Rep. Danielle Conrad

Maddy summaryLB 237 would allow Nebraska counties with fewer than 10,000 residents to conduct elections by mail, after receiving approval from the Secretary of State. To qualify, counties must submit a detailed plan covering election timing, voter notices, and ballot procedures. If approved, counties would need to provide 24/7 secure ballot drop boxes for at least 10 days before elections, accept hand-delivered ballots, maintain at least one in-person voting location on election day, and follow existing early voting rules. This bill does not change ballot deadlines or require counties to adopt mail voting - it only permits it under specified conditions for small counties.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Nebraska's Legislature to appropriate $600,000 annually from the General Fund for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 specifically for interpreter services at the Supreme Court. It directly affects deaf, hard of hearing, and non-English-speaking individuals who need court interpreters. The bill mandates that these funds be used exclusively for increasing payments to interpreter service providers for these court-related needs. It does not create new rules but allocates existing state funds to support language access in the Supreme Court.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 234 redefines eligibility for "economic redevelopment areas" under the Urban Redevelopment Act. It sets specific criteria: an area qualifies if its unemployment rate is at least 150% of the state average and its poverty rate is 20% or higher, based on federal census data. The bill also includes adjacent census tracts meeting these standards. This change directly affects communities meeting these economic hardship thresholds, determining which areas can access redevelopment programs and funding. The bill amends existing law but does not create new programs or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryLB 439 creates a refundable tax credit for Nebraska residents whose property taxes or rent on their primary residence exceeds 5% of their federal adjusted gross income. It directly affects homeowners and renters who live in their primary residence at least six months annually, with higher caps for seniors (up to $5,000 versus $4,000 for others). The credit equals 50% of the amount over the 5% threshold, calculated using the county’s average home value for property tax limits. Residents must apply to the Department of Revenue with proof of residence, taxes paid, and income to claim the credit on their annual tax return.

Maddy summaryLB 12 eliminates time limits for civil lawsuits against the direct perpetrator of child sexual assault (for cases occurring on or after August 24, 2017, or earlier cases not previously time-barred). For lawsuits against non-direct abusers (such as institutions), victims can file within 12 years after turning 21. The law applies specifically to violations of Nebraska’s child sexual assault statutes (sections 28-319.01 and 28-320.01). Criminal prosecutions are not required to pursue civil claims under this bill.

Maddy summaryLB 156 modifies Nebraska's State Tort Claims Act and Political Subdivisions Tort Claims Act to allow civil lawsuits for sexual assaults of children occurring in specific school-related settings. The bill removes the standard immunity that previously barred claims against schools (as political subdivisions) for such incidents, specifically covering cases on school grounds, in school-owned vehicles used for school purposes, in vehicles driven by school employees for school purposes, or at school-sponsored events. This change directly affects children who experience sexual assault in these settings and school districts that would now face potential liability for negligence in preventing such assaults. The policy shift enables victims to pursue civil remedies where the previous law blocked such claims.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 236 amends the Political Subdivisions Tort Claims Act to allow lawsuits against cities, counties, or schools for child abuse or sexual assault of a child when the harm resulted from the subdivision's failure to exercise reasonable care. Specifically, it removes immunity for claims where a political subdivision (like a school or child welfare agency) did not properly control a person under its charge or protect a child in its custody from non-employee abusers. The bill targets cases where the subdivision's negligence directly caused the harm, such as failing to prevent abuse by a staff member or another person in their care. This change directly affects children and families seeking legal recourse against government entities for such incidents.

Maddy summaryThis bill redefines "habitually truancy" for students aged 13-17 as 20+ unexcused absences in a school year plus documented learning loss. It adds a defense against juvenile court adjudication for these cases, shifting focus from automatic court referrals to restorative justice approaches like truancy mediation. The bill also updates compulsory school attendance rules to align with these new procedures. Currently pending before Nebraska's Judiciary Committee with a hearing scheduled for March 27, 2025.

Maddy summaryLB 417 establishes the Nebraska Promise Program, providing tuition waivers for eligible Nebraska residents attending University of Nebraska campuses or Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture. It covers up to 15 credit hours per semester after federal grants and scholarships are applied, targeting students with family incomes under $65,000 annually and requiring a 2.5 GPA. The bill also extends similar tuition waivers to community colleges (up to 2 years) and state colleges (up to 4 years) for qualifying low-income students. Funding for these waivers comes from a new College Promise Fund, with reimbursements distributed monthly from the General Fund to institutions after annual certification. The program requires institutions to verify eligibility and maintain a standardized appeals process through the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (LR 20CA) would permit authorized racetrack operators in Nebraska to allow sports wagers placed via mobile or electronic platforms by individuals physically located within Nebraska at the time of betting. It specifically modifies the state constitution to allow this change for racetrack-based sports wagering, while maintaining existing restrictions on other gambling forms. The amendment does not affect current lottery rules, bingo regulations, or general casino-style gambling. It directly affects racetrack operators seeking to offer mobile sports betting and Nebraska residents who would place such bets within the state. The proposal requires voter approval at the November 2026 general election.