LB 699 amends Nebraska's ImagiNE Act to adjust eligibility requirements for sales and use tax incentives. It sets three investment thresholds for businesses: $5 million with 30 new hires, $250 million with 250 new hires, or $50 million with no specific hire requirement. To qualify, businesses must pay wages at least 150% of Nebraska's statewide average hourly wage and offer health insurance coverage to full-time employees. The bill provides tax refunds on qualifying property purchases and exemptions from future sales/use taxes during the program period, subject to these new conditions. It directly affects businesses seeking to expand in Nebraska under the ImagiNE program.
Nebraska's LB 53 establishes legal immunity for people experiencing pregnancy outcomes that don't result in live births. The bill prohibits criminal charges, arrests, or prosecutions for outcomes like miscarriage, stillbirth, or intentional termination of pregnancy. It also grants civil immunity, blocking lawsuits based on these same pregnancy outcomes. This directly affects individuals who experience non-live-birth pregnancy outcomes by preventing both criminal and civil legal action against them. The law explicitly states it does not apply to outcomes resulting in live births.
LB 220 requires Nebraska legislators to create "developmental and intellectual disability impact notes" for proposed bills that may affect people with these disabilities. These notes, developed by the Legislative Research Office using data and research, would estimate how a bill might change existing disparities in economic, employment, health, education, and public safety outcomes for this group. The notes must include a clear statement on whether the bill is likely to increase or decrease these disparities. Requests for such notes can be made by introducing legislators or committee chairs, and the Legislative Council's Executive Board will approve or deny these requests.
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LB 639 requires dental insurance companies in Nebraska to spend at least 85% of premium revenue on patient care and administrative costs (not profits). Starting in 2026, these companies must meet this "dental loss ratio" and report their annual ratio to the state insurance department starting in 2027. If they fail to meet the 85% threshold, they must refund the excess premiums directly to policyholders. The bill does not apply to dental coverage provided through Medicaid.
LB 359 requires Nebraska's state agencies to appropriate funds for a five-percent increase in reimbursement rates for child welfare and juvenile justice service providers during fiscal year 2025-26. This directly affects providers contracted by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Supreme Court, including group homes, foster care agencies, family support services, and emergency shelters. The increase applies to all existing contracted services under these programs, such as out-of-home care, family preservation, and kinship navigation, and is intended to be in addition to any other funding increases provided by law.
LB 54 appropriates specific funds from Nebraska's General Fund and Federal Funds for fiscal year 2025-26 to the Department of Health and Human Services. It directs these funds exclusively to increase reimbursement rates paid to providers of developmental disability services by 11% for two specific programs (424 and 348). This bill directly affects service providers who support individuals with developmental disabilities by guaranteeing a funding increase for their operations. The bill declares an emergency, meaning it would take effect immediately upon approval without a waiting period.
LB 14, the Hunger-Free Schools Act, requires all Nebraska public and nonprofit private schools participating in federal meal programs to provide free breakfast and lunch to every student during the school day. It replaces previous reimbursement systems by having the State Department of Education reimburse schools for meals that would otherwise cost students (like reduced-price or full-price meals), based on differences between federal free-meal rates and standard rates. Schools with high poverty rates (62.5% or more students eligible for free meals) must use the federal "community eligibility" program to maximize funding. This directly affects school districts and participating private schools, ensuring all students receive free meals while aligning state funding with federal nutrition program rules.
This Nebraska constitutional amendment (LR 25CA) would change how state legislators are paid and covered. Starting January 6, 2027, legislators would receive the state minimum wage instead of the current $1,000 monthly salary. It also requires the state to provide health insurance with benefits matching Medicaid coverage for all legislators. The amendment must be approved by voters in the November 2026 election to take effect.
LB 463 requires Nebraska school districts to develop cardiac emergency response plans for sudden cardiac arrests during school activities. These plans must include specific elements like a response team, automated defibrillator placement, staff training (including CPR and AED use), annual drills, and coordination with emergency services, based on American Heart Association standards. The bill directs the State Department of Education to provide grants from the Medicaid Managed Care Excess Profit Fund to cover costs for these plans. It amends school safety laws to integrate cardiac response planning into existing safety reporting requirements, affecting all public school districts in Nebraska. The funding mechanism ensures grants are available without diverting other Medicaid resources.
Nebraska's LB 299 allows eligible immigrants authorized for employment (under federal rules as of January 1, 2025) and their dependents to access public benefits tied to employment. The bill expands eligibility for benefits like retirement programs (including state employee and school employee plans), unemployment assistance, education financial aid, and health-related support. It requires verification of employment authorization using standard documents (such as work permits or resident cards) but does not change existing definitions of public benefits or limit current eligibility. Dependents of eligible immigrant workers gain access to benefits without regard to their own immigration status. The bill amends multiple Nebraska statutes to implement these changes, effective upon passage.
