Technology

in committee · Nebraska · Legislature Mar 30, 2026

LR 470: Interim study to streamline and improve wireless connectivity for residents, families, and businesses, specifically by examining policies to address unreasonable fees and other costs for wireless deployments

This legislative resolution directs the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee to conduct an interim study on wireless connectivity issues in Nebraska. The study will examine policies related to fees and costs that wireless providers face when seeking permits to install infrastructure in municipalities and other jurisdictions. The resolution specifically looks at how high permit fees, consultant charges, and upfront retainer requirements may impact the deployment of wireless networks needed to meet growing public demand for mobile data services. The committee will review practices used by other states and federal regulations to gather findings and recommendations for potential future legislation. This action is intended to inform future policy decisions rather than immediately changing existing laws.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill aims to improve wireless connectivity by reducing barriers like high permit fees, directly advancing internet access and digital equity.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · Nebraska · Legislature Mar 30, 2026

LR 417: Interim study to examine innovative approaches to housing development, financing, and ownership in Nebraska

This legislative resolution directs the Urban Affairs Committee to conduct an interim study on innovative methods for housing development, financing, and ownership in Nebraska. The study will explore new approaches such as tokenized credit systems, community-based investment models, and digital infrastructure to improve affordable housing access and public investment transparency. The committee will report its findings and recommendations to the Legislative Council or Legislature upon completion. This action is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and does not enact any new laws.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill directs study on innovative housing development, financing, and ownership to improve affordable housing access and public investment transparency.75% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly mentions exploring tokenized credit systems, community-based investment models, and digital infrastructure to improve housing access and transparency, indicating support for technology applications.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1054: Appropriate funds to the State Department of Education for grants for cybersecurity products and services

Nebraska's LB 1054 appropriates $250,000 from the General Fund for Fiscal Year 2026-27 to the State Department of Education. This funding creates a grant program to help school districts, educational service units, and approved private or parochial schools purchase cybersecurity products and services. The bill directly affects K-12 schools across Nebraska by providing financial support for cybersecurity measures. The key provision is the allocation of specific funds for grants, not general funding, to address cybersecurity needs in educational institutions.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $250k from General Fund for school cybersecurity grants, directly funding essential public education services through targeted budget appropriation.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates $250k for cybersecurity grants to K-12 schools, strengthening educational infrastructure and security measures.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyAllocates $250k for school cybersecurity grants, directly enhancing digital security measures per bill's funding purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget K-12 Education Cybersecurity

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1118: Classify certain actions by a social media platform as deceptive trade practices under the Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act

LB 1118 would amend Nebraska's Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act to specifically classify certain actions by social media platforms as deceptive trade practices. The bill targets practices like algorithmic manipulation that mislead users about content visibility or data usage, directly affecting major social media companies operating in Nebraska. Key provisions would require platforms to avoid deceptive representations regarding how content is promoted or how user data is handled, aligning their practices with existing consumer protection laws. If enacted, this would subject social media platforms to the same legal standards as other businesses regarding deceptive marketing or data practices under Nebraska law.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill regulates social media platforms' deceptive practices (algorithmic manipulation, data handling) under consumer protection law, aligning with 'regulates tech companies for consumer protection' indicator.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Social Media Tags Consumer Protection

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 982: Appropriate funds to the Public Service Commission for the Broadband Bridge Program

This bill appropriates $10 million from Nebraska's General Fund for Fiscal Year 2026-27 to the Public Service Commission specifically for the Broadband Bridge Program (Program 793). It directly affects the Public Service Commission, which will use these funds to continue implementing the program aimed at expanding broadband access. The bill declares an emergency, meaning it takes effect immediately upon approval. This is a funding allocation, not a new policy, focused solely on providing resources for existing broadband infrastructure efforts.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $10M from General Fund to fund Broadband Bridge Program, directly increasing public service funding for essential infrastructure expansion.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationFunds broadband expansion, enhancing educational access for schools and students through improved connectivity.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyFunds Broadband Bridge Program to expand internet access, directly supporting technology policy on connectivity and digital infrastructure.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Broadband Access

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Jan 9, 2026

LB 729: Adopt the Biometric Autonomy Liberty Law

LB 729, the Biometric Autonomy Liberty Law, prohibits private entities (like businesses or corporations) from requiring or forcing individuals to use biometric data collection devices (such as fingerprint scanners, voice recognition, or facial recognition systems) except for specific security purposes. The law defines biometric data broadly to include fingerprints, voice prints, and eye scans, but explicitly excludes health data under HIPAA, DMV fraud detection systems, and financial data regulated by federal law. Private companies cannot mandate biometric data collection for non-security reasons, though they may use it for security purposes like preventing crime or protecting property. The law does not apply to government agencies in their official security functions or to existing health, education, or financial data protections.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits private entities from mandating biometric data collection, strengthening individual privacy protections in technology use.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy Emerging Technology

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1119: Change provisions relating to the collection and use of personal data and provide additional duties and prohibitions for a covered online service under the Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act

Nebraska's LB 1119 amends the Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act to protect children and teens online. It directly affects major online platforms (like social media and games) that meet specific thresholds - such as having $25 million+ annual revenue or processing data for 50,000+ users. The bill prohibits "dark patterns" that exploit young users, including infinite scroll, auto-playing media, gamified rewards for excessive use, and deceptive notification tactics. It also clarifies that platforms must treat users under 18 as "covered minors" and prohibits using their data for targeted advertising without parental consent. The law applies to services accessible in Nebraska that process personal data of minors.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits exploitative 'dark patterns' on platforms serving minors, strengthening data privacy protections under the Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Data Privacy Online Safety Social Media

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1082: Provide a duty for telecommunications companies under the Nebraska Telecommunications Regulation Act

LB 1082 requires Nebraska telecommunications companies to protect subscribers from unwanted calls and texts originating from unauthenticated North American Numbering Plan numbers. It specifically mandates that companies prevent fraudulent caller identification information that misleads customers about the source of calls. This duty directly affects all telecom providers operating in Nebraska and their customers who receive such communications. The bill amends Nebraska's Telecommunications Regulation Act to add this requirement, harmonizing it with federal definitions of the North American Numbering Plan.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates telecoms to prevent fraudulent caller ID spoofing, directly enhancing cybersecurity and consumer protection against fraud per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 848: Provide for exemption from sales tax for purchases of clothing, personal computers, and school supplies for a prescribed period

Nebraska's LB 848 creates a temporary sales tax exemption for specific items during a three-day window each August (beginning 12:01 a.m. Friday to midnight Sunday). It exempts clothing under $100, school supplies under $50 per purchase, computer software under $350, graphing calculators under $150, and personal computers/peripherals under $1,500. The exemption applies only to items purchased for personal use during this period, excluding items like jewelry, sporting equipment, or furniture. This policy directly affects Nebraska residents buying these items for personal or educational use during the designated annual sales tax holiday.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides temporary sales tax exemption on essential items (clothing, school supplies), reducing tax burden for lower/middle-income families during back-to-school season.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExempts school supplies, computers, and clothing under $100 from sales tax, reducing costs for families and improving access to educational materials during back-to-school period.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExempts personal computers/peripherals under $1,500 from sales tax, lowering costs for access and promoting digital equity during back-to-school period.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Tax Incentives

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1059: Prohibit certain conduct relating to mobile tracking devices and change penalties for stalking

LB 1059 prohibits installing or using mobile tracking devices on another person's property or to monitor their movement without their consent. It specifically bans tracking without consent, requiring removal after consent is revoked (e.g., if a protection order is issued or a spouse files for divorce). Exceptions include law enforcement use, court-ordered monitoring, parents tracking minor children under specific family circumstances, caregivers for vulnerable adults with medical certification, and private investigators acting in legitimate legal investigations. The bill directly affects individuals who might misuse tracking technology and aims to protect privacy by strengthening consent requirements.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits unauthorized mobile tracking to prevent stalking, protecting victims' rights and aligning with criminal justice reform by enhancing personal security and setting clear legal boundaries.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits unauthorized mobile tracking (data privacy protection) and requires consent revocation, directly strengthening personal data privacy within technology policy.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Law Enforcement

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