Rep. Stan Clouse

Maddy summaryLB 178 requires all employees at Nebraska retail liquor stores who sell, serve, or mix alcohol, provide security at licensed locations, or verify customer ages to complete approved mandatory server training by January 1, 2026. The training covers responsible service practices, recognizing intoxication, refusing service to visibly intoxicated persons, age verification, and local alcohol laws. Retail stores must verify employees have certification from an approved program before hiring or within 90 days of starting employment. This applies to all staff directly handling alcohol sales or age checks at licensed retail locations.

Maddy summaryLB 639 requires dental insurance companies in Nebraska to spend at least 85% of premium revenue on patient care and administrative costs (not profits). Starting in 2026, these companies must meet this "dental loss ratio" and report their annual ratio to the state insurance department starting in 2027. If they fail to meet the 85% threshold, they must refund the excess premiums directly to policyholders. The bill does not apply to dental coverage provided through Medicaid.

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 322 increases penalties for assaulting specific professionals while they are working. It makes assault on pharmacists, healthcare workers (including hospital/clinic staff), and emergency responders a higher felony classification when committed during their duties at pharmacies, hospitals, or clinics. The bill defines "pharmacist" as a state-licensed pharmacy practitioner and "health care professional" to include all employees at healthcare facilities. This amendment enhances existing assault penalties for these targeted groups without creating new prohibitions. The bill is currently postponed indefinitely in Nebraska's legislative process.

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 summaryThis legislative resolution congratulates the University of Nebraska at Kearney men's wrestling team for winning the 2026 Division II National Wrestling Championship. The document formally recognizes the team's achievement, noting that six wrestlers earned All-American honors and that Coach Dalton Jensen received the National Championship Coach of the Year award. Copies of the resolution are to be sent to Coach Jensen and the wrestling team as official acknowledgment of their accomplishment. This measure does not change any laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial recognition of athletic success.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution directs the Nebraska Revenue Committee to conduct an interim study on creating countywide local option sales taxes. The study will examine how counties could implement sales taxes across their entire area, even in regions where cities already have their own sales taxes, and explore options for specific districts like highway corridors. Researchers will also analyze potential tax rates and how the revenue could be allocated between public safety services and other county functions. This proposal aims to provide counties with a new revenue source beyond property taxes, similar to how municipalities currently operate. The resolution does not enact any tax changes but instead commissions the study to inform future legislative decisions.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution directs Nebraska's Revenue Committee to conduct an interim study of the Municipal Equalization Fund, which provides state aid to help incorporated cities equalize property tax capacity. The study will examine which cities have received aid and how much, consider whether cities should be excluded from the fund once their population reaches a certain threshold, and identify any irregularities in how the fund is used. The committee will report its findings and recommendations to the Legislative Council or Legislature after completing the review. This measure affects cities in Nebraska that currently receive financial assistance through the fund and does not enact new laws but rather initiates an analysis of existing programs.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution directs the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee to conduct an interim study on how often members of local government governing bodies vote to increase their own compensation. The study will examine current rules and regulations that govern these self-payroll votes and analyze the frequency of such decisions. The committee will compile its findings and recommendations and report them to the Legislative Council or the full Legislature. This measure does not change any existing laws or compensation levels but instead focuses on gathering information about current practices in local government pay decisions.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution directs a committee to study different types of county government structures used across the United States. The Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee will conduct this interim study to determine if Nebraska should adopt alternative forms of county government. The committee must complete its research and submit findings and recommendations to the Legislative Council or the full Legislature. This action does not change any current laws but initiates an informational review of potential government restructuring options.