Rep. Machaela Cavanaugh

Maddy summaryLB 966, the Hunger-Free Schools Act, requires Nebraska public and nonprofit private schools participating in federal meal programs to provide free breakfasts and lunches to students who qualify for reduced-price meals under federal rules. The State Department of Education will reimburse schools for the difference between federal funding rates for free meals versus reduced-price meals, based on the previous school year's data. This directly affects schools serving qualifying students, ensuring they receive funding support for meals provided at no cost to those students. The bill replaces previous reimbursement rules and repeals outdated sections of law related to school meal programs.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 777 amends the Medical Assistance Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services to submit an annual report detailing program operations. The report must include specific data on application approvals/denials, enrollment demographics (by race, geography, and eligibility category), processing times, community engagement compliance, and fair hearing outcomes. This bill directly affects the state department, mandating new transparency requirements for the medical assistance program. It does not change eligibility criteria or benefits but focuses on standardized reporting to improve accountability and public oversight.

Maddy summaryLB 776 requires Nebraska state agencies to annually review all fees they charge starting January 1, 2027. Each agency must determine if fees cover their actual costs without exceeding what's necessary. This applies to all state departments, boards, bureaus, and commissions that charge fees for services or permits. The bill aims to ensure fees are cost-reflective but not overly burdensome, without changing specific fee amounts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services to obtain legislative approval before applying for or amending a federal 1915(c) Medicaid waiver that would introduce individual cost limits, reduce total service hours, or narrow eligibility criteria. It also defines "nursing facility level of care" as a Medicaid recipient needing assistance with two or more daily activities in a community setting, provided the waiver program remains cost-neutral. These changes directly affect Medicaid recipients, providers, and the Department of Health and Human Services by regulating waiver modifications and clarifying service standards. The bill harmonizes existing definitions within Nebraska's Medical Assistance Act to ensure consistency in Medicaid program administration.

Maddy summaryNebraska bill LB 1002 amends filing requirements under the Political Accountability and Disclosure Act for political committees. It increases late filing fees (to $50 per day for standard filings and $200 per day for election-season filings) and shortens deadlines for committees formed within 30 days of an election (to two business days instead of ten). The bill eliminates one filing method, requires committee principals to pay late fees, and specifies that committees cannot make contributions until their initial filing is complete. These changes directly affect political committees and their organizers by tightening reporting deadlines and penalties for noncompliance.

Maddy summaryLB 1111 requires data centers (especially large ones over 20 megawatts) and cryptocurrency mining operations (1-20 megawatts) to submit annual reports to Nebraska's Power Review Board detailing their electricity needs, infrastructure costs, and decommissioning plans. Public power suppliers must ensure these facilities pay the full cost of necessary infrastructure upgrades and avoid shifting costs to other customers. The bill mandates that large data centers provide security bonds for decommissioning costs and submit community benefit agreements to address local impacts. It directly affects data center operators, cryptocurrency miners, and public utilities managing electricity services in Nebraska.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits how much homeowners insurance rates can increase in Nebraska. Starting July 1, 2026, insurers cannot file rates more than 10% higher than the highest rate approved in the previous 12 months for homeowners insurance. Insurers must also file detailed descriptions of their rating systems with the state insurance director, including how they cover specific risks and how new filings relate to existing ones. These changes directly affect homeowners insurance companies and policyholders in Nebraska, aiming to provide rate stability for homeowners.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment (LR 303CA) would require all employers in Nebraska to provide paid family medical leave to employees. It mandates a minimum of six weeks of paid leave starting October 1, 2027, increasing to twelve weeks by October 1, 2028. The amendment must be approved by Nebraska voters in the November 2026 general election to become part of the state constitution. If approved, it would directly affect all Nebraska employers and their employees by establishing a state-wide paid leave requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to guarantee specific rights for people with disabilities in Nebraska. It would add language to the state constitution ensuring access to public facilities, transportation, lodging, and healthcare services that meet their needs for community integration, regardless of disability type or life stage. The amendment requires voter approval in a special election during the 2026 primary, and if passed, would enshrine these rights directly into Nebraska's Constitution. It does not create new programs but legally protects existing access standards.

Maddy summaryLB 1087 establishes the Nebraska-Ireland Commission to strengthen economic and cultural ties between Nebraska and Ireland. The commission, made up of 9 members including state agency directors, business representatives, educational leaders, and nonprofit advocates appointed by the governor, will focus on boosting trade, academic exchanges, and joint policy efforts. It creates a dedicated Nebraska-Ireland Fund, administered by the Department of Economic Development, to cover operational costs and support the commission's activities. The commission must submit annual reports to the governor and legislature starting in 2027, detailing its progress and recommendations. This bill directly affects Nebraska state agencies, businesses, and educational institutions working to build relationships with Ireland.