Rep. Ashlei Spivey

Maddy summaryLB 1140 amends Nebraska's education budget to allocate $500,000 in General Funds for a pilot program targeting young adults in a metropolitan-class city. The program focuses on multi-trade preapprenticeship training to prepare participants for registered construction apprenticeships and entry-level jobs. This funding is added to the State Department of Education's existing budget line for FY2026-27, specifically designated for this initiative. The bill does not specify a particular city but requires the program to operate within a metropolitan-class municipality.

Maddy summaryLB 1141 creates the Nebraska Youth Pre-Apprentice Conservation Program to employ opportunity youth (ages 16-21 who face trauma, legal issues, or school challenges) on conservation projects under the Game and Parks Commission. The program provides six-week, minimum-wage jobs focused on environmental work, combining job training with personal development, while excluding participants from state employee benefits. It establishes a dedicated fund using a $750,000 transfer from the Workforce Development Program Cash Fund and requires the Commission to report annually on participation and project impact. The program aims to support youth development and conservation efforts through structured, short-term employment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Nebraska's Mechanical Amusement Device Tax Act to regulate cash devices (like arcade games that pay out cash). It requires manufacturers and distributors to submit applications with testing evidence proving devices are "games of skill" (not chance), including independent lab reports and software details, before operation. The Tax Commissioner must approve these devices within 45 days, with penalties for unlicensed operation or non-compliance. Additionally, the bill creates the Nebraska Child Care Aid Fund, though it does not specify funding mechanisms or allocation. The changes directly affect cash device operators, manufacturers, and distributors.

Maddy summaryLR 300 creates the Nebraska Economic Development Task Force to coordinate state efforts on economic development. The task force, composed of legislative committee chairs and members, will gather input from state departments (like Economic Development and Labor) and develop policy recommendations by December 2026. This resolution establishes a process for future policy development but does not enact new laws or directly affect residents or businesses.

Maddy summaryLB 852 requires that a portion of Nebraska's Convention Center Support Fund - used for convention center assistance to metropolitan cities - must be allocated to high-poverty areas (defined as census tracts with over 30% below the poverty line). Specifically, 10% of funds for certain cities and 100% of funds for others must be directed to these areas for historical preservation, reducing street and gang violence, and supporting small businesses. Affected areas must form a community committee with public hearings and resident appointments to manage the spending. This bill directly affects metropolitan cities receiving convention center funds and the high-poverty neighborhoods that receive the allocated resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Nebraska state employers to provide paid maternity leave to employees who give birth or adopt a child. Full-time state employees would receive six weeks of paid leave, while part-time employees would receive leave proportional to their regular work schedule. The leave must be taken within six months of the child's birth or adoption, and employees must return to their original position or an equivalent role after leave. The bill also prohibits retaliation against employees who use this leave and ensures continued benefits during the leave period.

Maddy summaryLB 163 creates a new Office of Climate Action within Nebraska's Department of Environment and Energy. The office will develop a statewide climate action plan by July 2026, focusing on reducing climate change causes and managing climate risks. It must report annually on state climate-related legislation, federal funding secured, technical assistance provided, and collaborations with local governments and climate groups. The office serves as a central resource to support climate initiatives across the state, providing education, technical help, and policy guidance to communities and organizations. This bill directly affects state agencies, local governments, and climate-focused organizations by establishing a dedicated state-level coordination point for climate action efforts.

Maddy summaryLB 100 creates a new Office of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation within Nebraska's Department of Economic Development to support startups and small businesses. It requires state agencies to aim for 5% of contracts and workforce development funding to go to businesses under five years old, and encourages eliminating business license fees for new Nebraska-based businesses. The office must report annually on policy impacts and track progress toward these goals, with state agencies also required to report on their efforts. These provisions directly affect new businesses (under five years old) and state agencies managing contracts, workforce programs, and economic development funds.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 99 limits restrictive housing and solitary confinement in state correctional facilities. It prohibits holding any inmate in restrictive housing for more than 15 consecutive days and bans placing vulnerable populations - including minors, pregnant people, and those with serious mental illness, developmental disabilities, or traumatic brain injuries - in restrictive housing (Section 83-173.03). The bill defines restrictive housing as conditions with less than 10 hours of out-of-cell time daily and solitary confinement as 22+ hours in a cell with no visual/auditory contact or restricted activities (Section 83-4,114). It requires facilities to develop individualized transition plans for inmates moving from restricted housing back to general population. The law directly affects all incarcerated individuals in Nebraska's correctional system, with specific protections for medically vulnerable inmates.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 602, the "Delete Act," establishes new data privacy rules specifically for data brokers - companies that collect and sell personal data without a direct relationship with consumers. The bill requires these brokers to post clear website notices identifying their business, implement comprehensive security programs to protect personal data, and follow strict protocols for employee training, breach response, and third-party vendor management. It directly affects data brokers operating in Nebraska by mandating specific transparency and security measures, while excluding certain entities like financial institutions and government bodies. The law focuses on limiting data collection and enhancing consumer control over personal information through concrete operational requirements.