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.
LB 767, titled "Adopt the Certified Help Options in Claims Expertise for Veterans Act," regulates assistance with veterans' benefits claims. It requires anyone helping veterans file or pursue claims (e.g., for disability compensation) to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, prohibits upfront fees or guaranteed outcomes, and mandates that any payment be contingent on a successful benefits increase (capped at five times the monthly increase). Service providers must use written agreements detailing terms, avoid charging interest, and disclose they are not affiliated with Veterans Affairs agencies. This directly affects veterans navigating claims and non-accredited representatives offering fee-based assistance.
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.
Nebraska's LB 882 amends tax exemption rules to expand homestead tax relief for veterans and surviving spouses. It directly affects veterans with 100% service-connected disability (or temporary disability), their unremarried surviving spouses, and spouses who remarried after age 57. The bill simplifies certification requirements: veterans qualifying under section 77-3506(2)(a) no longer need annual applications (only every 5 years), while others must provide annual certification from the VA, except every 5 years. Surviving spouses who remarry before age 57 lose their exemption, requiring notification to the county assessor.
This bill creates two permit options for Nebraska-resident veterans with military service-related disabilities. Veterans rated 50% or more disabled by the VA (or receiving total disability pension) get a free, lifelong combination hunting/fishing permit and required stamps. Veterans rated 10% or more disabled pay $90 for three years or $135 for five years for the same permit package. It applies only to veterans discharged honorably or under honorable conditions, with eligibility tied to VA disability ratings.
LB 425 expands Nebraska's homestead tax exemption to include veterans with 80-99% service-connected disability (previously limited to 100% disabled veterans) and their eligible surviving spouses. It adds new qualifying categories under subsection (2)(g), allowing these veterans and surviving spouses (who remarried after age 57) to receive a tax exemption equal to their disability percentage (e.g., 85% disabled = 85% exemption). The bill also modifies application requirements: annual certification for most exemptions, but certification every five years for some categories. It takes effect January 1, 2026, and repeals the previous version of the exemption law. This directly affects disabled veterans with partial service-connected disabilities and their surviving spouses who meet specific criteria.
Nebraska's LB 414 establishes a suicide mortality review team within the Department of Veterans' Affairs to address veteran suicides. The team, made up of VA staff, mental health professionals, law enforcement, and veteran advocates, will collect data on all veteran suicide deaths in Nebraska, analyze causes, and develop prevention protocols for agencies like hospitals and law enforcement. It requires an annual report by April 1st starting in 2026, detailing each reviewed case (including age, location, and contributing factors) and recommendations to reduce preventable suicides. The bill directly affects veterans who died by suicide and aims to improve data-driven prevention strategies through coordinated reviews.
