Rep. Machaela Cavanaugh

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how Nebraska prioritizes funding for developmental disabilities services under Medicaid home and community-based waivers. It establishes six specific funding priorities (e.g., crisis situations, individuals transitioning from institutional care, youth aging out of education) and requires the Department of Health and Human Services to apply these priorities consistently. The bill eliminates a scheduled sunset date (previously set for June 30, 2025), making these funding rules permanent. It directly affects Nebraska residents with developmental disabilities who qualify for Medicaid services, ensuring consistent access to community-based support without expiration.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 53 establishes legal immunity for people experiencing pregnancy outcomes that don't result in live births. The bill prohibits criminal charges, arrests, or prosecutions for outcomes like miscarriage, stillbirth, or intentional termination of pregnancy. It also grants civil immunity, blocking lawsuits based on these same pregnancy outcomes. This directly affects individuals who experience non-live-birth pregnancy outcomes by preventing both criminal and civil legal action against them. The law explicitly states it does not apply to outcomes resulting in live births.

Maddy summaryLB 220 requires Nebraska legislators to create "developmental and intellectual disability impact notes" for proposed bills that may affect people with these disabilities. These notes, developed by the Legislative Research Office using data and research, would estimate how a bill might change existing disparities in economic, employment, health, education, and public safety outcomes for this group. The notes must include a clear statement on whether the bill is likely to increase or decrease these disparities. Requests for such notes can be made by introducing legislators or committee chairs, and the Legislative Council's Executive Board will approve or deny these requests.

Maddy summaryLB 359 requires Nebraska's state agencies to appropriate funds for a five-percent increase in reimbursement rates for child welfare and juvenile justice service providers during fiscal year 2025-26. This directly affects providers contracted by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Supreme Court, including group homes, foster care agencies, family support services, and emergency shelters. The increase applies to all existing contracted services under these programs, such as out-of-home care, family preservation, and kinship navigation, and is intended to be in addition to any other funding increases provided by law.

Maddy summaryLB 14, the Hunger-Free Schools Act, requires all Nebraska public and nonprofit private schools participating in federal meal programs to provide free breakfast and lunch to every student during the school day. It replaces previous reimbursement systems by having the State Department of Education reimburse schools for meals that would otherwise cost students (like reduced-price or full-price meals), based on differences between federal free-meal rates and standard rates. Schools with high poverty rates (62.5% or more students eligible for free meals) must use the federal "community eligibility" program to maximize funding. This directly affects school districts and participating private schools, ensuring all students receive free meals while aligning state funding with federal nutrition program rules.

Maddy summaryLB 578 requires city and county jails and Nebraska's Department of Correctional Services to pay incarcerated individuals the state minimum wage for work performed in correctional facilities. It mandates that administrators establish bank accounts for inmates to receive their wages, replaces outdated wage distribution rules, and ensures inmate labor complies with federal workplace safety standards. The bill also clarifies that inmates' wages cannot displace existing workers or violate local pay standards for similar work. These changes apply to all inmates working in jails or state correctional facilities, directly affecting their compensation and financial management.

Maddy summaryLB 238 exempts local foster care review boards from Nebraska's Open Meetings Act requirements, clarifying that these boards are not subject to public meeting rules. The bill specifically states that discussions about confidential child or family information (such as mental health details) during board meetings remain private. It also removes outdated provisions, including the repeal of section 43-1306 regarding an advisory group. This change directly affects local foster care review boards, streamlining their operations while protecting sensitive case information.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 221 creates a process to fill vacancies on state boards and commissions when gubernatorial appointments remain unfilled. If a seat is vacant for six months, the relevant legislative committee can collect applications and recommend candidates to the Governor. If the seat stays vacant for an additional three months after recommendations are submitted, the Legislative Council's Executive Board can appoint a replacement. This directly affects state boards, commissions, and similar entities requiring gubernatorial appointments, ensuring they maintain required membership for operations.

Maddy summaryLB 107 creates a new refundable income tax credit for Nebraska renters with lower incomes. It directly affects renters earning $29,000 or less annually, providing a credit equal to 100% of a federal tax credit for those earning under $22,000, with the percentage decreasing by 10% for each $1,000 over $22,000. The credit is refundable, meaning eligible renters would receive the full credit amount even if it exceeds their state tax liability. The bill also modifies existing property tax credit provisions, though specific changes to those are not detailed in the provided text.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 13 requires the Department of Health and Human Services to file a state plan amendment to align with federal child care subsidy program rules. It updates income eligibility thresholds for child care assistance: families with incomes up to 185% of the federal poverty level before October 1, 2026, and 130% afterward. The bill also establishes transitional assistance for families who exceed income limits, allowing continued support until their income drops below 85% of state median income or they reach new income caps. This directly affects low-income families seeking child care subsidies and providers participating in the federal program, with cost-sharing based on a sliding scale.