Rep. Barry DeKay

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 193 creates a new "Committee on Pacific Conflict" to prepare for potential regional or global conflicts centered on the Pacific theater. The committee, consisting of seven voting members (including state officials like the Homeland Security Director and infrastructure representatives) and four non-voting legislative members, will assess threats to supply chains, critical infrastructure, and security - particularly disruptions involving China or other Pacific nations. It mandates quarterly meetings (with security exemptions from public records), requires an annual state threat assessment from the Governor, and allows for confidential reports on security vulnerabilities. The bill directly affects state officials, critical infrastructure operators, and emergency planning efforts within Nebraska.

Maddy summaryLB 73 changes continuing education requirements for Nebraska law enforcement officers. It increases annual hours from 20-28 to 32 for officers in counties with over 40,000 residents (as per census data), while maintaining 20 hours for officers in smaller counties. The bill mandates specific training including de-escalation, mental health, anti-bias education, firearms, and legal updates. The changes take effect January 1, 2026, and apply to all certified officers except those newly certified or retiring in the same year.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets specific funding amounts to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for assisted-living facilities in Nebraska. It directs $7,926,576 (FY2025-26) and $8,243,639 (FY2026-27) to the Department of Health and Human Services to raise daily rates for these facilities under Nebraska's Medicaid waiver program. The funds will increase the daily rate to $88.24 for 2025-26 and $91.78 for 2026-27, applying equally to both rural and urban facilities participating in the program.

Maddy summaryLB 394 updates Nebraska's Weights and Measures Act by adopting current federal standards from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) handbooks, effective January 1, 2019. It directly affects businesses using commercial weighing/measuring devices (like grocery stores, gas stations, and pharmacies) by requiring compliance with updated federal rules on device accuracy, labeling, and pricing displays. Key provisions include adopting NIST Handbook 44 for device standards, revising registration fees for personnel, and adding rules for permanently closed businesses. The bill aligns state enforcement with federal practices without changing core consumer protections.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 395 would have changed rules for juveniles (under age 25) previously found guilty of certain felonies or domestic violence misdemeanors, who are currently banned from possessing firearms. It created a process allowing these individuals to petition a court for exemption from the firearm ban once they turn 19 (to juvenile court) or 25 (to district court), considering their behavior and future crime risk. The bill also clarified that sealing a juvenile's criminal record (through court order) does not remove the firearm ban, and the sealed record would still indicate the underlying offense. However, the bill was amended into another measure (LB530) on June 6, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 694 adds "military or veteran status" as a protected class under existing anti-discrimination laws. It amends multiple statutes to prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations - including places like restaurants and clubs - based on this status. The bill explicitly allows businesses to offer voluntary discounts or benefits to veterans (e.g., veterans-only services) but bans denying services or opportunities due to military/veteran status. It aligns with Nebraska's broader civil rights framework without creating new enforcement mechanisms.

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 directs the Nebraska Agriculture Committee to conduct an interim study on state resources and programs for recovering agricultural lands damaged by wildfires. The study will examine the loss of agricultural productivity, resource degradation, and government responses to wildfire damage, while also reviewing available assistance programs. The committee will produce a report with findings and recommendations to improve the state's ability to support long-term agricultural recovery. This measure is procedural and does not create new laws or funding, but instead initiates an investigation into existing support systems.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution directs the Nebraska Agriculture Committee to conduct an interim study on issues within its jurisdiction. The committee will investigate relevant topics and submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislative Council or Legislature. This action is administrative in nature and does not create new laws or policies. It allows legislators to gather information before considering future legislative action.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution directs the Nebraska Agriculture Committee to conduct an interim study examining current occupational regulations for bulk milk haulers and field representatives under the Nebraska Milk Act. The study aims to evaluate these rules in preparation for potential changes under the Occupational Board Reform Act. The committee will review the existing regulations and submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislative Council or Legislature. This measure focuses on gathering information rather than implementing immediate policy changes.