Rep. Eliot Bostar

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution directs the Health and Human Services Committee to conduct an interim study on adding long-term care services to Nebraska's Medicaid managed care program. The study will examine the financial and operational impacts of such a change, including reviewing how other states have implemented similar programs. The committee will compile its findings and recommendations for the Legislature, providing information to inform future decisions on this issue. This measure does not change current policy but establishes a research process to gather data before any potential expansion occurs.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution officially recognizes May 2026 as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month in Nebraska. The bill aims to raise public awareness about asthma and allergies, which affect millions of people, including many children and residents of minority communities. By acknowledging this month, the legislature encourages citizens to celebrate and support individuals in their communities who suffer from these conditions. The resolution does not change laws or allocate funds but serves to highlight the importance of understanding and managing these health issues.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 859 requires counties with public defenders to appoint "county conflict counsel" when the public defender cannot represent indigent defendants due to conflicts of interest or other court-approved reasons. These appointed attorneys must represent low-income criminal defendants in the same way as public defenders, with full-time requirements in counties over 170,000 population. The bill mandates counties to notify judges and court officials when hiring such counsel and prohibits these attorneys from taking private fees for these cases. It does not change eligibility for indigent representation but ensures consistent access to legal counsel during gaps in public defender availability.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the mandatory retirement age for Nebraska State Patrol officers from 60 to 65 years under the State Patrol Retirement Act. It directly affects current and future State Patrol officers who must retire upon reaching age 65 instead of 60. The bill also updates the Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP), allowing officers who meet eligibility requirements (25+ years of service and normal retirement age) to delay retirement payments for up to five years while continuing active duty. During this period, retirement benefits are held in a separate account and paid out upon final retirement. The changes aim to adjust retirement timing and benefit management for State Patrol members.

Maddy summaryLB 1064, the "Large Load Customer Regulation Act," establishes rules for public power suppliers (like municipal utilities) to interconnect large electricity users exceeding 20 megawatts at a single site. It requires these customers to disclose if they’re pursuing similar service elsewhere (with confidentiality) and provide details about onsite backup power. Public power suppliers must charge a $100,000 flat fee for initial interconnection studies and can negotiate custom rates to cover infrastructure costs and mitigate risks to other customers. The bill also mandates procedures for demand response and emergency load curtailment during grid emergencies. This directly affects large commercial/industrial facilities and public power providers across Nebraska.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 1063 amends the Money Transmitters Act to prohibit money transmission by "foreign adversary persons" within the state. This directly affects money transmitters operating in Nebraska who are deemed "foreign adversary persons" under the bill's definition (including entities domiciled in, headquartered in, or organized under the laws of countries listed in 15 C.F.R. 791.4). Key provisions include defining "foreign adversary person" and requiring licensees to provide specific information to the Director of Banking and Finance. The bill also updates application processes and references federal law but focuses on the new prohibition as its central policy change. It does not alter existing requirements for domestic money transmitters.

Maddy summaryLB 1062 amends Nebraska's Insurance Producers Licensing Act and Pharmacy Benefit Manager Licensure and Regulation Act. It modifies reciprocal licensing rules between states, updates requirements for nonresident insurance producers (including verification processes and fees), and adds notification requirements for material changes under the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Act. The bill also adjusts fee structures for insurance producers and repeals original sections of the law. These changes directly affect insurance producers seeking licensure in Nebraska and pharmacy benefit managers operating within the state.

Maddy summaryLB 1091 requires Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services to provide long-term care services (like skilled nursing, nursing facility, and assisted living care) for Medicaid recipients with complex medical needs through fee-for-service Medicaid or other non-risk-based systems - instead of the state's Medicaid managed care program. It directly affects Medicaid recipients with intensive care needs and their healthcare providers, ensuring these services continue outside managed care enrollment. The bill mandates that providers serving these clients cannot be forced to join managed care organizations, while preserving care continuity and preventing increased state costs. Key provisions include defining "special needs" clients and requiring the department to update contracts and rules within six months of the law's effective date.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 1096 creates two new laws: the Preventing Lethal Agricultural and National Threats Act (PLANT) and the Critical Infrastructure Protection Act (CIPA). PLANT prohibits importing high-risk agricultural pathogens or pests without a Department of Agriculture permit, imposing Class III felony penalties for violations (Class IIA if involving concealment, foreign government ties, or $1 million+ damage). CIPA bans foreign adversaries (countries listed in federal regulations) from accessing or controlling Nebraska's critical infrastructure - including water systems, energy grids, telecom networks, and transportation - through new contracts or agreements. The bill directly affects agricultural importers, infrastructure operators, and companies owning critical systems by requiring permits for high-risk imports and restricting foreign access to infrastructure. Violations carry civil penalties for communications providers and criminal penalties under both acts.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 1123 establishes clear procedures for Brady-Giglio lists, which are records of law enforcement officers whose credibility may be in question. It requires prosecutors to provide officers with written notice before adding them to such lists, including the rationale and opportunities for input or reconsideration. The bill also prohibits retaliation against officers for being listed or considered for listing, while mandating that prosecuting and public safety agencies adopt specific policies for handling these lists. Additionally, it increases penalties for impersonating a peace officer. This bill directly affects law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and public safety agencies across Nebraska.