Rep. Tom Brandt

Maddy summaryLB 1010 allows Nebraska electric districts to use eminent domain (government power to acquire property) for energy storage facilities, including batteries and other systems for storing electricity. It specifically prohibits consumer-owned electric cooperatives from using eminent domain to take privately developed renewable energy projects (like wind farms and their related infrastructure) that meet requirements under Section 70-1014.02. The bill updates rules for how utilities apply for permits, file notices, and handle violations related to energy storage resources. These changes aim to clarify legal authority for energy storage while protecting existing renewable energy investments.

Maddy summaryLB 922 amends Nebraska's Motor Vehicle Industry Regulation Act to update the fee schedule for industry licenses, specifically revising Section 60-1411.01. It lists current fees for licenses including motor vehicle dealers ($1,400), manufacturers ($1,560), distributors ($1,560), and others, while repealing the original section. The bill directly affects auto dealers, manufacturers, distributors, and related businesses that pay these annual licensing fees. No new fees are created - this is a procedural update to align the statute with existing fee amounts. The change ensures the law accurately reflects current licensing costs without altering the financial burden on license holders.

Maddy summaryLB 1076 amends penalty provisions for violations of Nebraska's Geologic Storage of Carbon Dioxide Act, directly affecting companies and operators handling carbon storage under the law. It clarifies misdemeanor classifications (Class II for general violations, Class I for willful acts) and adds civil penalties ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 per day for ongoing violations. The bill specifies that penalties must consider factors like the violation's severity, environmental harm, previous violations, and efforts to correct the issue. These changes harmonize existing penalties and provide clearer enforcement mechanisms for the Nebraska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission.

Maddy summaryLB 814 changes Nebraska's property tax valuation for agricultural and horticultural land, reducing the assessed value from 75% to 50% of market value starting January 1, 2027. This adjustment lowers the taxable value of such land, directly reducing property tax bills for farmers, gardeners, and landowners using property for agricultural or horticultural purposes. The bill also updates the acceptable valuation range for these lands to 44-50% of market value after 2027, replacing the previous 69-75% range. The change affects all Nebraska landowners with qualifying agricultural or horticultural land, as it modifies how their property is assessed for tax purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Nebraska's workers' compensation insurance rules to allow employers to choose deductibles for medical claims or overall policy costs. Employers could select a medical deductible between $500 and $2,500 per claim, or a broader deductible covering up to 40% of their annual premium but no less than $50,000. The law ensures insurers remain responsible for paying medical providers directly and that employees cannot be required to pay deductibles or lose their right to choose doctors. Insurers must assess an employer's financial ability to pay deductibles before offering this option, and employer-paid deductible amounts will count toward experience modification ratings starting in 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Nebraska's County Bridge Match Program to require annual transfers of $4 million from the Roads Operations Cash Fund to the Transportation Infrastructure Bank Fund specifically for bridge repairs. It establishes that counties can voluntarily participate in the program to accelerate repairs of deficient county bridges, with the working group required to award at least $4 million each year. The program is set to end on June 30, 2029, and the bill eliminates outdated provisions related to fund management. Counties with deficient bridges on their road systems are the primary direct beneficiaries of this funding mechanism.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 1220 amends rules governing how the Game and Parks Commission creates hunting, fur-harvesting, and fishing regulations. It requires the commission to hold at least one public hearing (with 30 days' notice) for all proposed rules or changes, and mandates that rules become effective 15 days after being posted online. The bill also adds a limited emergency provision allowing immediate season closures/reopenings (with a 24-hour delay) only for urgent threats to wildlife populations or public safety. This affects hunters, anglers, fur harvesters, and the commission itself by changing the process for developing and implementing these regulations.

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 summaryThis constitutional amendment (LR 317CA) would limit annual property tax increases by Nebraska's local governments (cities, counties, etc.) starting in 2027. It allows each local government to raise taxes by no more than 2% plus the percentage increase in its total property values from the previous year (based on new construction, annexations, or other value changes). If voters approve it in 2026, local governments would be restricted from exceeding this "allowable growth" limit each year. The amendment requires voter approval and would take effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 1219 limits annual property tax increases for local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) starting in 2027. It replaces previous tax growth rules by capping yearly increases at 2% plus the area's real property value growth rate. The "real growth percentage" is calculated based on new construction, annexations, or other value changes to properties, ensuring tax hikes align with actual property value growth. This bill directly affects all local taxing entities by restricting how much they can raise property taxes each year.