Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 299 allows eligible immigrants authorized for employment (under federal rules as of January 1, 2025) and their dependents to access public benefits tied to employment. The bill expands eligibility for benefits like retirement programs (including state employee and school employee plans), unemployment assistance, education financial aid, and health-related support. It requires verification of employment authorization using standard documents (such as work permits or resident cards) but does not change existing definitions of public benefits or limit current eligibility. Dependents of eligible immigrant workers gain access to benefits without regard to their own immigration status. The bill amends multiple Nebraska statutes to implement these changes, effective upon passage.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryLB 417 establishes the Nebraska Promise Program, providing tuition waivers for eligible Nebraska residents attending University of Nebraska campuses or Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture. It covers up to 15 credit hours per semester after federal grants and scholarships are applied, targeting students with family incomes under $65,000 annually and requiring a 2.5 GPA. The bill also extends similar tuition waivers to community colleges (up to 2 years) and state colleges (up to 4 years) for qualifying low-income students. Funding for these waivers comes from a new College Promise Fund, with reimbursements distributed monthly from the General Fund to institutions after annual certification. The program requires institutions to verify eligibility and maintain a standardized appeals process through the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education.
Maddy summaryNebraska bill LB 676 changes regulations for certified nurse midwives by eliminating required "practice agreements" between midwives and collaborating physicians. It updates definitions and scope of practice provisions (amending sections 38-206, 38-601, 38-603, 38-604, 38-606, 38-607, 38-608, 38-610, 38-611, and 44-2803) and makes the Nebraska Hospital-Medical Liability Act apply to midwives. The bill removes outdated sections (38-609, 38-613, and 38-614) while keeping midwives' core services - like prenatal care, childbirth support, and gynecological care - unchanged. This affects certified nurse midwives, their collaborative relationships with physicians, and their medical liability coverage under state law.
Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution directs the Nebraska Education Committee to conduct an interim study on the recruitment, retention, and professional recognition of prekindergarten, elementary, and secondary educators. The study will examine factors contributing to educator shortages, causes of burnout and attrition, compensation competitiveness, workplace conditions, and strategies to improve job satisfaction and retention. The committee is tasked with reviewing evidence-based practices from other states and developing recommendations for the Legislature to address these challenges. The resolution does not enact new laws but establishes a framework for gathering information to inform future policy decisions.
Maddy summaryLB 518 amends Nebraska law to change reporting requirements for the Department of Correctional Services and Board of Parole. The bill requires these agencies to submit an annual electronic report by February 1 detailing: (1) the percentage of inmates released without supervision, including their offense types and risk assessments; (2) data on parole revocations and hearings; and (3) recommendations to reduce releases without supervision. Key mechanisms include mandating at least nine months of supervision for parolees and requiring risk assessments to inform release decisions. The report aims to provide transparency on recidivism, cost savings from parole, and factors leading to unsupervised releases. This directly affects parole decisions and oversight for inmates completing sentences in Nebraska correctional facilities.
Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a substantive bill) honoring Jim Hartung, a Nebraska gymnastics legend. It recognizes his achievements as a high school champion, University of Nebraska athlete (22 All-American honors, 7 national titles), 1984 Olympic gold medalist, and longtime coach/judge, who passed away in January 2026. The resolution formally acknowledges his "life-long dedication to gymnastics" and directs that a copy be sent to his surviving family. No policy changes or funding are involved.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (LR 204) directs Nebraska's Education Committee to conduct an interim study on burnout among K-12 teachers. The study will examine specific factors like excessive workloads, classroom discipline challenges, low salaries, staff shortages, funding issues, and safety concerns, and assess how burnout affects both teachers and students. It will also explore potential state-level solutions to reduce burnout and improve teacher retention. As a procedural resolution, it does not enact new policy but seeks to gather data for future legislative decisions. The committee will report findings and recommendations to the Legislature after completing the study.
Maddy summaryLB 179 increases police officers' required retirement contribution rate from 7% to 9% starting October 1, 2025, for cities of the first class, with cities covering these costs instead of deducting from officers' salaries. It updates firefighter retirement options by allowing those retiring on or after January 1, 1997, to choose lump-sum or installment payments of their retirement value, expanding choices previously limited to later retirees. The bill amends sections 16-1005 (Police Officers Retirement Act) and 16-1027 (Firefighters Retirement Act) to implement these changes and removes obsolete provisions. These adjustments directly affect police officers and firefighters in Nebraska's largest cities who are covered under these retirement systems.
Maddy summaryLB 461 modifies retirement benefit options for firefighters in Nebraska cities of the first class. It expands payment choices to include annual, quarterly, or monthly installments (previously limited to monthly or lump sum) for firefighters retiring on or after January 1, 1997. The bill clarifies lump-sum payment rules by requiring cities to compare two annuity contracts (one chosen by the firefighter, one by the city) to determine the equivalent value, with city council approval if the cost difference exceeds 5%. It also updates minimum pension formulas to ensure retirees receive at least 50% of their final salary based on years of service, with specific provisions for those retiring before age 55 with 21+ years of service.
Maddy summaryLR 203 is a legislative resolution (not a bill) proposing an interim study of Nebraska's passenger rail infrastructure. The resolution directs the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee to examine existing rail infrastructure, Amtrak's future plans for Nebraska, public feedback gathered at meetings in cities like Omaha and Lincoln, and potential legislative actions needed. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to inform future decisions by gathering data and public input. The study will result in a report with recommendations to the Legislature, focusing on advancing rail planning without specifying policy changes.