January 20, 2026

109th Legislature, 2nd Session

Bill Introductions Continue

The Nebraska Legislature wrapped up its first full week of the session on Friday. The week featured continued bill introduction and kicked off floor debate on carryover items. As of January 16, there had been more than 400 bills introduced. The week also included Governor Jim Pillen’s annual State of the State address to the Legislature.
 
In his State of the State address, Governor Pillen highlighted Nebraska’s strong economic growth and fiscal health, emphasizing pro-business policies such as the 2023 income tax cuts, regulatory reform, workforce development, and targeted incentives for companies that create high-paying jobs. Specifically, Governor Pillen called for continued tort reform, enhancements in energy production to attract power-intensive industries, and investments in education and workforce retention. He assured business leaders that Nebraska remains “open for business” and strongly competitive, aiming for continued prosperity.
 
The Legislature also added a new Senator last week. On January 12, the Executive Committee held a hearing on a resolution to expel Senator Dan McKeon of Amherst. Following the hearing, the Executive Committee unanimously advanced the resolution. As debate was set to begin on the expulsion resolution before the full Legislature, Senator McKeon submitted his resignation. Governor Pillen appointed former Senator Fred Meyer of West Point to serve for the remainder of the year for District 41. Senator Meyer previously served Legislative District 41 following Senator Tom Briese’s appointment to State Treasurer. A special election will be held to fill the remainder of the term.
 
The NBA’s remaining bills that make up the Fraud Free Nebraska legislative package were introduced last week. LB 1082 was introduced by Senator Tanya Storer of Whitman on behalf of the NBA. The bill aims to crack down on call spoofing to curb fraud. LB 1082 expands the Nebraska Telecommunications Regulation Act by assigning telecommunications companies the duty to safeguard customers from unwanted calls or texts from users of unauthenticated numbers and from fraudulent or misleading caller ID information.
 
LB 1118 was introduced by Senator Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln on behalf of the NBA. The bill is aimed at fraud perpetrated through social media advertising. LB 1118 adds a new defined practice to the Deceptive Trade Practices Act to include specific requirements for social media platforms that accept payment or compensation for advertising. Under the bill, social media platforms would be required to implement identity verification for advertisers, as well as fraud and impersonation detection systems, and provide user tools to report suspected fraud. There are new obligations for prompt investigation and removal of fraudulent ads, and notification to law enforcement.

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Hearing This Week

Bills We're Watching
The following bill of interest will be heard in committee this week:
 
LB 717 - Nebraska Banking and Finance Modernization Act (2026 Updates)
Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance annual omnibus bill. It updates references to federal laws and regulations to January 1, 2026, revises definitions and regulatory standards for various financial institutions, expands permissible activities for digital asset depositories, raises the threshold for certain loans exempt from interest rate caps, introduces new consumer disclosure requirements for loan refinancing, and raises the exemption threshold for the maximum general interest rate on loans from $25,000 to $100,000, allowing higher-value loans to exceed state interest rate caps. Notably, it expands authority to hold reserve funds of a digital asset depository institution to credit unions and out-of-state banks. (NBA POSITION: SUPPORT WITH AMENDMENT) 

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2026 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

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Mark Your Calendar

January 21
Last day for bill introductions

January 29
NBA State Government Relations Forum, Lincoln

February 17-20
Priority bill designations

February 27
Public hearings conclude

March 3
Full-day floor debate begins

April 17
Day 60 of the legislative session

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Bill Summaries

Stay 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.

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Stay Informed

Monthly 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