Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 493 would adopt the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act to shield individuals and organizations from lawsuits targeting speech on public issues. It creates a special legal motion allowing defendants to quickly dismiss such cases if the speech occurred in a government proceeding, related to a matter of public concern, or involved protected rights like free speech or assembly. If successful, the motion would dismiss the case with prejudice and may award attorney fees to the defendant. The law specifically excludes government employees acting officially, lawsuits to protect public health/safety, and commercial speech about goods/services. This procedural change would directly affect citizens, journalists, and activists involved in civil lawsuits over public expression.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryLB 255 redirects $1 million annually from Nebraska's Opioid Treatment Infrastructure Cash Fund to support problem-solving courts. It specifically authorizes funding for medication-assisted treatment (using FDA-approved medication combined with counseling and therapy) for individuals with substance use disorders participating in these courts. The bill affects drug, veterans, mental health, and other problem-solving courts across judicial districts, requiring the State Court Administrator to track outcomes and report on recidivism and program access. This policy change explicitly ties fund usage to court-based treatment programs, as amended in sections 24-1302 and 71-2492 of Nebraska law.
Maddy summaryLB 651 updates Nebraska's medical cannabis laws by increasing the allowable cannabis amount for patients from 2.5 ounces to 5 ounces per month and clarifying definitions for terms like "cannabis," "cannabis product," and "caregiver." It imposes a special sales tax on medical cannabis sales, directs tax revenue distribution, and prohibits open cannabis containers in vehicles. The bill also removes medical cannabis from the marijuana and controlled substances tax, updates regulations for the Liquor Control Commission, and aligns provisions with recent voter initiatives. These changes directly affect medical cannabis patients, caregivers, dispensaries, and state regulatory agencies.
Maddy summaryLB 158 requires Nebraska health insurance plans and pharmacy benefit managers to count all payments made by patients (or others on their behalf) toward their annual out-of-pocket maximum. This includes copays, deductibles, and costs for services like prescriptions, ensuring all such payments reduce the yearly limit patients must pay before full coverage kicks in. The law applies to new or renewed health plans after January 1, 2026, with a limited exception for health savings accounts that must first meet a minimum deductible before counting toward the maximum (though preventive care always counts). It directly affects health plan enrollees by clarifying how their out-of-pocket costs are calculated.
Maddy summaryLB 268 requires Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services to increase reimbursement rates for providers of developmental disability services starting in fiscal year 2025-26. The bill mandates a rate increase equal to 150% of the state minimum wage, with annual adjustments tied to changes in the Consumer Price Index. This directly affects service providers who support individuals with developmental disabilities by increasing their funding. The legislation aims to harmonize existing provisions and is funded using federal resources designated for this purpose.
Maddy summaryLB 127 allows defendants in Nebraska criminal cases who are found not guilty, have charges dismissed, or have convictions overturned to seek compensation for financial harms caused by wrongful prosecution. It requires courts to award reasonable attorney fees, lost wages, and other litigation costs when a case ends in dismissal or acquittal under specific conditions. The bill excludes cases where defendants later face conviction for related offenses arising from the same misconduct. This law directly affects individuals cleared of criminal charges after significant legal costs and time spent in detention.
Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 411 amends the Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act to change how teachers qualify for retention grants. It establishes tiered annual grants: $2,500 for first through sixth years of teaching, $3,000 for seventh through fifteenth years, and $4,000 for 16+ years. Teachers with endorsements in special education, math, science, technology, or dual-credit may also qualify for a one-time $5,000 high-need retention grant if they sign a future teaching contract in those subjects. The bill eliminates school-based prioritization for grants, requiring automatic distribution to school districts that then pass funds directly to eligible teachers. These changes take effect July 1, 2025, with specific transition rules for existing applications.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Nebraska's Fair Employment Practice Act to prohibit employers from discriminating against workers who report work injuries, file claims, or seek remedies under the state's Workers' Compensation Act. It adds a right to a jury trial in all civil cases brought under the Fair Employment Practice Act, including cases against state and local government employers. The bill also updates legal references to clarify that the Fair Employment Practice Act's protections are supplemental to, not replacing, workers' compensation rights. These changes harmonize the two laws and remove outdated sections from the statute.
Maddy summaryLB 342 establishes a regulatory framework for fantasy sports contests in Nebraska by creating the "Fantasy Sports Consumer Protection Act." It defines a qualifying fantasy contest as a skill-based game requiring an entry fee, where prizes are determined by participants' knowledge of real-world athletic performance statistics - not team outcomes or single events. The bill requires operators to obtain licenses from the Department of Revenue, implement fraud prevention measures, and pay fees/taxes, while exempting these contests from standard gambling laws. It directly affects fantasy sports operators and participants by setting clear rules for eligibility, operator licensing, and participant protections like self-exclusion options.
Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 37, the Railroad Safety Act, requires railroads to adopt specific safety measures for trains carrying hazardous materials. It limits train lengths carrying such materials to 8,500 feet on main rail lines, mandates wayside safety detectors (including hot bearings and dragging equipment monitors) every 20 miles, and requires annual reports to the Public Service Commission detailing detector locations and status. This directly affects railroads operating in Nebraska, particularly those transporting hazardous substances or dangerous goods. The bill replaces older provisions about blocked crossings and aligns Nebraska's rail safety standards with federal requirements.