Rep. Terrell McKinney

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to ban the death penalty in Nebraska entirely. It would prohibit the death penalty for all offenses and automatically commute all existing death sentences to life imprisonment. The amendment must be approved by Nebraska voters in the November 2026 general election to take effect. If passed, it would change Nebraska's constitutional law as outlined in Article I, Sections 9(3) and 23.

Maddy summaryLB 92, the Residential Tenant Clean Slate Act, allows tenants to have certain eviction records sealed from public view under specific conditions. It directly affects tenants who were evicted for reasons like nonpayment during the 2020-2021 pandemic emergency, wrongful eviction, or if their case was dismissed or reversed. Key provisions require courts to automatically seal records upon dismissal of an eviction case, and allow tenants to petition for sealing if they meet criteria like a reversed judgment or a minor defendant. Once sealed, landlords cannot consider the eviction in housing applications, and tenants can deny the incident occurred in job or housing screenings. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, applying to all eviction cases regardless of when they occurred.

Maddy summaryLB 94 adopts the Digital Skills Empowerment Act to expand digital skills training in Nebraska's underserved communities. It directly affects residents in qualified census tracts (including North Omaha) and returning prisoners by providing grants for training centers ($20M/year) and covering costs like tuition and childcare for low-income individuals ($20M/year). The bill establishes standardized curricula, partnerships with tech companies, and paid apprenticeships ($10M/year) to develop job skills in fields like web development and cybersecurity. Key provisions require training centers to offer virtual/in-person options and ensure industry-aligned programs to increase local employment opportunities.

Maddy summaryLB 46 requires Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services to establish a Restaurant Meals Program under the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This would allow eligible SNAP participants (low-income residents meeting federal criteria) to use their benefits to purchase prepared meals at participating restaurants, rather than only groceries. The bill amends state law to mandate the department apply for and implement this federal option, which is currently unavailable in Nebraska. It does not change SNAP eligibility rules or funding but enables a new benefit delivery method for qualifying recipients.

Maddy summaryLB 45 creates a five-year pilot grant program through Nebraska's Department of Labor to fund job training and employment opportunities for historically underserved youth (ages 18 or younger experiencing homelessness, poverty, foster care, or juvenile justice involvement). Eligible organizations must be headquartered in designated high-need census tracts and commit to hiring these youth for training in high-demand fields like IT, healthcare, and skilled trades. The program will launch in specific urban and rural communities for pilot evaluation before potential statewide expansion, with grants prioritized for areas with the highest poverty and unemployment rates. The Department of Labor will report annually on program effectiveness and placement rates in target fields.

Maddy summaryLB 462 amends Nebraska's child protection laws to clarify when independent activities by minors (like walking to school alone or playing outdoors) do not constitute child abuse or neglect, provided the child has sufficient maturity and safety precautions are taken. It updates reporting requirements for mandated reporters, revises definitions for child abuse/neglect, and changes juvenile court jurisdiction rules to align with new standards for investigations and parental rights termination. The bill also introduces "alternative response" protocols that focus on family assessment and services rather than formal investigations for certain cases. These changes aim to reduce unnecessary interventions while maintaining child safety protections for families and child welfare systems.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 47 amends the Business Innovation Act and Small Business Assistance Act to establish a new small business investment program targeting microenterprises (businesses with 10 or fewer full-time employees). The bill requires the Department of Economic Development to award grants to local organizations that provide microloans, business counseling, and technical assistance, with a focus on equitable access across all geographic areas - including rural and economically struggling communities. Key provisions mandate that grantees must use funds to create job opportunities, support low-income households, and coordinate with commercial lenders, while requiring 35% nonstate matching funds for most grants. The program aims to strengthen Nebraska's small business infrastructure through state-funded support for community-based development organizations.

Maddy summaryLB 702 would establish the Neighborhood Empowerment Act, creating a program to provide direct grants to Nebraska neighborhood associations for community projects. Eligible associations could apply for up to $5 million annually (subject to funding) to fund initiatives like park upgrades, safety improvements, local business support, or community events - excluding salaries or political activities. Applicants must demonstrate resident participation and submit annual reports on fund usage and community impact. The program prioritizes historically underserved communities and requires unused funds to be returned to the state treasury.

Maddy summaryLB 292A is a funding bill that appropriates $250,000 from the Middle Income Workforce Housing Investment Fund for fiscal year 2025-26 to the Department of Economic Development’s Program 601. This funding specifically supports the implementation of Legislative Bill 292 (the main bill it references), with no funds allowed for state employee salaries or per diems. It directly affects the Department of Economic Development’s housing program and the state’s housing investment fund.

Maddy summaryLB 705 updates Nebraska's medical cannabis laws by expanding patient access, regulating the industry, and addressing past convictions. It allows qualified patients to possess up to five ounces of cannabis, defines key terms (like "caregiver" and "cannabis product"), and imposes a special sales tax on medical cannabis sales - revenue from which will fund specific programs. The bill also prohibits open cannabis containers in vehicles, removes medical cannabis from marijuana tax categories, and adopts the Cannabis Conviction Clean Slate Act to expunge eligible past cannabis convictions. These changes directly affect medical cannabis patients, caregivers, dispensaries, and individuals with prior cannabis-related criminal records.