PILLEN SIGNS BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS WITHOUT LINE-ITEM VETOES

LINCOLN — After tough fights to approve adjustments to Nebraska’s two-year budget in the state Legislature, Gov. Jim Pillen signed both budget bills without any vetoes.

Tuesday was the deadline for Pillen to file line-item vetoes on this year’s budget bills, Legislative Bills 1071 and 1072. Budget bills are the only type of legislation that the governor has the power to line-item veto, but Pillen bypassed his opportunity this session, allowing the budget to be finalized without objections. In a written statement, Pillen thanked lawmakers for their work “developing a fiscally conservative bipartisan budget.” The governor noted that the finalized budget package adopted 91% of Pillen’s initial budget recommendations.

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US EDUCATION SECRETARY VISITS NEBRASKA, FOCUSES ON K-12 LITERACY, WORKFORCE NEEDS AS BILL TO HOLD STUDENTS BACK FAILS

WAVERLY— One day after the Legislature failed to advance a bill requiring local school policies addressing literacy and dyslexia, Nebraska officials say literacy isn’t going away as a top goal.

U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon joined Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen for a tour of Hamlow Elementary School in Waverly, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s athletic facilities and Southeast Community College’s new welding training facility. The visit is part of McMahon’s “Returning Education to the States Tour,” a mission to visit all 50 states.

Thursday’s visit nearly coincided with a bill in the Legislature to update a 2018 law — the “Nebraska Reading Improvement Act” — and require the State Board of Education and local school boards to update or adopt policies around reading interventions and dyslexia screening. However, lawmakers balked at a suggestion that students be held back in third grade if they couldn’t read. Parents would have been able to opt out under the bill, which fell two votes short.

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BUFFETT-BACKED FOUNDATION PLEDGES MILLIONS FOR NEBRASKA STUDENTS’ FREE SCHOOL LUNCHES

LINCOLN —Nebraska lawmakers advanced a bill to expand free school lunches after securing a major private funding commitment to cover most of the cost. State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh was tasked with finding outside support for her Hunger-Free Schools Act (LB966), which would extend free meals to students eligible for reduced-price lunches. The Howard G. Buffett Foundation, led by Howard Buffett, agreed to fund the program for public school students for five years, covering the estimated $1.2 million annual cost. The unexpected agreement allowed the bill to advance to its final round of consideration late in the legislative session.

The proposal initially faced skepticism, with some lawmakers doubting private funding could be secured in time. Others raised concerns about excluding private school students and the possibility that the state would eventually bear the program’s cost. In response, an amendment was adopted to include eligible private school students, adding about $55,000 annually in state funding. Despite reservations, supporters emphasized the immediate benefit to roughly 20,000 students, and the bill moved forward with strong support, setting up a final vote.

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CONCERNS OVER A NEBRASKA HOSPITAL SHOW HOW A $50B RURAL HEALTH FUND IS COMING UP SHORT

CREIGHTON, Neb. — Concerns about the future of rural hospitals are mounting as a $50 billion federal rural health fund appears unlikely to address immediate financial struggles, according to a report highlighted by the Flatwater Free Press. The situation is illustrated by Avera Creighton Hospital, a critical access hospital that local residents rely on for life-saving care but that now faces financial pressure. While the federal Rural Health Transformation Program was promoted as a historic investment, critics say it is largely focused on long-term improvements—such as technology, workforce development and telehealth—rather than keeping struggling hospitals open.

Healthcare leaders warn the funding falls far short of need, especially as Medicaid cuts are expected to significantly reduce hospital revenue. Nationwide, rural hospitals are projected to lose far more in funding than the program provides, and only a small portion of Nebraska’s share is directed toward stabilizing at-risk facilities. Critics, including hospital associations, argue that without more direct operational support, rural hospitals could continue to close or scale back services—leaving communities with diminished access to care and making rural healthcare a growing political issue ahead of upcoming elections.

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SENATORS HALT BILL SHIFTING BURDEN OF PROOF FOR FIREFIGHTERS JOB-RELATED CANCERS

LINCOLN— A bill to change how firefighters obtain compensation for job-related cancers stalled in the state’s Unicameral on Monday. It wouldn’t have changed any eligibility for those firefighters, but would have moved the burden of proof to the employer.

Senators spent three hours Monday morning debating LB 400, which would have changed the burden of proof for workers’ compensation when a firefighter gets cancer — presuming any cancer they’re diagnosed with is work-related until proven otherwise. The bill fell short of cloture, meaning that it is unlikely to be considered again this session, especially with only 4 remaining days left in the 2026 session. 

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REVAMPED BRAND BILL MOVES FORWARD AFTER COMPROMISE

LINCOLN — Nebraska lawmakers backed a revamped proposal to overhaul the state’s Brand Committee and raise cattle inspection fees using new language that several senators viewed as a “compromise.”

Sen. Barry DeKay’s LB187 was originally focused on increasing certain brand inspection fees to fund the existing Brand Committee, but lawmakers overwhelmingly supported an amendment from the Legislature’s Agriculture Committee. The Brand Committee investigates cattle theft and verifies ownership through brand inspection when cattle are bought, sold, or moved within or beyond the branding zone or area set in state law. Nebraska’s brand law applies mandatory inspections to cattle owners in the western two-thirds of the state.

Ranchers and the Legislature’s Ag Committee have heard for years about disagreements between feeders and some feedlot owners inside and beyond the brand zone. 

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BILL PROVIDING FREE SCHOOL LUNCH FOR MORE STUDENTS ADVANCES

LINCOLN - A bill to make more Nebraska students from low-income families eligible for free school lunches won first-round approval from lawmakers on Thursday.

The Legislature advanced the Hunger-Free Schools Act (LB966) from Omaha Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh to the second round of debate on a 32-7 vote. Thursday marked Day 55 of the 60-day session. It was the final day for bills to be considered on the first of three rounds of debate. Currently, students from families who earn between 130% and 185% of the federal poverty level, or roughly $5,000 per month for a family of 4, qualify for reduced-price school meals.

Cavanaugh's bill, which was prioritized by Omaha Sen. Megan Hunt, would allow the roughly 27,000 students at Nebraska's public and private schools who qualify for reduced-cost lunches to get those meals for free.

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CAPITOL SECURITY BILL MOVES FORWARD WITH TWEAKS

LINCOLN — Nebraska lawmakers advanced a slightly tweaked bill to enhance security protocols around the Capitol. 

LB1237, from the Legislature’s Executive Board, passed 36-3 after it was amended to restrict a narrower list of weapons that would not be allowed on Capitol grounds without prior approval. 

The amendment from State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair to tighten the list was approved 35-1. Hansen said the amendment focuses on prohibiting “the most dangerous items while avoiding an overly broad ban that would affect non-lethal defense tools, along with common everyday carry items many Nebraskans have for legitimate purposes.”

People who hold concealed-carry permits will be allowed to carry firearms in the Capitol. This was added after concerns were raised by Second Amendment advocates during the original bill’s public hearing.

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MEASURE TO GUARD ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST FALTERS AFTER LOSING KEY SUPPORT

LINCOLN —Thursday marked a turning point in Nebraska's 2026 legislative session: any bill that hasn't already been brought to the floor for debate stands no chance of making it through the body and onto Gov. Jim Pillen's desk. LR298CA now shares that fate with several other senator priority bills, despite it being scheduled for debate on Thursday morning.

Sen. Tom Brandt, who introduced the measure, said he had the votes as of yesterday, but this morning, a couple of defections dropped the tally below the crucial 33-vote threshold. The body adjourned early without debate.

"To be fair to everyone in this situation with their priorities, we will be passing over LR298CA," Speaker John Arch said.

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FIRST MEDICAL CANNABIS LAW PASSES, FUNDING NEW COMMISSION

LINCOLN. — Nebraska lawmakers have approved a bill to fund and expand the authority of the state’s Medical Cannabis Commission, marking the first time in state history that a bill relating to medical cannabis has passed.

LB1235, introduced by the General Affairs Committee on behalf of the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission, provides the commission with its own funding stream and additional tools to carry out its work. Sen. Rick Holdcroft, chair of the committee, said the bill addresses basic operational needs that had limited the commission’s ability to function.

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SENATORS BACK INCREASED OVERSIGHT ON NO-BID STATE CONTRACTS

LINCOLN - Lawmakers are on the cusp of passing a bill requiring state offices to turn over no-bid contracts to the State Auditor's office. On Thursday, the Legislature overwhelmingly backed an amendment from Sen. Bob Andersen of La Vista requiring any sole-source or emergency contract to be turned over to the auditor within three days of its approval.

State officials or agencies would also be required to provide the auditor's office with the justification for why the contract was sought outside of the normal bidding process, Andersen said.  Andersen's amendment attaches a bill (LB997) he introduced this year to another bill (LB1048) from Speaker John Arch that was ready to move from the second to the third of three rounds of debate late in the 60-day session.

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BUDGET BILLS PASS WITH WORK STILL NEEDED TO FILL PROJECTED DEFICIT

LINCOLN — Lawmakers passed the final adjustments to Nebraska’s two-year budget Wednesday, with several revenue-raising bills passing later that morning that will help fill the state’s projected deficit. The Nebraska Legislature passed Legislative Bills 1071 and 1072 on separate 35-13 votes.

Both bills now go to Gov. Jim Pillen’s desk to be considered for line-item vetoes before being finalized. Pillen congratulated lawmakers Wednesday for passing the budget, saying the overall package “reflects incredible progress for common sense fiscal conservatism.”

 Combined, both budget bills include a collection of cuts, changes and cash transfers expected to bring the deficit down to roughly $38 million, with several revenue-generating bills passing shortly after that lawmakers have said they hope to use to close the gap.

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"TIME IS NOT OUR FRIEND"; SENATOR BREAK BEFORE FINAL WEEK OF THE SESSION

LINCOLN - Senators have a lot to do and not much time to do it before the end of the 60-day session arrives likely on Friday, April 10th. Speaker John Arch said time — or the lack thereof — will dictate which bills come to the floor for debate by the full 49-member body in the remaining days of the session.

"Time is not our friend at this point," Arch told senators during a floor announcement on Monday outlining the remainder of the session. Arch, who as speaker sets the daily agenda, said his job is "a delicate balancing act" of ensuring bills that have already started to move get across the finish line while considering other bills that may be able to pass this year.

Arch said if Pillen's office communicates that no vetoes are planned, the Legislature could adjourn before Day 60. That decision will be made next week, he said.

Agenda for the final week: 

Monday

• Recess Day, Legislature not in session

Tuesday

• Select File. 

• Last day for Governor Pillen to return (by midnight) any budget bill vetoes

Wednesday

• Select File (final day for bills to move to Final Reading)

• Final Reading 

Thursday

• Layover day for bills advanced to final reading on Wednesday

• Final Reading & Rules Debate

Friday

• Final Reading

• Possible adjournment Sine Die 

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DISABILITY PANEL URGES PAUSE ON NEW MEDICAID ASSESSMENT TOOL

LINCOLN - The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services adopted a new tool last year to assess the needs of people with developmental disabilities seeking a Medicaid waiver allowing them to remain in their homes. In July, the state began using interRAI, which it said could be deployed for multiple purposes to cut down on administrative costs and reduce the number of assessments for people who receive Medicaid funding.

The comprehensive assessment accounts for an individual’s medical history, lifestyle, existing needs and supports, producing a number called a case-mix index that tells the state which of five funding tiers the individual requires for care. But the rollout of interRAI has resulted in a “significant redistribution” of funding tiers in its first few months of use, according to a committee that advises the state on issues facing people with disabilities.

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MORRILL FIRE, NEBRASKA'S LARGEST EVER WILDFIRE, NOW FULLY CONTAINED

VALENTINE - The largest wildfire in Nebraska’s history is now fully contained.The 642,029-acre Morrill Fire in the Nebraska Panhandle reached 100% containment Tuesday night — nearly two weeks after that fire and three other wildfires in the state broke out on March 12. The Morrill Fire is the second fire that has been fully contained. Earlier this week, the more than 17,000-acre Anderson Bridge Fire southwest of Valentine in Cherry County reached full containment.

The state’s second-largest wildfire, the 129,103-acre Cottonwood Fire southeast of North Platte in Lincoln County, is 98% contained. The 35,892-acre Road 203 fire covering the Nebraska National Forest in Thomas County is 95% contained.

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LEGISLATURE ADVANCES COURT FEE INCREASES, OTHER REFORMS IN JUDICIARY COMMITTEE PACKAGE

LINCOLN - A package bill containing a slew of criminal and civil justice reforms — including an increase in civil court case filing fees — won first-round approval at the Legislature on Wednesday. The Judiciary Committee bill (LB935), which bundled eight different measures into a single piece of legislation, sailed through on a 35-4 vote after overcoming choppy waters early in the debate.

The fee increase, introduced as LB1228 by Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue, assesses a state docket fee for all civil causes of action or traffic misdemeanors or infractions ranging between $16 to $45. It also charges a $10 fee that will be used to create a Case Management Systems Software Cash Fund.

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FIRST ROUND OF APPROVAL GIVEN FOR AG DATA PRIVACY MEASURE

LINCOLN - The Legislature took up a proposal (LB525) introduced by Sen. Mike Jacobson for Gov. Jim Pillen, aimed at protecting data collected by farmers or their equipment. The data include subjects like soil conditions, weather or crop yields. Jacobson said the proposal is needed to respond to the changing landscape of agriculture. And he said he doesn’t want ag equipment manufacturers to profit by reselling farmers’ data.

Jacobson also agreed to use his bill as a vehicle for a proposal (LB1185) by Sen. Eliot Bostar to regulate conversational artificial intelligence. Bostar said his proposal aims to create rules for responsible use of the technology.

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GOVERNOR PRIORITY ON READING NARROWLY ADVANCES TO SECOND ROUND OF CONSIDERATION

LINCOLN — State lawmakers narrowly gave first-round approval Thursday to add more support for students reading below grade level by the end of third grade, up to repeating the grade once.

Legislative Bill 1050, a priority of Gov. Jim Pillen, led by State Sen. Murman, advanced 26-10. It needed at least 25 votes. As originally introduced, it would mirror the so-called “Mississippi Miracle” intended to boost academic performance and require students to be held back in third grade if they were reading below grade level based on a new uniform statewide assessment. State Sen. Margo Juarez, a former Omaha Public Schools school board member, said the bill needed more time and worried retention would increase mental health challenges or the risk of a student dropping out. 

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UNION PACIFIC FOCUSED TAX INCENTIVE BILL ADVANCES

LINCOLN — Nebraska lawmakers debated roughly six hours Tuesday before handily advancing a tax incentives package aimed largely at keeping and growing a Union Pacific Railroad workforce after a planned merger with a railroad giant from another state. LB1165, by Sen. Brad von Gillern on behalf of Gov. Pillen, now moves to a second phase in the lawmaking process. The vote to advance was 38-3, with four legislators present but choosing not to vote.

Several senators said they see the benefits of the bill extending beyond Omaha-based U.P., which is in the process of absorbing another Fortune 500 company, Georgia-based Norfolk Southern.

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BILL ADDRESSING FOREIGN-TRAINED DOCTORS MOVES FORWARD

LINCOLN - A proposal to make it easier for foreign-trained doctors to practice in Nebraska, and another one to protect data collected by farming operations, are advancing in the Legislature. Sen. Merv Riepe, sponsor of the physicians' bill (LB1212), wants to make it easier for foreign-trained doctors to practice in the state. He said current requirements make that difficult in Nebraska.

“Internationally-trained physicians already provide much of the primary care in rural and underserved areas nationally," he said. 

Riepe’s legislation would create new ways for foreign-trained physicians to be licensed to practice in the state, by creating so-called provisional and transitional licenses that could be used for up to six years before getting an unrestricted license.

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