Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 252 prohibits Medicaid and commercial insurers from disadvantaging nonopioid pain medications approved by the FDA. It requires that such drugs receive equal coverage terms compared to opioid alternatives, banning higher cost-sharing tiers, stricter prior authorization, or step therapy requirements for nonopioid drugs. The law applies immediately upon FDA approval for pain treatment and mandates exceptions for providers who confirm nonopioid drugs are appropriate for a patient. This directly affects insurers (including Medicaid managed care organizations), healthcare providers, and patients seeking pain management options. The bill aims to ensure equal access to nonopioid treatments without restricting prescribers' choices.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryLB 607 adopts three new acts: the Environmental Stewardship of Batteries Act (requiring proper battery recycling), the Extended Producer Responsibility Data Collection Act (mandating data on product take-back), and the Minimum Recycled Content Act (setting recycled material requirements for products). The bill redefines key terms like "manufacturing facility" (processing plastic waste into new materials via methods like pyrolysis or depolymerization) and "recycled plastic" (using mass balance tracking under third-party certification), clarifying that these processes count as recycling, not waste management. It directly affects manufacturers handling plastic waste, requiring them to meet new recycled content standards and report data, while updating Nebraska’s waste management laws to align with these changes. The bill aims to strengthen recycling infrastructure and accountability in the state’s solid waste system.
Maddy summaryLB 715 requires most health insurance plans in Nebraska to cover pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication - used to prevent HIV infection - when prescribed by a doctor. This applies to individual/group health insurance policies, hospital/surgical plans, and self-funded employee benefit plans (unless federal law blocks it), but excludes limited-benefit policies like those covering only one disease. The bill does not eliminate patient cost-sharing like deductibles or copays, meaning insured individuals may still pay out-of-pocket for PrEP. It directly affects people who need HIV prevention medication but face coverage barriers under current insurance rules.
Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 256 adopts the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Compact, creating a commission to coordinate passenger rail development across participating Midwest states. The commission, composed of state-appointed members including a Governor's designee, a private-sector representative, and two legislators from each state, will advocate for funding, develop long-term rail plans, and coordinate with federal and local entities. This bill directly affects state transportation officials and agencies in Nebraska and other Midwest states (like Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota) that join the compact. It establishes a formal structure for regional collaboration on rail projects but does not create new rail infrastructure or funding directly.
Maddy summaryLB 417 establishes the Nebraska Promise Program, providing tuition waivers for eligible Nebraska residents attending University of Nebraska campuses or Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture. It covers up to 15 credit hours per semester after federal grants and scholarships are applied, targeting students with family incomes under $65,000 annually and requiring a 2.5 GPA. The bill also extends similar tuition waivers to community colleges (up to 2 years) and state colleges (up to 4 years) for qualifying low-income students. Funding for these waivers comes from a new College Promise Fund, with reimbursements distributed monthly from the General Fund to institutions after annual certification. The program requires institutions to verify eligibility and maintain a standardized appeals process through the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education.
Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (LR 20CA) would permit authorized racetrack operators in Nebraska to allow sports wagers placed via mobile or electronic platforms by individuals physically located within Nebraska at the time of betting. It specifically modifies the state constitution to allow this change for racetrack-based sports wagering, while maintaining existing restrictions on other gambling forms. The amendment does not affect current lottery rules, bingo regulations, or general casino-style gambling. It directly affects racetrack operators seeking to offer mobile sports betting and Nebraska residents who would place such bets within the state. The proposal requires voter approval at the November 2026 general election.
Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 109 prohibits health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from imposing restrictions that limit patient access to clinician-administered drugs - such as those given in a doctor's office or clinic rather than a pharmacy. It bans insurers from charging extra fees, requiring specific pharmacy use, or denying coverage when drugs are administered by healthcare providers. The bill also requires PBMs to allow pharmacists to discuss treatment options, costs, and alternatives with patients and prohibits penalizing pharmacies for sharing information about their practices. These changes directly affect insurers, health plans, and PBMs in how they handle drug coverage and patient communications.
Maddy summaryLB 458 introduces two key acts to streamline development and housing. The Permitting Approval Timeliness Act requires local governments to decide on building permit applications within 60 days, automatically granting permits if they miss the deadline. The By-Right Housing Development Act allows duplexes, single-family homes, multifamily units, and accessory dwelling units to be built without discretionary approval from local zoning boards if they meet existing zoning rules. This directly affects homeowners, developers, and municipalities by reducing approval delays and expanding housing options.
Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 253 requires health insurers and Medicaid to cover biomarker testing for diagnosis, treatment, or monitoring of diseases when supported by medical evidence. This includes tests approved by the FDA, aligned with drug labels, or recommended by nationally recognized clinical guidelines. Insurers must cover these tests without unnecessary delays, approving or denying prior authorization requests within 24-72 hours, and provide clear exception processes for patients. The law applies to all health insurers and Medicaid plans in Nebraska, effective January 1, 2026, directly affecting patients needing these tests and healthcare providers ordering them.
Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 684 creates a new Juvenile Probation Agency within the executive branch, transferring juvenile probation functions currently handled by the judicial branch's Office of Probation Administration. The bill establishes a Juvenile Probation Administrator (appointed by the Governor) to oversee probation policies, officer qualifications, and evidence-based supervision practices - including risk assessments and graduated response strategies - while eliminating several existing advisory groups. It directly affects juvenile probationers, probation officers, and the judicial system by shifting oversight to the executive branch and requiring standardized, risk-focused supervision protocols. The bill repeals outdated sections of Nebraska law related to juvenile probation and mandates annual reports to the Legislature and Supreme Court on agency operations.