Rep. Tom Brandt

Maddy summaryLB 489 prohibits private companies (not government-run utilities) from operating, maintaining, constructing, or acquiring transmission lines or related facilities carrying more than 700 volts in Nebraska. It specifically exempts public power districts, municipalities, electric cooperatives, and other government entities that already provide electric service. The bill amends Nebraska law to remove approval requirements for these exempt entities while banning non-exempt private entities from such infrastructure projects. It repeals the previous version of Section 70-1012 to implement this restriction. This change directly affects private energy companies seeking to build or manage transmission infrastructure within the state.

Maddy summaryLB 115 increases the income tax credit for volunteer emergency responders in Nebraska from its previous amount to $1,250 per year. It directly affects volunteer firefighters, emergency responders, and rescue squad members who are certified as active for the prior year. The bill changes qualification rules by requiring departments to submit certified lists of eligible volunteers to the state by February 15 each year, and volunteers claim the credit on their state tax returns using certification documents. The amendment replaces the previous credit amount and procedures under the Volunteer Emergency Responders Incentive Act.

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 summaryLB 62 appropriates $19 million from the General Fund for fiscal year 2025-26 to the Department of Administrative Services. The funds must be used to provide portable/mobile radios, programming, installation, and training for volunteer departments (like fire and rescue teams) to connect to the Statewide Radio System. Eligible departments receive grants with no fees for equipment or training, based on their needs and size, and all funds must be distributed by June 30, 2028. This bill directly supports volunteer departments by improving emergency communications interoperability with state agencies.

Maddy summaryLB 564 adjusts Nebraska's School District Property Tax Relief Act by increasing annual funding for property tax credits. It mandates escalating transfers from the General Fund to the School District Property Tax Relief Credit Fund, starting at $750 million for fiscal year 2024-25 and increasing by $150 million each subsequent year through 2030-31 (e.g., $780 million in 2025-26, $808 million in 2026-27). These credits directly reduce property tax bills for homeowners in Nebraska school districts, calculated based on prior-year school district taxes and applied to tax statements. Unused credits are returned to the fund, and counties distribute funds to school districts via a defined formula. The bill repeals prior funding provisions and takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 63 amends the Racetrack Gaming Act to clarify key terms related to sports wagering. It specifically redefines "authorized sporting event" to exclude in-state college sports (where Nebraska teams compete), parimutuel betting, fantasy sports, and high school events. The bill also details what "sports wagering" does not include, such as wagers on individual athletes in certain college games or athletes under 18 in professional events. These definitions directly affect racetrack operators and the State Racing and Gaming Commission by clarifying regulatory boundaries for legal sports betting. The changes focus on precise terminology without creating new betting rules or restrictions.

Maddy summaryLB 342 establishes a regulatory framework for fantasy sports contests in Nebraska by creating the "Fantasy Sports Consumer Protection Act." It defines a qualifying fantasy contest as a skill-based game requiring an entry fee, where prizes are determined by participants' knowledge of real-world athletic performance statistics - not team outcomes or single events. The bill requires operators to obtain licenses from the Department of Revenue, implement fraud prevention measures, and pay fees/taxes, while exempting these contests from standard gambling laws. It directly affects fantasy sports operators and participants by setting clear rules for eligibility, operator licensing, and participant protections like self-exclusion options.

Maddy summaryLB 421 would allow licensed Nebraska racetracks to offer online sports betting through approved platforms under existing gaming laws. It prohibits betting on in-state college sports events and bans athletes, coaches, referees, and others with insider access from wagering. The bill also changes how tax revenue from sports betting is distributed to state and local entities. This proposed legislation affects licensed racetrack operators and state tax allocations but remains pending in committee.

Maddy summaryLB 171 adjusts Nebraska's individual and corporate income tax rates for 2025 and future years. It reduces the top individual income tax rate from 6.84% to 5.20% for taxable years beginning January 1, 2025, with further gradual reductions to 4.55% in 2026 and 3.99% after 2027. The bill also modifies corporate tax rates and establishes a new inflation adjustment mechanism using the Consumer Price Index for income tax brackets. This directly affects Nebraska residents and businesses filing state income taxes, altering their tax liability based on income levels. The changes apply to tax years starting in 2025, with specific rate schedules updated annually.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution (LR 40) requests the City of Lincoln and the Nebraska State Capitol Environs Commission to install stop signs at both northbound and southbound corners of Fourteenth Street and Lincoln Mall. It directly addresses traffic safety concerns at this intersection near the State Capitol, where a removed stop sign and changed traffic patterns have created hazards for pedestrians, especially students and unfamiliar visitors. The resolution does not create new law but formally asks these entities to implement the stop signs to improve safety. As a resolution, it has no binding effect but aims to prompt action on a specific traffic safety issue.