Rep. Mike Jacobson

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 718 amends licensing rules for certified public accountants (CPAs) by updating educational requirements and examination procedures. The bill reduces the required college credit hours from 150 semester hours (before 2025) to 120 semester hours (effective January 1, 2025), and eliminates the ability to take exam sections before completing a bachelor's degree. It also removes outdated provisions, harmonizes licensing sections, and requires applicants to have earned their degree before taking any exam portion after 2025. This directly affects CPA applicants and current license holders seeking certification or renewal in Nebraska.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 717 updates state banking and finance laws to align with recent federal changes. It modifies rules for bank lending limits, digital asset depository institutions, maximum interest rates on certain loans, and mortgage professional licensing. The bill also clarifies references to the Nebraska Money Transmitters Act in related laws. These changes directly affect Nebraska banks, trust companies, digital asset depositories, mortgage lenders, and money transmitters operating within the state.

Maddy summaryThis Nebraska legislative resolution (LR 340) formally recognizes 2026 as the United Nations International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. It encourages Nebraska businesses and residents to celebrate the ecological, economic, and cultural contributions of rangelands and pastoralists - such as ranchers and herders who steward these lands. The resolution has no binding effect but expresses state support for the UN designation and urges community engagement with available resources.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (LR 263), not a policy bill. It formally congratulates Dr. Byron Barksdale for receiving the 2025 J.G. Elliot Award, which recognizes significant contributions to medicine and health programs in Nebraska. The resolution highlights his work as a consulting pathologist, owner of Pathology Services in North Platte, and his support for medical centers and critical access hospitals across multiple states. It contains no policy changes or legal requirements - it simply expresses legislative appreciation and will be sent to Dr. Barksdale.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Nebraska's government-run utilities (like public power districts) to require large cryptocurrency mining facilities (1+ megawatt operations) to pay for necessary grid infrastructure upgrades they cause. Utilities must first conduct a load study to determine costs before imposing requirements, which may include direct payments or financial guarantees from miners. It also mandates miners to notify utilities before starting operations, disclose annual energy use publicly, and allows utilities to temporarily interrupt service during emergencies. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution (LR 181) honors Charles "Chuck" Scripter for receiving the American Heroes Award and Excellence in Community Service Award from the Sioux Lookout Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. It recognizes his military service in the U.S. Air Force, career as an electrician, and extensive community volunteer work - including building 64 homes, responding to 35 disasters, and supporting hospice care. The resolution formally congratulates him and directs a copy to be sent to him. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (LR 199) directs Nebraska's Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee to study the causes of rising homeowner insurance premiums in the state. The study will analyze premium trends, insurance company availability, policy types (like replacement cost vs. actual cash value), contractor claims, insurance fraud, and approaches used by other states. It will not change current laws but will inform future legislative decisions. The committee will submit a final report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs Nebraska's Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee to study how rising property insurance costs affect homeowners and businesses in the state. The study will analyze historical and projected insurance premiums, the number of uninsured properties, causes of affordability challenges, and examine similar programs used in other states. It does not create new laws but aims to inform potential future legislative action on property insurance access. The committee will report findings and recommendations to the Legislature after completing the study.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (LR 124) directs Nebraska's Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee to conduct an interim study on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The study will examine how PBMs operate within health insurance plans - including their pricing models, formulary management, and impact on prescription drug costs - and assess their effects on patient access and independent pharmacies. It specifically aims to evaluate PBM transparency and accountability, focusing on issues like spread pricing, rebates, and prior authorization practices. The study does not create new laws but will identify potential policy solutions to address rising drug costs affecting Nebraska residents and businesses. The committee is required to report findings and recommendations to the Legislature after completing the study.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LR 123 is a resolution directing the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee to conduct an interim study on agricultural data collection, use, and protection. It focuses on how corporations handle sensitive farm data - such as crop yields, soil conditions, and livestock health - and examines risks like unauthorized sharing or sales that could lead to unfair trade practices. The study will review existing legal frameworks, data security best practices, and how data sharing affects market competition. This resolution does not create new laws but aims to inform future policy based on the committee's findings.