This bill allocates $1.65 million in state funds to the Nebraska Department of Education to support the implementation of Legislative Bill 1050 over the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 fiscal years. The money comes from the General Fund and is restricted from being used for employee salaries or travel expenses. An emergency clause is included to allow the bill to take effect immediately upon approval. The legislation directly affects the state education department and any programs funded under LB 1050.
LB 1022 would eliminate the human relations training requirement for educators seeking teaching certificates, special services permits, or administrative credentials in Nebraska schools. Currently, applicants must complete training covering topics like recognizing biases, promoting inclusivity, and understanding diverse cultures. The bill amends state education laws (sections 79-807, 79-808, and others) to remove this requirement and the associated definition of "human relations training." This directly affects educators pursuing or renewing their certification under Nebraska's current system.
Nebraska's LB 924 changes how learning communities (groups of school districts collaborating on shared programs) can use property tax levies. It reduces the maximum allowable levy from 95 cents to just half a cent per $100 of taxable property valuation for specific purposes. The new levy funds elementary learning center facility leases, remodeling, and up to 50% of approved capital projects for focus schools or programs. This directly affects learning communities and their member school districts by restricting and redirecting their funding authority. The bill repeals the previous 95-cent levy provision and aligns with updated funding mechanisms under Section 79-2111.
Nebraska's LB 1086 changes eligibility requirements for community college gap assistance, directly affecting students seeking financial support to cover costs not covered by other funding. The bill replaces existing rules with a new standard requiring applicants to demonstrate capacity to: complete an eligible program, earn a credential, secure full-time employment, and maintain that employment. It also explicitly excludes Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training benefits from eligibility calculations. This policy change aims to ensure gap assistance fills true financial gaps after other public or private funding sources are exhausted.
LB 653 updates Nebraska's education funding rules for special education programs, support services, and the enrollment option program (which allows students to attend schools outside their district). It requires school districts to deny no more than 16% of enrollment applications from students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) due to capacity limits, while ensuring non-discriminatory criteria for acceptance. The bill also revises reimbursement processes for certain students in the enrollment program and modifies how the Education Future Fund can be used. These changes aim to standardize district capacity rules and clarify funding mechanisms for educational programs.
LB 428 requires Nebraska school districts to notify parents or guardians 15 days before administering surveys asking students about sensitive topics like sexual health, mental health, medical issues, substance use (drugs/vape/alcohol/tobacco), or political/religious views. Parents gain the right to review surveys in person, receive a copy, or opt their child out of participation. The bill specifically prohibits schools from surveying students in kindergarten through sixth grade about sexual health. It applies directly to all public school districts and families with K-12 students in Nebraska.
LB 296A is a funding bill that allocates $0 from the State Department of Education Improvement Grant Fund for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to support Legislative Bill 296. It specifies that total expenditures for salaries and per diems from these funds cannot exceed $160,197 for 2025-26 or $165,403 for 2026-27. The bill directly affects the State Department of Education by providing a procedural funding mechanism for another legislative act. This is a technical appropriations measure with no actual monetary allocation, solely establishing budgetary parameters for a related bill.
