Rep. Merv Riepe

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution congratulates the American Legion on its 107th anniversary of service to the military and veterans. The bill formally recognizes the organization's long history of supporting veterans and their families across Nebraska and the United States. It expresses appreciation to Nebraska Legionnaires for their contributions to the state and nation. The resolution directs that a copy be sent to the American Legion Department of Nebraska.

Maddy summaryLB 437 would repeal Nebraska's Health Care Certificate of Need (CON) Act, removing a requirement that hospitals and healthcare facilities must obtain state approval before expanding services, building new facilities, or making major capital investments. This change directly affects hospitals, healthcare providers, and potentially patients by eliminating a state review process for facility expansions and capital projects. The bill repeals all provisions of the CON Act (sections 71-5801 through 71-5870) and modifies related sections in the Nonprofit Hospital Sale Act to remove overlapping approval requirements. It does not create new regulations but eliminates existing state oversight for healthcare facility expansions. The bill aims to reduce regulatory barriers for healthcare providers in Nebraska.

Maddy summaryThis resolution proposes an interim study to examine how current regulations affect medical education and workforce development in Nebraska's rural and underserved areas. The Health and Human Services Committee will investigate barriers like licensure rules, training site availability, and recruitment challenges that limit doctors and nurses working in these communities. The study will analyze accreditation standards, clinical training access, and potential policy solutions such as educational incentives. It does not create new laws but aims to identify concrete steps to strengthen healthcare access in underserved regions. The committee will report findings and recommendations to the Legislature after completing the study.

Maddy summaryLB 475 would add tianeptine to Nebraska's Schedule I controlled substances list under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. This classification would make tianeptine illegal without a prescription, directly affecting individuals who use it without medical authorization. The bill amends existing law to include tianeptine specifically in Schedule I, which prohibits substances with no accepted medical use and high abuse potential. This change would require prescriptions for any medical use and criminalize unauthorized possession or distribution. The bill is currently pending in the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution (LR 231) proposes a study to examine dental care access in rural and underserved areas of Nebraska. It directs the Health and Human Services Committee to investigate barriers like affordability, transportation, provider shortages, and the impact of insurance policies, while assessing workforce challenges and potential policy solutions. The study will analyze current service distribution and explore strategies to improve oral health outcomes in high-need communities. The committee will report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature after completing the study.

Maddy summaryLB 41A is an appropriation bill that allocates specific state and federal funds to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for two Medicaid-related programs (344 and 348) to support implementation of Legislative Bill 41. It provides $28,021 (state and federal combined) for Program 344 and $155,579 for Program 348 in fiscal year 2025-26, with similar amounts for 2026-27. The funds must be used exclusively for their designated program purposes and cannot cover state employee salaries. This bill directly affects the Department of Health and Human Services and the Medicaid programs it administers.

Maddy summaryThis Nebraska bill updates requirements for blood tests during pregnancy. It mandates that healthcare providers offer voluntary syphilis tests at the first prenatal visit, third trimester, and delivery, and voluntary HIV tests during pregnancy (with written refusal allowed). Providers must clearly inform patients about these tests and their right to decline. The bill also ensures Medicaid-covered individuals will have syphilis test costs covered by Medicaid funds, and test results must be reported to health officials without appearing on birth certificates.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes Nebraska's barber licensing exam rules. It allows applicants who fail the exam twice to retake it without additional schooling, rather than requiring a 500-hour course after a third failure. If they fail a third time, they must complete a 500-hour course (with limits on daily hours) before a fourth attempt. The bill also adds a provision letting applicants demonstrate proficiency after 250 hours to shorten the required course. It repeals the previous exam retake rules under the Barber Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes minimum training requirements for nurse aides working in Nebraska's intellectual and developmental disability facilities. It mandates a 20-hour training program (including 15 hours of personal care training) for these facilities, compared to 75 hours for other nursing homes. Nurse aides must also meet English proficiency standards and pass background checks. The law replaces prior requirements and creates a registry with mandatory abuse reporting training as part of the curriculum.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (LR 63) passed by the Nebraska Legislature to honor the University of Nebraska at Omaha Mavericks men's basketball team for winning the Summit League regular season championship in 2025. It formally congratulates the team, head coach Chris Crutchfield, and captains Marquel Sutton, Tony Osburn, and Lance Waddles on their victory over Oral Roberts University on March 1, 2025. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes; it is purely symbolic recognition of the team's athletic achievement. The Legislature adopted this resolution on March 12, 2025, and sent copies to the team and coach.