Rep. John Fredrickson

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 218 updates voter registration processes by requiring motor vehicle offices to offer voter registration when residents apply for or renew driver's licenses or state ID cards (Section 32-308). It also creates a free online system for voters to check the status of provisional ballots and establishes a public website listing acceptable voter ID forms (Sections 32-202(13) and (14)). The bill affects voters registering through DMV offices, election officials managing registration data, and state agencies like the DMV and Secretary of State's office. Key changes include streamlining registration at DMV locations, improving transparency about provisional ballot results, and updating voter ID information accessibility. The bill eliminates outdated provisions but focuses on practical registration and voting access improvements.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 157 creates a state-level Child Tax Credit, providing eligible parents with a $1,000 refundable credit per qualifying child under age 6. To qualify, parents must claim the child on their federal tax return, have the child's SSN/ITIN, and meet income limits (e.g., married couples filing jointly lose the full credit above $110,000 federal AGI). The credit is exempt from creditor claims, meaning refunds cannot be seized to pay debts. This policy directly affects Nebraska families with young children who qualify under the federal definition, effective for 2026 tax years.

Maddy summaryLB 156 modifies Nebraska's State Tort Claims Act and Political Subdivisions Tort Claims Act to allow civil lawsuits for sexual assaults of children occurring in specific school-related settings. The bill removes the standard immunity that previously barred claims against schools (as political subdivisions) for such incidents, specifically covering cases on school grounds, in school-owned vehicles used for school purposes, in vehicles driven by school employees for school purposes, or at school-sponsored events. This change directly affects children who experience sexual assault in these settings and school districts that would now face potential liability for negligence in preventing such assaults. The policy shift enables victims to pursue civil remedies where the previous law blocked such claims.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 236 amends the Political Subdivisions Tort Claims Act to allow lawsuits against cities, counties, or schools for child abuse or sexual assault of a child when the harm resulted from the subdivision's failure to exercise reasonable care. Specifically, it removes immunity for claims where a political subdivision (like a school or child welfare agency) did not properly control a person under its charge or protect a child in its custody from non-employee abusers. The bill targets cases where the subdivision's negligence directly caused the harm, such as failing to prevent abuse by a staff member or another person in their care. This change directly affects children and families seeking legal recourse against government entities for such incidents.

Maddy summaryLB 450 amends Nebraska's Property Assessed Clean Energy Act to expand how municipalities can finance energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements on properties. It allows cities, counties, or villages to create "clean energy assessment districts" where property owners (including agricultural, commercial, industrial, and single-family residential properties) can pay for upgrades like solar panels, insulation, or backup generators through annual property assessments over the project's lifespan. The bill updates definitions for terms like "energy efficiency improvement" and "grid resiliency improvement" to clarify eligible projects, such as energy-saving windows, smart grid tech, or renewable systems. Note: This bill was amended into LB 288 on June 6, 2025, and is no longer active in its original form.

Maddy summaryLB 381 amends Nebraska's Medical Assistance Act to update rules for program integrity audits conducted by contractors. It requires contractors to provide clear written justification for starting audits, limit review periods to one year (except for fraud), send detailed audit results within 180 days, and notify providers of overpayment determinations with specific details like beneficiary names and claim numbers. The bill also mandates that audits be conducted by healthcare professionals in relevant specialties, requires advance notice for onsite audits (at least 10 business days), and prohibits recovery of payments for services with prior authorization. These changes directly affect medical providers and program integrity contractors by standardizing audit procedures and improving transparency in billing disputes.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 253 requires health insurers and Medicaid to cover biomarker testing for diagnosis, treatment, or monitoring of diseases when supported by medical evidence. This includes tests approved by the FDA, aligned with drug labels, or recommended by nationally recognized clinical guidelines. Insurers must cover these tests without unnecessary delays, approving or denying prior authorization requests within 24-72 hours, and provide clear exception processes for patients. The law applies to all health insurers and Medicaid plans in Nebraska, effective January 1, 2026, directly affecting patients needing these tests and healthcare providers ordering them.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution formally recognizes Deepavali, also known as Diwali or the Festival of Lights, as a significant holiday for Nebraskans who celebrate it. The document acknowledges the holiday's cultural importance to the Hindu community in Nebraska and highlights its global celebration by over one billion people worldwide. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture to honor the contributions of the Hindu community to Nebraska's cultural vitality. It does not create new laws or change any existing policies but instead expresses official state recognition of the holiday.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution directs the Health and Human Services Committee to conduct an interim study on the needs of youth transitioning between youth rehabilitation centers, adult correctional facilities, and residential treatment facilities. The study will examine current facility proposals, identify specific needs of housed youth, consider alternative facility models, and evaluate success criteria while incorporating input from various state agencies, advocacy groups, and national experts. The committee will also assess what policy and legal changes may be needed to implement an evidence-based plan for youth movement and transitions, ultimately submitting findings and recommendations to the Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution directs the Nebraska Health and Human Services Committee to conduct an interim study on whether universal mental health screenings should be implemented in public schools. The study will examine the feasibility, effectiveness, and necessary safeguards for such a program, including workforce capacity, parental consent, student privacy, and equitable access to follow-up services. It will also analyze current mental health supports in schools, review evidence-based screening models from other states, and estimate the fiscal costs and potential funding sources. The committee is required to report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature after completing the study.