Rep. Jane Raybould

Maddy summaryLB 973 requires all state-owned and leased facilities in Nebraska to provide free off-street parking for every state employee starting July 1, 2028. This bill directly affects all state employees who park at government buildings or facilities. The key provision amends state law to eliminate parking fees for employees, replacing any existing paid parking charges with free access at state facilities. The policy change applies uniformly across all state agencies and locations without cost to employees.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 71 updates how the state reimburses child care providers under the federal Child Care Subsidy program. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services to adjust reimbursement rates every odd year based on market rates, ensuring rates are at least the 75th percentile of local costs. Quality-rated child care programs (Step Up to Quality Act) and nationally accredited providers may receive higher reimbursement rates. The bill also changes income eligibility thresholds for child care assistance, raising the limit to 185% of the federal poverty level before October 2026 and lowering it to 130% after that date.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 5 provides legal immunity for administering naloxone, an FDA-approved drug that reverses opioid overdoses. It protects health professionals (doctors, nurses, pharmacists), family/friends, school staff, emergency responders, and police officers who act in good faith to help someone experiencing or likely to experience an opioid overdose. The law shields them from lawsuits, criminal charges, or professional penalties when reasonably using naloxone under specific circumstances. It specifically covers naloxone hydrochloride and other FDA-approved overdose reversal drugs, requiring only good-faith action without willful negligence.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state grant program administered by Nebraska's Department of Economic Development to fund nonprofit organizations operating bike-sharing systems. Nonprofits must apply for grants, report on fund usage, and return unused funds. The bill specifically intends to allocate $250,000 from the General Fund to establish this program, directly affecting community bike-sharing initiatives and their nonprofit operators.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 165 authorizes municipalities and counties to establish syringe services programs (SSPs) through local ordinances, allowing them to provide sterile syringes, safe disposal, overdose prevention resources, and referrals to health services for individuals aged 18+ who inject drugs. The bill requires SSPs to avoid locations within 500 feet of schools, childcare facilities, or public recreation centers and mandates specific services like naloxone access and substance use disorder referrals. It amends state law to exempt SSP staff and participants from drug paraphernalia penalties when handling syringes or needles as part of the program, while repealing prior sections of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. This legislation directly affects public health programs, participants, and law enforcement by creating a legal framework for harm reduction services.

Maddy summaryLB 115 increases the income tax credit for volunteer emergency responders in Nebraska from its previous amount to $1,250 per year. It directly affects volunteer firefighters, emergency responders, and rescue squad members who are certified as active for the prior year. The bill changes qualification rules by requiring departments to submit certified lists of eligible volunteers to the state by February 15 each year, and volunteers claim the credit on their state tax returns using certification documents. The amendment replaces the previous credit amount and procedures under the Volunteer Emergency Responders Incentive Act.

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 74 amends Nebraska's campaign finance law to allow political committees and candidates to spend on specific activities beyond previous limits. It directly affects campaign committees and officeholders by authorizing expenditures for campaign office operations, social events for volunteers, public input activities, repayment of pre-election campaign loans, newsletters, small gifts (under $50 annually), and travel/meals related to campaign or official duties. Key provisions include permitting child care services for officeholders during official activities and expanding allowable conference fees and travel for staff and family during campaign or office-related events. The bill repeals the original section it amends to harmonize the law. This is a procedural change to campaign spending rules, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryLB 304 removes the expiration date (sunset) for Nebraska's participation in the federal Child Care Subsidy program, making the program permanent beyond its current September 30, 2026, deadline. It directly affects low-income families with children who qualify for child care assistance based on income thresholds (up to 185% of the federal poverty level before October 1, 2026, or 130% after). The bill maintains existing eligibility rules, including transitional assistance for families exceeding income limits, and ensures funding comes from federal Child Care Development Block Grant funds rather than state general funds. It does not change income levels or subsidy structures but extends the program's duration indefinitely.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Nebraska's Young Adult Bridge to Independence program to include young adults not lawfully present in the U.S., removing immigration status as an eligibility barrier. It amends eligibility rules (effective January 2026) to allow these individuals - primarily youth aged 16-24 transitioning from foster care - to access medical care (including Medicaid options), housing support, and case management services. Key provisions require the Department of Health and Human Services to update state plans and ensure services like emergency medical care and foster care maintenance payments are provided regardless of immigration status. The bill directly affects vulnerable young adults in Nebraska's foster care system who would otherwise be excluded from this support.