Rep. Wendy DeBoer

Maddy summaryLB 453 requires background checks for people applying to be guardians or conservators in Nebraska. It mandates that applicants submit fingerprints to the Nebraska State Patrol for FBI criminal history checks, with results filed with the court at least 10 days before appointment hearings (unless waived for emergencies). The bill changes existing law to standardize this process, requires applicants to pay for the checks, and prohibits court appointments without the background report - except in emergency temporary guardianship cases. This directly affects individuals seeking court-appointed guardianship or conservatorship roles.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (LR 157) directs Nebraska's Transportation and Telecommunications Committee to conduct an interim study on broadband deployment issues in the state. The study will examine federal and state broadband expansion projects, coordination between local governments, network reliability, regulatory changes affecting consumers, and other related challenges. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to inform future policy decisions. The committee will report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature after completing the study.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution (LR 175) proposes an interim study by Nebraska’s Judiciary Committee to examine assault-related laws. It specifically aims to review current assault statutes, assess protections for professionals (like healthcare workers or teachers) who face assaults while working, and evaluate whether additional professions should be included in these protections. The study will not change existing laws but will analyze the current legal framework and suggest potential improvements. The committee must report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature after completing the study. This is a procedural step, not a policy change, and the resolution is currently under review by the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryLR 174 is a Nebraska legislative resolution proposing an interim study of the state's standing committee system. It directs a select committee to examine committee structures, workloads, and potential changes to better reflect current needs. The study will assess whether new committees should be created, existing ones consolidated, or jurisdiction adjusted. This resolution does not make any immediate policy changes but seeks to inform future legislative process improvements. The study's findings would be reported to the Legislature after completion.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs Nebraska's Judiciary Committee to study whether to implement speed safety cameras in highway work zones. The study will examine current speeding safety problems, potential camera programs, penalty structures for violations, and how other states manage similar systems. It does not create new laws but will analyze options to address speeding risks for drivers and workers in construction zones. The committee will report findings to the Legislature after completing its review.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (LR 155) directs Nebraska's Judiciary Committee to conduct a temporary study examining reports the Department of Correctional Services is required by law to submit to the Legislature. The study will assess whether these reports are effective, useful, or redundant, and will propose changes if needed. The committee will then submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislative Council or Legislature upon completion. This is a procedural measure focused on reviewing existing reporting requirements, not on changing laws.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (LR 176) proposes an interim study to examine how Nebraska might recognize tribal customary adoptions for Native American children under tribal law. It directs the Judiciary Committee to study data on eligible children, support for adoptive families, best practices from other states, and potential legal changes needed. The study would determine if Nebraska should establish tribal customary adoptions as a legal permanency option in state courts. This resolution does not change current law but seeks to gather information before any policy decisions. (Note: As a study resolution, not a bill, it has no immediate effect.)

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 388 updates rules for judicial nominating commissions, which select candidates for state judgeships. The bill changes residency requirements (requiring members to live in their judicial district), sets four-year terms for most members, and limits total service to 12 years. It modifies how lawyer members are selected - through bar association nominations and a ballot process - with limits on political party representation (max two members per party). The changes also clarify procedures for filling vacancies and harmonize existing laws. These provisions directly affect commission members, Nebraska lawyers, and the Clerk of the Supreme Court who administers the process.

Maddy summaryLB 362 streamlines Nebraska's 911 service regulations by consolidating outdated provisions from the Emergency Telephone Communications Systems Act and Enhanced Wireless 911 Services Act into the 911 Service System Act. The bill removes redundant or obsolete sections (like those governing the Enhanced Wireless 911 Advisory Board) and harmonizes rules for wireless carriers, public safety answering points, and the Public Service Commission regarding 911 funding, implementation, and service requirements. This directly affects wireless carriers, local 911 service providers, and the Public Service Commission, which oversees 911 system compliance and funding. The changes aim to simplify the legal framework without introducing new service requirements.

Maddy summaryLB 85 simplifies the process for claiming personal property (like money, belongings, or vehicles) from a decedent's estate valued at $100,000 or less without court-appointed oversight. It requires claimants (such as family members) to submit a sworn affidavit proving the estate's value after debts, 30 days since death (with proof), their relationship to the decedent, and that no court process is active. The affidavit must include a penalty for false statements, and financial institutions or the Department of Motor Vehicles must honor it to release property or transfer vehicle titles. After 10 years of estate closure, vehicle title transfers require fewer affidavit details.