Rep. Victor Rountree

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 resolution (LR 170) proposes an interim study by Nebraska's Judiciary Committee to examine children's access to legal counsel in juvenile court cases. It will analyze current laws, court data on juveniles requesting or waiving lawyers, local court practices, and national models for ensuring legal representation. The study focuses on both delinquency cases (where youth face criminal charges) and status offenses (non-criminal youth cases like truancy). It does not create new law but aims to inform future policy decisions about juvenile legal access. The study is currently pending referral to the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (LR 187) proposes an interim study to determine whether Nebraska can access existing federal Title IV-E funds - typically used for child welfare services - for pre-petition legal representation. The study would examine how using these funds for legal help before child welfare cases begin would benefit families, the government structure needed to manage the funds, and whether state laws require changes to allow the Department of Health and Human Services to handle this. It does not create new funding or laws but seeks to assess the feasibility of utilizing current federal resources for legal services. The Judiciary Committee will conduct the study and report findings to the Legislature.

Maddy summaryLB 319 adjusts Nebraska's eligibility rules for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by temporarily increasing the gross income threshold to 165% of the federal poverty guidelines (from the prior level) for qualifying residents. This change, effective until October 1, 2025, aims to expand access to SNAP benefits while maintaining work incentives - ensuring participants can keep benefits while seeking higher-paying jobs. The bill also requires the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a state outreach plan (partnering with nonprofits if needed), submit annual reports to the Legislature on program effectiveness, and evaluate administrative costs. It directly affects Nebraska residents seeking SNAP benefits, particularly those with incomes just above the previous threshold.

Maddy summaryLB 84 adopts the School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact, allowing Nebraska-licensed school psychologists to practice in other participating states without duplicative licensing requirements. This directly affects school psychologists seeking to work across state lines, including military members and their spouses who relocate frequently. The key mechanism establishes a standardized pathway for verifying qualifications and issuing equivalent licenses, while requiring practitioners to follow each state's specific scope of practice rules. This aims to improve access to school psychological services by addressing workforce shortages through increased professional mobility.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Nebraska's veterans' employment preference rules. It clarifies definitions for "veteran" (including spouses of disabled or deceased service members) and requires state employers to give preference to eligible veterans in hiring, reassignment, and promotions. For private employers, it allows voluntary written policies to prefer veterans, while specifying that applicants must provide documentation like a DD Form 214 or VA disability verification. The changes apply to all state government jobs and private employers who adopt the policy, directly affecting veterans and qualifying spouses seeking employment.

Maddy summaryLB 143 amends Nebraska's student enrollment law to extend military family enrollment protections to students with disabilities or special education needs. It requires school districts to apply their existing preliminary enrollment policies for military families - including no-charge enrollment upon arrival - to students with individualized education programs (IEPs), individualized family service plans (IFSPs), or those receiving special education services under federal law. This ensures military-connected students who require special education accommodations have equal enrollment access during relocations. The change directly affects military families with children who have disabilities or special education needs, streamlining their school enrollment process without altering other residency rules.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution honoring Nebraska State Patrol Officer Kyle McAcy, who died in a traffic incident at age 31 on February 17, 2025. The resolution expresses the Nebraska Legislature's condolences to his family, friends, and fellow officers and directs that a copy be sent to his family. It does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is solely a ceremonial tribute to recognize his service and life.

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts retirement contribution rates for firefighters in Nebraska cities of the first class (over 60,000 residents). It increases firefighter contributions from 6.5% to 12.7% of salary over time (2024-2026), but exempts those working in cities over 60,000 residents within counties over 100,000 population (like Omaha) from the higher rates starting March 2025 - they pay only 6.5%. Cities must cover these contributions directly instead of deducting from firefighters' paychecks, and the bill repeals previous contribution rules. These changes apply specifically to firefighters in eligible cities participating in the retirement system.

Maddy summaryLB 574, introduced in Nebraska in 2025, would have established specific rights for certified firefighters and emergency personnel, including paramedics and EMTs. The bill required formal investigations into complaints against firefighters to follow strict procedures: providing written summaries before interviews, recording all interviews, allowing legal or union representation, and maintaining confidentiality of all records. It also guaranteed firefighters access to mental health services, safe working conditions, and the right to challenge disciplinary actions through grievance processes. The bill further prohibited mandatory polygraph exams and protected firefighters' personal information, while allowing off-duty political activity and access to personnel records. (Note: The bill was withdrawn on February 7, 2025, and did not become law.)