Rep. Eliot Bostar

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Nebraska's State Patrol Retirement Act to change how death benefits are calculated for surviving spouses and children of retired officers, and modifies the formula used to determine retirement annuities. Specifically, it updates the percentage amounts paid to surviving spouses (e.g., 175% of annuity for sole surviving spouse without children) and revises how final average monthly compensation is calculated for members retiring after July 1, 2016, excluding certain unused leave payments. The changes directly affect Nebraska State Patrol officers who retire or pass away while retired, altering their benefit amounts and eligibility. The bill repeals the original sections it amends and declares an emergency.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 693 amends the state's deceptive trade practices law to prohibit receiving compensation for certain conduct related to veterans benefits assistance. Specifically, it makes it illegal for anyone to charge fees for helping veterans navigate benefits applications or referrals if that conduct misleads or deceives veterans. The bill defines terms and adds this prohibition to the Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act, directly affecting third-party assistance providers who charge fees for veterans benefits support. This change aims to prevent deceptive practices by requiring transparency in veterans benefits assistance services.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1 from the General Fund for each of the fiscal years 2026-27 and 2027-28 to the Attorney General's office. The funds are designated for Program 507 to support the implementation of Legislative Bill 1096, which was passed in the 2026 legislative session. The appropriation is limited to covering permanent and temporary salaries and per diems, with a maximum expenditure of $1 per fiscal year. This measure provides minimal financial resources to assist the Attorney General in executing the provisions of the referenced legislation.

Maddy summaryNebraska bill LB 1253 clarifies which state laws apply to tax deed proceedings based on when tax sale certificates were issued. It establishes three specific time periods: certificates sold between 2010-2016 follow laws as of December 31, 2009; those sold 2017-2019 follow laws as of September 7, 2019; and certificates sold 2022-2025 follow laws as of May 7, 2025. This directly affects property owners who acquired land through tax sales during these periods, as it determines which legal procedures govern their title transfers. The bill repeals the previous version of the law and takes immediate effect due to an emergency declaration.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution directs Nebraska's Education Committee to conduct an interim study on how public funding for youth development programs is currently distributed across the state. The study will map existing funding sources from multiple state departments, assess geographic availability of programs, and identify gaps in access, particularly in rural areas where demand far exceeds supply. It will also examine the impact of these programs on families and communities, review best practices from other states, and develop recommendations for improving coordination and efficiency. The committee will gather input from various stakeholders including schools, employers, and program providers before submitting findings and recommendations to the Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution directs the Nebraska Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee to conduct an interim study on insurance coverage, Medicaid policies, and reimbursement structures related to nonopioid treatment options for opioid use and pain management. The study will examine barriers to accessing nonopioid therapies, analyze disparities in opioid-related outcomes across different populations, and explore ways to expand access to nonopioid pain treatments and substance use disorder services. The committee will submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature, which may inform future policy changes to improve equitable access to care and reduce reliance on opioid medications in Nebraska.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution (LR 257) proposes an interim study by Nebraska's Agriculture Committee to examine threats to the state's agricultural sector. It specifically focuses on foreign influence affecting Nebraska's agricultural economic stability, international policies that undermine modern farming practices, and vulnerabilities of agricultural infrastructure to foreign adversaries. The study will analyze these issues and report findings with recommendations to the Legislature or Legislative Council. This resolution does not enact new laws but sets up a review process to inform future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryLB 709 creates a Nebraska income tax credit for residents who pay adoption expenses, directly affecting individuals or families adopting children who qualify for the federal adoption tax credit under 26 U.S.C. § 23. The bill establishes a refundable credit equal to 10% of the federal credit amount claimed in the same tax year, effective for 2026 tax returns. This harmonizes Nebraska tax law by adding adoption credit as a specific line item within existing credit provisions. The credit applies to all eligible Nebraska taxpayers regardless of federal credit limitations, making it refundable (meaning it can reduce tax liability below zero).

Maddy summaryLB 644 requires individuals acting as agents for "adversary nations" (countries on a U.S. government list as of April 2025) or foreign terrorist organizations to register with Nebraska authorities. It specifically mandates transparency for lobbyists or consultants working on behalf of Chinese military companies and prohibits certain foreign entities from receiving state incentive program benefits. The bill also adds new rules for medical and research facilities, restricting how they store and remotely access genetic sequencing data. These provisions directly affect lobbyists, consultants, foreign entities seeking state contracts, and healthcare/research organizations handling genetic information.

Maddy summaryLB 78, now law after being signed by the governor on May 20, 2025, creates a new housing assistance program for victims of domestic violence and sex trafficking. It establishes the Domestic Violence and Sex Trafficking Survivor Housing Assistance Fund, managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, to provide rental payments, security deposits, and other housing-related support. The bill also modifies juvenile sentencing rules to require courts to consider if an offender was a victim of abuse or trafficking when deciding whether to impose imprisonment. These changes directly affect survivors seeking housing stability and offenders in juvenile court cases where victimization is relevant.