This bill allocates state funds to the Department of Health and Human Services to support the implementation of Legislative Bill 912, which was passed in the 2026 legislative session. The appropriation includes $187,151 from the General Fund and $40,000 from the Professional and Occupational Credentialing Cash Fund for the 2026-27 fiscal year, plus an additional $338,010 from the General Fund for 2027-28. These funds are designated for permanent and temporary employee salaries and per diems, with spending limits set at $115,740 for the first year and $162,035 for the second year. The legislation declares an emergency to allow immediate implementation upon approval.
LB 966, the Hunger-Free Schools Act, requires Nebraska public and nonprofit private schools participating in federal meal programs to provide free breakfasts and lunches to students who qualify for reduced-price meals under federal rules. The State Department of Education will reimburse schools for the difference between federal funding rates for free meals versus reduced-price meals, based on the previous school year's data. This directly affects schools serving qualifying students, ensuring they receive funding support for meals provided at no cost to those students. The bill replaces previous reimbursement rules and repeals outdated sections of law related to school meal programs.
This bill changes Nebraska's regulations for racetracks and horseracing wagering. It requires existing racetracks to hold at least five live racing days and 50 races annually through 2030 (increasing to 15 days and 120 races yearly after 2030), while new tracks have phased-in requirements. The bill eliminates the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, moves the Problem Gambling Commission under the State Racing and Gaming Commission, and allows 18-year-olds to play keno at racetracks (previously restricted to 21+). These changes affect racetracks, problem gamblers receiving services, and state agencies managing gaming oversight.
LB 1067 adjusts how documentary stamp tax revenue is distributed to fund housing programs in Nebraska. It specifies that for every $2.82 collected on property transfers (deeds), 95 cents goes to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, 75 cents each to the Rural Workforce and Middle Income Workforce Housing Investment Funds, and smaller portions to other housing-related funds. The bill harmonizes existing tax allocation rules across these funds and ensures collected revenue is used solely for designated housing purposes. This directly affects property sellers and buyers paying the transfer tax, with funds supporting affordable housing initiatives. The changes take effect upon enactment, modifying current tax distribution formulas.
Nebraska bill LB 778 amends the Civic and Community Center Financing Act to change grant eligibility rules. It prohibits municipalities from receiving state funding for community centers if they previously received grants for sports arenas (Sports Arena Facility Financing Act) or convention centers (Convention Center Facility Financing Act). For the 2023-2024 grant cycle, municipalities must partner with a certified creative district to qualify, with grants starting at $100,000 and coordinated with the Nebraska Arts Council. This temporary rule expires June 30, 2024. The bill directly affects cities seeking community center funding and certified creative districts.
This bill requires Nebraska state employers to provide paid maternity leave to employees who give birth or adopt a child. Full-time state employees would receive six weeks of paid leave, while part-time employees would receive leave proportional to their regular work schedule. The leave must be taken within six months of the child's birth or adoption, and employees must return to their original position or an equivalent role after leave. The bill also prohibits retaliation against employees who use this leave and ensures continued benefits during the leave period.
Nebraska's LB 924 changes how learning communities (groups of school districts collaborating on shared programs) can use property tax levies. It reduces the maximum allowable levy from 95 cents to just half a cent per $100 of taxable property valuation for specific purposes. The new levy funds elementary learning center facility leases, remodeling, and up to 50% of approved capital projects for focus schools or programs. This directly affects learning communities and their member school districts by restricting and redirecting their funding authority. The bill repeals the previous 95-cent levy provision and aligns with updated funding mechanisms under Section 79-2111.
LB 1071 is a budget bill that sets funding levels for Nebraska's state government for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27. It defines key fiscal periods, redirects unspent funds from previous years to current budgets, and establishes limits on state employee salaries and per diems. The bill specifically caps total salary and per diem spending for state agencies, with adjustments based on prior-year encumbrances, and allows exceptions only for federal funds or specific legislative approvals. This bill directly affects all Nebraska state agencies managing budgets and payroll during the 2025-2027 biennium.
This bill changes how Nebraska calculates state aid for cities and towns. It requires the Department of Revenue to use each municipality's prior year's certified property tax levy data (separating bond and nonbond taxes) to determine aid amounts. Municipalities with tax levies below the state average face a 20% aid reduction for each cent below the average, up to 80% total reduction. The calculation uses population and property tax averages, and if the aid fund is insufficient, money is allocated proportionally to all cities.
LB 417 establishes the Nebraska Promise Program, providing tuition waivers for eligible Nebraska residents attending University of Nebraska campuses or Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture. It covers up to 15 credit hours per semester after federal grants and scholarships are applied, targeting students with family incomes under $65,000 annually and requiring a 2.5 GPA. The bill also extends similar tuition waivers to community colleges (up to 2 years) and state colleges (up to 4 years) for qualifying low-income students. Funding for these waivers comes from a new College Promise Fund, with reimbursements distributed monthly from the General Fund to institutions after annual certification. The program requires institutions to verify eligibility and maintain a standardized appeals process through the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education.
