We’re almost halfway through the 2026 Nebraska Legislative Session!
Bill hearings will continue in the afternoons through the end of February, and floor debate on the bills that advance out of committees are being heard on the floor each morning.
Last Week’s Highlights
Last week, we testified or submitted comments on several bills:
✅ LB723, introduced by Senator Dan Quick, protects Nebraskans’ access to health care by requiring that our state does not implement Medicaid work requirements early and requires implementation of measures to reduce unnecessary coverage losses.
✅ LB1032, introduced by Senator Wendy DeBoer, recognizes tribal customary adoptions in Nebraska state law. Tribal customary adoptions allow Native children to be adopted without severing their relationship with their biological family, respecting the traditions, values, and laws of their tribes.
❌ LB1174, introduced by Senator Kathleen Kauth, would require additional and unnecessary fees to be collected on each transaction sent to a person outside the US (2% on all transactions, 20% on those to China, Cuba, North Korea, Russia, and Iran). The vast majority of money earned in Nebraska communities is spent locally and supports local economies. The small amount sent to family members in other countries is an important support that should not face high fees.
❌ LB1249, introduced by Senator Tony Sorrentino, harms workers by removing paid sick leave protections from yet another group of working Nebraskans, including employees of private educational institutions and employees who have any amount of an ownership interest in their employer.
This Week’s Hearings
Yesterday, we testified in support of ✅ LB966 (Senator Machaela Cavanaugh), aka the Hunger-Free Schools Act, which would make more students eligible for free school meals by using state funds to make all reduced-price eligible student meals free.
We also testified yesterday in support of ✅ LB1034 (Senator George Dungan), which would keep Nebraska children and learning environments safe by preventing ICE from entering schools without a judicial warrant. This bill would reinstate ICE’s own previous guidelines ensuring that schools are safe and protected spaces.
Today, we’re testifying against ❌ LB925 (Senator Bob Andersen), which would ban camping or storing personal property on any public land— targeting anyone who is forced to sleep outdoors. Punishing people for experiencing homelessness is cruel and only hurts those that need support the most.
There is one more importanthearing tomorrow that you can attend in person, stream online, or submit a comment on:
✅ LB843 (Senator Victor Rountree) – Require the Department of Health and Human Services to file a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program waiver for refugees and immigrants
- Thursday, February 19 in the afternoon in Room 1510 in front of the Health and Human Services Committee
- This bill protects Nebraskans’ access to food by reversing eligibility changes that prevent refugees, asylees, and other immigrants from participating in SNAP.
- TAKE ACTION: Appleseed SUPPORTS this bill – submit a comment here by Thursday, February 19 at 8:00 AM CT
Stay Up to Date
You can keep up with all the happenings at the Legislature by following Appleseed online:
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky.
- Stop by our blog for opinion pieces, informative updates, and news stories.
- Throughout the session, we’ll let you know how you can take action to get involved and make your voice heard!
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