Maddy summaryLB 74 amends Nebraska's campaign finance law to allow political committees and candidates to spend on specific activities beyond previous limits. It directly affects campaign committees and officeholders by authorizing expenditures for campaign office operations, social events for volunteers, public input activities, repayment of pre-election campaign loans, newsletters, small gifts (under $50 annually), and travel/meals related to campaign or official duties. Key provisions include permitting child care services for officeholders during official activities and expanding allowable conference fees and travel for staff and family during campaign or office-related events. The bill repeals the original section it amends to harmonize the law. This is a procedural change to campaign spending rules, not a new policy.
Sponsored bills
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 summaryNebraska bill LB 369 changes the age at which certain health decisions can be made without parental consent. It allows individuals aged 18 or older to make their own medical and mental health care decisions, removing the need for parental or guardian approval. The bill also specifically permits youth under 19 who are committed to the Department of Correctional Services to consent to their own medical and mental health care during their incarceration, without parental consent (except as required by other law). This amendment modifies Section 43-2101 of Nebraska law to update these consent provisions.
Maddy summaryLB 368 establishes the Nebraska Youth in Care Bill of Rights, directly affecting children in foster care or residential child-care institutions. The bill defines specific rights, including safety from exploitation, access to age-appropriate medical and educational services, freedom from discrimination, the right to participate in court proceedings, and protection of their assets. Key mechanisms require the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure these rights through actions like facilitating sibling placements, providing timely court notices, and supporting transitions to independent living. The law mandates that all youth in care receive clear, developmentally appropriate information about their rights and services, while respecting biological parents' rights where applicable.
Maddy summaryLB 75 amends Nebraska's Wage and Hour Act to strengthen protections for tipped employees, such as servers and hotel staff. It requires employers to ensure that an employee's total pay (base wage plus tips) meets or exceeds the state's minimum wage, shifting the burden of proof to employers to verify compliance. The bill mandates employers to maintain detailed records of tipped workers' pay, hours, and tips for three years and establishes clearer complaint procedures with liquidated damages for violations. These changes directly affect businesses in hospitality and service industries employing tipped workers across Nebraska.
Maddy summaryLB 507 amends Nebraska law to clarify how school districts reimburse parents or guardians for transporting children with disabilities. It specifies that payments must follow the state mileage rate (from section 81-1176) for actual miles traveled between home and school, and limits reimbursement for multiple children in one vehicle to the cost for a single child. The bill directly affects school districts (which must provide these payments) and parents/guardians (who receive reimbursement). It repeals the original section 79-1129 to replace vague language with clear, actionable rules.
Maddy summaryLB 506 requires landlords in Nebraska to disclose radon-related information to tenants. Landlords must provide copies of radon test results showing hazards (4+ picocuries per liter) and a standardized disclosure form explaining radon risks and mitigation options at lease application or upon tenant request. Tenants can conduct their own radon tests during tenancy; if results show a hazard, they may terminate the lease without penalty (within 90 days) or pay for mitigation (with rent deductions if landlord consents). Landlords cannot withhold security deposits for radon testing or mitigation, though they may retain deposits if tenants install systems without consent. The law applies to leases signed on or after its effective date.
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 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 summaryLB 711 amends Nebraska's school funding rules to adjust how districts calculate "new schools school adjustments" for state aid. It requires districts seeking this adjustment (for new buildings expanding student capacity) to submit evidence of planned student growth and building use by October 15 annually. The bill sets limits: adjustments cannot drop below 100% or exceed 112% of the prior year's calculation for most districts, stabilizing funding changes. These changes directly affect Nebraska school districts applying for new building-related state aid under the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act.