Maddy summaryLB 594 proposes to prohibit drivers from holding or manually using handheld wireless devices (like cell phones) while operating a moving vehicle, except for specific exceptions. It exempts emergency personnel (police, firefighters), utility workers responding to emergencies, and drivers communicating with emergency services. The bill allows hands-free use (e.g., voice commands without touching the device) and requires law enforcement to enforce this only after citing drivers for other traffic violations. Violations would result in fines ($200 for first offense) and points on a driver’s license, with the law repealing the current section it amends. This bill, currently pending in Nebraska’s Transportation Committee, directly affects all drivers operating motor vehicles in the state.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires most health insurance plans and Nebraska's Medicaid program (medical assistance) to cover FDA-approved self-administered hormonal contraceptives without cost-sharing. It mandates coverage for up to a 3-month supply for the first prescription and up to a 12-month supply for subsequent refills, regardless of when the policyholder enrolled. The law prevents insurers from charging extra if someone switches contraceptive methods before finishing their current supply. It directly affects individuals with these insurance plans who use prescribed hormonal contraceptives. The bill amends existing law to establish these coverage requirements and repeals the previous section.
Maddy summaryLB 137 prohibits homeowners associations (HOAs) from banning or restricting the installation of solar energy systems, solar collectors, or pollinator gardens in residential properties. It voids any existing HOA rules that conflict with this prohibition and bans HOAs from charging fees for these installations. Homeowners can legally sue an HOA or similar group for violating this law. The bill specifically defines "pollinator gardens" as spaces supporting bees and butterflies with food/water and references existing solar energy definitions. This directly affects HOAs and homeowners in Nebraska who face restrictions on solar or pollinator garden projects.
Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 53 establishes legal immunity for people experiencing pregnancy outcomes that don't result in live births. The bill prohibits criminal charges, arrests, or prosecutions for outcomes like miscarriage, stillbirth, or intentional termination of pregnancy. It also grants civil immunity, blocking lawsuits based on these same pregnancy outcomes. This directly affects individuals who experience non-live-birth pregnancy outcomes by preventing both criminal and civil legal action against them. The law explicitly states it does not apply to outcomes resulting in live births.
Maddy summaryLB 188 specifies Nebraska's legislative intent to appropriate $462.48 million for FY2025-26 and $476.72 million for FY2026-27 toward Medicaid nursing facility rates under Program No. 348. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services to use these funds in calculating nursing facility rates, including annual inflation adjustments, and to cover rate enhancements. The bill mandates two reports: one by August 1, 2025, detailing the inflation calculation method, and another by December 31, 2025, identifying unspent funds and related payments. This directly affects Medicaid nursing facilities receiving state funding for patient care rates.
Maddy summaryLB 146 proposes a 12.5% increase in reimbursement rates for dental services provided under Nebraska's Medical Assistance Act (Medicaid) for fiscal year 2025-26. This bill directly affects dentists and dental clinics that serve Medicaid patients by raising the state's payment for covered dental procedures. The legislation states the Legislature's intent to appropriate funds for this rate increase, which would improve payments for providers but does not expand eligibility or coverage. It declares an emergency to allow immediate implementation upon approval. The bill is currently pending before the Appropriations Committee.
Maddy summaryLB 54 appropriates specific funds from Nebraska's General Fund and Federal Funds for fiscal year 2025-26 to the Department of Health and Human Services. It directs these funds exclusively to increase reimbursement rates paid to providers of developmental disability services by 11% for two specific programs (424 and 348). This bill directly affects service providers who support individuals with developmental disabilities by guaranteeing a funding increase for their operations. The bill declares an emergency, meaning it would take effect immediately upon approval without a waiting period.
Maddy summaryLB 14, the Hunger-Free Schools Act, requires all Nebraska public and nonprofit private schools participating in federal meal programs to provide free breakfast and lunch to every student during the school day. It replaces previous reimbursement systems by having the State Department of Education reimburse schools for meals that would otherwise cost students (like reduced-price or full-price meals), based on differences between federal free-meal rates and standard rates. Schools with high poverty rates (62.5% or more students eligible for free meals) must use the federal "community eligibility" program to maximize funding. This directly affects school districts and participating private schools, ensuring all students receive free meals while aligning state funding with federal nutrition program rules.
Maddy summaryThis bill changes how Nebraska handles unanticipated revenue in the state's General Fund. It requires the Tax Commissioner to calculate two specific amounts each year: the difference between actual and estimated revenue, and a more complex calculation based on historical growth trends. If actual revenue exceeds estimates, the excess must be transferred to the Cash Reserve Fund - unless revenue exceeds last year's by over 3%, in which case part of the excess goes to the School District Property Tax Relief Credit Fund instead. The bill also limits the Cash Reserve Fund balance to 16% of total General Fund spending, with exceptions for emergencies or capital projects. This directly affects state budget management and school funding through the property tax relief mechanism.
Maddy summaryLB 152 creates a homestead exemption in Nebraska, effective January 1, 2026, that exempts the first $100,000 of a primary residence's actual value from property taxes. It directly affects Nebraska homeowners who occupy their property as their primary residence, as defined by the bill. Key provisions include setting the exemption amount, allowing transfers of the exemption when moving to a new homestead, and requiring state reimbursement for the tax loss. The bill harmonizes existing homestead exemption rules and amends multiple tax statutes to implement this change.