Rep. Dan Lonowski

Maddy summaryThis bill (LB 353) allows public school employees in Nebraska to join or leave labor unions at any time, without restrictions imposed by existing contracts. It revises a law governing union dues deductions by requiring written authorization from employees that can be revoked at any time, and removes language that previously bound employees to dues deductions. The bill repeals the old version of the law to align with these changes, ensuring employees retain full control over their union membership status. It directly affects all public school employees covered by collective bargaining agreements in Nebraska.

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 summaryNebraska's LB 829 amends the Auditor of Public Accounts' duties to clarify that routine financial audits (per government standards) no longer include performance audits. It requires state entities like colleges, hospitals, and local governments receiving state funds to submit written corrective action plans within six months if their audits include management comments. The Auditor must then report findings to the Governor and Legislative committees, ensuring accountability for audit recommendations. This bill directly affects all state-supported institutions and local political subdivisions subject to annual financial audits. The change streamlines audit scope while adding a specific reporting requirement for corrective actions.

Maddy summaryLB 824 amends Nebraska's School Employees Retirement Act and Class V School Employees Retirement Act to redefine "termination of employment" and update benefit calculation rules. It changes how retirement benefits are calculated based on when school employees were hired: those hired before July 1, 2017, use a blended mortality table (25% male/75% female) with an 8% interest rate, while those hired on or after that date use a unisex mortality table and an interest rate approved by the retirement board. The bill also clarifies what counts as "compensation" for retirement purposes, excluding items like severance pay, bonuses, and accrued leave converted to cash. These changes directly affect school employees covered under these retirement systems who are calculating or receiving retirement benefits.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution directs the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee to conduct an interim study examining the potential effects of implementing LB987, a bill that would establish the Vision Benefit Plan Act. The study will investigate how proposed regulations on insurance companies and vision benefit managers would impact their interactions with eye care providers and policyholders. The committee is tasked with producing a report containing findings and recommendations for the Legislature upon completing its analysis. This measure focuses on gathering information rather than enacting immediate policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution directs the Education Committee to conduct an interim study on learning community schools in Nebraska to evaluate their financial effectiveness and outcomes. The study will examine funding sources, how money is spent, whether state aid is still necessary, and whether schools are meeting their goals and closing achievement gaps. It will also review community achievement plans, accountability measures, and the role of nonprofit organizations in supporting these schools. The committee is expected to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature after completing its analysis.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution congratulates the Adams Central girls wrestling team on winning the 2026 Nebraska School Activities Association Class B Girls State Wrestling Championship. The bill formally recognizes the team's achievement and directs copies of the resolution to the team and their head coach. It highlights the team's accomplishment as a historical first for the school and acknowledges the support of teachers, administrators, parents, and the community.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) congratulating the Hastings St. Cecilia High School softball team for winning Nebraska's 2025 Class C State Championship. It specifically recognizes their championship victory, 29-6 season record, and the team members and coaches involved. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses legislative recognition through a formal congratulatory statement sent to the team and coach. It directly affects the named high school team and their coaches as recipients of the recognition.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution (LR 309) formally congratulates the Minden High School girls golf team for winning the 2025 NSAA Class C State Championship. It specifically recognizes their undefeated season, record-low 649 total score, and twelfth team championship in school history. The resolution is purely ceremonial, with no policy changes or financial impact; it simply directs the Legislature to send a copy of the resolution to the team and head coach. It does not affect any laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) honoring Ken Lonowski for his public service. It recognizes his 28 years of military service (U.S. Army and Nebraska National Guard, including a Presidential Unit Citation), his role as a Nebraska State Patrol security employee (retiring January 2026), and his work as Supervisor of the Year. The resolution formally thanks him for his contributions and directs that a copy be sent to him. No policy changes or affected parties are involved.