Rep. Rita Sanders

Maddy summaryLB 140 requires Nebraska public school districts to adopt policies governing student use of electronic devices (like phones and tablets) on school property or during school activities. The policy must generally prohibit device use, except for specific exceptions: students' individualized education plans (IEPs), approved educational activities, emergencies, health monitoring, or school authorization. School boards must develop these policies with input from students, parents, and educators. The law takes effect before the 2025-26 school year and applies directly to all public school districts in Nebraska.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally congratulates the Bellevue West High School girls soccer team on winning the Metro Conference Tournament. It directs the Nebraska Legislature to send a copy of the resolution to the team as a symbolic gesture recognizing their athletic achievement. The bill has no policy impact or funding changes - it is purely a ceremonial acknowledgment of the team's victory.

Maddy summaryLR 193 is a procedural resolution designating Nebraska's Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee to conduct an interim study on issues arising within its committee's jurisdiction during the legislative break. The committee will examine relevant matters, then submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislative Council or Legislature. This resolution does not create new laws or directly affect citizens; it simply authorizes a committee to review pending issues. As a study resolution, it has no immediate policy impact but sets the stage for future legislative action based on the committee's findings.

Maddy summaryLB 266 prohibits local governments in Nebraska (cities, counties, and their agencies) from passing any ordinances that would impose rent controls on private rental properties. The bill defines "ordinance" broadly to include local laws, rules, or regulations, and states such restrictions are null and void if enacted. Exceptions allow local governments to adopt ordinances aimed at increasing affordable housing supply through land-use rules or voluntary private programs where property owners contractually agree to rent restrictions. This law overrides local home rule charters and became effective upon the governor's approval on April 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryLB 248 amends Nebraska's Child Care Licensing Act to exempt child care programs on military bases or federal property, and facilities already licensed by the U.S. Department of Defense or Coast Guard as family child care providers, from state licensing requirements. The bill updates the legal definition of "Program" to explicitly exclude these federal-operated services from Nebraska's licensing rules. This change eliminates redundant state licensing for programs already regulated under federal authority. The exemption directly affects military family child care facilities and federal programs operating on federal property within Nebraska.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Nebraska's County Visitors Improvement Fund law to clarify how grants are administered and distributed. It specifies that county governing bodies, with input from visitor committees, manage the fund to provide grants for expanding or improving public or nonprofit visitor attractions (like museums or parks), with annual limits of either 1% of county sales tax revenue or $5,000. The bill also clarifies that bonds issued by grant recipients using these funds do not count as county debt or liability. It directly affects counties and nonprofit organizations operating visitor attractions seeking funding for facility improvements or new exhibits.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how Nebraska handles state aid to local governments (cities, counties, and other political subdivisions) that miss financial deadlines. If a local government fails to comply with budget limits, submit property tax calculations, or complete annual audits, the state will suspend their funding for six months. If compliance isn't achieved within that period, the funds are forfeited and redistributed to other local entities in the same county or returned to state funds. After 12 months of non-compliance, the local government becomes ineligible for future state aid until it meets all requirements.

Maddy summaryThis is a Nebraska legislative resolution (LR 75), not a bill with policy changes. It expresses the Nebraska Legislature's sympathy to the family of Ryan Daniel Sims following his death on March 8, 2025, at age 16. The resolution specifically thanks his parents, brothers, and grandparents for their family. It has no effect beyond formally conveying condolences and sending a copy to the family.

Maddy summaryLB 59 allows Nebraska natural resources districts to disburse funds using electronic payment systems (like ACH transfers) alongside traditional checks. It amends state law to explicitly include electronic payments as a permitted method for district expenditures, requiring written authorization for any officer signing on behalf of the treasurer. The bill also adds bonding requirements to protect districts against losses from unauthorized electronic transactions. This change directly affects how natural resources districts manage their financial operations and fund disbursements.

Maddy summaryThis is a legislative resolution (not a bill with policy changes) expressing condolences for Herman Colvin, a Bellevue, Nebraska community leader who died on February 24, 2025. The resolution honors his military service, 34-year career in public education (including as a Bellevue West High School dean), and community work with groups like the Offutt Advisory Council and Bellevue Rocks event organizers. It formally offers sympathy to his family and community and directs the legislature to send a copy of the resolution to his family. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.