Rep. Barry DeKay

Maddy summaryLB 1198 requires event sellers to provide physical paper tickets free of charge upon request for large public events (defined as those holding at least 5,000 people). This directly affects ticket sellers - both public and private entities - offering electronic tickets for events meeting the capacity threshold. The law mandates that paper tickets must be delivered to buyers before the event or made available for printing, with the Attorney General enforcing compliance. Violations carry a civil penalty of $10 per ticket sold at the affected event, with collected fines going to the state treasury.

Maddy summaryLB 1187 adjusts fees for physical and electronic inspections under Nebraska's Livestock Brand Act, directly affecting livestock owners, inspectors, and entities like banks or dairies that request inspections. It sets a physical inspection fee of $0.85 per head until June 30, 2023, then increases to a maximum of $1.10 per head starting July 1, 2023. Similarly, electronic inspections will cost $0.85 per head until June 30, 2023, then up to $1.10 per head. The bill eliminates a separate mileage charge and replaces it with a $30 surcharge to cover inspector travel costs, while removing outdated provisions.

Maddy summaryLB 1188 updates Nebraska's Foreign-owned Real Estate National Security Act by adding a new provision prohibiting the State of Nebraska and all local governments (counties, cities, etc.) from owning real estate in "adversary nations" as defined in state law. It amends existing sections to clarify that state entities cannot acquire property in countries designated as adversaries under Nebraska law, while maintaining existing restrictions on foreign individuals and corporations purchasing real estate in Nebraska. The bill does not change current rules for private foreign buyers but explicitly extends the prohibition to state-owned property holdings. It updates a federal reference in the law and repeals the original sections it amends.

Maddy summaryLegislative Resolution 329 designates January 2026 as Nuclear Power Month in Nebraska to recognize the state's nuclear energy infrastructure, including the Cooper Nuclear Station and the Great Plains New Nuclear Consortium. The resolution honors public power employees and retirees who support nuclear facilities providing reliable, affordable energy to Nebraskans. It is a ceremonial resolution with no new legal requirements or funding.

Maddy summaryLB 869 amends Nebraska law to change how the State Treasurer notifies owners about property presumed abandoned under the Uniform Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act. The bill requires the State Treasurer to publish notice in local English-language legal newspapers (or statewide if no address is known) and to mail written notice to owners with property valued at $50 or more. It removes the previous $50 minimum for published notices, allowing the Treasurer to publish smaller-value items if deemed in the public interest. This directly affects property owners who may have unclaimed assets and the State Treasurer’s office, which administers the notice process. The change aims to improve notification accuracy and accessibility for owners seeking their property.

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 762 requires most health insurance policies in Nebraska to cover treatment for two specific pediatric conditions: pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infection (PANDAS) and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS). It mandates coverage for recommended treatments like antibiotics, medication, behavioral therapy, plasma exchange, and immunoglobulin, directly affecting families of children diagnosed with these conditions and insurers offering health coverage in the state. Insurers must report coverage denials for these treatments annually to the Department of Insurance, which will publish a public report starting in 2028. The bill aims to ensure access to medically necessary care for affected children without insurer denials.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (LR 317CA) would limit annual property tax increases by Nebraska's local governments (cities, counties, etc.) starting in 2027. It allows each local government to raise taxes by no more than 2% plus the percentage increase in its total property values from the previous year (based on new construction, annexations, or other value changes). If voters approve it in 2026, local governments would be restricted from exceeding this "allowable growth" limit each year. The amendment requires voter approval and would take effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 1219 limits annual property tax increases for local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) starting in 2027. It replaces previous tax growth rules by capping yearly increases at 2% plus the area's real property value growth rate. The "real growth percentage" is calculated based on new construction, annexations, or other value changes to properties, ensuring tax hikes align with actual property value growth. This bill directly affects all local taxing entities by restricting how much they can raise property taxes each year.

Maddy summaryLB 745 changes Nebraska's high school equivalency diploma requirements by removing a 30-day Nebraska residency requirement for applicants. It directly affects residents seeking a high school equivalency diploma who previously needed to prove 30 days of residency before applying. The bill keeps other key requirements intact, including passing approved tests, meeting educational standards equivalent to a high school graduate, being at least 18 years old, and being unable to obtain a diploma from their last school or having left more than a year ago. The amendment updates the state law to streamline access while maintaining academic standards for the diploma.