|
109th Legislature, 2nd Session 2026 Legislature Convenes
Governor Jim Pillen has signaled his intent to continue to push for additional property tax relief. Governor Pillen has also proposed significant changes to Nebraska's economic development incentives, specifically calling for the reduction or elimination of incentives for companies with ties to foreign adversaries such as China, even when those connections are indirect. These proposals are expected to generate considerable debate as lawmakers balance economic competitiveness with fiscal and national security concerns. More than 200 bills were introduced in the opening days of the session. The legislation spans a wide range of issues, including immigration enforcement, homelessness, artificial intelligence, taxation and government operations. January 21 marks the final day for bill introduction, after which the Legislature will shift its focus to public hearings and committee work. Committee hearings are scheduled to begin on January 20, priority bill designations are due by February 19, full-day floor debate begins on March 3, and the session is currently slated to adjourn on April 17. In addition to the heavy policy agenda, the Legislature opened the session amid significant internal controversy. Lawmakers voted – with no dissenting votes – to suspend procedural rules in order to expedite an expulsion hearing for Senator Dan McKeon of Amherst. The Executive Board is scheduled to meet to consider a motion for expulsion, with floor debate potentially beginning as early as this week. Overall, the first week of the 2026 session set a serious and high-stakes tone. Lawmakers must navigate a compressed legislative calendar, a substantial budget deficit, and politically sensitive policy debates, all while addressing unprecedented disciplinary proceedings within their own ranks. Rather than a quiet short session, the opening days suggest a Legislature facing both fiscal pressure and institutional strain, with significant decisions looming in the weeks ahead. The first three days included three bills from the NBA’s affirmative legislative agenda. The first is LB 785 introduced by Senator Bob Hallstrom (Syracuse). LB 785 creates a new crime for the use or possession of a mail receptacle key or lock by an unauthorized person. This is the first bill of the NBA’s Fraud Free Nebraska legislative agenda. LB 819 was introduced on behalf of the NBA by Senator Hallstrom as well. LB 819 amends the Rural Workforce Housing Investment Act by increasing the cost limitations and extending the sunset date from 2027 to 2037. The bill also extends the sunset of the Middle Income Workforce Housing Investment Act to 2037. LB 837 was introduced by Senator Mike Jacobson (North Platte) on behalf of the NBA to allow rounding of transactions to the nearest nickel. Last year the federal government announced it would stop minting pennies due to the cost. As a result, businesses and individuals looked to their local bank for guidance. The NBA drafted legislation, modeled after federal legislation, to address the issue. The NBA is hopeful we will have guidance from Treasury prior to the end of the session. However, the NBA will work with other interested parties to ensure clarity for all Nebraskans. In addition to the foregoing, two additional bills are expected on behalf of the NBA’s “Fraud Free Nebraska” campaign. The first bill will amend the Nebraska Telecommunications Act to provide an affirmative duty for telecommunications providers to prevent spoofing and protect their customers from unwanted calls. The second bill will require social media companies to implement procedures to know their customers and procedures to take down and remove fraudulent advertisements. In addition to the foregoing, Senator Mike Jacobson introduced LB 717 on behalf of the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance (NDBF). This bill includes standard annual updates to banking statutes. This year it also includes updates to the Nebraska Financial Innovation Act due to the passage of the GENIUS Act by Congress. The amendments include a provision that would allow credit unions to participate in issuance of stablecoin. The NBA has been in contact with the NDBF and will provide additional context in the next update. Keep Your Eye on This2026 State Government Relations Forum You are encouraged to sign up for the annual NBA State Government Relations Forum on January 29th at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel in Lincoln. Headlining the program will be presentations by Governor Pillen, a panel of state senators, NBA General Counsel Ryan McIntosh and NBA Associate General Counsel Scott Smith. Nebraska Department of Banking Director Kelly Lammers will discuss Department initiatives. The State Government Relations Forum presents an opportunity to meet personally with your state senator during lunch to discuss issues of importance to the banking industry, your institution and your community. We look forward to seeing you on January 29! Register Mark Your Calendar
Bill SummariesStay Tuned! Bill Summaries - estimated to begin in February provide you with a review every legislative bill of interest to the banking industry and the NBA's position for each bill listed in the document(s). NOTE: Bill Summaries will be linked via the buttons at the top of this page. Stay Informed on NBA NewsMonthly virtual membership updates will keep you informed on the Unicameral session and other NBA news. The next one is scheduled for Feb. 4 at 10:00 a.m. CT.
Register for Virtual Membership Updates Comments are closed.
|
