Rep. Loren Lippincott

Maddy summaryLB 915 reduces Nebraska's statewide cap on inland port districts from six to five under the Municipal Inland Port Authority Act. This change affects cities, counties, and joint city-county proposals seeking to establish inland port districts by limiting the total number that can be created. The bill does not alter the criteria for creating a district but enforces a stricter maximum, meaning only five districts will be permitted at any time. This policy adjustment directly restricts future expansions of inland port authorities across the state.

Maddy summaryThis Nebraska constitutional amendment bill (LR 305CA) proposes adding a new section to allow voters to recall specific state officials through a formal process. It would authorize recall of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Attorney General, Auditor of Public Accounts, and state legislators. The amendment requires voters to approve it at the 2026 general election, after which the recall procedure would be defined by future legislation. If passed, it would create a new removal method alongside existing constitutional provisions. The bill is currently under review by the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 938 creates a state tax-advantaged savings program to help first-time homebuyers. It allows individuals to contribute up to $5,000 annually (or $10,000 for joint filers) to designated savings accounts, reducing their state taxable income. Contributions can be used for eligible home purchase costs like down payments, closing fees, or construction financing for a primary residence in Nebraska. The program limits lifetime contributions to $25,000 per individual ($50,000 for joint filers) and requires account holders to designate a qualified beneficiary (the homebuyer) by April 15 each year. This directly affects first-time homebuyers who meet the definition: individuals without prior primary residence ownership or those divorced and not on title for 3+ years.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 941 clarifies that franchisors are generally not considered employers of franchisees or their employees under state labor laws, including the Workers' Compensation Act. The bill specifically excludes franchisors from employer status unless they directly control essential employment terms - such as setting wages, determining benefits, or making hiring/firing decisions. If a franchisor exercises such direct control (e.g., setting employee pay or work schedules), they would still be treated as an employer. This change directly affects franchise businesses and their employees by shifting labor law responsibility to the franchisee in most cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Nebraska's property tax valuation rules, primarily affecting agricultural landowners and school districts. It adjusts the tax rate for agricultural land from 37.5% to 50% of property value for school district taxes on bonds approved after 2022, while standardizing acceptable valuation ranges across property types. The bill clarifies how different property classes - like historic sites, agricultural land, and tangible personal property - are valued for tax purposes. These changes directly impact property owners' tax bills and school district funding calculations.

Maddy summaryLB 1182 establishes a $50,000 annual minimum base salary for all full-time certified teachers in Nebraska public schools starting in the 2027-28 school year, applying equally regardless of experience or education level. Beginning in 2029-30, this minimum salary will adjust annually based on changes in Nebraska’s state General Fund receipts (with a minimum 0% increase), and the salary cannot decrease from the previous year. The bill also directs the state to transition to a block grant funding system for public education, replacing the current foundation aid structure, with quarterly payments to school districts starting July 2027 based on enrollment and the new teacher salary minimum. This affects all Nebraska public school districts and their certified teaching staff through direct salary requirements and funding changes.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 431 would add kratom to the state's list of controlled substances under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. This amendment would define kratom as a controlled substance in Section 28-401, prohibiting its possession, sale, or distribution within Nebraska. The bill directly affects residents who currently use or sell kratom, as it would make these activities illegal under state law. The key mechanism is amending the legal definition of "controlled substance" to explicitly include kratom, aligning it with other prohibited substances under Nebraska's drug regulations.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 432 adds nitrogen hypoxia (inhalation of pure nitrogen gas) as an alternative method for carrying out the death penalty, alongside lethal injection. The bill requires the Department of Correctional Services to develop a written protocol for both methods, including equipment selection, team training, and procedures to ensure the condemned person is unconscious before administering substances. It also clarifies that execution-related activities - such as obtaining substances or administering nitrogen - do not violate medical licensing laws or the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, and protects execution team members from professional disciplinary action. This bill directly affects individuals sentenced to death in Nebraska and the state's correctional system, not the eligibility for the death penalty itself.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 549 allows school boards to hire chaplains - licensed by their religious organization - to provide student support services like emotional or behavioral health assistance, without requiring a teaching certificate. Chaplains may serve as paid or volunteer staff, but must pass a criminal background check and comply with school policies developed by the board. The bill explicitly states this employment does not endorse any religion and exempts chaplains from standard teacher certification rules under Nebraska law. It affects all Nebraska public school districts and directly impacts students receiving non-academic support services.

Maddy summaryNebraska's Legislative Resolution 14 (LR 14) formally applies to Congress for an Article V convention of states to propose constitutional amendments. It specifically seeks amendments to impose fiscal restraints on federal spending, limit federal government power over states, and restrict terms for federal officials and Congress members. The resolution rescinds Nebraska's 2022 application (which expired in 2027) and specifies that Congress can only perform a ministerial role in calling the convention - once two-thirds of states apply for the same purpose - and that states retain full control over delegate selection and convention rules. This resolution directly affects Nebraska's state legislature, as it updates the state's formal request to Congress under the U.S. Constitution's Article V process.