Technology

This Nebraska bill (LB 596) updates how legal notices and publications required by law must be distributed. It allows notices to be published online via digital news platforms (without print options) and adds a new requirement: all such notices must also be posted on a statewide website repository maintained by Nebraska newspapers, starting October 1, 2022. The bill keeps existing newspaper publication rules in place but mandates the online posting as an additional step. It directly affects government entities, courts, and businesses that must publish legal notices, as well as newspapers and digital platforms that distribute them. The change ensures notices are accessible both through traditional media and a centralized online system.

This Nebraska bill (LB 559) makes it illegal to install unauthorized skimmer devices on ATMs, point-of-sale terminals, or fuel pumps to steal card information or PINs. It specifically prohibits devices that capture, record, or transmit data from financial transaction devices, with penalties for offenders. The law also strengthens provisions against organized financial crime networks involving such theft. It directly affects criminals using skimmers and protects consumers, businesses, and financial institutions from fraud.

LB 504 would require large online platforms operating in Nebraska to avoid design features that encourage excessive use by minors under 18. It targets companies with over $25 million in annual revenue that handle data of 50,000+ users or derive 50% of revenue from data sales, prohibiting features like infinite scrolling, push notifications, in-game purchases, and appearance-altering filters when platforms know a user is a minor. The law also bans manipulative "dark pattern" interfaces that subvert user choice, as defined by the Federal Trade Commission. Platforms with fewer than 2% minor users are exempt from these requirements.

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.