Nebraska Bills

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 571: Require cost-of-living adjustments for retirees for any public power district that operates a defined benefit plan

LB 571 requires Nebraska public power districts with defined benefit retirement plans to provide annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to certain retirees starting January 1, 2026. The COLA must match the annual adjustment determined by the federal Social Security Administration. This applies specifically to retirees who are not eligible for Social Security benefits. The bill directly affects public power district retirees in Nebraska whose retirement plans are defined benefit plans, ensuring their benefits keep pace with inflation as measured by Social Security's annual adjustment.

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 479: Change the distribution of sales and use tax revenue

LB 479 changes how Nebraska distributes sales and use tax revenue from specific vehicle sales. It directs all tax money from motorboats, personal watercraft, ATVs, and utility vehicles to the Game and Parks Commission fund (with transfers to emergency medical services), and adjusts allocations for longer-term vehicle rentals and general sales taxes. Starting October 1, 2025, 85% of general sales tax revenue from most transactions will go to the Highway Trust Fund and 15% to the Highway Allocation Fund. The bill modifies existing tax distribution rules without creating new taxes, affecting state funds managing transportation, parks, and emergency services. It repeals the current funding allocation section and becomes effective October 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 255: Provide for use of the Opioid Treatment Infrastructure Cash Fund for problem solving courts

LB 255 redirects $1 million annually from Nebraska's Opioid Treatment Infrastructure Cash Fund to support problem-solving courts. It specifically authorizes funding for medication-assisted treatment (using FDA-approved medication combined with counseling and therapy) for individuals with substance use disorders participating in these courts. The bill affects drug, veterans, mental health, and other problem-solving courts across judicial districts, requiring the State Court Administrator to track outcomes and report on recidivism and program access. This policy change explicitly ties fund usage to court-based treatment programs, as amended in sections 24-1302 and 71-2492 of Nebraska law.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 661: Change provisions relating to the duties of the Nebraska Investment Council, the state investment officer, and the State Treasurer

LB 661 amends Nebraska law to clarify investment duties for the Nebraska Investment Council, state investment officer, and State Treasurer regarding retirement system funds. The bill requires these officials to act as fiduciaries solely for the benefit of retirement plan members and beneficiaries, while prohibiting investments in "restricted entities" - specifically Chinese companies designated by U.S. executive orders or lists like the Specially Designated Nationals List. It mandates divestment from such restricted entities when identified and requires annual reports on certain investments. The bill directly affects Nebraska's public employee retirement systems, school employee retirement funds, educational savings plans, and the Achieving a Better Life Experience program.

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 567: Authorize school policies relating to community engagement

LB 567 requires Nebraska's State Board of Education to create a model policy by December 1, 2025, to help schools strengthen connections with students, families, and communities. The model policy includes four key elements: integrated student supports (like coordinated health and academic services), extended learning opportunities (before/after school and during breaks), collaborative leadership (involving parents, teachers, and community members in decisions), and meaningful family engagement. School districts can adopt their own community engagement policies as long as they align with this state model. The bill directly affects all Nebraska public school districts and aims to improve school-community relationships through structured, evidence-based approaches.

Topics ✓ Education

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 509: Adopt the Opportunity Scholarships Act and provide for income tax credits

LB 509, the Opportunity Scholarships Act, creates tax credits for Nebraska individuals and businesses that donate to nonprofit organizations providing scholarships. These scholarships help low-income families pay for private school tuition at qualifying non-profit schools (meeting accreditation and safety standards). Eligible students must have household income at or below 213% of the federal poverty level, with priority given to those previously receiving scholarships or in specific hardship situations. The bill allows donors to claim tax credits equal to their contributions, directing funds through certified scholarship-granting organizations to support enrollment at participating private schools.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 292A: Appropriation Bill

LB 292A is a funding bill that appropriates $250,000 from the Middle Income Workforce Housing Investment Fund for fiscal year 2025-26 to the Department of Economic Development’s Program 601. This funding specifically supports the implementation of Legislative Bill 292 (the main bill it references), with no funds allowed for state employee salaries or per diems. It directly affects the Department of Economic Development’s housing program and the state’s housing investment fund.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 300: Change provisions relating to the Superintendent Pay Transparency Act and provide a limit for superintendent and educational service unit administrator compensation

LB 300 amends Nebraska school district laws to add a compensation limit for superintendents and educational service unit administrators, requiring their pay to comply with the existing Superintendent Pay Transparency Act. The bill defines "compensation" as salary plus benefits (like retirement contributions and insurance) and prohibits school districts from entering contracts that exceed this new limit. It directly affects all Nebraska school districts and educational service units when hiring or setting pay for these leadership roles. The key mechanism is amending multiple statutes (79-566, 79-567, 79-594, 79-1219, and 79-2401) to include this limit and clarify pay transparency requirements.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes ✗ Labor & Employment

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 465: Change provisions relating to annual fees and eliminate requirements for the use of a personal vehicle for transportation network companies

Nebraska's LB 465 changes how transportation network companies (like ride-share services) pay annual fees and removes a requirement that drivers must use their personal vehicles. Companies can now choose between a flat $25,000 annual fee or an $80 fee per vehicle, replacing the previous structure. The bill also eliminates the mandate that drivers must operate personal vehicles, while maintaining annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, tires, and other vehicle components. These changes apply directly to transportation network companies operating in Nebraska and affect their fee obligations and vehicle operation rules.

Topics ✓ Transportation

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 550: Require school districts to adopt a policy that excuses students to attend a course for religious instruction

Nebraska's LB 550 requires school districts to adopt a policy allowing students to miss one class period weekly for religious instruction courses, provided parents/guardians give written consent. The policy mandates sponsoring religious organizations to track attendance, handle transportation, assume liability during instruction, and use secular evaluation criteria (like class hours or syllabus review) if academic credit is offered. School districts cannot use public funds for these courses beyond minimal administrative costs, and students remain counted as attending for funding purposes during excused time. Violations allow affected parties to sue school districts for damages, attorney fees, or other relief.

Topics ✗ Education

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 651: Change provisions of the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act and the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act and provide for regulation of medical cannabis

LB 651 updates Nebraska's medical cannabis laws by increasing the allowable cannabis amount for patients from 2.5 ounces to 5 ounces per month and clarifying definitions for terms like "cannabis," "cannabis product," and "caregiver." It imposes a special sales tax on medical cannabis sales, directs tax revenue distribution, and prohibits open cannabis containers in vehicles. The bill also removes medical cannabis from the marijuana and controlled substances tax, updates regulations for the Liquor Control Commission, and aligns provisions with recent voter initiatives. These changes directly affect medical cannabis patients, caregivers, dispensaries, and state regulatory agencies.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 491: Change provisions regarding appropriations from the Museum Construction and Maintenance Fund

This bill amends funding provisions for two Nebraska museums: the Chief Standing Bear Museum and the Fort Robinson State Park museum. It specifies exact annual funding amounts from the Museum Construction and Maintenance Fund - $7.15 million for the Chief Standing Bear Museum's construction in fiscal year 2025-26, $750,000 for exhibits in 2024-25, and $7 million for the Fort Robinson museum in 2025-26. The bill directly affects the Game and Parks Commission, which will manage these funds, and the federally recognized tribes partnering on the Chief Standing Bear project. It updates prior funding language to clarify intended allocations without changing the overall purpose or scope of the museum projects.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

Bill results