LB 748 expands Nebraska's Educational Savings Plan Trust to allow trust funds to cover costs for state-recognized postsecondary credential programs (such as certifications or apprenticeships), in addition to traditional degree programs. This change directly affects Nebraska residents using the state's 529 savings plan who pursue non-degree credentialing programs approved by the state. The bill amends the definition of "qualified education expenses" to include these programs, as specified in the revised statute sections. It does not alter contribution rules or eligibility for the savings plan itself.
LB 429 requires Nebraska school boards to provide equal access to school employees' mailboxes, meetings, and posting spaces for all professional employees' organizations (like teacher unions or professional development groups). It mandates that if one organization is allowed to recruit at employee events, display information, or post materials in school spaces, all similar organizations must receive the same access. The bill also prohibits school boards from naming school calendar days or breaks after any professional employees' organization. This applies to all school employees, including teachers, administrators, and paraprofessionals, and aims to ensure fair treatment among competing professional groups.
LB 31 requires Nebraska school districts to adopt policies governing the use of student monitoring and tracking technology (like digital hall passes, cameras, or anti-vaping devices) by May 2026. It mandates schools to inventory all such tools, disclose vendor details, costs, data practices, and privacy protections, and allow parents to opt their children out. The bill also requires schools to explain data sharing with law enforcement and ensure accommodations for students with disabilities. These policies must be posted online and align with a model policy developed by the State Board of Education by December 2025.
Nebraska's LB 714 changes how motor vehicle taxes are calculated and distributed. It adjusts tax rates based on a vehicle's age (e.g., 100% for new cars, down to 0% for 14+ year vehicles) and value (e.g., $25 for cars under $4,000, up to $1,700 for $90,000+ vehicles). The bill modifies fund allocation, directing 37.6% of tax proceeds to local schools, 22.2% to cities/villages in metro counties, and the remainder to counties. This affects all Nebraska vehicle owners who pay registration taxes, with changes impacting how local governments receive funding for schools, roads, and services.
LB 135 amends Nebraska election statutes to change how school districts and local governments conduct bond and tax levy elections. It allows school bond votes to be held during statewide primaries or general elections (instead of requiring separate special elections), updates notice requirements for these votes, and streamlines ballot counting across county lines. The bill also harmonizes election procedures across multiple statutes (including sections 10-702, 13-519, and 79-1029) and repeals outdated provisions like section 10-703.01. These changes directly affect school districts and local governments managing bond or tax levy votes, making election processes more efficient.
LB 417 establishes the Nebraska Promise Program, providing tuition waivers for eligible Nebraska residents attending University of Nebraska campuses or Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture. It covers up to 15 credit hours per semester after federal grants and scholarships are applied, targeting students with family incomes under $65,000 annually and requiring a 2.5 GPA. The bill also extends similar tuition waivers to community colleges (up to 2 years) and state colleges (up to 4 years) for qualifying low-income students. Funding for these waivers comes from a new College Promise Fund, with reimbursements distributed monthly from the General Fund to institutions after annual certification. The program requires institutions to verify eligibility and maintain a standardized appeals process through the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education.
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.
This bill (LB 538A) allocates $138,227 for fiscal year 2025-26 and $137,431 for 2026-27 from Nebraska’s General Fund to the State Department of Education’s Program 25. It provides funding specifically to support the implementation of Legislative Bill 538 (the parent bill), which is not described in this text. The bill sets limits on salary and per diem expenses ($66,197 for 2025-26 and $68,348 for 2026-27). As a funding measure, it does not create new policy but enables the execution of another bill’s provisions.
LB 538 requires all Nebraska school boards and postsecondary institutions (like colleges and universities) to adopt written policies prohibiting discrimination - including antisemitism - based on race, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics. The policies must include specific measures like ensuring equal access to programs, prohibiting biased admission criteria, and integrating the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism into student and employee conduct codes. Each school must also provide antisemitism awareness training and report incidents to a new State Department of Education Title VI coordinator, who will monitor compliance, investigate complaints, and submit annual reports to the legislature. The bill harmonizes existing requirements under federal Civil Rights law without altering First Amendment protections.
This legislative resolution from the Nebraska Legislature urges the U.S. Congress and President to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The bill directly affects children with disabilities in Nebraska and their families by calling for federal financial support that has historically been underfunded. It highlights that since 1975, the federal government has only provided 40% of the authorized funding for special education, leaving state and local schools to cover the remaining costs. The resolution requests that federal authorities enact legislation to meet the full funding mandate, thereby reducing the financial burden on Nebraska schools and taxpayers.
