Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 400 expands the state's Workers' Compensation Act to cover specific cancers diagnosed in firefighters as occupational diseases. It directly affects professional and volunteer firefighters with five or more years of service, creating a rebuttable presumption that certain cancers (like lung, leukemia, or bladder cancer) are work-related if linked to exposure to listed carcinogens - such as diesel exhaust, formaldehyde, or asbestos - during firefighting duties. The bill specifies 25 cancer types and their associated carcinogens, and establishes a presumption for active firefighters diagnosed during employment, plus a 60-month window post-retirement for retired firefighters. This eliminates the need for complex proof of causation in covered cases, streamlining compensation claims for affected firefighters.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $13.06 million for fiscal year 2025-26 and $14.06 million for fiscal year 2026-27 from the General Fund to support dual enrollment programs at Nebraska community colleges. Funds must be distributed based on each college's reported dual-credit course enrollment data, with the goal of reducing tuition costs for high school students taking college courses. The legislation explicitly states these funds may only be used to discount tuition for dual-enrollment courses that count toward both high school graduation and college credit. It directly affects community colleges and high school students participating in dual-credit programs across Nebraska.
Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 29 requires state agencies to review all existing and pending rules every three years starting in 2026, with the first review due by June 30, 2026. Agencies must submit detailed reports addressing whether rules are essential for public health/safety, if costs outweigh benefits, if effectiveness is measured, if less restrictive alternatives were considered, and the rule's origin (state law, federal mandate, or court order). During these reviews, agencies must pause new rulemaking - except for health/safety rules, time-sensitive actions, or rules with statutory deadlines. The reports are referred to relevant legislative committees, which must review them and propose changes by December 15. This bill amends Nebraska's Administrative Procedure Act to establish this structured review process.
Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 24 establishes standardized fees for people on probation and participants in non-probation programs using probation resources. It requires a $30 one-time enrollment fee and monthly fees of $25 (standard probation) or $35 (intensive supervision), payable until probation ends. The bill mandates courts to waive these fees for individuals previously found indigent or facing undue financial hardship after a hearing. Crucially, it prohibits revoking probation solely for nonpayment if the person demonstrates financial inability through court procedures.
Maddy summaryLB 459 would have established a Home Weatherization Clearinghouse within Nebraska's Department of Environment and Energy to coordinate weatherization programs. The clearinghouse would serve as a central hub for homeowners, nonprofits, and agencies seeking funding for home weatherization and rehabilitation projects, helping applicants navigate state, local, and federal programs. It would prioritize whole-home rehabilitation projects for funding and limit administrative costs to 10% of program funds. Note: This bill was amended into LB 36 on June 6, 2025, and is no longer active as a standalone measure.
Maddy summaryLB 381 amends Nebraska's Medical Assistance Act to update rules for program integrity audits conducted by contractors. It requires contractors to provide clear written justification for starting audits, limit review periods to one year (except for fraud), send detailed audit results within 180 days, and notify providers of overpayment determinations with specific details like beneficiary names and claim numbers. The bill also mandates that audits be conducted by healthcare professionals in relevant specialties, requires advance notice for onsite audits (at least 10 business days), and prohibits recovery of payments for services with prior authorization. These changes directly affect medical providers and program integrity contractors by standardizing audit procedures and improving transparency in billing disputes.
Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 253 requires health insurers and Medicaid to cover biomarker testing for diagnosis, treatment, or monitoring of diseases when supported by medical evidence. This includes tests approved by the FDA, aligned with drug labels, or recommended by nationally recognized clinical guidelines. Insurers must cover these tests without unnecessary delays, approving or denying prior authorization requests within 24-72 hours, and provide clear exception processes for patients. The law applies to all health insurers and Medicaid plans in Nebraska, effective January 1, 2026, directly affecting patients needing these tests and healthcare providers ordering them.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Nebraska's definitions for "disabled veteran" and "blind veteran" to align with federal standards under 5 U.S.C. 2108 (as of January 1, 2025). It changes eligibility for two existing tax exemptions: motor vehicle tax breaks (under section 60-3,185) and mobile home property tax exemptions (under section 77-202.24) for veterans whose disability or blindness is service-connected and recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. To qualify, veterans must now meet specific federal criteria, such as having lost the use of or undergone amputation of two or more limbs, or one limb plus loss of use in another. The changes take effect January 1, 2026, and repeal the previous definitions.
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.