors seeking gender-affirming care, restricting access to these treatments unless a medically verifiable disorder of sex development is diagnosed. It defines exceptions for congenital defects related to sex development (excluding gender dysphoria) but explicitly bars these treatments for minors without such conditions. The law amends multiple sections of Nebraska’s health statutes to enforce this age restriction and clarify prohibited medical services.
