Education

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1184: Adopt the Nebraska Tribal College Investment Act

LB 1184, the Nebraska Tribal College Investment Act, creates a state fund to provide matching grants to Nebraska tribal colleges (specifically 1994 Institutions located in Nebraska) for high-demand educational programs. The bill requires tribal colleges to secure new private funding commitments before applying for grants, with the state matching those private funds up to the same amount. The Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education will administer the fund and disburse grants by January 1 each year. This act directly affects tribal colleges by enabling them to expand accessible, in-demand education programs through public-private partnerships. The fund is financed by legislative transfers and private contributions, with unused funds invested per state investment rules.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates state fund with matching grants for tribal college programs, directly increasing funding and access for higher education institutions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1262: Adopt the Foreign Adversaries Out of Postsecondary Education Act

Nebraska's LB 1262 prohibits all public and private postsecondary institutions in the state from accepting any funding, gifts, research sponsorships, or partnerships from designated "foreign adversaries," including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Qatar, and entities like the Muslim Brotherhood. The bill defines prohibited entities and requires institutions to return any funds received in violation. It also mandates written certification for cultural exchanges to ensure they do not restrict free speech, control curriculum, or threaten state safety. This directly affects all Nebraska colleges and universities, their research centers, and affiliated organizations. The law aligns with similar measures recently enacted in Florida and Texas.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationRestricts higher education institutions from accepting foreign adversary funding, limiting partnerships and research collaborations, directly restricting institutional funding options.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1196: Prohibit the use of state or local funds for low-earning outcome postsecondary education programs

Nebraska's LB 1196 prohibits using any state or local funds - such as student aid, school operating money, grants, or facility funding - for postsecondary education programs identified as "low-earning outcome" under federal law (20 U.S.C. 1087d). The bill directly affects public colleges and universities receiving state funding by blocking support for programs that don’t lead to strong earnings. The Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education must annually review federal program rankings, enforce the funding ban, and report on its impact and costs to the Legislature. This law aims to redirect public education resources toward programs with better economic outcomes for students.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesDefunds programs failing federal earnings criteria, restricting state budget allocation for postsecondary education programs.95% confidence ✗ EducationOpposes EducationDefunds specific postsecondary programs deemed low-earning, restricting state funding allocation for higher education as per federal criteria.95% confidence

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1038: Change provisions relating to school funding and property taxes

LB 1038 changes how Nebraska school districts can raise funds through property taxes and modifies property tax credits. It eliminates certain property tax credits for homeowners and adjusts school district levy limits, allowing districts more flexibility in setting local tax rates. The bill redirects tax revenue streams, increasing funding for the Education Future Property Tax Credit Cash Fund (from 70% to 40% for cash device taxes) and modifying how General Fund transfers support schools. These changes directly affect school districts (by altering their tax-raising authority) and property taxpayers (through eliminated credits).

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesEliminates property tax credits for homeowners, increasing tax burden, and redirects revenue without providing tax relief or funding increases.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill redirects tax revenue to increase funding for Education Future Property Tax Credit Cash Fund, modifies school district levy limits for greater funding flexibility, and expands school funding streams.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Revenue State Budget School Funding

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1146: Change provisions relating to reports by a school district relating to absences of a child from school

LB 1146 requires Nebraska school districts to create annual attendance policies developed with county attorneys. These policies must outline how schools address excessive absences (after 20 unexcused days) through documented support services like written communication, family meetings, and referrals to health or community resources. The bill specifies that absences due to illness, special education needs, homelessness, or pregnancy/parenthood are not counted as unexcused. Schools must prove they provided these support services before reporting a student's case to the county attorney for further action.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates supportive attendance policies excluding valid absences (illness, special needs), protecting vulnerable students and strengthening school support systems without punitive measures.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education Student Health

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Jun 6, 2025

LB 104: Adopt the Family Home Visitation Act

LB 104 adopts the Family Home Visitation Act to establish state-funded home visitation programs for families with children under five or pregnant individuals. The bill requires all state-funded programs to be evidence-based, delivered by trained professionals (like nurses or social workers), and focus on improving maternal/child health, parenting skills, and school readiness while reducing child maltreatment. Programs must meet specific quality standards, including cultural competency and continuous improvement, and the Department of Health and Human Services must report annually on program details, outcomes, and funding. This directly affects eligible families and service providers by setting clear guidelines for program implementation and accountability.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill funds state home visitation programs focused on school readiness for young children, directly advancing early education access and development per topic description.90% confidence

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Jun 6, 2025

LB 595: Create the Research Excellence Cash Fund

LB 595 creates the Research Excellence Cash Fund, administered by the University of Nebraska, to support research critical to Nebraska's economy. The fund will be financed through gifts, grants, or legislative transfers and can be used for data systems, data collection, and ongoing research projects like the Nebraska Mesonet. It directly affects the University of Nebraska (as the fund administrator) and supports research initiatives benefiting Nebraska's economic development. The bill establishes a dedicated funding mechanism for research infrastructure without altering existing laws.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates fund for University of Nebraska research, advancing higher education through dedicated funding for economic development projects.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyDirectly funds data systems, data collection, and research projects like Nebraska Mesonet, supporting technology infrastructure and economic development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Data Privacy

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signed · Nebraska · Legislature Jun 6, 2025

LB 645: Change provisions relating to school retirement systems and the Nebraska State Patrol Retirement System

LB 645 adjusts retirement contributions for Nebraska's Class V school districts and the State Patrol Retirement System. Starting July 1, 2025, employees will contribute 8.75% to 9.75% of their salary based on the retirement system's funding level, and the state will add a 2% annual contribution of employee compensation to the retirement fund. The bill clarifies that the state's 2% contribution does not shift the district's responsibility for funding the retirement system. It also updates death benefits for State Patrol officers and aligns retirement provisions across systems.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill adds state 2% contribution to school retirement system, supporting teacher benefits and retirement security for educators.85% confidence

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 589: Change provisions relating to reimbursement for special education programs and support services and require school districts to provide special education staff with professional leave

LB 589 changes how Nebraska school districts receive reimbursement for special education programs and support services while requiring districts to provide special education staff with four days of annual professional leave. The bill adjusts reimbursement calculations for allowable costs, ensures funding from state education funds, and mandates that districts cover substitute staff costs during this leave. This directly affects all Nebraska public school districts offering special education services, as they must now allocate resources for both the new leave policy and updated reimbursement processes. The professional leave must be used onsite solely for completing essential documentation related to students' special education cases.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEnsures state funding for special education programs, mandates professional leave with substitute coverage for staff, and adjusts reimbursement to strengthen support for educators and program stability.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates 4 days annual professional leave for special ed staff, expanding worker benefits and directly supporting employment conditions for educators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 627: Provide for a capital construction project for the University of Nebraska

This bill authorizes the University of Nebraska Board of Regents to design and build residential facilities for nursing and allied health students in Norfolk, Nebraska, at a total cost of $23 million. It directs annual state appropriations of $1.15 million for 20 years to fund the project, with provisions allowing long-term financing contracts (without pledging state credit) and requiring unused funds to transfer to the General Fund by 2045. The bill also allocates $250,000 for educational technology at the Norfolk facilities. The project directly affects UNO students in health programs and Norfolk residents through new campus infrastructure.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesDirectly allocates $1.15M annual state appropriations for 20 years to fund university facilities, increasing budget allocation for public education infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationFunds university infrastructure for nursing/health students with $23M construction and $1.15M annual state appropriations over 20 years95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds residential facilities for nursing and allied health students, directly supporting healthcare workforce development.85% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Higher Education

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