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U.S. Pharmacopeia standards for compounding (effective Jan. 2023) and prohibits compounding certain drugs, like FDA-withdrawn products or copies of approved drugs during shortages.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.
This Nebraska bill (LB 515) amends pharmacy rules to establish clear procedures for pharmacists to provide emergency prescription refills when doctors cannot be contacted. It allows pharmacists to dispense up to a 30-day supply (or the previous refill amount, whichever is less) for non-controlled maintenance medications under specific conditions: the refill must be for ongoing treatment, the pharmacist must verify the prescription through records or a database, and the pharmacist must judge that interrupting therapy would harm the patient. The bill directly affects pharmacists and patients who need urgent access to ongoing medications like diabetes or blood pressure drugs. It does not change standard refill rules but creates a defined emergency process to prevent treatment gaps.
LB 556 would change Nebraska's juvenile justice system by lowering the age threshold for certain serious crimes to be heard in adult court (from 14 to 12 years old for Class I-IIA felonies). It requires courts to hold transfer hearings within 15 days if a minor requests juvenile court jurisdiction, and defines "detention" under juvenile law. The bill also clarifies that mental health statements made for transfer hearings cannot be used against defendants in adult trials, though they may be used in juvenile proceedings or sentencing. These changes aim to standardize jurisdiction procedures between juvenile and adult courts.
Nebraska's LB 543 updates license plate procedures and fees for vehicle registration. It allows owners to register for 2- or 3-year periods (starting 2029) instead of annual renewals, requiring payment of fees for each year. The bill also authorizes the DMV to mail license plates or registration certificates to applicants (with a postage/handling fee) and requires one license plate for certain vehicles like trailers or motorcycles. These changes affect all Nebraska vehicle owners who register their vehicles, streamlining delivery and adding multi-year registration options while updating fee structures.
LB 563 would create permanent license plates specifically for commercial fertilizer trailers owned by businesses that sell agricultural fertilizer or chemicals as a going concern. This change replaces the current requirement for annual license plate renewals or validation decals for these trailers. The bill amends Nebraska's vehicle registration laws to add "permanent fertilizer trailer license plates" as a new plate category under the existing trailer plate system. It directly affects agricultural businesses operating fertilizer trailers, reducing annual renewal paperwork for this specific vehicle type.
Nebraska's LB 684 creates a new Juvenile Probation Agency within the executive branch, transferring juvenile probation functions currently handled by the judicial branch's Office of Probation Administration. The bill establishes a Juvenile Probation Administrator (appointed by the Governor) to oversee probation policies, officer qualifications, and evidence-based supervision practices - including risk assessments and graduated response strategies - while eliminating several existing advisory groups. It directly affects juvenile probationers, probation officers, and the judicial system by shifting oversight to the executive branch and requiring standardized, risk-focused supervision protocols. The bill repeals outdated sections of Nebraska law related to juvenile probation and mandates annual reports to the Legislature and Supreme Court on agency operations.
