Maddy summaryThis bill amends Nebraska's tax code to adopt the First-Time Homebuyers Savings Account Act, though the provided text primarily details tax adjustments for educational savings programs (specifically referencing the Nebraska educational savings plan trust and "Achieving a Better Life Experience" accounts). It would allow taxpayers to subtract contributions made to these educational savings accounts from their federal adjusted gross income for state tax purposes. The bill directly affects Nebraska residents who contribute to these specific savings programs. The provisions are procedural tax adjustments, not new funding or direct homebuyer assistance. (Note: The bill title references homebuyers, but the text provided focuses on educational savings; no homebuyer-specific provisions appear in the truncated text.)
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryLB 407 modifies Nebraska juvenile justice procedures by allowing criminal prosecution for juveniles aged 13-15 charged with serious felonies (Class I-IIA) after failed rehabilitation in juvenile court. It establishes a new process for transferring such cases back to juvenile court for further proceedings if rehabilitation efforts are unsuccessful. The bill also prohibits using statements made to mental health professionals during transfer hearings as evidence in later criminal trials. This affects minors accused of major crimes who have already undergone juvenile court processing.
Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 615 prohibits distributing AI-generated deepfakes (videos, audio, or images falsely depicting candidates) within 90 days before an election if they misrepresent a candidate's actions or speech with intent to harm their reputation or deceive voters. It requires clear, visible disclosures (e.g., "This video has been AI-generated") when using synthetic media, with specific size and duration rules for visual content and audio announcements. Exceptions include news broadcasts clearly stating authenticity questions, satirical content, and media outlets publishing with explicit disclaimers. The law directly affects political campaigns, social media users, and media distributors during election periods but exempts bona fide news coverage. Candidates can seek court orders to block violations of the ban.
Maddy summaryLB 351 changes the priority order for admitting patients to Nebraska's state hospitals for the mentally ill. It establishes five priority categories: (1) patients needed for public safety, (2) defendants in jail deemed incompetent, (3) patients committed under mental health laws, (4) those most likely to benefit from treatment, and (5) indigent patients when other categories are equal. The bill also requires state hospitals to allocate specific bed percentages to each category (e.g., 30% for committed patients) and reserve 30% of beds for flexible allocation to reduce waitlists. Additionally, it mandates weekly public reporting on facility capacity and wait times by the Department of Health and Human Services. This bill directly affects patients seeking mental health hospitalization and state facilities managing admissions.
Maddy summaryLB 350 amends Nebraska's Mental Health Commitment Act and Sex Offender Commitment Act to streamline competency restoration processes. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services to file treatment plans with courts or tribal officials within 21 days, and mandates regular court hearings every 60 days to review a defendant's progress. The bill also establishes a $100 daily reimbursement rate for counties housing defendants in jail for competency treatment (after 30 days), adjusted annually by the Consumer Price Index. This affects defendants awaiting competency restoration, county courts, tribal officials, and mental health departments handling these cases.
Maddy summaryLB 616 allows Nebraska jurisdictions to use automatic license plate reader (ALPR) systems to enforce red light traffic violations, replacing the need for police officers to personally observe such violations. This means cameras would automatically capture license plates of vehicles running red lights, triggering standard traffic citation processes. The bill directly affects drivers who run red lights and local law enforcement agencies managing traffic enforcement. It amends existing statutes to incorporate ALPR technology into the red light enforcement system while maintaining existing requirements for driver safety training programs and traffic point penalties. The key change is the shift from officer-based enforcement to automated detection using license plate readers.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment for Nebraska voters in 2026 to guarantee all people a right to a clean and healthy environment, including clean water, air, and protected ecosystems. It would require the state and local governments to act as trustees, legally responsible for conserving Nebraska's natural resources for current and future generations. If approved, these rights would be directly enforceable without needing new laws. The amendment is currently pending review by the Natural Resources Committee and will go to voters in November 2026.
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 bill changes election timing for Nebraska's larger cities (classified as "metropolitan class"). Starting in 2028, city council and mayoral elections will align with statewide primaries and general elections, replacing separate local elections. It requires seven city council members to be elected from districts, with terms beginning after each election. The bill amends multiple statutes to standardize election dates, candidate nomination rules, and ballot procedures for these cities.
Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 693 amends the state's deceptive trade practices law to prohibit receiving compensation for certain conduct related to veterans benefits assistance. Specifically, it makes it illegal for anyone to charge fees for helping veterans navigate benefits applications or referrals if that conduct misleads or deceives veterans. The bill defines terms and adds this prohibition to the Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act, directly affecting third-party assistance providers who charge fees for veterans benefits support. This change aims to prevent deceptive practices by requiring transparency in veterans benefits assistance services.