Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 1186 adopts the "Affordable American Energy and Jobs Act" to streamline development of wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, hydropower, and battery storage projects. It requires private energy developers to sign long-term power purchase agreements with public entities (like municipal utilities or power districts) for all energy generated, while prohibiting eminent domain over these projects. The bill mandates the Department of Water, Energy, and Environment to create non-binding "best practices" guidelines for siting projects, covering wildlife protection, agricultural land preservation, community benefits, and job creation for Nebraskans. Counties that adopt these guidelines become eligible for additional revenue from the nameplate capacity tax. The law focuses on balancing project development with community and environmental considerations through standardized planning criteria.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a nonpartisan Commission on Redistricting in Nebraska, replacing the Legislature's current role in drawing district boundaries for federal and state offices. The commission, composed of nine members (three each from Nebraska's two largest political parties and three unaffiliated voters), will be selected through a random process from a public pool of eligible applicants who meet strict nonpartisan criteria. The commission must follow specific rules when drawing districts - prioritizing federal law, population equality, contiguous areas, and avoiding racial discrimination - while explicitly prohibiting consideration of political party affiliation or voting history. It will hold public meetings in each congressional district, provide advance access to draft maps, and require written explanations for boundary decisions before submitting final maps to the Legislature for approval.
Maddy summaryLB 1256 amends Nebraska's Emergency Management Act to clarify the definition of "civil defense emergency" in the law. It specifically adds that this term includes "an enemy attack or other hostile action within the State of Nebraska" or a federal determination of an attack in a designated area covering Nebraska. This change directly affects state and local emergency management officials who use this definition to declare and respond to emergencies. The bill does not create new programs or funding but refines existing terminology for clarity in emergency declarations. (Procedural amendment; 2 sentences)
Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 984 amends marriage license laws to require both individuals seeking a marriage license to be at least 18 years old, eliminating all exceptions for minors. The bill directly affects anyone applying for a marriage license in Nebraska by removing provisions that previously allowed 17-year-olds to marry with parental consent. Key mechanisms include amending sections 42-102 and 42-107 of Nebraska statutes to state that no license may be granted unless both parties are 18 or older, and repealing section 42-105 which permitted minor marriages under certain conditions. This change applies uniformly to all marriage applicants without age-based exceptions.
Maddy summaryLB 756 harmonizes tax exemption language for disabled veterans by updating two Nebraska statutes. It revises Section 60-3,185 (motor vehicle tax exemption) and Section 77-202.24 (mobile home property tax exemption) to consistently require that a veteran's disability or blindness must be "recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as service-connected" and that the veteran was discharged honorably. This change affects disabled veterans (and their surviving spouses who meet specific criteria) who own vehicles or mobile homes, ensuring both exemptions use identical eligibility language. The bill does not expand eligibility but aligns existing provisions for clarity and consistency.
Maddy summaryLB 762 requires most health insurance policies in Nebraska to cover treatment for two specific pediatric conditions: pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infection (PANDAS) and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS). It mandates coverage for recommended treatments like antibiotics, medication, behavioral therapy, plasma exchange, and immunoglobulin, directly affecting families of children diagnosed with these conditions and insurers offering health coverage in the state. Insurers must report coverage denials for these treatments annually to the Department of Insurance, which will publish a public report starting in 2028. The bill aims to ensure access to medically necessary care for affected children without insurer denials.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Nebraska state employers to provide paid maternity leave to employees who give birth or adopt a child. Full-time state employees would receive six weeks of paid leave, while part-time employees would receive leave proportional to their regular work schedule. The leave must be taken within six months of the child's birth or adoption, and employees must return to their original position or an equivalent role after leave. The bill also prohibits retaliation against employees who use this leave and ensures continued benefits during the leave period.
Maddy summaryNebraska LB 934 changes how members of the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission are selected, shifting from appointment to election. Starting in 2028, members from public service commissioner districts 1, 3, and 5 will be elected every four years, while districts 2 and 4 will have elections in 2028 and 2030, then every four years thereafter. All commission members will be elected on a nonpartisan ballot during statewide general elections. This bill modifies existing statutes to establish this election process and harmonizes related provisions.
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 summaryNebraska bill LB 1237 prohibits individuals from entering the State Capitol with weapons (including firearms, knives, pepper spray, or tasers) or prohibited substances (such as explosives, hazardous materials, or spray paint). The law defines specific terms and includes exceptions for law enforcement officers on duty, individuals with prior approval from the Nebraska State Patrol, and qualified retired officers with concealed carry permits. Violating this prohibition is classified as a Class III misdemeanor. The bill amends existing statutes to clarify these restrictions and align with Capitol security protocols.