Rep. Danielle Conrad

Maddy summaryLB 1049 requires the Legislative Fiscal Analyst to prepare economic impact reports for any new law that would lead state agencies to adopt, amend, or withdraw regulations. These reports must include a detailed cost-benefit analysis covering estimated costs for businesses, benefits to society, affected entities, and other specific factors like compliance costs and impacts on property development. The bill also mandates the Secretary of State to provide an annual report listing all new and amended state rules and regulations. This affects state agencies (which must provide data for the reports) and the Legislature (which uses the reports to evaluate proposed regulatory changes).

Maddy summaryLB 917 changes how the University of Nebraska can sell property. It removes the requirement that the Board of Regents must get legislative approval to sell land with buildings valued over $1 million, which was previously needed alongside a majority board vote. Now, the Board only needs a majority vote at a public meeting to approve such sales. This directly affects the University of Nebraska's Board of Regents, giving them more autonomy in property decisions. The bill repeals the old rule and updates the statute to reflect this change.

Maddy summaryLB 756 harmonizes tax exemption language for disabled veterans by updating two Nebraska statutes. It revises Section 60-3,185 (motor vehicle tax exemption) and Section 77-202.24 (mobile home property tax exemption) to consistently require that a veteran's disability or blindness must be "recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as service-connected" and that the veteran was discharged honorably. This change affects disabled veterans (and their surviving spouses who meet specific criteria) who own vehicles or mobile homes, ensuring both exemptions use identical eligibility language. The bill does not expand eligibility but aligns existing provisions for clarity and consistency.

Maddy summaryLB 762 requires most health insurance policies in Nebraska to cover treatment for two specific pediatric conditions: pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infection (PANDAS) and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS). It mandates coverage for recommended treatments like antibiotics, medication, behavioral therapy, plasma exchange, and immunoglobulin, directly affecting families of children diagnosed with these conditions and insurers offering health coverage in the state. Insurers must report coverage denials for these treatments annually to the Department of Insurance, which will publish a public report starting in 2028. The bill aims to ensure access to medically necessary care for affected children without insurer denials.

Maddy summaryLB 745 changes Nebraska's high school equivalency diploma requirements by removing a 30-day Nebraska residency requirement for applicants. It directly affects residents seeking a high school equivalency diploma who previously needed to prove 30 days of residency before applying. The bill keeps other key requirements intact, including passing approved tests, meeting educational standards equivalent to a high school graduate, being at least 18 years old, and being unable to obtain a diploma from their last school or having left more than a year ago. The amendment updates the state law to streamline access while maintaining academic standards for the diploma.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Nebraska state employers to provide paid maternity leave to employees who give birth or adopt a child. Full-time state employees would receive six weeks of paid leave, while part-time employees would receive leave proportional to their regular work schedule. The leave must be taken within six months of the child's birth or adoption, and employees must return to their original position or an equivalent role after leave. The bill also prohibits retaliation against employees who use this leave and ensures continued benefits during the leave period.

Maddy summaryNebraska LB 934 changes how members of the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission are selected, shifting from appointment to election. Starting in 2028, members from public service commissioner districts 1, 3, and 5 will be elected every four years, while districts 2 and 4 will have elections in 2028 and 2030, then every four years thereafter. All commission members will be elected on a nonpartisan ballot during statewide general elections. This bill modifies existing statutes to establish this election process and harmonizes related provisions.

Maddy summaryLB 1029 requires Nebraska colleges and universities to report funding received from "foreign adversarial sources" (defined as foreign governments, entities created under their laws, citizens/nationals of such countries, or their agents) to the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education. Covered institutions must submit biannual reports detailing the amount, purpose, source details, and associated contracts of all "reportable funding" (including gifts, grants, or donations), excluding salaries or tuition payments from individuals. The bill redefines key terms like "foreign adversarial source" and "reportable funding" to align with federal standards as of January 1, 2025, and mandates public posting of reports online. This affects all public and private two- or four-year colleges in Nebraska with a Nebraska campus.

Maddy summaryLB 1146 requires Nebraska school districts to create annual attendance policies developed with county attorneys. These policies must outline how schools address excessive absences (after 20 unexcused days) through documented support services like written communication, family meetings, and referrals to health or community resources. The bill specifies that absences due to illness, special education needs, homelessness, or pregnancy/parenthood are not counted as unexcused. Schools must prove they provided these support services before reporting a student's case to the county attorney for further action.

Maddy summaryLB 744 amends Nebraska's Workers' Compensation Act and Critical Incident Stress Management Act to include public safety communications personnel - such as 911 dispatchers and emergency communication center staff - within the definition of "first responder." This change allows these workers to seek workers' compensation for mental health injuries, like PTSD, without needing to prove a physical injury, under the same rules that apply to police and firefighters. The bill extends existing eligibility requirements, including mental health screenings upon hiring and annual resilience training, to cover these personnel.