Veterans

This bill allocates state funds to support the implementation of Legislative Bill 972, which was introduced in the 2026 session of Nebraska's legislature. The appropriations are distributed across three state agencies: the Department of Revenue receives funding for salary and per diem expenses, while the Military Department and Department of Motor Vehicles receive funds restricted to non-salary purposes. Specific amounts are designated for fiscal years 2026-27 and 2027-28, with salary limits set for the Department of Revenue and no salary expenditures allowed for the other two agencies.

This bill amends Nebraska's Commission on Military and Veterans Affairs structure and eliminates related veterans home provisions. It changes the commission's membership requirements to include at least one member with military experience and one with business background, while removing provisions about veterans home lease agreements and utility services. The bill also updates the annual report requirement (Section 55-606) to mandate submission by November 15 each year, summarizing Nebraska's military assets, economic impact, and preservation recommendations. These changes directly affect the Commission, veterans homes, and military installations in Nebraska, with no new funding or program changes.

LB 826 amends Nebraska law to change deadlines and requirements for homestead exemption applications, directly affecting homeowners and veterans seeking property tax relief. It allows late applications for specific circumstances - such as medical conditions, spouse death, or delayed veteran status certification - with a new deadline of June 30 of the year property taxes become delinquent, requiring supporting documentation. The bill also modifies veteran exemption rules, requiring annual filings only every five years (in divisible years) and ensuring surviving spouses retain the exemption for the remaining five-year period after a veteran’s death. These changes aim to provide flexibility for eligible residents while standardizing filing processes.

This is a Nebraska legislative resolution (LR 293), not a bill that creates law. It urges the U.S. Congress to quickly pass federal legislation - specifically referencing H.R. 3649, the Veterans National Traumatic Injury Treatment Act - to expand veterans' access to treatments for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The resolution highlights the need for therapies like hyperbaric oxygen treatment, physical therapy, and cognitive therapy, which are not currently standard in VA care. It directly addresses U.S. Congress members and Nebraska's congressional delegation, requesting they support such federal action.