Rep. Danielle Conrad

Maddy summaryLB 710 increases Nebraska's earned income tax credit (EITC) for low- and moderate-income residents who qualify for the federal EITC. It raises the state refundable credit rate from 10% to 20% of the federal EITC amount for tax years beginning January 1, 2025, and adjusts income thresholds. The credit phases out for individuals with federal adjusted gross income above $22,000, reducing by 10% for each $1,000 earned over that amount. This change directly benefits eligible Nebraska residents who currently receive the federal EITC, providing them with additional state tax relief.

Maddy summaryLB 174 reduces the maximum amount of wages that can be garnished for medical debt from 15% to 10% of an individual's disposable earnings (after taxes and mandatory deductions). It directly affects Nebraska residents with medical debt being collected by medical debt buyers (entities that purchase and collect unpaid medical bills) and medical creditors (hospitals or providers). The bill establishes a new 10% cap for most cases, with a higher 20% limit possible only if the person is not a head of household (verified through a sworn affidavit). It also defines key terms like "medical debt," "medical debt buyer," and "head of household" to clarify eligibility for protections. This change aims to limit wage garnishment specifically for medical debt while maintaining existing rules for other debts like child support or taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Nebraska's Emergency Medical Services Practice Act to update the duties of the Board of Emergency Medical Services. It requires the Board to collect specific data on EMS service metrics - including call volumes, response times, patient demographics, and provider numbers - and submit annual reports to the Legislature. The Board must also conduct a comprehensive five-year review of EMS services and develop communication plans for emergency care providers. These changes directly affect the Board's operations and the state's EMS providers by standardizing data collection and reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryLB 17 prohibits Nebraska residential landlords from charging certain fees, such as application fees when no units are available or for inconsistent pricing, and caps late fees at 5% of overdue rent or $50. It requires landlords to provide written receipts for all fees, disclose tenant background check details (including the reporting agency's contact info), and share consumer reports with applicants. The bill also mandates clear written itemization of all mandatory and optional fees in rental agreements, including their frequency and cancellation options. These changes directly affect landlords and tenants in Nebraska rental housing, aiming to increase transparency and limit unfair charges.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 233 requires the Nebraska State Insurance Program to cover in vitro fertilization (IVF) for state employees starting July 1, 2025. The bill mandates that IVF treatment be included as a special coverage option, available uniformly to all eligible state employees who choose to enroll. Key limitations include capping coverage at four completed egg retrievals per individual, requiring employees to attempt less expensive infertility treatments first (with physician exceptions), and restricting care to facilities meeting specific medical standards. This policy change directly affects state employees enrolled in the Nebraska State Insurance Program, adding IVF as a covered benefit under existing special coverage rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most health insurance plans and Nebraska's Medicaid program (medical assistance) to cover FDA-approved self-administered hormonal contraceptives without cost-sharing. It mandates coverage for up to a 3-month supply for the first prescription and up to a 12-month supply for subsequent refills, regardless of when the policyholder enrolled. The law prevents insurers from charging extra if someone switches contraceptive methods before finishing their current supply. It directly affects individuals with these insurance plans who use prescribed hormonal contraceptives. The bill amends existing law to establish these coverage requirements and repeals the previous section.

Maddy summaryLB 31 requires Nebraska school districts to adopt policies governing the use of student monitoring and tracking technology (like digital hall passes, cameras, or anti-vaping devices) by May 2026. It mandates schools to inventory all such tools, disclose vendor details, costs, data practices, and privacy protections, and allow parents to opt their children out. The bill also requires schools to explain data sharing with law enforcement and ensure accommodations for students with disabilities. These policies must be posted online and align with a model policy developed by the State Board of Education by December 2025.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 61 requires the Department of Health and Human Services to submit a federal waiver amendment specifically adjusting reimbursement rates for memory care services under the state's Medicaid home and community-based services program. This change directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries receiving memory care (typically elderly or disabled individuals with dementia or similar conditions) and the providers offering those services. The bill mandates the department file this waiver amendment with federal authorities to secure updated funding rates for memory care, rather than creating new coverage. It does not establish new benefits or funding but modifies existing reimbursement structures for a specific service category. The requirement is procedural, focusing on adjusting payment rates through a federal waiver process.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 360 prevents homeowner associations from banning political signs on property during election periods. It prohibits HOAs from restricting signs advertising candidates or ballot measures for 90 days before and 10 days after an election. However, HOAs may still enforce reasonable rules requiring signs to be ground-mounted, limiting to one sign per candidate/measure, or restricting signs larger than 4x6 feet, containing offensive content, or attached to structures. This directly affects property owners in Nebraska HOAs during election seasons.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 424 limits how much property taxes can increase annually for homeowners. It caps yearly tax bill increases at the lesser of the inflation rate (based on the U.S. Consumer Price Index) or 3%, preventing rapid spikes. This directly affects property owners whose annual tax bills would otherwise rise faster than this limit, unless the increase results from home improvements. The bill applies to all real property tax bills issued in Nebraska.