Rep. Megan Hunt

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 734 requires the Department of Health and Human Services to apply for a federal waiver that would eliminate work requirements for certain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants. It repeals existing state rules enforcing work requirements under SNAP, such as those affecting able-bodied adults without dependents. The bill also mandates an annual report to the legislature on SNAP outreach efforts and requires the development of a state outreach plan to increase program access. This change would directly affect SNAP recipients currently subject to work requirements, potentially allowing them to receive benefits without meeting work hours if the federal waiver is approved.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 854 requires all law enforcement officers to wear clear, visible identification displaying their name, badge number, and agency during routine duties, while prohibiting facial coverings like masks or hoods. The bill directly affects all Nebraska law enforcement officers, including local police, sheriffs, state patrol, and federal officers operating in the state. Exceptions allow facial coverings for health protection (e.g., disease masks), safety during high-risk incidents (shootouts, terrorist situations), or specific equipment like motorcycle helmets. Violations are classified as a Class III misdemeanor. The law does not apply to covert operations or situations where transparent face shields are used.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 1149 requires state agencies to disclose if private contractors they plan to work with have existing contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This applies to any proposed state agency contract with a private entity that has such ICE agreements. Agencies must submit this disclosure as part of their standard contract review process to the Director of Administrative Services. The bill does not restrict contracting with ICE-linked entities but mandates transparency about these connections before contracts are finalized.

Maddy summaryLB 1150 prohibits Nebraska businesses with contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from receiving state economic incentives under the ImagiNE Nebraska Act. The bill requires applicants to disclose any ICE contracts in their application, and automatically blocks approval if such contracts exist. This directly affects companies seeking tax incentives for new investments or job creation in Nebraska, as they must now confirm they have no ICE business relationships. The policy change applies to all future applications filed before December 31, 2030, with existing agreements unaffected. The bill amends application requirements to include this ICE contract disclosure and disqualification provision.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 1224 prohibits children from transferring to schools that opt out of state accreditation during active child abuse or neglect investigations. It bans individuals convicted of sexual assault (including offenses against children) from monitoring or teaching at such "exempt schools" that choose not to meet standard accreditation requirements. The bill also requires the Department of Health and Human Services and the Commissioner of Education to provide notice and maintain confidentiality regarding these restrictions. These provisions apply directly to vulnerable children in investigations and to schools operating outside state accreditation standards.

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 summaryNebraska's LB 1148 establishes legal rules for parentage of children conceived through assisted reproduction (like IVF or donor gametes). It clarifies that donors are not parents, while intended parents who consent in writing to the birth mother are legally recognized as parents. The bill requires written consent for intended parents to establish legal parentage, but allows courts to recognize parentage without it if clear evidence shows an agreement existed before conception or if the parties cohabited with the child for two years. It also includes specific provisions for cases involving divorce, death of an intended parent, or failure to document consent. The law creates a clear legal process for courts to adjudicate parentage disputes under Nebraska law.

Maddy summaryLB 1223 updates Nebraska's headlight safety standards for all motor vehicles (except emergency vehicles) by setting specific limits: headlights must not exceed 42 inches in height, 3,000 lumens in intensity, or 6,000 kelvin in color temperature, and must comply with federal safety standards. It also prohibits motor vehicle dealers, manufacturers, and distributors from selling or distributing vehicles that do not meet these new headlight requirements. The bill harmonizes existing rules by amending multiple sections of Nebraska's vehicle regulations to enforce these technical specifications and prevent misleading advertising about vehicle features.

Maddy summaryNebraska's LB 165 authorizes municipalities and counties to establish syringe services programs (SSPs) through local ordinances, allowing them to provide sterile syringes, safe disposal, overdose prevention resources, and referrals to health services for individuals aged 18+ who inject drugs. The bill requires SSPs to avoid locations within 500 feet of schools, childcare facilities, or public recreation centers and mandates specific services like naloxone access and substance use disorder referrals. It amends state law to exempt SSP staff and participants from drug paraphernalia penalties when handling syringes or needles as part of the program, while repealing prior sections of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. This legislation directly affects public health programs, participants, and law enforcement by creating a legal framework for harm reduction services.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes nonalcoholic beer from the Nebraska Liquor Control Act's regulatory scope. It amends definitions to explicitly exclude nonalcoholic beer (defined as containing less than 0.5% alcohol by volume) from the terms "alcoholic liquor" and "beer," meaning it will no longer require liquor licenses or be subject to liquor-specific regulations. This change directly affects nonalcoholic beer producers, retailers, and distributors who previously navigated liquor control requirements for these products. The bill harmonizes existing definitions and repeals outdated sections related to this classification.