LB 523, the Student Teacher Compensation Act, provides a $4,000 financial stipend per semester to student teachers in Nebraska completing a teaching practicum at participating schools. It directly affects student teachers enrolled in accredited Nebraska teacher education programs who demonstrate financial need and are placed in public or private schools for their practicum. The bill requires the State Department of Education to administer the stipend program, verify eligibility, and publish annual reports on participation and program effectiveness. It does not create new funding but declares legislative intent for annual appropriations to support the program.
LB 14, the Hunger-Free Schools Act, requires all Nebraska public and nonprofit private schools participating in federal meal programs to provide free breakfast and lunch to every student during the school day. It replaces previous reimbursement systems by having the State Department of Education reimburse schools for meals that would otherwise cost students (like reduced-price or full-price meals), based on differences between federal free-meal rates and standard rates. Schools with high poverty rates (62.5% or more students eligible for free meals) must use the federal "community eligibility" program to maximize funding. This directly affects school districts and participating private schools, ensuring all students receive free meals while aligning state funding with federal nutrition program rules.
LB 440, the Education Leave and Support Act, creates a state fund to help school districts cover costs when teachers take federal medical leave (FMLA). It requires school districts to collect a 0.35% payroll fee from certificated teachers' wages (with employers matching this amount), which funds the State Education Leave Fund. This fund reimburses school districts for hiring substitutes during the first six weeks of a teacher's FMLA leave, ensuring teachers don’t need to use personal or sick leave during that period. Any surplus funds over 20% of annual needs will transfer to an Education Retention Fund to address teacher shortages and support professional development. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026, with reimbursements starting July 1, 2026.
LB 430 clarifies that Nebraska schools cannot suspend students in pre-kindergarten through second grade except for two specific situations: bringing a deadly weapon to school or engaging in violent behavior that could cause physical harm. It updates suspension procedures by requiring schools to provide detailed written notices to parents within 24 hours of any suspension, explaining the reasons, available resources, and plans to help the student stay in school. These changes apply to both short-term and long-term suspensions, aiming to ensure transparency and support for young students facing disciplinary action.
LB 426 requires Nebraska schools to implement a mandatory American flag education program for students in grades 5-8. This program includes teaching flag etiquette, history, and the U.S. Flag Code, with each student receiving a 3x5-foot flag and booklet. The costs would be covered using existing lottery funds allocated for education or private donations. The bill also strengthens broader civic education requirements, mandating school committees to review curricula to ensure they cover American history, patriotism, and contributions of all ethnic groups, with specific assessments for students. It directly affects all public, private, denominational, and parochial schools in Nebraska serving grades 5-8.
LB 680 amends Nebraska's laws defining the role of educational service units (ESUs), which provide support to public school districts. The bill requires ESUs to prioritize core services like staff development (including support for students in poverty), technology/distance learning, and instructional materials for all member school districts. It establishes accountability standards for ESUs, including accreditation requirements to ensure equitable service delivery and cost-effectiveness. The changes affect all 14 Nebraska ESUs and the public school districts they serve, clarifying their mission to support school improvement efforts and state education goals.
Nebraska's LB 213 requires the State Board of Education to adopt science curriculum standards on human embryology for all public schools. The law mandates that these standards include accurate biological instruction on human development (including Carnegie Stages) and high-definition 4D visual recordings showing organ development from brain to heart. Schools must integrate these materials into science classes by the 2026-27 school year, with parents able to opt their children out of this instruction. The bill directly affects Nebraska's K-12 public school curriculum and science education standards.
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.
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Elections
LB 143 amends Nebraska's student enrollment law to extend military family enrollment protections to students with disabilities or special education needs. It requires school districts to apply their existing preliminary enrollment policies for military families - including no-charge enrollment upon arrival - to students with individualized education programs (IEPs), individualized family service plans (IFSPs), or those receiving special education services under federal law. This ensures military-connected students who require special education accommodations have equal enrollment access during relocations. The change directly affects military families with children who have disabilities or special education needs, streamlining their school enrollment process without altering other residency rules.
This bill (LB 353) allows public school employees in Nebraska to join or leave labor unions at any time, without restrictions imposed by existing contracts. It revises a law governing union dues deductions by requiring written authorization from employees that can be revoked at any time, and removes language that previously bound employees to dues deductions. The bill repeals the old version of the law to align with these changes, ensuring employees retain full control over their union membership status. It directly affects all public school employees covered by collective bargaining agreements in Nebraska.
