Nebraska's LB 631 creates the School Emergency Response Mapping Fund to support school emergency planning. The bill directs $4.525 million from the General Fund for fiscal year 2024-25 to be administered by the State Department of Education for grants that help schools implement mapping data systems. It replaces previous funding language in state law and declares an emergency to expedite the funding transfer. This policy change specifically provides dedicated state funding for school safety mapping initiatives, directly affecting school districts eligible for these grants.
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.
Nebraska's LB 570 creates a scholarship program for nursing students, providing $2,500 per semester to eligible students enrolled in approved nursing programs. To qualify, students must reside in Nebraska, enroll in an approved associate, diploma, certificate, or accelerated bachelor's nursing program, and agree to work as a nurse in Nebraska for two years after graduation. The bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to administer the program, with the Legislature intending to appropriate $5 million for fiscal year 2025-26. This policy directly affects nursing students in Nebraska seeking financial support in exchange for a commitment to work in the state's healthcare sector.
Nebraska's LB 549 allows school boards to hire chaplains - licensed by their religious organization - to provide student support services like emotional or behavioral health assistance, without requiring a teaching certificate. Chaplains may serve as paid or volunteer staff, but must pass a criminal background check and comply with school policies developed by the board. The bill explicitly states this employment does not endorse any religion and exempts chaplains from standard teacher certification rules under Nebraska law. It affects all Nebraska public school districts and directly impacts students receiving non-academic support services.
LB 624 allocates $10 million annually from Nebraska's General Fund for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to the State Treasurer for education scholarships. The funds must be used exclusively to provide scholarships to low-income and at-risk elementary and secondary students to attend approved private, denominational, or parochial schools. The bill specifies these scholarships aim to increase educational access and opportunities, with the legislature intending to continue this annual appropriation. This is a funding measure, not a new policy, directly affecting eligible students and participating schools.
This bill allocates $130,893 for fiscal year 2025-26 and $179,795 for 2026-27 from the General Fund to four Nebraska education entities (State Department of Education, Nebraska State Colleges, University of Nebraska, and community colleges via the Coordinating Commission) to support the existing Nebraska Statewide Workforce and Education Reporting System. It provides specific funding for these programs without creating new requirements or policies. The funds will be used to maintain and operate the reporting system that tracks workforce and education data across the state. This is a straightforward funding measure, not a substantive policy change.
LB 678 allocates specific funds from Nebraska's General Fund for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to cover mandated costs for Nebraska State Colleges employees. It directly affects employees covered by the Nebraska Association of Public Employees, the State College Education Association, and the Nebraska State College System Professional Association. The bill provides funding for required salary increases from union agreements, minimum wage adjustments under the Wage and Hour Act, and rising health insurance premiums. This is a funding measure, not a new policy, ensuring colleges can meet existing financial obligations.
Nebraska's LB 557 amends education statutes to change the enrollment option program, which allows students to attend schools outside their resident district. The bill directly affects students seeking to transfer schools by providing state funding to those denied enrollment in an option program. Key provisions include eliminating all references to "open enrollment option students" and requirements for "diversity plans" in learning communities, while updating definitions of terms like "option student" and "resident school district." These changes streamline the program's structure and remove specific enrollment pathways and diversity-related requirements.
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.
This bill creates the Nebraska Council on Economic Education Cash Fund to support economic education programs at the University of Nebraska. It requires a $2.5 million transfer from the State Settlement Cash Fund to this new fund by July 1, 2025, for use by the University of Nebraska's Board of Regents. The bill specifies that these funds are intended for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27, with $300,000 allocated annually for economic education expenses. It repeals the original section of law it amends and declares an emergency to expedite the transfer. The bill does not change public policy but establishes a dedicated funding mechanism for university-based economic education.
