Rep. Brian Hardin

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution directs the Health and Human Services Committee to conduct an interim study on how youth are rehabilitated and reintegrated into their communities. The study will examine various aspects including types of programming and placement, community-based services, probation roles, education, and fiscal impacts. The committee is tasked with reviewing state programs and historical background before submitting findings and recommendations to the Legislature. This action focuses on gathering information rather than implementing immediate policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution authorizes the Health and Human Services Committee to conduct an interim study on health and human services issues that emerge between legislative sessions. The committee will investigate relevant topics within its jurisdiction and submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislative Council or the full Legislature upon completion. This procedural measure enables the committee to gather information and prepare for future legislative action without passing new laws.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution commemorates the 43rd anniversary of Nebraska's sister-state relationship with Taiwan, which began in 1983. It expresses the Nebraska Legislature's support for Taiwan's democracy and acknowledges the shared values of freedom, democracy, rule of law, and human dignity between the two regions. The document highlights existing economic ties, noting Taiwan's role as a significant trade partner and export destination for Nebraska's beef industry. This non-binding resolution serves as a formal statement of appreciation rather than creating new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution congratulates the American Legion on its 107th anniversary of service to the military and veterans. The bill formally recognizes the organization's long history of supporting veterans and their families across Nebraska and the United States. It expresses appreciation to Nebraska Legionnaires for their contributions to the state and nation. The resolution directs that a copy be sent to the American Legion Department of Nebraska.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution (not a bill) directing Nebraska's Health and Human Services Committee to conduct an interim study on issues arising within its jurisdiction during the legislative break. The resolution requires the committee to examine relevant topics, then report its findings and recommendations to the Legislative Council or Legislature. It does not create new laws or directly affect residents; it simply establishes a process for the committee to analyze potential policy matters. The study is scheduled to occur during the 2025 interim period, with hearings planned for September and December 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (LR 253) directs Nebraska's Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee to conduct an interim study on the county initiative and referendum process proposed in LB 629 (2025 Legislative Session). The study will examine how county-level voting rules for citizen-initiated proposals work, with the committee required to report findings and recommendations to the Legislature. It does not change current laws but aims to inform future decisions about county voting procedures. This is a procedural step, not a policy change, and affects no specific group directly.

Maddy summaryLB 119 establishes the Rural Health Opportunity Program to encourage Nebraska students from rural areas to pursue healthcare careers. It requires the University of Nebraska and Nebraska State Colleges to create a joint agreement for selecting eligible students and provides a 100% tuition and fee waiver for up to four years at state colleges while completing coursework needed to transfer to the University of Nebraska Medical Center. To qualify, students must be Nebraska high school graduates or equivalent residents of designated rural areas. The bill states legislative intent to fund the program annually but was indefinitely postponed on May 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 539 would eliminate the requirement for most individuals to obtain a certificate before purchasing a handgun, removing a key provision from current law. The bill preserves exceptions for licensed dealers, antique firearms, law enforcement, family transfers, and permit holders, but removes the certificate mandate for all other handgun purchases. It also modifies background check procedures by restricting the information shared with the National Instant Criminal Background Check System to only disqualifying factors, while keeping requirements for mental health and disability reporting. The bill is currently pending in the Judiciary Committee and has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryLB 332 creates a new "assistant funeral director" role to support licensed funeral directors, allowing assistants to help with funeral arrangements and management under direct supervision but prohibiting embalming (Sections 4-8). The bill expands Medicaid coverage to include psychology services provided by qualified practitioners and establishes the Rural Health Opportunity Program requiring a memorandum of understanding (Sections 38-1509, 38-1512). It also updates regulations for hearing instrument specialists, changes pharmacy board membership rules, and modifies prescription refill requirements. These changes directly affect funeral service professionals, healthcare providers, and Medicaid recipients in Nebraska.

Maddy summaryLB 120 modifies Nebraska's Motor Vehicle Operator's License Act to clarify when digital images and signatures captured during license applications may be released. It permits release only to law enforcement agencies (for official duties), the Secretary of State (for voter ID verification), or the Nebraska State Patrol (for missing persons cases), always requiring identity and purpose verification. Strict security protocols must be followed for storage and protection of these images, with violations punishable as a Class I misdemeanor. The bill directly affects license applicants, law enforcement, election officials, and the Nebraska State Patrol by defining authorized access to biometric data.