Rep. Machaela Cavanaugh

Maddy summaryThis resolution proposes an interim study to examine whether creating a "ways and means committee" would improve coordination between Nebraska's Revenue Committee and Appropriations Committee. The study will analyze current committee roles, timing of revenue forecasting versus budgeting, and best practices from other states. It aims to determine if a new committee could enhance budget process efficiency and alignment with public finance standards. The study concludes by December 15, 2025, with recommendations to the Legislature - this resolution does not create a new committee.

Maddy summaryLR 216 is a legislative resolution proposing an interim study on child welfare social worker caseloads across Nebraska. It directs the Health and Human Services Committee to examine whether current caseloads comply with legal standards, compare them to national best practices, assess how caseload size affects foster care case planning, and explore solutions for reducing worker turnover. The study will analyze training effectiveness and other factors related to appropriate caseload levels. This resolution does not change existing law but will result in a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature after the study concludes. The resolution was introduced on May 15, 2025, and referred to the Health and Human Services Committee.

Maddy summaryLR 217 is a legislative resolution proposing an interim study of the fee structure for reports and filings submitted to Nebraska's Accountability and Disclosure Commission. The study, to be conducted by the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, will examine whether current fees appropriately cover administrative costs, ensure compliance with the Nebraska Political Accountability and Disclosure Act, and determine if the Commission needs more flexibility in setting fees. This resolution does not change existing fees but seeks to evaluate the current system. The study will report findings and recommendations to the Legislative Council or Legislature after completion.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution (LR 143) designates May 2025 as "Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month" in Nebraska. It recognizes the need for greater awareness around perinatal mental health issues affecting pregnant and new parents, citing statistics that 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men experience perinatal mood disorders, and 18% of pregnancy-related deaths in Nebraska involved mental health factors. The resolution expresses legislative support for individuals diagnosed with these conditions but does not create new laws or funding. It is a symbolic measure aimed at raising public awareness, not a policy requiring action from state agencies or providers.

Maddy summaryLegislative Resolution 142 (LR 142) is a symbolic resolution recognizing May 2025 as Myositis Awareness Month in Nebraska. It does not create new laws or provide funding, but formally acknowledges the impact of myositis - a rare autoimmune muscle disease affecting Nebraska residents - through a statement of support from the legislature. The resolution highlights challenges like delayed diagnosis, healthcare access barriers, and health disparities faced by those with myositis, particularly women and people of color. It was adopted by the Nebraska Legislature on May 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryLB 527 creates a Medicaid Access and Quality Fund by imposing a 6% tax on certain health insurance premiums starting January 2026. The fund will increase payments to nonhospital Medicaid providers (like clinics and doctors) to improve access to care, especially for rural patients, pregnant women, and children. It also allocates $75 monthly per patient to primary care providers who serve as medical homes for Medicaid beneficiaries. This directly affects Nebraska Medicaid beneficiaries, healthcare providers, and insurance companies paying the tax.

Maddy summaryLB 296 requires Nebraska's State Department of Education to create a centralized system for tracking education records of students under juvenile court jurisdiction, ensuring their academic progress isn't disrupted during court involvement. The bill mandates hiring registrars to manage these records, analyze completed coursework, and award appropriate credit hours for students who finish classes while in the juvenile system. It also updates graduation requirements to include mandatory personal finance courses (starting 2023-24) and computer science education (starting 2027-28). The centralized system and registrars will be funded through the State Department of Education Improvement Grant Fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes minimum training requirements for nurse aides working in Nebraska's intellectual and developmental disability facilities. It mandates a 20-hour training program (including 15 hours of personal care training) for these facilities, compared to 75 hours for other nursing homes. Nurse aides must also meet English proficiency standards and pass background checks. The law replaces prior requirements and creates a registry with mandatory abuse reporting training as part of the curriculum.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes increasing the tax on cigarette packages sold in Nebraska and outlines how the collected revenue will be distributed among various state funds. The legislation would raise the tax rate on small packages to $2.14 and apply a proportional tax to larger packages, with specific amounts of the proceeds directed to designated accounts for health services, public safety communications, property tax credits, and Medicaid waivers. Additionally, the bill establishes a new Medicaid Waiver Cash Fund to help cover state costs for Medicaid waiver programs and ensures that funding for existing critical projects remains protected from future tax rate reductions.