General Affairs

This bill changes Nebraska's regulations for racetracks and horseracing wagering. It requires existing racetracks to hold at least five live racing days and 50 races annually through 2030 (increasing to 15 days and 120 races yearly after 2030), while new tracks have phased-in requirements. The bill eliminates the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, moves the Problem Gambling Commission under the State Racing and Gaming Commission, and allows 18-year-olds to play keno at racetracks (previously restricted to 21+). These changes affect racetracks, problem gamblers receiving services, and state agencies managing gaming oversight.

Nebraska's LB 483 limits medical cannabis to pills or liquid tinctures only, restricting what forms qualified patients can legally use. It redefines "permissible cannabis product" to exclude edibles, smokable forms, and other preparations, while capping possession at 300mg THC or 5 ounces. The bill also removes medical cannabis from the marijuana tax and repeals outdated provisions about other cannabis forms. This directly affects patients with medical cannabis recommendations and their caregivers under Nebraska's medical cannabis program.

LB 178 requires all employees at Nebraska retail liquor stores who sell, serve, or mix alcohol, provide security at licensed locations, or verify customer ages to complete approved mandatory server training by January 1, 2026. The training covers responsible service practices, recognizing intoxication, refusing service to visibly intoxicated persons, age verification, and local alcohol laws. Retail stores must verify employees have certification from an approved program before hiring or within 90 days of starting employment. This applies to all staff directly handling alcohol sales or age checks at licensed retail locations.

LB 342 establishes a regulatory framework for fantasy sports contests in Nebraska by creating the "Fantasy Sports Consumer Protection Act." It defines a qualifying fantasy contest as a skill-based game requiring an entry fee, where prizes are determined by participants' knowledge of real-world athletic performance statistics - not team outcomes or single events. The bill requires operators to obtain licenses from the Department of Revenue, implement fraud prevention measures, and pay fees/taxes, while exempting these contests from standard gambling laws. It directly affects fantasy sports operators and participants by setting clear rules for eligibility, operator licensing, and participant protections like self-exclusion options.

LB 1235 updates Nebraska's medical cannabis laws by amending the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act and Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act. It establishes a patient and caregiver registry, creates a directory of healthcare practitioners who can recommend cannabis, and sets licensing requirements for practitioners and cannabis businesses. The bill introduces sales tax on medical cannabis (separate from marijuana taxes), outlines commission powers for regulation and enforcement, and defines key terms like "qualified patient" and "allowable amount." These changes directly affect medical cannabis patients, their caregivers, healthcare providers, and the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission.