Rep. Machaela Cavanaugh

Maddy summaryLB 1124 increases Nebraska's cigarette tax by $1.64 per pack (for ≤20 cigarettes) and redirects the majority of tax proceeds to specific state funds. It directs 97 cents per pack plus $1.25 million annually to the Nebraska Health Care Cash Fund for Medicaid programs, addressing smoking-related healthcare costs cited as exceeding $120 million yearly. The bill also allocates remaining funds to outdoor recreation, health services, building renewal, and public safety programs, while requiring the General Fund to receive the equivalent of 52.49 cents per pack. The changes take effect July 1, 2026, with Medicaid funding as the primary new focus.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Nebraska voters to approve any legislative change to laws enacted through citizen initiatives. Currently, the Legislature can modify such laws with a two-thirds vote, but this amendment would mandate that any proposed change must be submitted to voters at the next general election. If approved by voters, the change takes effect; if rejected, the original initiative law remains in place. This directly affects how the Legislature can alter laws created by public petitions and gives voters final authority over those changes.

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 772 eliminates specific provisions that allow certain state funds to transfer money to Nebraska's General Fund. The bill targets multiple funds, including the Certified Public Accountants Fund, Small Watersheds Flood Control Fund, and Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Fund, by removing language permitting such transfers. It does not create new funding mechanisms but removes existing authority for these transfers. The bill directly affects how these specific funds can be managed, preventing future transfers to the General Fund without new legislative action. This is a procedural change to fund management rules, not a new policy affecting public services or programs.

Maddy summaryThis Nebraska constitutional amendment (LR 6CA) would change the state constitution to recognize marriage for all couples regardless of gender or race, removing the current language limiting marriage to "a man and a woman." It directly affects all Nebraska residents seeking marriage licenses by eliminating the existing constitutional barrier to same-sex marriage and removing race-based restrictions. The key provision amends Article I, Section 29 to state that "the State of Nebraska and its political subdivisions shall recognize marriage and issue marriage licenses to couples regardless of gender and race." The amendment must be approved by voters in the November 2026 general election.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to remove Nebraska's current constitutional language regarding marriage and marriage licenses (Article I, section 29). If approved by voters in November 2026, it would eliminate the existing constitutional provisions that define marriage recognition and marriage licenses within the state. The amendment would require voter approval through a statewide ballot measure, as specified in Nebraska's Constitution. This change would directly affect how marriage is constitutionally recognized in Nebraska, replacing the current language with no new provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Nebraska's Young Adult Bridge to Independence program to include young adults not lawfully present in the U.S., removing immigration status as an eligibility barrier. It amends eligibility rules (effective January 2026) to allow these individuals - primarily youth aged 16-24 transitioning from foster care - to access medical care (including Medicaid options), housing support, and case management services. Key provisions require the Department of Health and Human Services to update state plans and ensure services like emergency medical care and foster care maintenance payments are provided regardless of immigration status. The bill directly affects vulnerable young adults in Nebraska's foster care system who would otherwise be excluded from this support.

Maddy summaryLB 469 requires Nebraska landlords to include a standardized form in all residential eviction notices starting February 1, 2026. The form, developed by the State Court Administrator and posted online, must provide tenants with clear information about legal assistance, financial resources, and how to report housing discrimination. This bill directly affects landlords who serve eviction notices and tenants facing eviction proceedings. It mandates a specific, accessible resource tool to help tenants navigate housing disputes under Nebraska's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

Maddy summaryLB 579 prohibits Nebraska state agencies from charging fees for public records requests submitted by members of the Nebraska Legislature. The bill specifically amends public records law to state that "no fee shall be charged" for such requests, directly affecting legislators seeking official documents. It also requires agencies to provide a cost estimate and respond within four business days of receiving a written request. This change modifies existing fee structures under Nebraska law to ensure legislative members can access public records without financial barriers. The bill does not affect fee policies for general public requests.

Maddy summaryLB 190 amends Nebraska law to update the procedures for the Legislative Performance Audit Committee when conducting performance audits of state agencies. The bill requires the committee to approve a rotating five-year audit schedule for all agencies, adopt additional audit requests by majority vote, and notify agencies and the Governor before audits begin. It mandates that the committee must approve a detailed scope statement and audit plan before an audit starts, and any changes during the audit require committee approval and written notification to the agency. This bill standardizes the audit process to ensure clear communication and accountability in state agency oversight.