LB 122 requires Nebraska school boards to display the national motto "In God We Trust" and the state motto "Equality Under the Law" in every classroom or prominent location within school buildings. The display must be at least 8.5x11 inches, legible in English, and visible to students daily during school sessions. School boards may accept contributions to cover the costs of implementing this requirement. The bill directly affects all Nebraska public schools and their governing boards. It is a procedural requirement focused on visible display, not on altering educational content or policy.
Nebraska's Legislative Resolution 14 (LR 14) formally applies to Congress for an Article V convention of states to propose constitutional amendments. It specifically seeks amendments to impose fiscal restraints on federal spending, limit federal government power over states, and restrict terms for federal officials and Congress members. The resolution rescinds Nebraska's 2022 application (which expired in 2027) and specifies that Congress can only perform a ministerial role in calling the convention - once two-thirds of states apply for the same purpose - and that states retain full control over delegate selection and convention rules. This resolution directly affects Nebraska's state legislature, as it updates the state's formal request to Congress under the U.S. Constitution's Article V process.
This bill allocates $130,893 for fiscal year 2025-26 and $179,795 for 2026-27 from the General Fund to four Nebraska education entities (State Department of Education, Nebraska State Colleges, University of Nebraska, and community colleges via the Coordinating Commission) to support the existing Nebraska Statewide Workforce and Education Reporting System. It provides specific funding for these programs without creating new requirements or policies. The funds will be used to maintain and operate the reporting system that tracks workforce and education data across the state. This is a straightforward funding measure, not a substantive policy change.
LB 496 updates Nebraska's traffic rules to address motorists encountering livestock on highways. It requires drivers to exercise caution near livestock being led or driven, stop immediately when a hand signal is given (unless avoiding an accident), turn off engines if requested, and yield the right of way to livestock. The bill replaces the previous rule with these specific protections for livestock handlers and animals. This directly affects drivers and livestock handlers using Nebraska roads, particularly in rural areas where livestock may be on highways.
Nebraska's LB 476 proposes adding exemptions to the Foreign-owned Real Estate National Security Act, which currently requires foreign entities violating national security rules to divest real estate. The bill amends enforcement procedures to create specific cases where divestment requirements would not apply, harmonizing existing provisions. It directly affects foreign-owned properties that would otherwise face mandatory divestment under the law. The key mechanism adds explicit exemption language to Section 76-3712, clarifying when enforcement actions (like court-ordered divestment) would not be required. This change streamlines the law without altering the core national security purpose of the original act.
LB 678 allocates specific funds from Nebraska's General Fund for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to cover mandated costs for Nebraska State Colleges employees. It directly affects employees covered by the Nebraska Association of Public Employees, the State College Education Association, and the Nebraska State College System Professional Association. The bill provides funding for required salary increases from union agreements, minimum wage adjustments under the Wage and Hour Act, and rising health insurance premiums. This is a funding measure, not a new policy, ensuring colleges can meet existing financial obligations.
Nebraska's LB 557 amends education statutes to change the enrollment option program, which allows students to attend schools outside their resident district. The bill directly affects students seeking to transfer schools by providing state funding to those denied enrollment in an option program. Key provisions include eliminating all references to "open enrollment option students" and requirements for "diversity plans" in learning communities, while updating definitions of terms like "option student" and "resident school district." These changes streamline the program's structure and remove specific enrollment pathways and diversity-related requirements.
Nebraska's LB 106 amends window tinting rules for motor vehicles, directly affecting drivers and vehicle owners. It increases allowable tint darkness by raising the maximum luminous reflectance and minimum light transmission limits for front side windows from 20% to 35% (previously stricter). The bill also adjusts rear window standards (maintaining 20% minimum light transmission for most vehicles but adding exceptions for vans, buses, and multipurpose vehicles). It preserves existing restrictions on windshield tinting (below the AS-1 line must be clear, no red/yellow/amber above) and maintains federal safety glazing requirements for campers and motor homes. The changes make it easier to apply darker tint to front side windows while keeping safety standards for visibility.
Nebraska's LB 47 amends the Business Innovation Act and Small Business Assistance Act to establish a new small business investment program targeting microenterprises (businesses with 10 or fewer full-time employees). The bill requires the Department of Economic Development to award grants to local organizations that provide microloans, business counseling, and technical assistance, with a focus on equitable access across all geographic areas - including rural and economically struggling communities. Key provisions mandate that grantees must use funds to create job opportunities, support low-income households, and coordinate with commercial lenders, while requiring 35% nonstate matching funds for most grants. The program aims to strengthen Nebraska's small business infrastructure through state-funded support for community-based development organizations.
LB 540 creates the Nebraska Apiary Advisory Board to address beekeeping concerns and establishes a University of Nebraska educator position. The board, composed of beekeepers (including hobbyists, sideliners, and commercial beekeepers), will identify research gaps, recommend policies for bee health, and advise the legislature on protecting bee populations. It requires the University of Nebraska to create a full-time apiculture educator role focused on supporting all beekeeping types. The bill also updates definitions in the Apiary Act and repeals outdated sections to harmonize existing laws.
LB 702 would establish the Neighborhood Empowerment Act, creating a program to provide direct grants to Nebraska neighborhood associations for community projects. Eligible associations could apply for up to $5 million annually (subject to funding) to fund initiatives like park upgrades, safety improvements, local business support, or community events - excluding salaries or political activities. Applicants must demonstrate resident participation and submit annual reports on fund usage and community impact. The program prioritizes historically underserved communities and requires unused funds to be returned to the state treasury.
LB 638 amends Nebraska's Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Act by eliminating all provisions for incentive payments to farmers and removing the legislative intent behind the program. It modifies the Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Cash Fund to adjust grant administration and changes the program's termination date from December 31, 2030, to December 31, 2029. The bill repeals the original sections governing annual payment caps ($5 million/year), minimum per-acre payments ($10/acre), and fertilizer reduction targets. This effectively dismantles the financial structure of the program while keeping the framework for future administration open.
