Rep. Victor Rountree

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $13.06 million for fiscal year 2025-26 and $14.06 million for fiscal year 2026-27 from the General Fund to support dual enrollment programs at Nebraska community colleges. Funds must be distributed based on each college's reported dual-credit course enrollment data, with the goal of reducing tuition costs for high school students taking college courses. The legislation explicitly states these funds may only be used to discount tuition for dual-enrollment courses that count toward both high school graduation and college credit. It directly affects community colleges and high school students participating in dual-credit programs across Nebraska.

Maddy summaryLB 141 requires child welfare reporters (like teachers or healthcare workers) to notify military authorities and military family advocacy programs whenever child abuse or neglect is reported involving a military family member. This directly affects active-duty service members, National Guard/reserve members, and their dependents in Nebraska. The bill adds a new reporting step to existing child protection laws, ensuring military family advocacy programs are informed alongside standard child welfare agencies. It defines "military family" as active duty personnel or federal dependents, aiming to connect military families with specialized support services. (Note: This bill was amended into LB80 on June 6, 2025.)

Maddy summaryLB 270 would have allowed Nebraska's Auditor of Public Accounts to conduct audits of businesses suspected of reporting errors in sales and use tax filings, expanding oversight beyond the current Tax Commissioner authority. It directly affects businesses collecting sales tax and local municipalities, which could now share confidential tax information under new exceptions to standard confidentiality rules. The key provision created a specific exception permitting municipalities to disclose tax data when necessary for audits related to local tax collection. However, this bill was amended into LB 650 on June 6, 2025, and is no longer active as a standalone measure.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Nebraska's definitions for "disabled veteran" and "blind veteran" to align with federal standards under 5 U.S.C. 2108 (as of January 1, 2025). It changes eligibility for two existing tax exemptions: motor vehicle tax breaks (under section 60-3,185) and mobile home property tax exemptions (under section 77-202.24) for veterans whose disability or blindness is service-connected and recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. To qualify, veterans must now meet specific federal criteria, such as having lost the use of or undergone amputation of two or more limbs, or one limb plus loss of use in another. The changes take effect January 1, 2026, and repeal the previous definitions.

Maddy summaryLB 267 allows tenants facing domestic violence to have the person who committed the violence removed from their rental agreement, whether that person is a roommate or not. To do this, tenants must provide landlords with a court order or certification of domestic violence, plus written notice with the perpetrator's name and a requested termination date. Landlords must then follow specific steps: change locks within 24 hours for non-roommates (or install new locks after removal for roommates), notify the tenant about access, and may recover court costs from the perpetrator. This law directly affects tenants experiencing domestic violence, landlords who must act promptly, and the perpetrators facing eviction.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 693 amends the state's deceptive trade practices law to prohibit receiving compensation for certain conduct related to veterans benefits assistance. Specifically, it makes it illegal for anyone to charge fees for helping veterans navigate benefits applications or referrals if that conduct misleads or deceives veterans. The bill defines terms and adds this prohibition to the Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act, directly affecting third-party assistance providers who charge fees for veterans benefits support. This change aims to prevent deceptive practices by requiring transparency in veterans benefits assistance services.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution from the Nebraska Legislature urges the U.S. Congress and President to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The bill directly affects children with disabilities in Nebraska and their families by calling for federal financial support that has historically been underfunded. It highlights that since 1975, the federal government has only provided 40% of the authorized funding for special education, leaving state and local schools to cover the remaining costs. The resolution requests that federal authorities enact legislation to meet the full funding mandate, thereby reducing the financial burden on Nebraska schools and taxpayers.

Maddy summaryThis Legislative Resolution (LR 344) formally recognizes March 2026 as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in Nebraska. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the impact of multiple sclerosis (affecting over 3,200 Nebraskans) and express support for those diagnosed and their caregivers. The resolution highlights ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the disease, which currently has no known cure. As a ceremonial measure, it has no binding effect on government actions or funding.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (LR 86) directs Nebraska's Urban Affairs Committee to conduct an interim study on affordable and accessible housing for Nebraskans with disabilities. It examines current housing stock accessibility, existing programs (including home modification assistance), cost comparisons between institutional and community living, and potential policy solutions to meet Nebraska's obligations under the Olmstead decision. The study aims to identify needed public policies or resources to support community living for people with disabilities. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws but will inform future legislative action. The committee must report findings and recommendations to the Legislature after completion.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 83 adopts the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, allowing licensed dentists and dental hygienists from participating states to practice in Nebraska without obtaining a separate state license. The bill creates a "Compact Privilege" pathway, removing duplicate requirements for professionals already licensed in another participating state, while requiring criminal background checks under Nebraska's Uniform Credentialing Act. This directly affects dentists, dental hygienists, and Nebraska's licensing authorities by streamlining interstate practice and improving access to dental services. The compact also enables states to share disciplinary information and regulate practitioners who use the privilege, without changing existing state licensure standards.