Technology

LB 288 creates a new financing mechanism allowing Nebraska municipalities to establish "clean energy assessment districts" that let property owners fund energy efficiency, grid resilience, and renewable energy projects through annual property assessments. It directly affects residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial property owners who choose to participate in these districts, covering costs for projects like solar panels, insulation, smart grid technology, and backup power systems. The bill requires municipalities to define eligible projects and sets repayment terms tied to the project's useful life, with property owners paying back through their property tax bills over time. This replaces previous financing rules under Nebraska's Property Assessed Clean Energy Act and related housing laws.

LB 140 requires Nebraska public school districts to adopt policies governing student use of electronic devices (like phones and tablets) on school property or during school activities. The policy must generally prohibit device use, except for specific exceptions: students' individualized education plans (IEPs), approved educational activities, emergencies, health monitoring, or school authorization. School boards must develop these policies with input from students, parents, and educators. The law takes effect before the 2025-26 school year and applies directly to all public school districts in Nebraska.

LB 241 (signed March 17, 2025) shields private businesses - including corporations, nonprofits, and other private entities - from class action lawsuits following cybersecurity events, unless the breach resulted from their willful, wanton, or gross negligence. The bill defines a "cybersecurity event" as unauthorized access or disruption of systems holding nonpublic information (like Social Security numbers or financial data) and clarifies that entities are not liable for such events under normal circumstances. It specifically exempts private entities from liability in class actions related to these incidents, focusing on preventing lawsuits for routine breaches rather than imposing new privacy requirements. This law directly affects businesses handling sensitive personal data by reducing legal risks from data breaches, provided they meet basic cybersecurity standards.