Rep. Danielle Conrad

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Nebraska businesses from using consumer data (like personal or protected class information) to set personalized prices through algorithms or AI. It specifically bans "personalized algorithmic pricing" that varies prices for different customers based on their data, and requires clear, visible price disclosures (like unit pricing on shelves) for grocery stores and other retailers. The law applies to all businesses operating in Nebraska, focusing on preventing price discrimination and ensuring transparency in pricing practices. It aims to protect consumers from opaque, data-driven pricing models while addressing concerns about their impact on competition and jobs.

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 summaryLB 974 would impose a supplemental 9.5% excise tax on individual income above $1 million for single filers or $2 million for married couples filing jointly, calculated after subtracting existing income tax rates. It creates the "Tax Equity Cash Fund" to collect this new tax revenue, which the Department of Revenue would manage. Funds in the account may only be used for administrative costs related to the tax or transferred to three specific state funds (General Fund, Education Future Fund, or Property Tax Credit Cash Fund), not for new programs. This bill directly affects high-income Nebraskans earning above the thresholds, with no specified new spending beyond fund transfers.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Nebraska nonprofits to host "music bingo" events where winning is based on song titles, artists, or music genres instead of traditional numbered bingo. It raises the maximum prize value for bingo games from $25 to $50 and updates rules for special event bingo. The changes directly affect licensed nonprofit organizations operating under the Nebraska Bingo Act, enabling them to offer music-themed games and higher-value prizes while maintaining existing licensing requirements. The bill amends key sections of the Nebraska Bingo Act to clarify definitions and update prize limits.

Maddy summaryLB 987, the Vision Benefit Plan Act, establishes rules for vision benefit plans in Nebraska. It defines key terms like "covered services" (eye care provided under a plan), "covered materials" (items like glasses or contacts), and "fee schedule" (how much eye care providers are reimbursed). The bill requires insurers to follow specific reimbursement standards and prohibits "nominal" payments that don't cover providers' actual costs. It directly affects vision insurers, eye care providers (optometrists and ophthalmologists), and people enrolled in vision benefit plans. The law creates a regulatory framework to ensure fair reimbursement for vision care services.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 779 prohibits health care facilities and medical debt collection agencies from charging interest or late fees on medical debt for 90 days after the final invoice is due, with any annual interest capped at 3%. The bill also prevents liens or foreclosures on a patient's primary residence to collect unpaid medical bills. It directly affects patients who owe medical debt by limiting collection practices and protecting their homes from debt-related property seizures. The law applies to all medical debt defined as obligations for health care services, as specified in the bill.

Maddy summaryLB 999 creates the Business Innovation and Startup Commission to support Nebraska's entrepreneurs and small businesses. The commission, composed of 10 appointed members (including rural business owners, venture capital representatives, and economic development leaders) plus two nonvoting state agency liaisons, will develop programs to address barriers like financing access and regulatory hurdles. It will evaluate existing state programs, study best practices from other states, and make recommendations to improve Nebraska's startup ecosystem. The commission will focus on expanding support for business formation, innovation, and access to capital for startups and small businesses statewide.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates two permit options for Nebraska-resident veterans with military service-related disabilities. Veterans rated 50% or more disabled by the VA (or receiving total disability pension) get a free, lifelong combination hunting/fishing permit and required stamps. Veterans rated 10% or more disabled pay $90 for three years or $135 for five years for the same permit package. It applies only to veterans discharged honorably or under honorable conditions, with eligibility tied to VA disability ratings.

Maddy summaryLB 1205 requires Nebraska's Department of Economic Development to award grants under the Small Business Investment Program to support small businesses. The bill directs funding to microloan organizations, technical assistance groups, and innovation hubs that provide loans and business support to small businesses, with a focus on job creation and helping low-income communities. Key requirements include a $3 million annual funding limit, a 35% nonstate matching fund requirement for recipients, and mandating that at least 50% of funds support business technical assistance. This bill directly affects small business support organizations and microenterprises across Nebraska, particularly in rural and economically distressed areas.

Maddy summaryLB 918 amends Nebraska's Sports Arena Facility Financing Assistance Act to clarify how state funds can be used for privately owned venues. It specifies that for privately owned concert venues, state assistance may only cover nearby parking infrastructure or public arts/cultural events. For privately owned sports complexes, funds can now support public infrastructure projects, government leases at fair market value, public sporting events, or debt repayment for the facility. The bill also limits promotional funding (arts or sports events) to a maximum of ten years per project and removes a prior cap on funding for large stadiums approved after July 2024. These changes directly affect applicants seeking state assistance for privately operated sports venues.