Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 1034 prohibits school staff, contractors, and agents from allowing federal immigration enforcement officers access to school grounds or students for immigration enforcement purposes without a valid judicial warrant. The bill defines a "valid judicial warrant" as one issued by a judge or magistrate specifically authorizing the requested access, excluding immigration detainers or administrative documents. It explicitly allows schools to comply with valid judicial warrants, court orders, or respond to immediate threats to health or safety. This law directly affects all public K-12 schools in Nebraska and their employees by requiring federal immigration officers to obtain a court-issued warrant before entering school facilities for enforcement actions.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryLB 745 changes Nebraska's high school equivalency diploma requirements by removing a 30-day Nebraska residency requirement for applicants. It directly affects residents seeking a high school equivalency diploma who previously needed to prove 30 days of residency before applying. The bill keeps other key requirements intact, including passing approved tests, meeting educational standards equivalent to a high school graduate, being at least 18 years old, and being unable to obtain a diploma from their last school or having left more than a year ago. The amendment updates the state law to streamline access while maintaining academic standards for the diploma.
Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 1161 would lower the age of majority from 19 to 18, granting 18-year-olds the legal rights and responsibilities of adults. The bill specifically allows 18-year-olds to enter binding contracts, sign leases and property deeds, and make their own health care decisions - including mental health services and pregnancy-related care - without parental consent. It also removes the previous exception allowing minors under 19 to end minority through marriage. The change applies to all Nebraska residents turning 18, except those under juvenile court custody in Department of Health and Human Services care.
Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 743 amends the Police Officers Retirement Act to clarify how retiring officers can receive pension benefits. It specifically updates the process for calculating lump-sum payments, requiring the retirement system to use the average of three annuity contracts (one chosen by the officer, one by the committee, and one by the city) to determine the actuarial equivalent value. This change directly affects police officers eligible for minimum pension benefits under existing rules (e.g., 40-50% of pay after 25 years of service). The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, and repeals the original section it amends.
Maddy summaryLB 744 amends Nebraska's Workers' Compensation Act and Critical Incident Stress Management Act to include public safety communications personnel - such as 911 dispatchers and emergency communication center staff - within the definition of "first responder." This change allows these workers to seek workers' compensation for mental health injuries, like PTSD, without needing to prove a physical injury, under the same rules that apply to police and firefighters. The bill extends existing eligibility requirements, including mental health screenings upon hiring and annual resilience training, to cover these personnel.
Maddy summaryLB 1098 requires Nebraska's Department of Transportation to create and maintain a State Rail Plan by June 2027, with annual updates and Governor approval. The plan must detail current passenger rail service, track upgrade needs, strategies to boost rail capacity, and federal grant opportunities, while incorporating public feedback and economic development considerations. This law directs state agencies to coordinate rail planning under federal guidelines, without authorizing new funding or directly affecting specific businesses or residents.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires licensed child care and early education programs (including for-profit, nonprofit, Head Start, and Early Head Start programs) to implement emergency safety plans and notification systems similar to those in schools. It creates a state fund to provide competitive grants to local agencies for emergency notification systems, safety training, and materials to support safe reunification of children during emergencies. The grants, capped at $1,000 annually per agency service, will help programs prepare for threats like fires, intruders, or weather events. The State Department of Education must report annually on grant usage and program participation without disclosing specific child care facility details.
Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 602, the "Delete Act," establishes new data privacy rules specifically for data brokers - companies that collect and sell personal data without a direct relationship with consumers. The bill requires these brokers to post clear website notices identifying their business, implement comprehensive security programs to protect personal data, and follow strict protocols for employee training, breach response, and third-party vendor management. It directly affects data brokers operating in Nebraska by mandating specific transparency and security measures, while excluding certain entities like financial institutions and government bodies. The law focuses on limiting data collection and enhancing consumer control over personal information through concrete operational requirements.
Maddy summaryLB 304 removes the expiration date (sunset) for Nebraska's participation in the federal Child Care Subsidy program, making the program permanent beyond its current September 30, 2026, deadline. It directly affects low-income families with children who qualify for child care assistance based on income thresholds (up to 185% of the federal poverty level before October 1, 2026, or 130% after). The bill maintains existing eligibility rules, including transitional assistance for families exceeding income limits, and ensures funding comes from federal Child Care Development Block Grant funds rather than state general funds. It does not change income levels or subsidy structures but extends the program's duration indefinitely.
Maddy summaryThis bill redefines "formula students" for calculating state education aid under Nebraska's Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act. It changes how school districts count students to determine funding, specifically adjusting for kindergarten enrollment patterns and including qualified early childhood education students. The new formula uses average daily membership and makes specific adjustments for non-full-day kindergarten programs. This directly affects all Nebraska school districts receiving state education funding by altering the calculation method for their aid payments.