Rep. Merv Riepe

Maddy summaryNebraska Legislative Bill LB 733 renames the "Division of Developmental Disabilities" to the "Division of Disability and Aging" within the Department of Health and Human Services. This administrative change updates the division's name in state statutes to better reflect its expanded scope, which includes services for both people with disabilities and older adults. The bill amends multiple sections of Nebraska law (including 43-4413 and 68-1530) to replace the old name with the new one and removes obsolete references. It does not alter service delivery, funding, or eligibility for programs - only the division's official title and related statutory language.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the tax rate applied to gross lottery proceeds collected by Nebraska counties, cities, and villages under the County and City Lottery Act. The current law requires a 1.2% tax (as stated in "one two percent" in the original text), but the bill amends this rate without specifying the new percentage. Taxes would continue to be submitted quarterly to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Charitable Gaming Operations Fund. The change takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryLB 942 amends Nebraska's Medical Assistance Act to clarify Medicaid reimbursement rules for emergency and inpatient services. It requires Medicaid to reimburse emergency services based solely on a patient's symptoms at the time of care (not final diagnosis), prohibits reducing payments for emergency services based on later diagnoses or screening tools, and mandates reimbursement at the standard fee-for-service rate. For inpatient care, it sets a two-midnight minimum stay requirement based on physician documentation of medical factors like symptoms and risk of adverse events, with exceptions for unexpected circumstances like death or transfer. The bill directly affects Medicaid recipients, hospitals, and emergency care providers by standardizing payment criteria under state Medicaid programs.

Maddy summaryLB 959 requires Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services to create two new verification systems under the Child Care Licensing Act. It establishes a "youth afterschool credential" for 16-17 year olds working in school-age or temporary nonresidential child care, requiring background checks, documentation, and a 7-hour training. It also creates an "adult eligibility passport" for 18+ individuals, mandating a full criminal history check (including fingerprints), child abuse/neglect registry check, and verification of training. Both credentials are valid for one year and replace repeated background checks for staff moving between licensed child care programs or approved youth-serving programs. This bill directly affects youth and adult workers seeking child care employment and the programs hiring them.

Maddy summaryLB 1154 changes how Nebraska local governments (like cities and counties) calculate their annual property tax request limits under the Property Tax Growth Limitation Act. It replaces the existing formula with two new components: tax increases can now be based on a political subdivision's growth percentage and the inflation rate (if positive). This adjustment allows local governments to increase property tax requests in line with population growth and inflation, rather than using the previous calculation method. The bill directly affects all political subdivisions that set annual property tax rates.

Maddy summaryLB 1211 establishes licensing and operational requirements for automated medication systems used in Nebraska pharmacies. It requires pharmacists in charge to annually license these systems (located on pharmacy-owned/leased property) through the Division of Public Health, including application submissions, inspections, and documentation. Key provisions mandate proper drug packaging (original or compliant repackaging), labeling per pharmacy laws, pharmacist verification before dispensing, and prohibit dispensing controlled substances. The bill directly affects Nebraska pharmacies operating automated medication systems in hospitals, long-term care facilities, or assisted living settings. It also ensures systems outside enclosed buildings must have environmental/security safeguards approved by the Board of Pharmacy.

Maddy summaryLB 1044 amends Nebraska's Business Innovation Act to update two state-funded programs supporting small businesses and individuals. It changes the matching requirements for prototype development funding (25% nonstate funds for businesses in economic redevelopment areas, 50% otherwise) and sets a $150,000 project cap, while requiring a business plan with proof-of-concept. For commercialization, the bill mandates feasibility studies with sales projections, includes specific support services like market assessments and mentorship, and sets a $500,000 project cap with a $4 million annual minimum funding level. The department must also develop an annual qualified action plan by January 1 of even-numbered years, outlining selection criteria focused on job growth, private investment, and repayment.

Maddy summaryLB 1212 creates two new license types for internationally trained physicians in Nebraska who completed medical education outside the U.S. It allows a "limited license" (valid up to 6 years total) requiring supervision by a participating health care entity (like a hospital or health center) and completion of a state-approved assessment program. A "restricted license" would permit independent practice in designated health profession shortage areas after meeting the same requirements. The bill requires physicians to hold ECFMG certification, pass USMLE steps 1 and 2, maintain valid U.S. work authorization, and be employed by a participating entity during the limited license period. This directly affects internationally trained physicians seeking to practice medicine in Nebraska, particularly in underserved rural or urban areas.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 138 changes how pharmacies are paid for dispensing prescriptions under Medicaid. Starting July 1, 2026, independent pharmacies (owning six or fewer locations) and pharmacies as the only option within 30 miles will receive $10.38 per prescription. Other pharmacies will receive tiered fees based on annual prescription volume: $10.38 for under 30,000 prescriptions, $9.51 for 30,000-70,000, and $8.30 for 70,000+ prescriptions. The bill requires the state to conduct cost surveys every two years and adjust fees annually to ensure fair reimbursement for all participating pharmacies.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 467 requires health insurance companies and review organizations to create a digital connection (API) for prior authorization requests by January 1, 2028, under the state's Utilization Review Act. This applies to most healthcare services except drug coverage requests, which are excluded per the bill's definition. The law harmonizes with existing federal rules (45 C.F.R. 156.223) as they existed in 2025. The bill directly affects insurers and review entities operating in Nebraska, streamlining how they process authorization requests electronically.