Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 1041 requires cities, villages, and counties to allow at least one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on single-family residential lots. The bill sets size limits (max 1,000 sq ft or 50% of the main house), prohibits local restrictions on ADU placement (like stricter height or setback rules), and bans requirements for additional parking or occupancy rules based on income, age, or family relationships. It mandates automatic permit approval for ADUs meeting state standards within the same timeline as main-house permits, without discretionary hearings. The law defines ADUs as secondary residences (attached or detached) on the same lot as a primary home, overriding conflicting local ordinances while allowing more permissive local rules.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryLB 762 requires most health insurance policies in Nebraska to cover treatment for two specific pediatric conditions: pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infection (PANDAS) and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS). It mandates coverage for recommended treatments like antibiotics, medication, behavioral therapy, plasma exchange, and immunoglobulin, directly affecting families of children diagnosed with these conditions and insurers offering health coverage in the state. Insurers must report coverage denials for these treatments annually to the Department of Insurance, which will publish a public report starting in 2028. The bill aims to ensure access to medically necessary care for affected children without insurer denials.
Maddy summaryLB 82 adopts the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, allowing Nebraska to join a multi-state agreement that enables cosmetologists licensed in Nebraska to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. This directly affects licensed cosmetologists - especially military members and their spouses relocating across state lines - and Nebraska's State Licensing Authority, which will administer the compact. Key provisions include creating a "Multistate License" recognized by all participating states, requiring uniform licensure standards, and establishing a shared system for reporting disciplinary actions and safety concerns. The compact aims to improve public access to cosmetology services, reduce administrative burdens for workers, and enhance cross-state cooperation on licensing and safety.
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 requires Nebraska to create and maintain a new state database that maps exact addresses to local sales tax rates, replacing the previous zip-code-based system. It mandates 120 days' advance notice to the state tax office for boundary changes and 60 days' notice to retailers before tax rate changes take effect. The database will help online retailers accurately apply tax rates based on customer locations, reducing errors in remote sales transactions. The Nebraska Department of Revenue must verify address data and tax rates in the system to ensure compliance.
Maddy summaryLB 268 requires Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services to increase reimbursement rates for providers of developmental disability services starting in fiscal year 2025-26. The bill mandates a rate increase equal to 150% of the state minimum wage, with annual adjustments tied to changes in the Consumer Price Index. This directly affects service providers who support individuals with developmental disabilities by increasing their funding. The legislation aims to harmonize existing provisions and is funded using federal resources designated for this purpose.
Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 546 amends emergency proclamation rules to allow cities, counties, or utility providers (like those supplying electricity, gas, water, or sewer services) to directly request multi-county emergency proclamations from the Governor, without needing prior approval from county governments. This change streamlines the process for declaring emergencies in areas affected by utility disruptions. The bill does not alter the Governor's emergency powers but modifies how requests for state of emergency declarations are initiated. It specifically targets requests made by political subdivisions that provide essential utility services. The amendment replaces the previous requirement for county-level approval in such cases.
Maddy summaryLB 318 requires Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services to file a federal Medicaid state plan amendment to extend existing medical assistance coverage to incarcerated youth. The bill mandates this amendment to ensure youth in state custody receive the same Medicaid benefits - such as hospital care, mental health services, and prescription drugs - as other eligible residents under the Medical Assistance Act. This policy change directly affects youth held in Nebraska's correctional facilities, making their healthcare coverage consistent with state Medicaid rules. The amendment must be submitted to federal authorities for approval, aligning Nebraska's program with federal Medicaid requirements for this population.
Maddy summaryLB 545 provides legal protection from civil or criminal liability for individuals, manufacturers, distributors, and nonprofits that donate menstrual products (like tampons, pads, or cups) in good faith to those in need. It shields these groups from responsibility for injuries or deaths caused by the product's age, packaging, or condition - provided the item appears usable and meets basic quality standards under federal or state law. This immunity does not apply if gross negligence or intentional misconduct causes harm. The bill directly affects organizations distributing free menstrual products and the donors who provide them, ensuring they face no legal risk for minor product issues like expired packaging.
Maddy summaryLB 12 eliminates time limits for civil lawsuits against the direct perpetrator of child sexual assault (for cases occurring on or after August 24, 2017, or earlier cases not previously time-barred). For lawsuits against non-direct abusers (such as institutions), victims can file within 12 years after turning 21. The law applies specifically to violations of Nebraska’s child sexual assault statutes (sections 28-319.01 and 28-320.01). Criminal prosecutions are not required to pursue civil claims under this bill.