Rep. Wendy DeBoer

Maddy summaryThis bill (LB 1179) updates committee names and references in Nebraska statutes to reflect a restructuring of legislative committees. It changes references to the Agriculture Committee, Natural Resources Committee, and Transportation and Telecommunications Committee, and adds a new reference to the "Telecommunications and Technology Committee." The bill does not alter policy content or create new requirements; it only updates statutory language to match the renamed and merged committee structure. This affects legislative staff, committee members, and any references to these committees in existing laws.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 984 amends marriage license laws to require both individuals seeking a marriage license to be at least 18 years old, eliminating all exceptions for minors. The bill directly affects anyone applying for a marriage license in Nebraska by removing provisions that previously allowed 17-year-olds to marry with parental consent. Key mechanisms include amending sections 42-102 and 42-107 of Nebraska statutes to state that no license may be granted unless both parties are 18 or older, and repealing section 42-105 which permitted minor marriages under certain conditions. This change applies uniformly to all marriage applicants without age-based exceptions.

Maddy summaryLB 985 amends Nebraska's Probate Code to limit how many individuals a single guardian or conservator can serve. The bill adds a specific numerical cap on the number of wards (people under guardianship or conservatorship) a guardian or conservator may be appointed to manage at one time. This change directly affects current and future guardians and conservators who currently serve multiple individuals. The bill modifies sections 30-2628 and 30-2655 of the Nebraska Revised Statutes to implement this appointment limit.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 1178 allows people under guardianship (including those declared incapacitated, minors, or protected persons) to attend court hearings remotely instead of in person. It updates guardian duties by requiring backup "standby guardians" to be named in advance (with specific training), and permits courts to award legal costs and fees to winning parties in related cases. The bill amends key sections of the Nebraska Probate Code to modernize hearing accessibility and streamline guardian transition processes. These changes directly affect individuals in guardianship cases, their guardians, and court proceedings involving their care.

Maddy summaryLB 762 requires most health insurance policies in Nebraska to cover treatment for two specific pediatric conditions: pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infection (PANDAS) and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS). It mandates coverage for recommended treatments like antibiotics, medication, behavioral therapy, plasma exchange, and immunoglobulin, directly affecting families of children diagnosed with these conditions and insurers offering health coverage in the state. Insurers must report coverage denials for these treatments annually to the Department of Insurance, which will publish a public report starting in 2028. The bill aims to ensure access to medically necessary care for affected children without insurer denials.

Maddy summaryLB 1180 creates a new licensing system for companies providing intrastate Medicaid nonemergency medical transportation services in Nebraska. It directly affects transportation providers serving Medicaid patients by exempting their rates from regulation by the Public Service Commission. Key provisions include redefining "common carrier" to exclude Medicaid transportation providers and establishing license requirements under Section 75-311. The bill removes the need for rate approval by the Public Service Commission for these services when rates are set through agreements with state agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires motor carriers (including ride-sharing services) that transport railroad employees within Nebraska for work to obtain a $250 annual license from the state commission. It applies specifically to companies moving railroad workers between their homes and workplaces inside Nebraska, not to general passenger transport. Licensees must comply with existing safety rules on driver qualifications, vehicle standards, and recordkeeping but cannot have their transportation rates regulated by the commission. The bill repeals the previous licensing requirement for this service and adds new application procedures.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 71 updates how the state reimburses child care providers under the federal Child Care Subsidy program. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services to adjust reimbursement rates every odd year based on market rates, ensuring rates are at least the 75th percentile of local costs. Quality-rated child care programs (Step Up to Quality Act) and nationally accredited providers may receive higher reimbursement rates. The bill also changes income eligibility thresholds for child care assistance, raising the limit to 185% of the federal poverty level before October 2026 and lowering it to 130% after that date.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 65 exempts individuals under 19 from paying court fees, costs, and probation fees in juvenile court proceedings and for certain criminal offenses committed as minors. The bill directly affects minors (under 19) and their parents/guardians, who will no longer be liable for these costs in juvenile cases. Key provisions include presuming minors indigent for discovery costs, banning fines in juvenile proceedings, and prohibiting recovery of fees from juveniles or their families. The bill also updates juvenile code provisions related to diversion programs, appointed counsel, and DNA testing costs.

Maddy summaryLB 304 removes the expiration date (sunset) for Nebraska's participation in the federal Child Care Subsidy program, making the program permanent beyond its current September 30, 2026, deadline. It directly affects low-income families with children who qualify for child care assistance based on income thresholds (up to 185% of the federal poverty level before October 1, 2026, or 130% after). The bill maintains existing eligibility rules, including transitional assistance for families exceeding income limits, and ensures funding comes from federal Child Care Development Block Grant funds rather than state general funds. It does not change income levels or subsidy structures but extends the program's duration indefinitely.