Rep. Megan Hunt

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 24 establishes standardized fees for people on probation and participants in non-probation programs using probation resources. It requires a $30 one-time enrollment fee and monthly fees of $25 (standard probation) or $35 (intensive supervision), payable until probation ends. The bill mandates courts to waive these fees for individuals previously found indigent or facing undue financial hardship after a hearing. Crucially, it prohibits revoking probation solely for nonpayment if the person demonstrates financial inability through court procedures.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution officially designates March 2026 as Celebrate Theatre in Our Schools Month in Nebraska. It directly affects high school theatre programs, students, teachers, and the Nebraska Thespians organization by formally recognizing their contributions to education and the arts. The bill highlights the program's achievements, including its presence in over 44 schools, scholarship awards, and economic impact through ticket sales. It encourages the public to acknowledge the educational and cultural value of school theatre productions.

Maddy summaryLB 274 amends Nebraska's Child Care Licensing Act to increase liability insurance requirements for child care providers from $100,000 to $200,000 per incident during operating hours. It mandates unannounced annual inspections for facilities caring for fewer than 30 children and biannual inspections for larger facilities, requiring verification of current insurance coverage during each inspection. Failure to provide proof within three business days results in license suspension until compliance is verified. The bill directly affects licensed child care providers, including centers and family homes, by strengthening insurance and inspection protocols under the Act.

Maddy summaryLB 275A appropriates $329,347 for Program 33 and $629,165 for Program 354 within Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services for the 2026-27 fiscal year, with the latter amount designated as state aid to support Legislative Bill 275. It provides no funding for these programs during the 2025-26 fiscal year. The bill sets a $95,442 cap on salary spending for Program 33 in 2026-27 while prohibiting all salary expenses for Program 354. This funding directly affects how the Department of Health and Human Services allocates resources for these specific programs.

Maddy summaryLB 275 requires Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services to screen all children in state custody (state wards) for eligibility for Social Security benefits within 60 days of entering care. If eligible, the department must apply for benefits, manage payments through a trust account, and provide written notices to the child (in age-appropriate language), parents, and guardian ad litem about eligibility, approvals, denials, and payment management. The bill mandates detailed accounting of benefit use and ensures funds are conserved for the child's future needs while complying with federal asset limits. This directly affects children under state care who may qualify for Social Security benefits, ensuring their potential benefits are identified and managed properly.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires anyone paying for political advertisements (including billboards, radio, or TV ads) to include their full name and street address on the material or in the ad. Candidates themselves must include their name and address (or PO box) for ads they pay for, with broadcasters required to keep candidate addresses on file. It exempts small items like bumper stickers, yard signs, and campaign buttons from the disclaimer rule. Violating these requirements is a Class IV misdemeanor.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution (LR 60) designates March 4, 2025, as "Celebrate Theatre in Our Schools Day" in Nebraska. It formally recognizes the value of theater education in Nebraska high schools, highlighting programs like Nebraska Thespians that serve over 800 students, award scholarships, and contribute to local economies through performances. The resolution encourages Nebraskans to celebrate theater's educational and cultural contributions to schools and communities. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect but serves to honor existing theater programs and their impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new homestead tax exemption for Nebraska residents, allowing owners to exclude the first $100,000 of their home's actual value from property taxes starting in 2025. The law applies to all homeowners who live in the property and works alongside existing exemptions for seniors, disabled individuals, and veterans, which remain available in addition to the new deduction. It also establishes a process for transferring these tax benefits to a new home if an owner sells their current residence and buys another before August 15 of the same year. To support this change, the bill requires the state to issue standardized application forms and ensures that the tax revenue lost from these exemptions is reimbursed by the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to create a new income tax credit for renters in Nebraska, allowing them to claim a portion of the federal renter's credit on their state tax returns. The legislation also updates rules for existing property tax credits and expands the list of other available tax credits to include various economic and social programs. While the bill has been postponed, it aims to provide financial relief to tenants and adjust how certain tax benefits are calculated for residents.