LB 993 creates a new legal pathway for people in Nebraska to sue law enforcement officers who violate their constitutional rights (like freedom from unreasonable searches or excessive force). It eliminates "qualified immunity" (a defense that previously shielded officers from lawsuits) and requires public employers (like cities or counties) to cover legal costs for officers unless they acted maliciously. The bill also waives government immunity for these cases and exempts them from standard tort claims processes, allowing victims to seek damages for injuries, emotional harm, or loss of liberty within three years of the violation. This directly affects law enforcement officers, their employers, and Nebraskans whose rights were allegedly violated by police or correctional staff.
LB 769 creates a new specialty license plate for the University of Nebraska State Museum. The bill amends Nebraska's license plate statute to authorize the Department of Motor Vehicles to design and issue these plates, with fees collected funding a dedicated University of Nebraska State Museum Fund. The plates must reflect the museum's mission, and the fund will support the museum's operations and programs. This is a procedural bill adding a new specialty plate option similar to existing designs like Arbor Day or Cornhusker Spirit plates.
LB 949 updates Nebraska's prescription drug monitoring system by requiring all pharmacies to report prescription drug data daily to the system, including for cash payments or non-third-party payors. It prohibits patients from opting out of the monitoring system and exempts only "emergency use" or "immunization" prescriptions from reporting. The bill affects pharmacists, doctors, and healthcare providers who dispense medications, ensuring all controlled substances are tracked for safety oversight. It also harmonizes related rules for the statewide health information exchange and Health Information Technology Board.
LB 726 updates Nebraska's State Electrical Act to reference the 2026 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) instead of the previous 2023 edition for most electrical safety standards. Specific sections (210.8(A), 210.8(A)(3), 210.8(A)(5), 230.67, 230.70(A)(1), and 230.85) will continue using the 2017 NEC edition as a temporary exception. This bill directly affects electrical contractors, master electricians, and inspectors who must comply with the referenced NEC standards for wiring installations and safety inspections. The change ensures state regulations align with the most current national electrical safety standards, excluding the specified sections that retain older requirements.
Nebraska's LB 738 adds a new "Honoring Women Veterans" license plate option to the state's specialty plate program. The bill directs the Department of Motor Vehicles to design plates featuring a woman soldier, "women veterans" at the top, and "honoring her service" at the bottom. Drivers who purchase these plates would pay a fee, with all proceeds going to the Women Veterans Cash Fund. This is a procedural addition to existing specialty plate programs, directly affecting Nebraska drivers who choose to display this specific plate.
Nebraska's LB 801 updates the state's building and energy codes by adopting the 2024 editions of the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC), while maintaining some exceptions from older versions. This bill directly affects local governments (counties, cities, and villages) that enforce building codes, requiring them to adopt these updated standards within two years or have the state code automatically apply. Key provisions include mandating that local codes conform generally to the state code, requiring notification to the Department of Water, Energy, and Environment for certain code changes, and specifying that radon-resistant construction standards must meet existing state requirements. The bill does not create new local code options but updates the baseline for all local building and energy regulations across Nebraska.
This Nebraska legislative resolution (LR 299CA) proposes a constitutional amendment to create a new Nebraska Board of Commutation, transferring the power to reduce prison sentences (commutations) from the current Board of Pardons to this new board. The amendment specifies the Board of Commutation would consist of seven members appointed by the Governor (nonpartisan) and confirmed by the Legislature, requiring diverse expertise including mental health, restorative justice, criminal law, law enforcement, and lived experience with incarceration or victimization. It would not affect the existing powers of the Governor, Attorney General, and Secretary of State regarding pardons, fines, or reprieves. This change requires voter approval in the November 2026 general election.
LB 800 updates Nebraska's state building and energy codes by adopting the 2024 editions of the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC), along with the 2018 International Existing Building Code and 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code. It requires all Nebraska counties, cities, and villages to adopt these updated codes within two years or have the state codes automatically apply to construction (excluding farms). Local governments may create modified codes only if they conform to the state standards, maintain radon-resistant construction requirements, and notify the state department when removing specific code sections. This directly affects local building departments, developers, contractors, and property owners by standardizing construction requirements across the state.
LB 975 requires Nebraska's Attorney General to publicly bid for private legal services exceeding $10,000, hold public hearings on proposed contracts, and disclose all fees, expenses, and hourly rates after case completion. It caps hourly legal rates at $1,000 and mandates detailed post-case reports showing hours worked, expenses, and fee calculations. The law applies to all state contracts for private attorneys executed after its effective date, aiming to increase transparency in taxpayer-funded legal spending. It directly affects state agencies, private law firms, and taxpayers by standardizing oversight of legal service contracts.
Nebraska's LB 899 amends the Engineers and Architects Regulation Act to update seal requirements for licensed professionals and eliminate an exception allowing certain nonresidents to practice architecture without Nebraska licensure. The bill requires all architects and engineers to use official seals on technical documents (including signatures and dates), specifies seal design details, and removes the previous nonresident exception. It also revises application procedures for engineers and harmonizes related provisions across the law. The bill maintains existing exemptions for small residential projects (under 5,000 sq. ft.), farm buildings, and low-cost public works ($100,000 threshold), but modifies how these exemptions are applied. This directly affects licensed architects, engineers, and nonresident practitioners seeking to work in Nebraska.
This proposed constitutional amendment (LR 298CA) would require that 44.5% of Nebraska lottery proceeds, after covering prizes and operating costs, be allocated to the Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund. The fund must use these funds exclusively for conservation projects like protecting natural habitats, wildlife, water resources, and scenic areas through competitive grants. It applies to all lottery revenue generated under Nebraska's existing lottery system and requires voter approval in November 2026 to take effect. The amendment does not create new taxes but mandates specific spending from current lottery revenue.
LB 1095 prohibits Nebraska's retirement systems from investing assets in certain Chinese entities designated by U.S. executive orders or sanctions lists (like military-linked companies). It directly affects Nebraska's public employee retirement funds, the Nebraska Educational Savings Plan, and the Achieving a Better Life Experience program. The bill requires the Nebraska Investment Council and state investment officer to avoid such restricted entities, mandates divestment from existing holdings in these entities, and clarifies that fiduciary duties must prioritize beneficiaries' interests over social or economic development goals. It amends investment management rules to align with federal designations and defines "restricted entities" to include specific Chinese military or national security-related companies.
