Rep. Danielle Conrad

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution congratulates the Nebraska Library Commission on its 125th anniversary of service to the state. The bill formally acknowledges the Commission's long history since its 1901 establishment and recognizes its role in supporting public, academic, school, and special libraries across Nebraska. It directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to the Nebraska Library Commission as a gesture of appreciation for its century-long contribution to information access and community development.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution directs Nebraska's Revenue Committee to conduct an interim study on creating a small exemption for personal property taxes. The study will examine how other states handle similar exemptions, analyze revenue impacts across different taxpayer groups, and assess the administrative costs of processing low-value property returns. It aims to gather data on whether exempting small businesses from property taxes would reduce compliance burdens while understanding the potential revenue loss. The committee will report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature without making any immediate policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution directs the Nebraska Health and Human Services Committee to conduct an interim study on implementing universal, free child care for parents, modeled after New Mexico's program. The study will examine New Mexico's experience, assess Nebraska's current child care needs, evaluate funding options, and identify barriers to implementation. The committee will ultimately report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature, which could inform future legislation on this topic.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution directs the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee to study portable benefits systems for independent contractors and workers in nontraditional employment arrangements. The study will examine how other states have implemented such systems, analyze potential regulatory and administrative challenges for Nebraska, and consider whether current state laws might block voluntary portable benefits programs. The committee will review options for allowing benefits like health coverage and retirement savings to follow workers across multiple jobs or clients, then report findings and recommendations to the Legislature. This is a research and analysis measure rather than a law that immediately changes how workers or businesses operate.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution directs the Urban Affairs Committee to conduct an interim study on how Nebraska currently identifies and designates real property as blighted or substandard. The study will examine existing laws and procedures, review the role of neighborhood associations, and assess current public notice and participation mechanisms. A key focus is developing recommendations to require municipal authorities to notify and consult with neighborhood associations before finalizing any blight designation. The committee will report its findings and suggestions to the Legislative Council or Legislature once the study is complete.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 751 requires the Nebraska State Patrol to conduct a study aimed at improving how missing Black women and children are reported and investigated within the state. The study will involve collaborating with the Commission on African American Affairs, law enforcement partners, community organizations, and the U.S. Department of Justice to identify barriers, assess resource needs, and develop strategies for better reporting and investigation. The State Patrol must submit a report by June 1, 2027, containing data on missing Black women and children, analysis of existing barriers, and specific recommendations for policy or resource improvements. This bill directly affects Black women and children in Nebraska who go missing, as well as the state agencies responsible for their safety and investigation.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows a minor child with one legal parent to be adopted by a second adult person, provided the sole parent consents, the child has a parent-child relationship with the second adult, and a home study is completed. It also clarifies that adult children may be adopted by a second adult under specific conditions, such as having a six-month parent-child relationship and meeting criteria like the absence of living parents or parental rights termination. The bill updates adoption procedures by redefining terms like "sole legal parent," adjusting consent requirements, and prohibiting adoptions that would result in a child having more than two legal parents. These changes streamline adoption pathways while maintaining existing safeguards for children and birth parents.

Maddy summaryLB 22 requires Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services to adopt evidence-based nurse home-visitation programs for families with children under five or pregnant individuals. These programs must be delivered by nurses or trained professionals and focus on improving maternal/child health, parenting skills, and school readiness. The bill mandates that only programs meeting strict evidence-based standards - like national certification and culturally competent staff - receive state funding, and requires the department to report annually on program locations, outcomes, and funding use. It specifically excludes one-time visits and ensures families can decline services at any time. The law also directs the department to file a state plan amendment with federal authorities to secure Medicaid coverage for these services.

Maddy summaryLB 104 adopts the Family Home Visitation Act to establish state-funded home visitation programs for families with children under five or pregnant individuals. The bill requires all state-funded programs to be evidence-based, delivered by trained professionals (like nurses or social workers), and focus on improving maternal/child health, parenting skills, and school readiness while reducing child maltreatment. Programs must meet specific quality standards, including cultural competency and continuous improvement, and the Department of Health and Human Services must report annually on program details, outcomes, and funding. This directly affects eligible families and service providers by setting clear guidelines for program implementation and accountability.

Maddy summaryLB 303 creates the School Financing Review Commission, a 18-member group including education officials, school district representatives, and community members. The commission will evaluate Nebraska's school funding formula under the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act, review resource and student need factors, and recommend changes to help prevent property tax increases. It will also analyze how school funding impacts student outcomes like attendance, literacy, and graduation rates. The bill additionally modifies budget rules to allow school districts to exceed general fund budget limits under the act.