Nebraska LB 677 updates the state's medical cannabis framework by clarifying key definitions (like "cannabis products" and "caregivers"), establishing new licensing rules for cultivators and dispensaries, and imposing a special sales tax on medical cannabis sales. It prohibits open cannabis containers in vehicles, removes medical cannabis from existing marijuana tax categories, and directs tax revenue to specific state funds. The bill directly affects qualified patients, registered caregivers, cannabis businesses, and the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission, which now oversees regulation. It also repeals outdated provisions and harmonizes existing laws, though it remains pending in committee as of March 2025.
Nebraska's LB 766 updates regulations for racetracks and horseracing wagering. It sets new annual requirements: racetracks operating before April 2022 must host at least 5 live racing days and 50 races yearly through 2030 (increasing to 15 days and 120 races annually after 2030), while newer tracks have phased-in minimums. The bill eliminates the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, moves the Nebraska Commission on Problem Gambling under the State Racing and Gaming Commission, and allows keno players as young as 18 at racetracks (previously 21). It also revises how wagering revenue is distributed and repeals outdated sections of gaming law. The bill directly affects racetrack licensees, problem gamblers seeking services, and state gaming regulatory bodies.
LB 150A is a funding bill that allocates $146,056 in federal funds for fiscal year 2025-26 and $147,609 for 2026-27 to the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. These funds are specifically designated for Program 155 to support the implementation of Legislative Bill 150 (the parent bill). The bill does not create new policy but provides the necessary financial resources to carry out the Commission’s existing responsibilities under LB 150. This funding supports state law enforcement and criminal justice operations without changing eligibility or services for the public.
LB 261 is Nebraska's state budget bill for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27, allocating funds for government operations, education, capital projects, and federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. It reappropriates unspent balances from previous years and specifies how federal recovery funds must be used, including restrictions on salary spending. The bill requires agencies to submit detailed budget reports and limits total salary/wage expenditures unless federal funds cover the excess. This directly affects all state agencies, universities, and programs receiving state or federal funds during the 2025-2027 budget period.
LB 650 updates Nebraska's tax and development laws by amending multiple statutes related to revenue, property tax, and tax credits. It sets a sunset date for sports complex and stadium applications under the Sports Arena Facility Financing Assistance Act, eliminates sales tax exemptions for internet towers, net wrap, and twine, and adjusts sales tax collection fees. The bill also modifies tax credit programs under acts like the Nebraska Advantage Rural Development Act and the Renewable Chemical Production Tax Credit Act, while repealing outdated provisions including the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Tax Credit Act. These changes primarily affect businesses, local governments, and developers utilizing tax incentives for community development projects.
LB 613A is an appropriation bill that allocates $90,200 for fiscal year 2025-26 and $88,000 for 2026-27 from Nebraska's General Fund to the Department of Revenue's Program 102. It directly funds the implementation of Legislative Bill 613 (the main bill it supports) by covering salaries and per diems for staff. The bill includes specific spending limits: $64,100 for 2025-26 and $66,200 for 2026-27 for permanent and temporary staff costs. This is a funding measure, not a policy change, and it became law after approval by the governor on June 4, 2025.
This bill, LB 644A, is a funding measure that allocates specific state funds to support the implementation of Legislative Bill 644. It provides $30,000 from the State Settlement Cash Fund for Fiscal Year 2025-26 (and none for 2026-27) to the Attorney General's office for Program 507, and $50,000 annually from the General Fund for Fiscal Years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission for Program 94. The bill explicitly prohibits using these funds for state employee salaries or per diems. As an appropriation bill, it directly affects the Attorney General and the Accountability Commission by providing targeted financial support for their work related to Legislative Bill 644.
This bill allocates $680,000 annually from the General Fund for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to the Legislative Council. The funds are specifically designated to support implementation of Legislative Bill 298 (the main bill it references) and are subject to annual salary limits of $590,500 and $615,700 respectively. It modifies existing budget lines for the Legislative Council's Office of Public Counsel and repeals prior appropriation language, with immediate effect due to an emergency declaration. The bill does not change policy but adjusts funding for legislative operations.
LB 454 amends Nebraska law to update rules for regional behavioral health authorities and establish the Behavioral Health Services Fund. It requires these authorities to adopt uniform fee policies based on consumer income (not exceeding service costs), mandate competitive bidding for services unless specific exemptions apply, and maintain separate budgets for behavioral health funding. The new Behavioral Health Services Fund will provide grants, loans, and reimbursements to support community-based behavioral health services statewide, including housing assistance for very low-income adults with serious mental illness. These changes directly affect regional behavioral health authorities, behavioral health providers, and consumers receiving public behavioral health services.
LB 391A is an appropriation bill that provides funding to support Legislative Bill 391 (the main bill, not detailed here). It allocates $1,000,000 from the Give to Enable Support Cash Fund for fiscal year 2026-27 to Program 475, and $98,687 from the General Fund for fiscal year 2025-26 to Program 102. The bill explicitly prohibits using these funds for state employee salaries or per diems. This funding mechanism enables the implementation of Legislative Bill 391's provisions but does not describe the main bill's content.
