Rep. Barry DeKay

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 1096 creates two new laws: the Preventing Lethal Agricultural and National Threats Act (PLANT) and the Critical Infrastructure Protection Act (CIPA). PLANT prohibits importing high-risk agricultural pathogens or pests without a Department of Agriculture permit, imposing Class III felony penalties for violations (Class IIA if involving concealment, foreign government ties, or $1 million+ damage). CIPA bans foreign adversaries (countries listed in federal regulations) from accessing or controlling Nebraska's critical infrastructure - including water systems, energy grids, telecom networks, and transportation - through new contracts or agreements. The bill directly affects agricultural importers, infrastructure operators, and companies owning critical systems by requiring permits for high-risk imports and restricting foreign access to infrastructure. Violations carry civil penalties for communications providers and criminal penalties under both acts.

Maddy summaryLB 1059 prohibits installing or using mobile tracking devices on another person's property or to monitor their movement without their consent. It specifically bans tracking without consent, requiring removal after consent is revoked (e.g., if a protection order is issued or a spouse files for divorce). Exceptions include law enforcement use, court-ordered monitoring, parents tracking minor children under specific family circumstances, caregivers for vulnerable adults with medical certification, and private investigators acting in legitimate legal investigations. The bill directly affects individuals who might misuse tracking technology and aims to protect privacy by strengthening consent requirements.

Maddy summaryLB 826 amends Nebraska law to change deadlines and requirements for homestead exemption applications, directly affecting homeowners and veterans seeking property tax relief. It allows late applications for specific circumstances - such as medical conditions, spouse death, or delayed veteran status certification - with a new deadline of June 30 of the year property taxes become delinquent, requiring supporting documentation. The bill also modifies veteran exemption rules, requiring annual filings only every five years (in divisible years) and ensuring surviving spouses retain the exemption for the remaining five-year period after a veteran’s death. These changes aim to provide flexibility for eligible residents while standardizing filing processes.

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 868 creates an inheritance tax exemption for property transferred from a person who was a homicide victim. This directly affects individuals inheriting assets from someone killed in a homicide, as they may qualify for the exemption by filing an application with the Department of Revenue. The bill changes the tax payment deadline: if an exemption application is filed within 12 months of the death, the tax becomes due 12 months after the exemption determination (not the death date). The exemption applies to deaths on or after June 1, 2026, and requires either a homicide conviction or a court determination that the decedent was a victim.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Nebraska's Legislature to appropriate $7,046,697 (including $3.1 million in state funds and $3.9 million in federal funds) for fiscal year 2026-27 specifically to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for assisted-living facilities. It mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services raise the daily rate for all facilities under Nebraska's aged and disabled home and community-based Medicaid waiver program (Program No. 348) to $78.45 per day, applying equally to both rural and urban facilities. The funding is intended to directly affect Medicaid-certified assisted-living facilities serving eligible older adults and disabled individuals in Nebraska.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 828 redefines "gift enterprise" in state law to clarify rules for business promotions involving chance and prizes, such as raffles tied to product purchases. It explicitly excludes bingo, keno, slot machines, and pickle cards while requiring promotional tickets to display the operator's name, avoid cost-per-play markings, and not resemble approved pickle cards. The bill restricts operators (businesses running these promotions) from rigging games, unfairly disqualifying winners, or charging entry fees beyond normal product costs, and mandates full disclosure of terms to participants. These rules apply to businesses, financial institutions, and credit unions conducting such promotions within Nebraska, with enforcement handled by the Department of Revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Nebraska's natural resources districts to create and run programs focused on soil health and water conservation. It gives districts new authority to conduct demonstration projects showing effective conservation methods (like preventing soil erosion) and to host educational events for farmers and the public about protecting natural resources. Districts must coordinate these programs with the University of Nebraska and other state agencies. The bill directly affects natural resources districts, landowners (who must consent to district projects on their property), and agricultural producers participating in the programs.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 730 requires public schools and state agencies to designate restrooms and locker rooms based solely on biological sex (male or female), with signage indicating permitted use. It prohibits individuals from using facilities designated for the opposite sex, except for limited exceptions like custodial staff, emergency assistance, or parents accompanying children. The bill mandates that all state agencies define an individual's sex as male or female for administrative rules, enforcement, and dispute resolution, using specific biological criteria (reproductive systems producing sperm or eggs). It includes limited protections for individuals with differences in sex development under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This bill directly affects public schools and state agencies operating in Nebraska.