Maddy summaryLB 810 amends Nebraska's Real Estate License Act to eliminate the requirement that the Real Estate Commission provide advance notice before issuing a cease and desist order to unlicensed real estate professionals. The bill directly affects real estate brokers, associate brokers, and salespeople who operate without proper licensing by allowing the commission to issue immediate orders without prior notice. It also creates a new "deputy director" position within the Real Estate Commission to assist with administrative duties, including recordkeeping and managing commission proceedings. These changes streamline enforcement actions against unlicensed activity while maintaining existing penalties for violations. The bill does not alter fines or other substantive provisions of the license law.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 1128 creates a new "consumption-only" license for businesses within designated entertainment districts that don't hold their own liquor licenses (like restaurants or venues without retail permits). This license allows patrons to consume alcohol brought in from licensed entertainment district venues (such as bars or breweries), but the business cannot sell or serve alcohol itself. The bill requires local governments to designate consumption-only areas, sets a $25 fee for the license, and mandates that alcohol must be consumed only during permitted hours with food available. It also specifies that alcohol containers must display the serving venue's branding and prohibits consumption by minors.
Maddy summaryThis bill (LB 1159) requires the Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission to name one specific person to the Hall of Fame by January 1, 2027. The individual must meet four criteria: be a former U.S. House member, former University of Nebraska-Lincoln football coach, former UNL athletic director, and a Hastings High School graduate. The bill amends existing law to create this one-time exception to the standard naming rules, which otherwise limit the Hall of Fame to one inductee every five years. It does not change the general Hall of Fame process or create new policy.
Maddy summaryThis bill reduces funding for the Department of Economic Development's Community and Rural Development program by approximately $10 million in the 2026-27 fiscal year. It decreases General Fund allocations from $7.29 million to $6.29 million and cuts Cash Fund allocations significantly (from $36.58 million to $21.67 million and $36.58 million to $27.67 million), while maintaining Federal Funds at about $54.57 million. The bill eliminates $250,000 for prefabricated housing studies, keeps $700,000 for development districts, and maintains $4.88 million for reading mentorship programs. It directly affects the department's budget execution for rural development initiatives, housing studies, and educational support programs. The changes reflect a reallocation of state funds without introducing new policy requirements.
Maddy summaryNebraska bill LB 1247 requires public colleges and universities participating in the Nebraska Career Scholarship Act to submit specific workforce and education data to the Nebraska Statewide Workforce and Education Reporting System. This applies directly to institutions receiving Career Scholarship funds, including Nebraska State Colleges and the University of Nebraska. Key provisions mandate annual reporting on scholarship recipient enrollment, retention, graduation rates, and post-graduation employment in related fields. Failure to comply with these data submission requirements would result in the loss of scholarship funding for the institution. The bill amends existing scholarship act sections to enforce this reporting as a condition for funding.
Maddy summaryLB 1246 modifies reporting requirements for Nebraska's Affordable Housing Trust Fund and defines duties for the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority. It requires the Authority to submit monthly financial reports detailing public fund transactions to state officials, including budget administrators and economic development directors. For affordable housing projects, the bill mandates that the Department of Economic Development disburse 80% of grant funds upfront (July 1, 2026) and 20% upon completion, while requiring recipients to submit quarterly reports on fund usage starting October 1, 2025. Failure to submit reports may result in disqualification from future funding. The bill directly affects housing developers receiving trust funds, the Department of Economic Development, and the Investment Finance Authority.
Maddy summaryLB 1251 clarifies how homeowners' associations (HOAs) can place liens on members' property for unpaid dues. It specifies that HOA liens take priority over most other claims (except pre-existing mortgages and taxes) and must be enforced within three years (extendable to five years with a continuation filing). The bill also requires HOAs to hold new homebuyers' upfront payments for six months' dues in a protected, interest-bearing account, separate from the HOA's general funds, and return these funds when the property sells. These changes directly affect HOAs and homeowners, particularly new buyers of "restricted real estate" who must make escrow payments.
Maddy summaryLB 1248 increases funding for Nebraska's Department of Water, Energy, and Environment by over $38 million in fiscal year 2026-27, raising total program appropriations from $94 million to $132 million. It specifically allocates $38 million in General Funds to provide grants to cities of the first class operating wastewater treatment facilities facing capacity challenges due to industrial wastewater from calcium caseinate manufacturing. Additionally, it redirects up to $6 million in unspent cash funds to grant metropolitan utilities districts for replacing lead service lines. The bill directly affects environmental programs, municipal utilities, and cities with specific wastewater treatment issues.
Maddy summaryLB 1245 assigns dedicated parking spots at the 1331 K Street parking garage for all Nebraska Legislature members, Supreme Court judges, and Court of Appeals judges, effective July 1, 2026. The bill amends existing statutes to establish this requirement and repeals the previous sections governing parking for these officials, ensuring consistent assignment through the Department of Administrative Services. This is a procedural change focused on administrative logistics, not policy substance.
Maddy summaryLB 1127 creates a new "hangtag permit" for Nebraska residents to access vehicle permit areas under the Game Law. Beginning January 1, 2027, residents can purchase this annual permit for $50 (combined cost of resident annual permit, duplicate permit, and up to $15 convenience fee), valid for one year and displayable on the vehicle's rearview mirror or dash. The permit can be transferred between vehicles registered to the same owner in Nebraska but cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. It must be obtained only at commission offices or designated park areas, and it replaces the previous annual permit for display purposes.