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LEGISLATURE OF NEBRASKA
ONE HUNDRED NINTH LEGISLATURE
SECOND SESSION
LEGISLATIVE BILL 1179
Introduced by DeBoer, 10.
Read first time January 21, 2026
Committee: Executive Board
A BILL FOR AN ACT relating to the Legislature; to amend sections 2-409,1
2-3226.01, 2-3414, 37-431, 37-1406, 46-1305, 50-447, 50-448, 54-642,2
72-2008, 84-120, 86-331, 86-333, 86-515, and 86-524, Reissue Revised3
Statutes of Nebraska, sections 2-3615, 39-2825, and 66-2305, Revised4
Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024, and sections 46-1304, 50-1601,5
61-227, 61-520, 70-1003, 81-15,327, 81-1604, and 86-1068, Revised6
Statutes Supplement, 2025; to change references relating to the7
Agriculture Committee of the Legislature, the Natural Resources8
Committee of the Legislature, and the Transportation and9
Telecommunications Committee of the Legislature and the chairpersons10
of such committees for purposes of implementing renamed and merged11
standing committee structures; to add references to the12
Telecommunications and Technology Committee of the Legislature; to13
harmonize provisions; to provide an operative date; and to repeal14
the original sections. 15
Be it enacted by the people of the State of Nebraska,16
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Section 1. Section 2-409, Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, is1
amended to read: 2
2-409 (1) The department shall provide technical and legal3
assistance in the formation of a producer learning community comprised of4
active agricultural producers, landowners, and others who have an5
interest in soil health and water quality. The department shall assist6
the producer learning community in building awareness and knowledge7
relating to soil health and water quality to guide agricultural producers8
and landowners in making informed decisions in order to bring about a9
more rapid and widespread adoption of best management practices. The10
department shall hire a facilitator to lead a collaborative effort to11
organize the producer learning community and assist the producer learning12
community in acquiring gifts, grants, and sponsorships. The department13
shall authorize the facilitator to serve as an ex officio member of the14
producer learning community and may locate the facilitator outside of the15
city of Lincoln. 16
(2) The department may partner or contract with any entity or17
entities that have resources that would assist in the formation of the18
producer learning community, including, but not limited to, the19
University of Nebraska and any association of natural resources20
districts. The department may also collaborate with the Corn Development,21
Utilization, and Marketing Board, the Soybean Development, Utilization,22
and Marketing Board, the Grain Sorghum Development, Utilization, and23
Marketing Board, the Nebraska Wheat Development, Utilization, and24
Marketing Board, and any private farm and ranch associations or25
membership organization. 26
(3) Because of the state's diversity of soils, topography, rainfall,27
cropping systems, and other environmental factors, one set of healthy28
soil management practices will not fit the entire state and such29
practices will differ by region. The department shall divide the state30
into different regions in which to establish demonstration and research31
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farms that are representative of each region's particular agricultural1
diversity. In establishing such regions, the department may use the land2
management areas of the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the3
United States Department of Agriculture, the state's natural resources4
district boundaries, and the Nebraska Extension Engagement Zones of the5
University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources as6
guidance in establishing boundaries. The department may enter into lease7
agreements with private landowners for the purpose of establishing8
demonstration and research farms. 9
(4) Beginning in 2022 and through 2027, the department shall submit10
an annual report on or before December 31 to the Governor and11
electronically to the Agriculture Committee of the Legislature and the12
Natural Resources Committee of the Legislature to report on the status13
and progress of implementing the Resilient Soils and Water Quality Act14
and any impacts and accomplishments made in protecting and improving soil15
and water quality across the state. 16
Sec. 2. Section 2-3226.01, Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, is17
amended to read: 18
2-3226.01 (1) In order to implement its duties and obligations under19
the Nebraska Ground Water Management and Protection Act and in addition20
to other powers authorized by law, the board of a district with21
jurisdiction that is part of a river basin for which the district has, in22
accordance with section 46-715, adopted an integrated management plan23
which references section 2-3226.04 and explicitly states its intent in24
the plan to utilize qualified projects described in section 2-3226.04 may25
issue negotiable bonds and refunding bonds of the district and entitled26
river-flow enhancement bonds, with terms determined appropriate by the27
board, payable by (a) funds granted to such district by the state or28
federal government for one or more qualified projects, (b) the occupation29
tax authorized by section 2-3226.05, or (c) the levy authorized by30
section 2-3225. The district may issue the bonds or refunding bonds31
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directly, or such bonds may be issued by any joint entity as defined in1
section 13-803 whose member public agencies consist only of qualified2
natural resources districts or by any joint public agency as defined in3
section 13-2503 whose participating public agencies consist only of4
qualified natural resources districts, in connection with any joint5
project which is to be owned, operated, or financed by the joint entity6
or joint public agency for the benefit of its member natural resources7
districts. For the payment of such bonds or refunding bonds, the district8
may pledge one or more permitted payment sources. 9
(2) Within forty-five days after receipt of a written request by the10
Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee of the Legislature, the11
qualified natural resources districts shall submit an electronic report12
to the committee containing an explanation of existing or planned13
activities for river-flow enhancement, the revenue source for14
implementing such activities, and a description of the estimated benefit15
or benefits to the district or districts. 16
(3) If a district uses the proceeds of a bond issued pursuant to17
this section for the purposes described in subdivision (1) of section18
2-3226.04 or the state uses funds for those same purposes, the agreement19
to acquire water rights by purchase or lease pursuant to such subdivision20
shall identify (a) the method of payment, (b) the distribution of funds21
by the party or parties receiving payments, (c) the water use or rights22
subject to the agreement, and (d) the water use or rights allowed by the23
agreement. If any irrigation district is party to the agreement, the24
irrigation district shall allocate funds received under such agreement25
among its users or members in a reasonable manner, giving consideration26
to the benefits received and the value of the rights surrendered for the27
specified contract period. 28
Sec. 3. Section 2-3414, Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, is29
amended to read: 30
2-3414 The director shall request a hearing by the Legislature's31
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Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources when petitioned by either1
fifteen percent of the egg or turkey producers or any number of producers2
representing thirty percent of the eggs or turkeys upon which fees are3
being collected to determine whether or not there is need to amend or4
repeal sections 2-3401 to 2-3416. 5
Sec. 4. Section 2-3615, Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement,6
2024, is amended to read: 7
2-3615 (1) The membership districts are as follows:8
(a) District 1. The counties of Butler, Saunders, Douglas, Sarpy,9
Seward, Lancaster, Cass, Otoe, Saline, Jefferson, Gage, Johnson, Nemaha,10
Pawnee, and Richardson; 11
(b) District 2. The counties of Adams, Clay, Fillmore, Franklin,12
Webster, Nuckolls, and Thayer; 13
(c) District 3. The counties of Merrick, Polk, Hamilton, and York;14
(d) District 4. The counties of Knox, Cedar, Dixon, Dakota, Pierce,15
Wayne, Thurston, Madison, Stanton, Cuming, Burt, Colfax, Dodge, and16
Washington; 17
(e) District 5. The counties of Sherman, Howard, Dawson, Buffalo,18
and Hall; 19
(f) District 6. The counties of Hayes, Frontier, Gosper, Phelps,20
Kearney, Hitchcock, Red Willow, Furnas, and Harlan;21
(g) District 7. The counties of Boyd, Holt, Antelope, Garfield,22
Wheeler, Boone, Platte, Valley, Greeley, and Nance; and23
(h) District 8. The counties of Sioux, Dawes, Box Butte, Sheridan,24
Scotts Bluff, Banner, Kimball, Morrill, Cheyenne, Garden, Deuel, Cherry,25
Keya Paha, Brown, Rock, Grant, Hooker, Thomas, Blaine, Loup, Arthur,26
McPherson, Logan, Custer, Keith, Lincoln, Perkins, Chase, and Dundy.27
(2) The board may provide recommendations to the Agriculture and28
Natural Resources Committee of the Legislature for potential changes to29
the list of counties that make up each membership district.30
Sec. 5. Section 37-431, Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, is31
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amended to read: 1
37-431 (1)(a) The Nebraska Habitat Fund is created. The commission2
shall remit fees received for annual and multiple-year habitat stamps and3
annual and multiple-year Nebraska migratory waterfowl stamps to the State4
Treasurer for credit to the Nebraska Habitat Fund. Any money in the fund5
available for investment shall be invested by the state investment6
officer pursuant to the Nebraska Capital Expansion Act and the Nebraska7
State Funds Investment Act. Up to twenty-five percent of the annual8
receipts of the fund may be spent by the commission to provide access to9
private wildlife lands and habitat areas, and the remainder of the fund10
shall not be spent until the commission has presented a habitat plan to11
the Committee on Appropriations of the Legislature for its approval.12
(b) Fees received for lifetime habitat stamps and lifetime Nebraska13
migratory waterfowl stamps under the Game Law shall be credited to the14
Nebraska Habitat Fund. Twenty-five percent of the fees for such stamps15
shall not be expended but may be invested by the state investment officer16
pursuant to the Nebraska Capital Expansion Act and the Nebraska State17
Funds Investment Act. Income from such investments may be expended by the18
commission pursuant to section 37-432. 19
(2)(a) The Nebraska Aquatic Habitat Fund is created. The commission20
shall remit fees received for annual and multiple-year aquatic habitat21
stamps and one dollar of the one-day fishing permit fee as provided in22
section 37-426 to the State Treasurer for credit to the Nebraska Aquatic23
Habitat Fund. Any money in the fund available for investment shall be24
invested by the state investment officer pursuant to the Nebraska Capital25
Expansion Act and the Nebraska State Funds Investment Act. Up to thirty26
percent of the annual receipts of the fund may be spent by the commission27
to provide public waters angler access enhancements and to provide28
funding for the administration of programs related to aquatic habitat and29
public waters angler access enhancements, and the remainder of the fund30
shall not be spent until the commission has presented a habitat plan to31
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the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Agriculture and1
Natural Resources of the Legislature for their approval.2
(b) Fees received for lifetime aquatic habitat stamps shall be3
credited to the Nebraska Aquatic Habitat Fund and shall not be expended4
but may be invested by the state investment officer pursuant to the5
Nebraska Capital Expansion Act and the Nebraska State Funds Investment6
Act. Income from such investments may be expended by the commission7
pursuant to section 37-432. 8
(3) The secretary of the commission and any county clerk or public9
official designated to sell habitat stamps, aquatic habitat stamps, or10
Nebraska migratory waterfowl stamps shall be liable upon their official11
bonds or equivalent commercial insurance policy for failure to remit the12
money from the sale of the stamps, as required by sections 37-426 to13
37-433, coming into their hands. Any agent who receives stamp fees and14
who fails to remit the fees to the commission within a reasonable time15
after demand by the commission shall be liable to the commission in16
damages for double the amount of the funds wrongfully withheld. Any agent17
who purposefully fails to remit such fees with the intention of18
converting them is guilty of theft. The penalty for such violation shall19
be determined by the amount converted as specified in section 28-518.20
Sec. 6. Section 37-1406, Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, is21
amended to read: 22
37-1406 (1) The adaptive management plan required under section23
37-1404 shall be updated at least once every three years following its24
initial development. The plan shall be submitted to the Governor and the25
Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee of the Legislature. The plan26
submitted to the committee shall be submitted electronically.27
(2) The Nebraska Invasive Species Council shall submit an annual28
report of its activities to the Governor and the Agriculture and Natural29
Resources Committee of the Legislature by December 15 of each year. The30
annual report shall include an evaluation of progress made in the31
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preceding year. The report submitted to the committee shall be submitted1
electronically. 2
(3) The council shall complete the initial adaptive management plan3
within three years after April 6, 2012. 4
(4) Prior to the start of the 2015 legislative session, the council5
shall submit electronically a report to the Agriculture and Natural6
Resources Committee of the Legislature that makes recommendations as to7
the extension or modification of the council. 8
(5) The council may establish advisory and technical subcommittees9
that the council considers necessary to aid and advise it in the10
performance of its functions. 11
Sec. 7. Section 39-2825, Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement,12
2024, is amended to read: 13
39-2825 (1) A public-private partnership delivery method may be used14
for projects under the Transportation Innovation Act as provided in this15
section and rules and regulations adopted and promulgated pursuant to16
this section only to the extent allowed under the Constitution of17
Nebraska. State contracts using this method shall be awarded by18
competitive negotiation. 19
(2) A contracting agency utilizing a public-private partnership20
shall continue to be responsible for oversight of any function that is21
delegated to or otherwise performed by a private partner.22
(3) On or before July 1, 2023, the Director-State Engineer shall23
adopt and promulgate rules and regulations setting forth criteria to be24
used in determining when a public-private partnership is to be used for a25
particular project. The rules and regulations shall reflect the intent of26
the Legislature to promote and encourage the use of public-private27
partnerships in the State of Nebraska. The Director-State Engineer shall28
consult with design-builders, progressive design-builders, construction29
managers, other contractors and design professionals, including engineers30
and architects, and other appropriate professionals during the31
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development of the rules and regulations. 1
(4) A request for proposals for a project utilizing a public-private2
partnership shall include at a minimum: 3
(a) The parameters of the proposed public-private partnership4
agreement; 5
(b) The duties and responsibilities to be performed by the private6
partner or private partners; 7
(c) The methods of oversight to be employed by the contracting8
agency; 9
(d) The duties and responsibilities that are to be performed by the10
contracting agency and any other parties to the contract;11
(e) The evaluation factors and the relative weight of each factor to12
be used in the scoring of awards; 13
(f) Plans for financing and operating the project and the revenues,14
service payments, bond financings, and appropriations of public funds15
needed for the qualifying project; 16
(g) Comprehensive documentation of the experience, capabilities,17
capitalization and financial condition, and other relevant qualifications18
of the private entity submitting the proposal; 19
(h) The ability of a private partner or private partners to quickly20
respond to the needs presented in the request for proposals and the21
importance of economic development opportunities represented by the22
project. In evaluating proposals, preference shall be given to a plan23
that includes the involvement of small businesses as subcontractors, to24
the extent that small businesses can provide services in a competitive25
manner, unless any preference interferes with the qualification for26
federal or other funds; and 27
(i) Other information required by the contracting agency to evaluate28
the proposals submitted and the overall proposed public-private29
partnership. 30
(5) A private entity desiring to be a private partner shall31
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demonstrate to the satisfaction of the contracting agency that it is1
capable of performing any duty, responsibility, or function it may be2
authorized or directed to perform as a term or condition of the public-3
private partnership agreement. 4
(6) A request for proposals may be canceled, or all proposals may be5
rejected, if it is determined in writing that such action is taken in the6
best interest of the State of Nebraska and approved by the purchasing7
officer. 8
(7) Upon execution of a public-private partnership agreement, the9
contracting agency shall ensure that the contract clearly identifies that10
a public-private partnership is being utilized. 11
(8) The department shall: 12
(a) Adhere to the rules and regulations adopted and promulgated13
under this section when utilizing a public-private partnership for14
financing capital projects; and 15
(b) Electronically report annually to the Appropriations Committee16
of the Legislature and the Transportation and Telecommunications17
Committee of the Legislature regarding private-public partnerships which18
have been considered or are approved pursuant to this section.19
Sec. 8. Section 46-1304, Revised Statutes Supplement, 2025, is20
amended to read: 21
46-1304 The Department of Water, Energy, and Environment shall22
prepare a report outlining the extent of ground water quality monitoring23
conducted by natural resources districts during the preceding calendar24
year. The department shall analyze the data collected for the purpose of25
determining whether or not ground water quality is degrading or improving26
and shall present the results electronically to the Agriculture and27
Natural Resources Committee of the Legislature beginning December 1,28
2001, and each year thereafter. The districts shall submit in a timely29
manner all ground water quality monitoring data collected to the30
department or its designee. The department shall use the data submitted31
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by the districts in conjunction with all other readily available and1
compatible data for the purposes of the annual ground water quality trend2
analysis. 3
Sec. 9. Section 46-1305, Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, is4
amended to read: 5
46-1305 Each natural resources district shall submit electronically6
an annual report to the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee of7
the Legislature detailing all water quality programs conducted by the8
district in the preceding calendar year. The report shall include the9
funds received and expended for water quality projects and a listing of10
any unfunded projects. The first report shall be submitted on or before11
December 1, 2001, and then each December 1 thereafter.12
Sec. 10. Section 50-447, Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, is13
amended to read: 14
50-447 (1) It is the intent of the Legislature to support and15
facilitate a study by the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee of16
the Legislature to identify policy instruments available to the17
Legislature and the people of Nebraska, including, as appropriate, but18
not necessarily requiring or limited to, modification of Article XII,19
section 8, of the Constitution of Nebraska, in order to foster and20
enhance legal, social, and economic conditions in Nebraska consistent21
with and which advance those state interests that exist in the structure,22
development, and progress of agricultural production.23
(2) Within the limits of funds appropriated for such purpose, the24
Executive Board of the Legislative Council may, in coordination and25
cooperation with the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee of the26
Legislature, commission experts in the fields of agricultural economics,27
agricultural law, commerce clause jurisprudence, and other areas of study28
and practice to provide assistance, specific research or reports, or29
presentations in order to assist the Agriculture and Natural Resources30
Committee of the Legislature in carrying out the intent of the31
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Legislature under this section. 1
Sec. 11. Section 50-448, Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, is2
amended to read: 3
50-448 (1) It is the intent of the Legislature that the Attorney4
General perform, acquire, and otherwise cause to be made available such5
research as may be appropriate to inform and assist the Agriculture and6
Natural Resources Committee of the Legislature in identifying policy7
instruments available to the Legislature and the people of Nebraska,8
including, as appropriate, but not necessarily requiring or limited to,9
modification of Article XII, section 8, of the Constitution of Nebraska,10
in order to foster and enhance legal, social, and economic conditions in11
Nebraska consistent with and which advance those state interests that12
exist in the structure, development, and progress of agricultural13
production in Nebraska. 14
(2) The Attorney General may contract with experts in the fields of15
agricultural economics, agricultural law, commerce clause jurisprudence,16
and other areas of study and practice to assist the Attorney General in17
carrying out the intent of the Legislature under this section.18
Sec. 12. Section 50-1601, Revised Statutes Supplement, 2025, is19
amended to read: 20
50-1601 (1) The Infrastructure Review Task Force is created.21
(2) The task force shall: 22
(a) Review and analyze Nebraska's transportation infrastructure23
network; 24
(b) Examine and consider Nebraska's historic transportation25
infrastructure development efforts and expected future transportation26
infrastructure needs; 27
(c) Utilize information and research available from the annual28
report on the needs of the state highway system prepared by the29
Department of Transportation and any other information or resources30
available to the department; 31
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(d) Examine the status and condition of Nebraska's transportation1
infrastructure with consideration given to highway safety concerns and2
make recommendations as to how Nebraska might maintain and ensure safe3
transportation infrastructure now and in the future;4
(e) Consider transportation through the lens of its economic impact5
on Nebraska; and 6
(f) Research any federal funding that may be available to Nebraska7
and make recommendations as to how Nebraska might obtain and use such8
funds. 9
(3)(a) The task force consists of the following members:10
(i) The Governor; 11
(ii) A designee of the Governor; 12
(iii) The chairperson of the Revenue Committee of the Legislature;13
(iv) The chairperson of the Transportation and Telecommunications14
Committee of the Legislature; 15
(v) The Speaker of the Legislature; 16
(vi) The Director-State Engineer; 17
(vii) The Tax Commissioner; and 18
(viii) Three members of the Legislature appointed by the Executive19
Board of the Legislative Council. 20
(b) Members of the task force who are not members of the Legislature21
shall be nonvoting, ex officio members. 22
(4) The chairperson of the task force shall be the chairperson of23
the Revenue Committee of the Legislature. Any staff support needed for24
the task force shall be fulfilled by the staff of the Revenue Committee25
of the Legislature. 26
(5) The members of the task force shall serve on the task force27
without compensation. 28
(6) On or before December 1 of each year, the task force shall29
submit a report containing the results of its work study and its30
recommendations, if any, together with drafts of legislation necessary to31
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carry out its recommendations. The reports shall be submitted1
electronically to the Clerk of the Legislature. 2
Sec. 13. Section 54-642, Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, is3
amended to read: 4
54-642 On or before November 1 of each year, the department shall5
submit electronically a report to the Legislature in sufficient detail to6
document all costs incurred in the previous fiscal year in carrying out7
the Commercial Dog and Cat Operator Inspection Act. The report shall8
identify costs incurred by the department to administer the act and shall9
detail costs incurred by primary activity. The department shall also10
provide a breakdown by category of all revenue credited to the Commercial11
Dog and Cat Operator Inspection Program Cash Fund in the previous fiscal12
year. The Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and Appropriations13
Committee of the Legislature shall review the report to ascertain program14
activity levels and to determine funding requirements of the program.15
Sec. 14. Section 61-227, Revised Statutes Supplement, 2025, is16
amended to read: 17
61-227 The Department of Water, Energy, and Environment shall18
convene a plan development group which shall be housed and staffed for19
administrative purposes within such department. The Department of Water,20
Energy, and Environment shall engage with federal, state, and local21
agency and community stakeholders in the development of the state flood22
mitigation plan, including, but not limited to, the Department of23
Transportation, the Department of Economic Development, the Department of24
Agriculture, the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, natural resources25
districts, the United States Department of Agriculture, the United States26
Army Corps of Engineers, the United States Geological Survey, the Federal27
Emergency Management Agency, the University of Nebraska, representatives28
of counties, municipalities, and other political subdivisions, and the29
Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee of the Legislature. The30
Department of Water, Energy, and Environment may engage other sources to31
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provide technical expertise as needed. 1
Sec. 15. Section 61-520, Revised Statutes Supplement, 2025, is2
amended to read: 3
61-520 (1) A public-private partnership delivery method may be used4
for projects under the Public Water and Natural Resources Project5
Contracting Act as provided in this section and rules and regulations6
adopted and promulgated pursuant to this section only to the extent7
allowed under the Constitution of Nebraska. State contracts using this8
method shall be awarded by competitive negotiation.9
(2) The department utilizing a public-private partnership shall10
continue to be responsible for oversight of any function that is11
delegated to or otherwise performed by a private partner.12
(3) On or before July 1, 2024, the Director of Water, Energy, and13
Environment shall adopt and promulgate rules and regulations setting14
forth criteria to be used in determining when a public-private15
partnership is to be used for a particular project. The rules and16
regulations shall reflect the intent of the Legislature to promote and17
encourage the use of public-private partnerships in the State of18
Nebraska. The Director of Water, Energy, and Environment shall consult19
with design-builders, progressive design-builders, construction managers,20
other contractors and design professionals, including engineers and21
architects, and other appropriate professionals during the development of22
the rules and regulations. 23
(4) A request for proposals for a project utilizing a public-private24
partnership shall include at a minimum: 25
(a) The parameters of the proposed public-private partnership26
agreement; 27
(b) The duties and responsibilities to be performed by the private28
partner or private partners; 29
(c) The methods of oversight to be employed by the department;30
(d) The duties and responsibilities that are to be performed by the31
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department and any other parties to the contract; 1
(e) The evaluation factors and the relative weight of each factor to2
be used in the scoring of awards; 3
(f) Plans for financing and operating the project and the revenue,4
service payments, bond financings, and appropriations of public funds5
needed for the qualifying project; 6
(g) Comprehensive documentation of the experience, capabilities,7
capitalization and financial condition, and other relevant qualifications8
of the private entity submitting the proposal; 9
(h) The ability of a private partner or private partners to quickly10
respond to the needs presented in the request for proposals and the11
importance of economic development opportunities represented by the12
project. In evaluating proposals, preference shall be given to a plan13
that includes the involvement of small businesses as subcontractors, to14
the extent that small businesses can provide services in a competitive15
manner, unless any preference interferes with the qualification for16
federal or other funds; and 17
(i) Other information required by the department to evaluate the18
proposals submitted and the overall proposed public-private partnership.19
(5) A private entity desiring to be a private partner shall20
demonstrate to the satisfaction of the department that it is capable of21
performing any duty, responsibility, or function it may be authorized or22
directed to perform as a term or condition of the public-private23
partnership agreement. 24
(6) A request for proposals may be canceled, or all proposals may be25
rejected, if it is determined in writing that such action is taken in the26
best interest of the State of Nebraska and approved by the purchasing27
officer. 28
(7) Upon execution of a public-private partnership agreement, the29
department shall ensure that the contract clearly identifies that a30
public-private partnership is being utilized. 31
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(8) The department shall: 1
(a) Adhere to the rules and regulations adopted and promulgated2
under this section when utilizing a public-private partnership for3
financing capital projects; and 4
(b) Electronically report annually to the Agriculture and Natural5
Resources Committee of the Legislature regarding private-public6
partnerships which have been considered or are approved pursuant to this7
section. 8
Sec. 16. Section 66-2305, Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement,9
2024, is amended to read: 10
66-2305 (1) The department shall create the Nuclear and Hydrogen11
Industry Work Group. 12
(2) The work group shall consist of the following twelve members:13
(a) One representative of the Nebraska community college system;14
(b) One representative of the Nebraska state college system;15
(c) Two representatives of the nuclear industry;16
(d) Two representatives of the hydrogen industry;17
(e) One representative of a public power district;18
(f) Two at-large members; 19
(g) The Director of Economic Development or a designee of the20
director; 21
(h) The chairperson of the Agriculture and Natural Resources22
Committee of the Legislature or a designee of the chairperson; and23
(i) The chairperson of the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs24
Committee of the Legislature or a designee of the chairperson.25
(3) The work group members described in subdivisions (2)(a) through26
(f) of this section shall be appointed by the Governor. The work group27
members described in subdivisions (2)(h) and (i) of this section shall28
serve as ex officio, nonvoting members. 29
(4)(a) Each work group member described in subdivisions (2)(a)30
through (f) of this section may receive a per diem of sixty dollars for31
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each day such member attends a meeting of the work group or is engaged in1
matters concerning the work group, except that no work group member shall2
receive more than one thousand dollars in per diems per year under this3
subdivision. 4
(b) Each such work group member shall be reimbursed for travel and5
lodging expenses for the performance of such member's duties while6
carrying out the Nuclear and Hydrogen Development Act as provided in7
sections 81-1174 to 81-1177 to be paid out of the Nuclear and Hydrogen8
Development Fund. 9
Sec. 17. Section 70-1003, Revised Statutes Supplement, 2025, is10
amended to read: 11
70-1003 (1)(a) There is hereby established an independent board to12
be known as the Nebraska Power Review Board. The board shall consist of13
five members, including at least one engineer, at least one attorney, and14
three additional persons. No more than one person who is or who has15
within four years preceding such person's appointment been either a16
director, an officer, or an employee of any electric utility or an17
elective state officer shall serve on the board at the same time. Any18
board member who previously was either a director, an officer, or an19
employee of any electric utility within four years preceding such board20
member's appointment shall refrain from taking any action or making any21
decision in any proceeding before the board that involves such electric22
utility for a period of four years after the date such board member23
ceased being a director, an officer, or an employee of such electric24
utility. 25
(b) Members of the board shall be appointed by the Governor subject26
to the approval of the Legislature. Upon expiration of the terms of the27
members first appointed, the successors shall be appointed for terms of28
four years. No member of the board shall serve more than three29
consecutive terms. Any vacancy on the board arising other than from the30
expiration of a term shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired31
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portion of the term, and any person appointed to fill a vacancy on the1
board shall be eligible for reappointment for two more consecutive terms.2
No more than three members of the board shall be registered members of3
that political party represented by the Governor. 4
(2) Each member of the board shall receive one hundred dollars per5
day for each day actually and necessarily engaged in the performance of6
his or her duties, but not to exceed seven thousand dollars in any one7
year, except for the member designated to represent the board on the8
Southwest Power Pool Regional State Committee or its equivalent9
successor, who shall receive two hundred fifty dollars for each day10
actually and necessarily engaged in the performance of his or her duties,11
not to exceed thirty-five thousand dollars in any one year. If the member12
designated to represent the board on the Southwest Power Pool Regional13
State Committee should for any reason no longer serve in that capacity14
during a year, the pay received while serving in such capacity shall not15
be used for purposes of calculating the seven-thousand-dollar limitation16
for board members not serving in that capacity. When another board member17
acts as the proxy for the designated Southwest Power Pool Regional State18
Committee member, he or she shall receive the same pay as the designated19
member would have for that activity. Pay received while serving as proxy20
for such designated member shall not be used for purposes of determining21
whether the seven-thousand-dollar limitation has been met for board22
members not serving as such designated member. Total pay to board members23
for activities related to the Southwest Power Pool shall not exceed an24
aggregate total of forty thousand dollars in any one year. Each member25
shall be reimbursed for expenses while so engaged as provided in sections26
81-1174 to 81-1177. The board shall have jurisdiction as provided in27
Chapter 70, article 10. 28
(3) The board shall elect from their members a chairperson and a29
vice-chairperson. Decisions of the board shall require the approval of a30
majority of the members of the board. 31
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(4) The board shall employ an executive director and may employ such1
other staff necessary to carry out the duties pursuant to Chapter 70,2
article 10. The executive director shall serve at the pleasure of the3
board and shall be solely responsible to the board. The executive4
director shall be responsible for the administrative operations of the5
board and shall perform such other duties as may be delegated or assigned6
to him or her by the board. The board may obtain the services of experts7
and consultants necessary to carry out the board's duties pursuant to8
Chapter 70, article 10. 9
(5) The board shall publish and submit a biennial report with annual10
data to the Governor, with copies to be filed with the Clerk of the11
Legislature and with the Department of Water, Energy, and Environment.12
The report submitted to the Clerk of the Legislature shall be submitted13
electronically. The department shall consider the information in the14
Nebraska Power Review Board's report when the department prepares its own15
reports pursuant to sections 81-1606 and 81-1607. The report of the board16
shall include: 17
(a) The assessments for the fiscal year imposed pursuant to section18
70-1020; 19
(b) The gross income totals for each category of the industry and20
the industry total; 21
(c) The number of suppliers against whom the assessment is levied,22
by category and in total; 23
(d) The projected dollar costs of generation, transmission, and24
microwave applications, approved and denied; 25
(e) The actual dollar costs of approved applications upon26
completion, and a summary of an informational hearing concerning any27
significant divergence between the projected and actual costs;28
(f) A description of Nebraska's current electric system and29
information on additions to and retirements from the system during the30
fiscal year, including microwave facilities; 31
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(g) A statistical summary of board activities and an expenditure1
summary; 2
(h) A roster of power suppliers in Nebraska and the assessment each3
paid; and 4
(i) Appropriately detailed historical and projected electric supply5
and demand statistics, including information on the total generating6
capacity owned by Nebraska suppliers and the total peak load demand of7
the previous year, along with an indication of how the industry will8
respond to the projected situation. 9
(6) The board may, in its discretion, hold public hearings10
concerning the conditions that may indicate that retail competition in11
the electric industry would benefit Nebraska's citizens and what steps,12
if any, should be taken to prepare for retail competition in Nebraska's13
electricity market. In determining whether to hold such hearings, the14
board shall consider the sufficiency of public interest.15
(7) The board may, at any time deemed beneficial by the board,16
submit a report to the Governor with copies to be filed with the Clerk of17
the Legislature and the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee of18
the Legislature. The report filed with the Clerk of the Legislature and19
the committee shall be filed electronically. The report may include:20
(a) Whether or not a viable regional transmission organization and21
adequate transmission exist in Nebraska or in a region which includes22
Nebraska; 23
(b) Whether or not a viable wholesale electricity market exists in a24
region which includes Nebraska; 25
(c) To what extent retail rates have been unbundled in Nebraska;26
(d) A comparison of Nebraska's wholesale electricity prices to the27
prices in the region; and 28
(e) Any other information the board believes to be beneficial to the29
Governor, the Legislature, and Nebraska's citizens when considering30
whether retail electric competition would be beneficial, such as, but not31
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limited to, an update on deregulation activities in other states and an1
update on federal deregulation legislation. 2
(8) The board may establish working groups of interested parties to3
assist the board in carrying out the powers set forth in subsections (6)4
and (7) of this section. 5
Sec. 18. Section 72-2008, Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, is6
amended to read: 7
72-2008 The mission of the Niobrara Council is to assist in all8
aspects of the management of the Niobrara scenic river corridor since9
portions of the Niobrara River have been designated as a national scenic10
river under 16 U.S.C. 1274(a)(117), as such section existed on May 24,11
1991, giving consideration and respect to local and governmental input12
and private landowner rights, and to maintain and protect the integrity13
of the resources associated with the Niobrara scenic river corridor. The14
council shall perform management functions related to the Niobrara scenic15
river corridor, including, but not limited to, those authorized and16
delegated to it by the National Park Service. The council may promulgate17
its own rules and internal policies to carry out the purposes of the18
Niobrara Scenic River Act. The Game and Parks Commission may provide19
administrative, budgetary, operational, and programmatic support when20
requested by the council to carry out its duties. In the Niobrara scenic21
river corridor, the council may hold title to real estate in the name of22
the council. The council may purchase, accept gifts of, or trade real23
estate and may obtain conservation easements as provided in the24
Conservation and Preservation Easements Act. Acquisition of conservation25
easements outside the boundaries of the Niobrara scenic river corridor26
shall require the approval of the appropriate governing body as provided27
in section 76-2,112. On December 1, 2016, and on each December 128
thereafter, the council shall electronically submit an annual report to29
the Clerk of the Legislature and the chairperson of the Agriculture and30
Natural Resources Committee of the Legislature describing expenditures31
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made pursuant to the Niobrara Scenic River Act. 1
Sec. 19. Section 81-15,327, Revised Statutes Supplement, 2025, is2
amended to read: 3
81-15,327 (1) The department shall review and evaluate the studies4
and assessments carried out by Illinois, Vermont, and Washington5
regarding whether products or batteries that are not currently covered by6
the Safe Battery Collection and Recycling Act should be covered at a7
later date. The department may review similar studies or assessments8
carried out by any other state or person. 9
(2) No later than May 30, 2028, the department shall electronically10
submit a report to the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee of the11
Legislature. The report shall include the findings and recommendations of12
any study or assessment reviewed by the department under this section.13
The report may include recommendations for legislation based on the14
department's evaluation of the studies and assessments reviewed by the15
department. 16
Sec. 20. Section 81-1604, Revised Statutes Supplement, 2025, is17
amended to read: 18
81-1604 (1) The Legislature finds that: 19
(a) Comprehensive planning enables the state to address its energy20
needs, challenges, and opportunities and enhances the state's ability to21
prioritize energy-related policies, activities, and programs; and22
(b) Meeting the state's need for clean, affordable, and reliable23
energy in the future will require a diverse energy portfolio and a24
strategic approach, requiring engagement of all energy stakeholders in a25
comprehensive planning process. 26
(2) The Department of Water, Energy, and Environment shall develop27
an integrated and comprehensive strategic state energy plan and review28
such plan periodically as the department deems necessary. The department29
may organize technical committees of individuals with expertise in energy30
development for purposes of developing the plan. If the department forms31
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an advisory committee pursuant to subdivision (58) of section 81-1504 for1
purposes of such plan, the chairperson of the Appropriations Committee of2
the Legislature, the chairperson of the Agriculture and Natural Resources3
Committee of the Legislature, and three members of the Legislature4
selected by the Executive Board of the Legislative Council shall be5
nonvoting, ex officio members of such advisory committee.6
(3) The strategic state energy plan shall include short-term and7
long-term objectives that will ensure a secure, reliable, and resilient8
energy system for the state's residents and businesses; a cost-9
competitive energy supply and access to affordable energy; the promotion10
of sustainable economic growth, job creation, and economic development;11
and a means for the state's energy policy to adapt to changing12
circumstances. 13
(4) The strategic state energy plan shall include, but not be14
limited to: 15
(a) A comprehensive analysis of the state's energy profile,16
including all energy resources, end-use sectors, and supply and demand17
projections; 18
(b) An analysis of other state energy plans and regional energy19
activities which identifies opportunities for streamlining and20
partnerships; and 21
(c) An identification of goals and recommendations related to:22
(i) The diversification of the state's energy portfolio in a way23
that balances the lowest practicable environmental cost with maximum24
economic benefits; 25
(ii) The encouragement of state and local government coordination26
and public-private partnerships for future economic and investment27
decisions; 28
(iii) The incorporation of new technologies and opportunities for29
energy diversification that will maximize Nebraska resources and support30
local economic development; 31
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(iv) The interstate and intrastate promotion and marketing of the1
state's renewable energy resources; 2
(v) A consistent method of working with and marketing to energy-3
related businesses and developers; 4
(vi) The advancement of transportation technologies, alternative5
fuels, and infrastructure; 6
(vii) The development and enhancement of oil, natural gas, and7
electricity production and distribution; 8
(viii) The development of a communications process between energy9
utilities and the department for responding to and preparing for10
regulations having a statewide impact; and 11
(ix) The development of a mechanism to measure the plan's progress.12
Sec. 21. Section 84-120, Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, is13
amended to read: 14
84-120 If the Lieutenant Governor or Speaker of the Legislature15
becomes incapable of performing the duties of Governor as provided by16
Article IV, section 16, of the Constitution of Nebraska, the duties of17
Governor shall be performed in the following order: Chairperson of the18
Executive Board of the Legislative Council, Chairperson of Committee on19
Committees, Chairperson of Committee on Judiciary, Chairperson of20
Committee on Government, Military and Veterans Affairs, Chairperson of21
Committee on Appropriations, Chairperson of Committee on Revenue,22
Chairperson of Committee on Education, Chairperson of Committee on23
Banking, Commerce and Insurance, Chairperson of Committee on Agriculture24
and Natural Resources, Chairperson of Committee on Agriculture,25
Chairperson of Committee on Health and Human Services, Chairperson of26
Committee on General Affairs, Chairperson of Committee on Urban Affairs,27
Chairperson of Committee on Business and Labor, and Chairperson of28
Committee on Transportation, and Chairperson of Committee on29
Telecommunications and Technology, until the vacancy is filled.30
Sec. 22. Section 86-331, Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, is31
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amended to read: 1
86-331 (1) It is the intent of the Legislature to ensure that all2
federal, state, and local government funding for broadband infrastructure3
and services in Nebraska be leveraged strategically to ensure that all4
Nebraskans have access to affordable, reliable broadband services before5
January 1, 2028. To accomplish this intent, the Nebraska Broadband Office6
is created. The office shall be headed by the Director of Broadband. The7
director shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor8
with the approval of a majority of the Legislature. For administrative9
and budgetary purposes, the Nebraska Broadband Office shall be located in10
the Department of Transportation. All administrative and budgetary11
decisions for the Nebraska Broadband Office shall be made by the Director12
of Broadband. 13
(2) The Nebraska Broadband Office shall: 14
(a) Through active outreach, collaborate with officials at all15
levels of government and with stakeholders, which may include, but not be16
limited to, businesses and industries, community foundations, local17
governments, local or regional economic development organizations,18
schools, colleges, other educational entities, public libraries, health19
care institutions, financial institutions, agricultural producers,20
telecommunications providers, public power districts, electric21
cooperatives, nonprofit organizations, and other interested entities;22
(b) Through such collaboration, develop a strategic plan that23
maximizes the use of public and private resources and encourages24
innovative models for ownership of infrastructure that is used for both25
private and public purposes; 26
(c) Direct the coordination among state agencies, boards, and27
commissions on policy matters affecting use of federal or state funding28
for broadband infrastructure deployment, operation, and maintenance;29
(d) Conduct state advocacy on broadband issues at the federal level,30
including the accuracy of federal mapping and speed data;31
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(e) Ensure that all governmental funding is utilized in a cost-1
effective and accountable manner for Nebraska broadband projects;2
(f) Oversee the coordination of programs for broadband users, such3
as libraries and schools, and digital equity and inclusion projects;4
(g) Provide resources and assistance for local and regional5
broadband planning; and 6
(h) Provide resources and information to the public through a7
website and other communication modes. 8
(3) If any final decision of the Nebraska Broadband Office relating9
to funding for broadband projects is appealed to district court, the10
appeal shall take precedence on the trial docket over all other cases and11
shall be assigned for hearing, trial, or argument at the earliest12
practicable date and expedited in every way. 13
(4)(a) On or before December 1 of each year, the Nebraska Broadband14
Office shall file with the Clerk of the Legislature an annual report on15
the status of broadband within the State of Nebraska. The report shall:16
(i) Describe the status of all publicly administered broadband17
deployment programs, including the number of projects funded through18
October of the report year; 19
(ii) Describe the quality of broadband service being provided to20
Nebraska residents; 21
(iii) Provide any updates to the strategic plan developed under22
subdivision (2)(b) of this section; 23
(iv) Summarize the Nebraska Broadband Office's outreach efforts and24
collaboration with all interested stakeholders; 25
(v) Provide an update on efforts to promote digital equity and26
inclusion on behalf of Nebraska residents; and 27
(vi) Provide an update on state advocacy on broadband issues being28
conducted at the federal level. 29
(b) Upon receipt of such report, the Transportation and30
Telecommunications and Technology Committee of the Legislature shall hold31
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a public hearing to allow an opportunity for public comment on the1
report. 2
Sec. 23. Section 86-333, Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, is3
amended to read: 4
86-333 (1) The Nebraska Broadband Office may create and maintain an5
official Nebraska location fabric broadband access map showing broadband6
availability and quality of service for all serviceable locations in7
Nebraska utilizing any federal funding that is made available for such8
purpose. For purposes of this section, serviceable location means any9
residence, dwelling, business, or building where an entity provides or10
may provide broadband services. 11
(2) The Nebraska Broadband Office may contract with private parties12
to create, improve, and maintain the map. When contracting with private13
parties, the office shall give preference to contractors providing14
mapping services to the Federal Communications Commission. The office may15
collect from providers of broadband services any information necessary to16
establish and update the map. Any information provided to the office by a17
provider of broadband services pursuant to this section that is18
confidential, proprietary, or a trade secret as defined in section 87-50219
shall be treated as such by the office. 20
(3) Any recipient of support from the Nebraska Telecommunications21
Universal Service Fund shall comply with the provisions of this section.22
Any grant recipient under the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Act, including23
any entity that operates as an eligible telecommunications carrier in24
Nebraska as defined in section 86-1302 that wishes to participate in the25
Broadband Bridge Program created under section 86-1303, either directly26
or as a challenging party under section 86-1307, shall comply with the27
provisions of this section. Any grant recipient of federal broadband28
funding administered by the Nebraska Broadband Office shall comply with29
the provisions of this section. 30
(4) After the Federal Communications Commission completes the31
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national Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric and accompanying National1
Broadband Availability Map, the Nebraska Broadband Office shall annually2
evaluate whether the continued maintenance of any annually updated3
Nebraska location fabric broadband access map created and maintained in4
accordance with this section is necessary. The office shall report its5
annual findings pursuant to this subsection to the Transportation and6
Telecommunications and Technology Committee of the Legislature.7
(5) The Nebraska Broadband Office shall utilize funding provided by8
the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program authorized9
under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Public Law10
117-58, to carry out this section. 11
Sec. 24. Section 86-515, Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, is12
amended to read: 13
86-515 (1) The Nebraska Information Technology Commission is14
created. The commission shall consist of (a) one member representing15
elementary and secondary education, (b) one member representing16
postsecondary education, (c) the Governor or his or her designee, (d) one17
member representing communities, and (e) five members representing the18
general public who have experience in developing strategic plans and19
making high-level business decisions. Of the members representing the20
general public, the principal business or occupation of at least one such21
member shall be agriculture. A member of the Transportation and22
Telecommunications and Technology Committee of the Legislature shall be23
appointed by the Executive Board of the Legislative Council to serve as24
an ex officio, nonvoting member of the commission. The Executive Board25
shall make the initial appointment of such member after January 5, 2011,26
and shall appoint a member every two years after the initial appointment.27
At any time that there is not a member of the Educational Service Unit28
Coordinating Council serving on the Nebraska Information Technology29
Commission, the technical panel established pursuant to section 86-521,30
or any working groups established pursuant to sections 86-512 to 86-52431
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that establish, coordinate, or prioritize needs for education, the1
Governor shall appoint to the commission one member who serves on the2
Educational Service Unit Coordinating Council. 3
(2) The Governor or a designee of the Governor shall serve as4
chairperson of the commission. 5
(3) The members of the commission other than the legislative member6
shall be appointed by the Governor with the approval of a majority of the7
Legislature. Members of the commission shall serve for terms of four8
years, except that two members initially appointed to represent the9
general public shall be appointed for a term of two years and any member10
appointed to represent the Educational Service Unit Coordinating Council11
shall be appointed for a term of one year. Members shall be limited to12
two consecutive terms. The Governor or his or her designee shall serve on13
the commission for his or her term. The legislative member of the14
commission shall serve until he or she is reappointed or a successor is15
appointed. Each member shall serve until the appointment and16
qualification of his or her successor. In case of a vacancy occurring17
prior to the expiration of the term of a member, the appointment shall be18
made only for the remainder of the term. 19
(4) Members shall be reimbursed for expenses as provided in sections20
81-1174 to 81-1177. 21
(5) The commission may employ or designate an executive director to22
provide administrative and operational support for the commission. The23
Department of Administrative Services and Nebraska Educational24
Telecommunications Commission shall assist with administrative and25
operational support for the Nebraska Information Technology Commission as26
necessary to carry out its duties. 27
Sec. 25. Section 86-524, Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, is28
amended to read: 29
86-524 (1) The Appropriations Committee and the Telecommunications30
and Technology Transportation Committee of the Legislature shall jointly31
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review sections 86-512 to 86-524 before January 1, 2001, and every two1
years thereafter. The Executive Board of the Legislative Council shall2
designate staff with appropriate technical experience to provide the3
staff support for the review. The committees shall establish criteria to4
be used for the review in accordance with the following policy5
objectives. It shall be the policy of the state to:6
(a) Use information technology in education, communities, including7
health care and economic development, and every level of government8
service to improve economic opportunities and quality of life for all9
Nebraskans regardless of location or income; 10
(b) Stimulate the demand to encourage and enable long-term11
infrastructure innovation and improvement; and 12
(c) Organize technology planning in new ways to aggregate demand,13
reduce costs, and create support networks; encourage collaboration14
between communities of interest; and encourage competition among15
technology and service providers. 16
(2) In the review, the committees shall determine the extent to17
which: 18
(a) The vision has been realized and short-term and long-term19
strategies have been articulated and employed; 20
(b) The statewide technology plan and other activities of the21
commission have improved coordination and assisted policymakers;22
(c) An information technology clearinghouse has been established,23
maintained, and utilized of Nebraska's information technology24
infrastructure and of activities taking place in the state involving25
information technology, and the information flow between and among26
individuals and organizations has been facilitated as a result of the27
information technology clearinghouse; 28
(d) Policies, standards, guidelines, and architectures have been29
developed and observed; 30
(e) Recommendations made by the commission to the Governor and31
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Legislature have assisted policy and funding decisions;1
(f) Input and involvement of all interested parties has been2
encouraged and facilitated; and 3
(g) Long-term infrastructure innovation, improvement, and4
coordination has been planned for, facilitated, and achieved with minimal5
barriers and impediments. 6
Sec. 26. Section 86-1068, Revised Statutes Supplement, 2025, is7
amended to read: 8
86-1068 (1) For purposes of this section, originating service9
provider means the telecommunications service provider, whether by10
wireline or wireless service, or the voice over Internet protocol service11
provider providing the capability for customers to originate 911 calls.12
(2)(a) Except as provided in subdivision (2)(c) of this section, or13
unless otherwise required by the Federal Communications Commission, no14
later than January 1, 2026, an originating service provider and the next-15
generation 911 service contractor shall cause: 16
(i) All 911 calls to be transmitted to the next-generation 91117
network that allows 911 calls to be answered; and 18
(ii) All translation and routing to be completed to deliver all 91119
calls, including associated location information in the requested20
Internet protocol-enabled service format, to the next-generation 91121
network that allows 911 calls to be answered. 22
(b) No later than ten months prior to the date set forth in23
subdivision (2)(a) of this section, an originating service provider and24
the next-generation 911 service contractor shall enter into an agreement25
to cause the requirements of such subdivision to be met. If the26
originating service provider and the next-generation 911 service27
contractor have not entered into an agreement by such date, the28
originating service provider and the next-generation 911 service29
contractor shall notify the Public Service Commission to seek resolution30
of any unresolved issues in accordance with the commission's policies31
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relating to interconnection arbitration and mediation.1
(c) An originating service provider may enter into an agreement with2
the commission to establish an alternative timeframe for meeting the3
requirements of subdivision (2)(a) of this section. The originating4
service provider shall notify the commission of the dates and terms of5
the alternative timeframe within thirty days after entering into such6
agreement. 7
(3)(a) Except as provided in subdivision (3)(c) of this section, or8
unless otherwise required by the Federal Communications Commission, no9
later than January 1, 2026, a provider of telecommunications relay10
services and the next-generation 911 service contractor shall cause:11
(i) All 911 calls to be transmitted to the next-generation 91112
network that allows 911 calls to be answered; and 13
(ii) All translation and routing to be completed to deliver all 91114
calls, including associated location information if received from the15
originating service provider in the requested Internet protocol-enabled16
service format, to the next-generation 911 network that allows 911 calls17
to be answered. 18
(b) No later than ten months prior to the date set forth in19
subdivision (3)(a) of this section, a provider of telecommunications20
relay services and the next-generation 911 service contractor shall enter21
into an agreement to cause the requirements of such subdivision to be22
met. If the provider of telecommunications relay services and the next-23
generation 911 service contractor have not entered into an agreement by24
such date, the provider of telecommunications relay services and the25
next-generation 911 service contractor shall notify the Public Service26
Commission to seek resolution of any unresolved issues in accordance with27
the commission's policies relating to interconnection arbitration and28
mediation. 29
(c) A provider of telecommunications relay services may enter into30
an agreement with the commission to establish an alternative timeframe31
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for meeting the requirements of subdivision (3)(a) of this section. The1
telecommunications relay provider shall notify the commission of the2
dates and terms of the alternative timeframe within thirty days after3
entering into such agreement. 4
(4) No later than November 15, 2024, and no later than November 155
of each year thereafter, the next-generation 911 service contractor shall6
submit an annual report electronically to the Transportation and7
Telecommunications and Technology Committee of the Legislature and to the8
commission on the capabilities and redundancies of the next-generation9
911 service network. 10
(5) Nothing in this section shall be construed to modify or change11
any requirement for an originating service provider to file a report with12
state and federal entities, including with public safety answering points13
and local governing bodies, in accordance with applicable local, state,14
or federal regulations and policies, regarding any impediment to15
transmitting and delivering 911 calls to the next-generation 911 network.16
Sec. 27. This act becomes operative on January 1, 2027.17
Sec. 28. Original sections 2-409, 2-3226.01, 2-3414, 37-431,18
37-1406, 46-1305, 50-447, 50-448, 54-642, 72-2008, 84-120, 86-331,19
86-333, 86-515, and 86-524, Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska,20
sections 2-3615, 39-2825, and 66-2305, Revised Statutes Cumulative21
Supplement, 2024, and sections 46-1304, 50-1601, 61-227, 61-520, 70-1003,22
81-15,327, 81-1604, and 86-1068, Revised Statutes Supplement, 2025, are23
repealed. 24
LB1179
2026
LB1179
2026
-34-