Nebraska's LB 553 expands eligibility under the Rural Health Systems and Professional Incentive Act to include dietitian nutritionist students and professionals in loan programs. It adds "dietitian nutritionist program" to qualifying education pathways for student loans and includes dietitian nutritionists in the loan repayment program, with a $15,000 annual cap and $45,000 lifetime maximum for full-time practice in designated health shortage areas. The bill also requires the commission to designate shortage areas specifically for dietitian nutritionist practice and mandates that recipients agree to practice in these areas and accept Medicaid patients. This change harmonizes dietitian nutritionist provisions with existing categories like physicians and mental health practitioners. The bill was amended into LB 312 before passing.
Nebraska's LB 656 modifies the state's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility rules by temporarily raising the gross income limit to 165% of the federal poverty guideline (from the prior level), effective October 1, 2025. This change directly affects low-income Nebraska residents who may qualify for SNAP benefits under the updated threshold. The bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to report annually on the impact of this policy change, including administrative costs and participation rates. The increased eligibility limit expires on October 1, 2025, reverting to the previous standard.
LB 662 requires Nebraska state agencies receiving federal funds to submit detailed annual reports to the Department of Administrative Services by September 15 each even-numbered year. The reports must include the total federal funding received, state match requirements, contingency plans for funding cuts, and specific details about each federal agreement. The bill also prohibits state agencies from agreeing to federal "maintenance-of-effort" requirements (like mandatory state spending matches) without prior legislative approval. This directly affects all state agencies that accept federal grants or contracts, aiming to increase transparency and prevent automatic state spending commitments.
LB 664 requires Nebraska state agencies to actively seek public input on proposed rules and regulations through accessible methods like email or mail, without forcing people to travel to a specific location. It directly affects residents, businesses, and advocacy groups interacting with state agencies by expanding opportunities to provide feedback on new regulations. The bill also changes where lawsuits challenging agency rules can be filed, allowing cases to be heard in the petitioner’s home county, business location, Lancaster County, or the agency’s headquarters county. These changes aim to increase transparency in rulemaking and make legal challenges more accessible. The bill amends sections 84-906.02 and 84-911 of Nebraska’s Administrative Procedure Act.
Nebraska's LB 532 requires private employers with 25+ employees to use E-Verify to confirm new hires' work authorization within federal timeframes. It prohibits knowingly hiring unauthorized immigrants and imposes penalties, including license probation (1 year) or suspension (10-30 days for first violations) for noncompliance, with longer suspensions for repeat offenses. The bill excludes government agencies, political subdivisions, and bona fide independent contractors from these requirements. Violations trigger license discipline by the issuing agency, with reinstatement requiring termination of unauthorized workers and payment of fees.
Nebraska's LB 536 creates a pilot program providing one-time grants of up to $250,000 to eligible existing manufacturers in the state. The grants help companies invest in smart technologies (like specialized hardware or software) to boost productivity and competitiveness, requiring applicants to match grant funds with private financial support. To qualify, manufacturers must operate in Nebraska for at least three years, have 3+ full-time employees, derive over 50% revenue from goods sales, and meet specific industry classifications. Applications for the grants, administered by the Department of Economic Development, open October 1-November 1, 2025, with funds sourced from the newly created Manufacturing Modernization Pilot Investment Fund.
Nebraska's LB 697 amends pharmacy practice regulations to update compounding standards and delegated dispensing rules. It requires pharmacists to follow specific U.S. Pharmacopeia standards for compounding (effective Jan. 2023) and prohibits compounding certain drugs, like FDA-withdrawn products or copies of approved drugs during shortages. The bill also revises delegated dispensing permits for public health clinics, limiting dispensing to contraceptive refills, mandating detailed labeling requirements, and requiring a pharmacist's daily availability to answer questions. These changes directly affect pharmacists, pharmacy boards, and public health clinics operating under delegated dispensing permits.
LB 505 directs Nebraska's Legislature to allocate $10 million annually from federal funds for food assistance programs during fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27. It specifically requires these funds to support nonprofit organizations that provide food assistance across at least ten Nebraska counties and qualify for the federal USDA Emergency Food Assistance Program. The bill ensures these nonprofits receive funding through the state's Public Assistance program (No. 347) under federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds. The legislation takes immediate effect due to an emergency declaration, though it does not create new state funding but directs existing federal resources.
This Nebraska bill restricts property tax increases for community colleges. It prevents community colleges from raising taxes above last year's level if rising property valuations would cause higher taxes. To exceed this limit, colleges must hold public hearings with detailed notices about tax impacts and submit formal resolutions showing how proposed increases affect budgets. These changes apply specifically to community colleges under the state's Property Tax Request Act.
LB 659 amends Nebraska's Election Act to strengthen oversight of electronic vote counting devices. It requires election officials to conduct three independent accuracy tests before counting begins, involving the official, a cross-party voter, and the device operator. The bill also establishes rules for political party watchers at testing sites and mandates that officials certify testing completion to the Secretary of State for public posting. Additionally, it adds detailed requirements for securing ballots during transport, handling damaged ballots, and submitting election-day procedures to the Secretary of State.
LB 621 mandates annual transfers from Nebraska's Medicaid Intergovernmental Trust Fund and Tobacco Settlement Trust Fund into the Nebraska Health Care Cash Fund. It specifies exact transfer amounts (e.g., $61.654 million for 2025-26) and requires adjustments based on unused funds in the Health Care Cash Fund. The bill also directs funding for community health centers (e.g., $700,000 per center for expanded services like dental or behavioral health) and pancreatic cancer research at UNMC, contingent on matching private funds. These transfers and funding allocations are legally required, with the State Treasurer responsible for implementation.
LB 497 requires Nebraska school boards to allow non-resident students (who are already admitted to attend school under existing residency rules) to participate in extracurricular activities like sports and clubs. It amends statutes to mandate this participation for students who are not residents of the school district but meet specific admission criteria, such as living near the district border or having parents residing there. The bill focuses on expanding access to activities beyond classroom attendance, aligning with current admission policies. Note: This bill was amended into LB 306 on June 6, 2025.
