Rep. Eliot Bostar

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 610 amends the Medical Assistance Act to change how Medicaid reimburses ground emergency medical transport providers. It sets a 100% cap on total reimbursement (combining state, federal, and other sources) for transport services to Medicaid beneficiaries, ensuring payments never exceed actual costs. The bill requires providers and local governments to certify claims against federal standards and submit supporting data to the Department of Health and Human Services for federal approval. These changes apply directly to emergency medical transport providers and the state agency managing Medicaid reimbursements.

Maddy summaryLB 608 expands Nebraska's First Responder Recruitment and Retention Act to include correctional officers, youth detention officers, certain disabled former first responders, and their children. The bill modifies insurance protections so employers cannot cancel health coverage for line-of-duty injuries or deaths affecting these new categories, mirroring existing rules for firefighters. It also requires the state to partially reimburse public colleges for tuition waivers provided to eligible dependents of qualifying first responders. These changes apply to state and local employers covered under the act, with specific definitions added for "eligible disabled person" and "qualifying child." The law amends multiple sections of Nebraska statutes to implement these updates.

Maddy summaryThis bill, LB 644A, is a funding measure that allocates specific state funds to support the implementation of Legislative Bill 644. It provides $30,000 from the State Settlement Cash Fund for Fiscal Year 2025-26 (and none for 2026-27) to the Attorney General's office for Program 507, and $50,000 annually from the General Fund for Fiscal Years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission for Program 94. The bill explicitly prohibits using these funds for state employee salaries or per diems. As an appropriation bill, it directly affects the Attorney General and the Accountability Commission by providing targeted financial support for their work related to Legislative Bill 644.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 77 adopts the Ensuring Transparency in Prior Authorization Act, requiring health insurers and Medicaid to clearly explain prior authorization decisions and post all requirements online by 2027. The law mandates that denials must be reviewed by a physician (or clinical peer) and include specific reasons citing coverage criteria, with expedited reviews for urgent care. It also requires insurers to cover biomarker testing - tests that identify specific biological markers for diagnosis - when prescribed by a doctor. This directly affects health insurers, providers, and patients by increasing transparency in coverage decisions and expanding access to certain diagnostic tests.

Maddy summaryLB 77A appropriates $500,000 annually from the Department of Insurance Cash Fund for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to the Department of Insurance for "Program 69," specifically to support implementation of Legislative Bill 77. This funding directly affects the Department of Insurance's operations under Program 69, which relates to insurance regulation. The bill explicitly prohibits using these funds for state employee salaries or per diems. As an appropriation measure, it provides targeted financial resources to carry out another legislative act without altering policy substance.

Maddy summaryLB 391 creates the Give to Enable Support Program to help individuals with disabilities cover qualified disability expenses. It establishes a cash fund funded solely by private donations (not state funds) managed by the State Treasurer, starting January 1, 2026. Qualified individuals with disabilities can apply annually to receive accounts funded from this cash fund, which they can then use to pay for approved disability-related expenses. The program requires applicants to submit documentation proving disability status and personal details, with approvals based on available funding. The bill also includes minor tax adjustments related to interest and dividends but focuses primarily on the new disability support mechanism.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) recognizing the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) for purchasing 202 acres of farmland for over $5 million. The resolution acknowledges the purchase despite documented concerns: the land was appraised at $11,000/acre ($2.3M total) but bought at $25,000/acre ($5.1M), with the $2.7M difference paid by ratepayers. It references unresolved conflict-of-interest questions involving NPPD staff and a closed board meeting about the transaction. The resolution does not change policy or address the financial discrepancy but formally honors the purchase.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 641 amends Medicaid estate recovery rules to protect certain family members' homes from being seized to repay medical assistance costs after a recipient's death. The bill specifically exempts homes from recovery if a sibling lived there continuously for one year before the recipient's institutionalization or if an adult child provided care while living in the home for two years prior to institutionalization. To qualify for these exemptions, a physician's written attestation must verify the care provided that delayed institutionalization. The changes clarify which family members retain home ownership protections and require specific documentation to avoid estate recovery claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $830,000 for fiscal year 2025-26 and $1,135,000 for fiscal year 2026-27 from the Domestic Violence and Sex Trafficking Survivor Housing Assistance Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services' Program 514. The funds are specifically designated to support housing assistance for domestic violence and sex trafficking survivors, as required by Legislative Bill 78. The appropriations are restricted to state aid for housing services and cannot be used for salaries or employee expenses. The bill was approved by the governor on May 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryLR 256 is a legislative resolution proposing an interim study to examine how Nebraska's nonpartisan voters are restricted from participating in partisan primary elections for certain statewide, federal, and local offices. The study will analyze current restrictions, the rising number of nonpartisan registrations, election administration costs, and potential reforms to improve primary access. It does not change voting rules but directs the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee to investigate these issues and report findings to the Legislature. This resolution affects nonpartisan voters who cannot vote in partisan primaries under current rules.