Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 828 redefines "gift enterprise" in state law to clarify rules for business promotions involving chance and prizes, such as raffles tied to product purchases. It explicitly excludes bingo, keno, slot machines, and pickle cards while requiring promotional tickets to display the operator's name, avoid cost-per-play markings, and not resemble approved pickle cards. The bill restricts operators (businesses running these promotions) from rigging games, unfairly disqualifying winners, or charging entry fees beyond normal product costs, and mandates full disclosure of terms to participants. These rules apply to businesses, financial institutions, and credit unions conducting such promotions within Nebraska, with enforcement handled by the Department of Revenue.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryLB 1198 requires event sellers to provide physical paper tickets free of charge upon request for large public events (defined as those holding at least 5,000 people). This directly affects ticket sellers - both public and private entities - offering electronic tickets for events meeting the capacity threshold. The law mandates that paper tickets must be delivered to buyers before the event or made available for printing, with the Attorney General enforcing compliance. Violations carry a civil penalty of $10 per ticket sold at the affected event, with collected fines going to the state treasury.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all health insurance policies and Medicaid in Nebraska to cover medically necessary treatments for acquired brain injuries (like those from stroke, trauma, or tumors) and specific Alzheimer's disease testing/treatments that slow progression. It mandates coverage for defined therapies including cognitive rehabilitation, neurobehavioral therapy, and community reintegration services without lifetime or annual limits that conflict with medical standards. Insurers must provide an expedited appeal process for denied coverage, resolved within five business days, with ongoing treatment continuing during appeals. The law directly affects insurers, Medicaid, and patients with qualifying brain injuries or Alzheimer's, ensuring access to critical care without arbitrary financial barriers.
Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 1193 establishes regulatory requirements for energy storage resources and modifies tax treatment for renewable energy infrastructure. The bill changes property tax exemptions by designating funds from the nameplate capacity tax (levied under section 77-6203) as "non-restricted" for the first five years after an energy storage facility or renewable generation facility begins operation. This policy directly affects energy storage facility operators and local governments managing tax revenues, as it allows communities to use these tax funds more flexibly for general purposes rather than restricted uses. The bill also harmonizes related provisions across multiple statutes to create a consistent regulatory framework for energy storage resources.
Maddy summaryLB 964 requires local governments in Nebraska (like cities, counties, and school districts) to hold public hearings before buying, selling, or leasing public property. It mandates that these hearings allow community members to comment, and requires a 10-day notice in a local newspaper detailing the property location, value, price, and involved parties. If a transaction isn't completed within two months after the hearing, a new hearing must be held. The bill aims to increase transparency in public property decisions by ensuring public input and clear advance notice.
Maddy summaryLB 1192 amends the Convention Center Facility Financing Assistance Act to clarify how "associated hotels" and "nearby retailers" are defined when facilities are within 600 yards of the State Capitol in Lincoln. The key change allows applicants to select contiguous or noncontiguous areas within their jurisdiction that match the required square footage (instead of measuring strictly from the facility perimeter), making it easier to include nearby businesses in financing eligibility. This directly affects convention center projects seeking state assistance near the Capitol, streamlining administrative requirements for measuring proximity.
Maddy summaryLB 1044 amends Nebraska's Business Innovation Act to update two state-funded programs supporting small businesses and individuals. It changes the matching requirements for prototype development funding (25% nonstate funds for businesses in economic redevelopment areas, 50% otherwise) and sets a $150,000 project cap, while requiring a business plan with proof-of-concept. For commercialization, the bill mandates feasibility studies with sales projections, includes specific support services like market assessments and mentorship, and sets a $500,000 project cap with a $4 million annual minimum funding level. The department must also develop an annual qualified action plan by January 1 of even-numbered years, outlining selection criteria focused on job growth, private investment, and repayment.
Maddy summaryLB 282 allows K-12 teachers in Nebraska public, private, denominational, or parochial schools to seek up to $300 in reimbursement for school supplies they personally purchased. Teachers must submit receipts to the State Department of Education, which will administer the program based on policies developed by the State Board of Education. The bill requires the State Board to specify eligible supplies and establish application procedures, effective starting the 2025-26 school year. This directly affects teachers who cover out-of-pocket supply costs, providing a structured reimbursement process.
Maddy summaryLB 174 reduces the maximum amount of wages that can be garnished for medical debt from 15% to 10% of an individual's disposable earnings (after taxes and mandatory deductions). It directly affects Nebraska residents with medical debt being collected by medical debt buyers (entities that purchase and collect unpaid medical bills) and medical creditors (hospitals or providers). The bill establishes a new 10% cap for most cases, with a higher 20% limit possible only if the person is not a head of household (verified through a sworn affidavit). It also defines key terms like "medical debt," "medical debt buyer," and "head of household" to clarify eligibility for protections. This change aims to limit wage garnishment specifically for medical debt while maintaining existing rules for other debts like child support or taxes.
Maddy summaryLB 594 proposes to prohibit drivers from holding or manually using handheld wireless devices (like cell phones) while operating a moving vehicle, except for specific exceptions. It exempts emergency personnel (police, firefighters), utility workers responding to emergencies, and drivers communicating with emergency services. The bill allows hands-free use (e.g., voice commands without touching the device) and requires law enforcement to enforce this only after citing drivers for other traffic violations. Violations would result in fines ($200 for first offense) and points on a driver’s license, with the law repealing the current section it amends. This bill, currently pending in Nebraska’s Transportation Committee, directly affects all drivers operating motor vehicles in the state.