Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution directs the Nebraska Legislature's Education Committee to conduct an interim study on improving the state's education and workforce system to better connect learners with high-demand jobs. The study will examine how education and workforce data can be integrated to guide policy decisions, assess the existing Nebraska Statewide Workforce and Educational Reporting System, and explore ways to link education, credentialing, and employment data. It will also investigate opportunities for collaboration across different education levels and with employers to create aligned career pathways, while considering necessary changes to data sharing and privacy protections. The committee will consult with state departments, educational institutions, and other stakeholders before submitting findings and recommendations to the Legislature.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryLB 1127A is a funding bill that allocates $4,750 from the State Park Cash Revolving Fund for each fiscal year 2026-27 and 2027-28 to the Game and Parks Commission. The funds are specifically designated to support the implementation of Legislative Bill 1127 (the main bill, not detailed here). This bill does not fund salaries or per diems for state employees. It serves as a procedural funding mechanism for another bill's execution, with no direct impact on the public or new policy changes.
Maddy summaryLB 811 amends Nebraska's Municipal Land Bank Act to clarify which cities can establish land banks. It updates Section 18-3404 to specify that only cities classified as "metropolitan class" or "primary class" may create standalone land banks, removing ambiguous language. The bill harmonizes these requirements with other sections of the law and ensures consistency in how municipalities form land banks. This directly affects Nebraska cities seeking to create land banks to manage vacant or abandoned properties.
Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 990 renames the "School District Property Tax Relief Act" to the "Live Here Thrive Here Act" and changes the "School District Property Tax Relief Credit Fund" to the "Live Here Thrive Here Credit Fund." The bill modifies how property tax credits are distributed by adjusting the state's fiscal transfer process under Section 77-4602. Specifically, it directs funds to the new credit fund based on comparisons between actual and estimated state revenue, with the State Treasurer making transfers according to these calculations. This policy change directly affects property owners in Nebraska school districts who receive tax credits for real property taxes paid.
Maddy summaryLB 1104 clarifies Nebraska's motor vehicle registration rules to prevent residents from avoiding state taxes. It creates a rebuttable presumption that vehicles stored in Nebraska for over 30 days must be registered and taxed here, based on factors like ownership ties to Nebraska (e.g., residency, insurance, or business affiliation). The bill requires the Department of Motor Vehicles or Revenue to notify residents of this presumption and allows a 30-day appeal period. If unresolved, residents must pay back taxes, fees, and a 50% late penalty. This directly affects Nebraska residents who register vehicles in other states but keep them in Nebraska for extended periods.
Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 809 prohibits cities and counties from passing local laws that would stop landlords from refusing to rent to tenants who receive housing assistance (like Section 8 vouchers) or impose rent control on private properties. The bill specifically bans local ordinances that restrict landlords based on tenants' income sources or set rent limits, except for two exceptions: programs designed to increase affordable housing supply through land-use rules or voluntary landlord agreements that limit rent increases. This law overrides any conflicting local home rule charters and declares any violating local ordinance invalid. It directly affects landlords, tenants using housing assistance, and local governments seeking to regulate rental markets.
Maddy summaryThis bill (LB 768) amends Nebraska's housing finance laws to expand the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority's (NIFA) powers, allowing it to partner with nonprofit entities supporting housing projects. It modifies the Nebraska Affordable Housing Act, Rural Workforce Housing Investment Act, and Middle Income Workforce Housing Investment Act to require the Department of Economic Development to allocate at least 30% of Affordable Housing Trust Fund dollars to each congressional district annually. The bill also eliminates the housing advisory committee and updates fund administration rules, including streamlining grant application processes and clarifying fund transfers. These changes directly affect housing developers, local governments, and low-to-moderate income residents seeking affordable housing assistance under the three affected acts.
Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 938 creates a state tax-advantaged savings program to help first-time homebuyers. It allows individuals to contribute up to $5,000 annually (or $10,000 for joint filers) to designated savings accounts, reducing their state taxable income. Contributions can be used for eligible home purchase costs like down payments, closing fees, or construction financing for a primary residence in Nebraska. The program limits lifetime contributions to $25,000 per individual ($50,000 for joint filers) and requires account holders to designate a qualified beneficiary (the homebuyer) by April 15 each year. This directly affects first-time homebuyers who meet the definition: individuals without prior primary residence ownership or those divorced and not on title for 3+ years.
Maddy summaryLB 1069 requires emergency care providers (such as ambulance services and emergency clinics) to certify they have a policy for submitting billing claims to third-party payors like Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurers to qualify for state-funded emergency medical services grants. This applies specifically to providers seeking state grant assistance administered by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The bill defines "billing for services" as the regular submission of claims for reimbursement for both emergency and non-emergency medical care. The requirement is a condition for receiving state grants, and the bill repeals the previous version of the relevant statute.
Maddy summaryLB 1129 updates Nebraska's Community Development Law to modernize how cities address blighted areas. It redefines key terms like "affordable housing" (now including workforce housing and housing for households earning under 150% of county median income) and "area of operation" (expanding to include land outside city limits under specific conditions). The bill changes property acquisition rules, eliminates outdated provisions about land outside city boundaries, and requires expedited review for certain redevelopment plans. These changes directly affect cities, redevelopment authorities, and property owners in designated blighted areas.