Rep. Barry DeKay

Maddy summaryLB 183 amends Nebraska's Unclaimed Property Act to update how the State Treasurer handles notices for abandoned property and restricts access to owner records. It requires annual notice publication in county newspapers (or statewide if no address is known) for property owners, with notices for items under $50 optional unless deemed beneficial to the public. The bill also strengthens privacy by treating owner details like Social Security numbers as confidential (similar to tax records), prohibits commercial "finders" from charging fees for 24 months after notices are published, and caps any finder's fee at 10% of the property value. These changes directly affect property owners seeking unclaimed assets, the State Treasurer, and professional locators.

Maddy summaryLB 7 requires buyers of specific real estate in Nebraska (defined by federal regulations) to submit an affidavit confirming they are not affiliated with a foreign government or entity designated as a "foreign adversary" under U.S. rules. The affidavit must be signed by the purchaser and submitted to the county register of deeds before a property transfer can be recorded, with the register forwarding a copy to the Attorney General. The bill defines key terms like "foreign corporation," "nonresident alien," and "restricted entity" (including those on U.S. sanctions lists) to clarify who must comply. Violating the affidavit by providing false information is a crime, but the law states such a violation does not invalidate the property title. The requirements apply to real estate transactions occurring on or after January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law), congratulating Sustainable Beef, LLC on opening their North Platte, Nebraska meat processing facility. It acknowledges the company's $400 million plant, which processes 1,500 cattle daily and creates 850 jobs, as a community and economic benefit. The resolution has no legal effect - its only action is sending a copy of the resolution to the company. It does not change any laws or policies or affect any specific group beyond the symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (LR 92) honoring former Nebraska State Senator and Lincoln Mayor Don Wesely. It expresses the Nebraska Legislature's condolences to his family following his death on March 19, 2025, and recognizes his service as a legislator (1979-1999), mayor (1999-2007), and public servant. The resolution is non-binding and solely serves to memorialize his contributions, including projects like Haymarket Park and the Antelope Valley Project. It was adopted by the Legislature on April 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) congratulating St. Mary's Catholic High School boys basketball team for winning Nebraska's 2025 Class D-2 state championship. It recognizes their victory over Wynot High School (63-51) and their 24-5 season record, noting it's their second state title. The resolution has no legal effect; it simply expresses the legislature's praise and directs a copy to be sent to the team. It directly affects only the St. Mary's High School team and their supporters, with no policy changes or obligations created.

Maddy summaryLB 396 modifies how Nebraska's public power districts submit budgets and audits to the Nebraska Power Review Board. It requires districts to create annual budgets showing detailed revenue and spending from the prior two years, make these budgets available for public inspection 7 days before board meetings, and post any last-minute changes at district headquarters. The bill also mandates that districts file completed financial audits with both the Auditor of Public Accounts and the Nebraska Power Review Board within 180 days after their fiscal year ends. These changes apply directly to public power districts, public power and irrigation districts, and rural power districts operating under Nebraska law. The bill repeals the original budget and audit filing requirements it amends.

Maddy summaryLB 247 changes fees for solid waste disposal and adjusts how those fees are distributed. It sets a $1.34 fee per 6 cubic yards of uncompacted waste (or equivalent per ton) paid quarterly by landfill operators and waste processing facilities. Fifty percent of collected fees will fund emergency response and cleanup under the Integrated Solid Waste Management Act, while the other 50% will support local waste reduction grants and reimbursements for cleanup at dump sites. The bill also updates the Petroleum Release Remedial Action Cash Fund to clarify its funding sources and uses for environmental remediation.

Maddy summaryLB 91 requires Nebraska public power districts (and irrigation districts with power systems) to transfer their electric distribution systems (local power lines serving homes/businesses, not power plants or transmission lines) to cities or villages upon request, after the district has paid off all related bonds. Cities must first pass a resolution with 30 days of public notice, and if 20% of voters petition against it, a referendum is held - requiring majority approval to proceed. The bill clarifies that "distribution system" includes only local infrastructure, excludes generation/transmission facilities, and allows cities to define the scope via court if needed. It ensures transfers occur at no cost to the city once legal requirements are met.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Nebraska's victim notification law to include additional offenses where victims must be informed about offenders' status. It adds specific crimes like sexual assault of children, sex trafficking, domestic assault, stalking, and child enticement to the list of offenses triggering mandatory notification. Victims of these newly included offenses will receive updates about parole hearings, release dates, and other custody changes, following the same process already used for existing offenses. The law directly affects victims of these specific crimes by ensuring they receive notifications about the offender's progress through the correctional system.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Jack Hoffman, a Nebraska native who inspired millions through his childhood battle with brain cancer and his role in founding the Team Jack Foundation (which raised over $14 million for pediatric cancer research). It recognizes his perseverance and strength, and extends condolences to his family following his death in January 2025 at age 19. The resolution serves as a ceremonial tribute with no policy changes or funding impacts.