Rep. Beau Ballard

Maddy summaryLB 115 increases the income tax credit for volunteer emergency responders in Nebraska from its previous amount to $1,250 per year. It directly affects volunteer firefighters, emergency responders, and rescue squad members who are certified as active for the prior year. The bill changes qualification rules by requiring departments to submit certified lists of eligible volunteers to the state by February 15 each year, and volunteers claim the credit on their state tax returns using certification documents. The amendment replaces the previous credit amount and procedures under the Volunteer Emergency Responders Incentive Act.

Maddy summaryLB 100 creates a new Office of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation within Nebraska's Department of Economic Development to support startups and small businesses. It requires state agencies to aim for 5% of contracts and workforce development funding to go to businesses under five years old, and encourages eliminating business license fees for new Nebraska-based businesses. The office must report annually on policy impacts and track progress toward these goals, with state agencies also required to report on their efforts. These provisions directly affect new businesses (under five years old) and state agencies managing contracts, workforce programs, and economic development funds.

Maddy summaryLB 304 removes the expiration date (sunset) for Nebraska's participation in the federal Child Care Subsidy program, making the program permanent beyond its current September 30, 2026, deadline. It directly affects low-income families with children who qualify for child care assistance based on income thresholds (up to 185% of the federal poverty level before October 1, 2026, or 130% after). The bill maintains existing eligibility rules, including transitional assistance for families exceeding income limits, and ensures funding comes from federal Child Care Development Block Grant funds rather than state general funds. It does not change income levels or subsidy structures but extends the program's duration indefinitely.

Maddy summaryLB 481 establishes the Foster Child Scholarships Act, providing financial aid (HOPE Scholarships) for children in foster care or their biological siblings to attend qualifying private schools in Nebraska. It directly affects eligible students (those in foster care or siblings of foster children) and their educational decisionmakers, allowing them to use scholarships at non-profit private schools meeting state safety, accreditation, and anti-discrimination standards. The program, administered by the Department of Health and Human Services starting 2025-26, covers education costs and continues until graduation or age 21, regardless of foster care status. The bill requires annual reports to the legislature detailing scholarship recipients, funding amounts, and demographic data, while explicitly stating the state cannot control participating schools' governance.

Maddy summaryLB 591 amends Nebraska's Installment Loan Act to simplify licensing for lenders and their related companies (affiliates). It removes the need for separate licenses when affiliates only pool loans for sale (securitization) and the original lender retains servicing rights. The bill also allows a licensee controlling 50%+ of an affiliate to apply for licenses and handle compliance (like reporting and audits) on the affiliate’s behalf. These changes apply directly to lenders, their subsidiaries, and entities involved in loan servicing or securitization under the Act. The bill repeals outdated sections to align with these updated requirements.

Maddy summaryLB 637, the "Destination Nebraska Act," creates special tax districts for large-scale tourism and retail projects that meet specific economic criteria. It allows up to two districts statewide for projects costing over $3 billion with at least 10 million annual visitors, requiring approval from the Department of Economic Development. The bill replaces standard sales tax with a state occupation tax collected within these districts to fund development, while prohibiting local cities from taxing or regulating these areas. Districts last 40 years, cover no more than 5,000 acres, and must generate new jobs and state tax revenue. The law directly affects developers of qualifying projects and the state’s economic development strategy, not general residents.

Maddy summaryLB 482 modifies Nebraska's law on attorney fees in insurance lawsuits. It allows plaintiffs to recover reasonable attorney fees when winning most insurance disputes (excluding workers' compensation), but removes this right for property damage claims where rights were assigned after the loss occurred. This directly affects insurance policyholders suing companies and the insurance companies themselves in civil cases. The bill clarifies existing fee rules by excluding post-loss assignment cases from the fee recovery provision.

Maddy summaryLB 679 allows Nebraska counties to sell multiple parcels of real property with unpaid taxes through negotiated bulk sales to a single buyer, rather than requiring public auctions for each parcel. County boards can set terms for these sales (including reasonable administrative fees) and include them on tax certificates, replacing the previous public auction process for such properties. The bill also updates notice requirements for tax sales, modifies how attorney fees are awarded in foreclosure cases, and aligns related tax sale provisions. This primarily affects counties managing tax sales, property owners with delinquent taxes, and potential buyers of distressed properties.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 603 amends laws governing care management units under the Community Aging Services Act. It establishes an income-based sliding scale for client contributions: individuals with family income below 300% of the federal poverty level pay 0-90% of service costs, while others pay the full fee. The bill also changes how care units are reimbursed, requiring the Department of Health and Human Services to cover unpaid costs based on actual casework time and expenses (like personnel and admin), with reimbursement rates updated every three years. Funding for this reimbursement must be separate from regular aging services appropriations. The bill repeals the original sections it amends.

Maddy summaryLB 25 allocates $5 million from Nebraska's General Fund to the Department of Administrative Services for a grant program supporting volunteer fire and emergency departments. The funds will cover mobile radios, programming, and installation to create interoperable communication systems, requiring local governments to match each dollar of state funding. Each applicant can receive up to $3.5 million in grants. This bill directly affects volunteer departments seeking to improve emergency communication capabilities.