New Legislation

Bill title: LB450 – Adopt the Nebraska Innovation Hub Act and the Small Business Assistance Act

Program Name

• Nebraska Innovation Hub Act
• Small Business Assistance Act

Appropriation

$5,011,000 per year

Summary

The Nebraska Innovation Hub Act is designed to spur jobs and economic growth by supporting the proliferation of successful technology- and innovation-driven startups and small businesses throughout Nebraska, with a focus on economically distressed areas. Under the Act, nonprofit corporations can apply for designation as “Innovation Hubs.” These “iHubs” will partner with area stakeholders (e.g., banks, venture capital groups, entrepreneurial support organizations, etc.) to deploy strategies and resources in support of the Act’s stated objectives.

The Small Business Assistance Act authorizes DED to provide grants of up to $25,000 to eligible individuals looking to start a small business, or grants of up to $12,500 to qualifying individuals who own a small business that has been in existence for no more than five years. In addition, DED will contract with a private entity to provide professional counseling services to individuals who are looking to start a small business, or who have started a small business within the previous five years.

DED updates:

DED will be making progress on implementation in the next few months.

Bill title: LB598 – Adopt the Small Business Stabilization Grant Program Act

Program Name 

• Small Business Stabilization Grant Program
• Business Innovation Act

Appropriation

–

Summary

In the event of a natural disaster, pandemic, or other event for which a state of emergency proclamation is issued by the Governor, DED will establish a program to provide financial assistance, in the form of grants of up to $12,000, to eligible businesses that have experienced a significant loss of revenue due to said qualifying event. LB598 also amends or changes certain provisions of the Nebraska Business Innovation Act.

DED updates:

Program has not been funded.

Bill title: LB769 – Require certain state employees to submit to fingerprinting and criminal history record checks

Appropriation

–

Summary

Requires State employees with access to tax information to have a background check and be fingerprinted.

DED updates:

DED will determine which employees, if any, are required to submit to fingerprinting and background checks.

Bill title: LB800 – Change provisions relating to cities of the metropolitan class, sanitary and improvement districts, sanitary drainage districts, the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Act, the Civic and Community Center Financing Act and the Municipal Density and Missing Middle Housing Act. 

Program Name 

• Civic and Community Center Financing Act

Appropriation: n/a

Summary

Adds tribal governments to the list of applicants eligible to receive grants under the Civic and Community Center Financing Act. Allows tribal governments to locate project at any location owned by the tribal government. Extends provisions of the Municipal Density and Missing Middle Housing Act to Cities of Metropolitan and Primary classes.

DED updates:

DED will be making progress on implementation in the next few months.

Bill title: LB902 – Adopt the Nebraska Career Scholarship Act

Program Name 

• Nebraska Career Scholarships

Appropriation

$4,000,000

Summary

The Nebraska Career Scholarships Act addresses the workforce needs of the state by making career scholarships available to university, state, private and community college students who meet certain eligibility/participation criteria and enroll in a qualifying program of study. (See DED Career Scholarships program page here for detailed eligibility requirements, eligible programs of study, and other information).

• University students can receive between $10-$20,000 a year based on a minimum college entrance exam score, class status (i.e., first-time freshman or transfer student), and enrollment in an eligible program of study.
• State College students can receive up to $15,000 a year based on a minimum college entrance exam score, class status (first-time freshman or transfer student), and enrollment in an eligible program of study.
• Private College students can receive up to $10,000 a year based on a minimum college entrance exam score, class status (first-time freshman or transfer student), and enrollment in an eligible program of study.
• Community College students can receive up to $5,000 a year if they are enrolled in an eligible program of study in an identified shortage area or skilled trade that meets the workforce needs of the state.

All scholarship recipients must complete a Nebraska-based internship, apprenticeship, clinical position, or employment in a major-related field prior to completion of their program of study.

DED updates:

DED will continue to support the Nebraska Career Scholarship program.

Bill title: LB927 – Change provisions relating to the Civic and Community Center Financing Act, the Convention Center Facility Financing Assistance Act, the Property Tax Request Act, and the Sports Arena Facility Financing Assistance Act

Program Name 

• Civic and Community Center Financing Act
• Convention Center Facility Financing Assistance Act
• Sports Arena Facility Financing Assistance Act

Appropriation: n/a

Summary

Adds authority to collect turnback taxes from parking facility use and doubles from $75 million to $150 million the max amount for any one project.

DED updates:

DED will be making progress on implementation in the next few months.

Bill title: LB977 – Appropriate federal funds to the Department of Economic Development for expanding electrical system capabilities

Program Name 

• Site and Building Development Act

Appropriation

$15,000,000

Summary

Transfers $15 million from the Cash Reserve Fund to the Site and Building Development Fund and appropriates $15 million to DED for “Grants to any city of the second class which partners with public power utilities for purposes of expanding electrical system capacities and enhancing redundancy and resilience.”

DED updates:

DED will be making progress on implementation in the next few months.

Bill title: LB998 – Change provisions of the Municipal Inland Port Authority Act

Program Name 

• Municipal Inland Port Authority Act

Appropriation

–

Summary

Requires applications to be given to the Department of Economic Development for proposed inland port authorities. Allows nonprofit economic development corporations to propose an inland port authority. Requires the Director of Economic Development to certify that proposals meet the criteria, and if they do, then require the city to create an inland port authority. Requires that no more than 25% of the area within the inland port district to be noncontiguous. Makes no requirement of the city/county to own any real property within the district. Grants power to the port authority to provide grants to businesses in the boundaries of the district.

DED updates:

DED will be making progress on implementation in the next few months.

Bill title: LB1011 – Provide, change, and eliminate provisions relating to appropriations: Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control

Program Name 

• Rural Projects Act
• Rural Workforce Housing Act
• Middle Income Workforce Housing Act

Appropriation

$250,000

Summary

Transfer and appropriate funds for lead-based paint hazard control.

DED updates:

DED will be making progress on implementation in the next few months.

Bill title: LB1011 – Provide, change, and eliminate provisions relating to appropriations: Rural Projects Act

Program Name 

• Rural Projects Act

Appropriation

$50,000,000

Summary

Provides an additional $50 million to successful applicants for the development of new industrial rail access business parks.

Bill title: LB1011 – Provide, change, and eliminate provisions relating to appropriations: Rural Workforce Housing

Program Name 

• Rural Workforce Housing

Appropriation

$30,000,000

Summary

Provides an additional $30 million for the Rural Workforce Housing program.

Bill title: LB1011 – Provide, change, and eliminate provisions relating to appropriations: Middle Income Workforce Housing

Program Name 

• Middle Income Workforce Housing

Appropriation

$20,000,000

Summary

Provides an additional $20 million for the Middle Income Workforce Housing program.

Bill title: LB1012 – Provide for funds transfers, create funds, and change and eliminate provisions regarding funds and reimbursement provisions.

Program Name 

• United States Strategic Command Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications public-private partnership facility

Appropriation

$20,000,000

Summary

Contains funding for LB1232, which appropriates funding to DED for a capital construction grant for the United States Strategic Command Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications public-private partnership facility.

Bill title: LB1012 – Provide for funds transfers, create funds, and change and eliminate provisions regarding funds and reimbursement provisions.

Program Name 

• Business Innovation Act

Appropriation

n/a

Summary

Amends provisions of the Business Innovation Act to define “redevelopment areas”; to require preference for projects within redevelopment areas, to include innovation hubs; and increases the maximum award amount for microloans to $150,000

Bill title: LB1012 – Provide for funds transfers, create funds, and change and eliminate provisions regarding funds and reimbursement provisions.

Program Name 

• InternNE

Appropriation

$20,000,000

Summary

Adds $20 million for Internship grants, increases the length of time post-graduation for internship eligibility, and provides grant funds for internship transportation, housing, tuition reimbursement, and other admin costs.

DED updates:

DED will be making progress on implementation in the next few months.

Bill title: LB1014 – Appropriate Federal Funds allocated to the State of Nebraska pursuant to the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

Program Name 

• Rural Workforce Housing Land Development Program

Appropriation

FY21-22 $6,000,000 / FY22-23 $4,000,000

Summary

Rural Workforce Housing: $10 million in ARPA funding will support grants to prepare land parcels pursuant to the Rural Workforce Housing Investment Act (LB1070); this will support the state’s ability to grow the rural housing stock.

DED updates:

A webpage for ARPA-funded programs has been created: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/recovery/
DED will be making progress on implementation in the next few months.

Bill title: LB1014 – Appropriate Federal Funds allocated to the State of Nebraska pursuant to the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

Program Name 

• Pandemic Relief Housing Program

Appropriation

FY21-22 $4,000,000 / FY22-23 $4,000,000

Summary

Affordable Housing for Refugees: $8 million in ARPA funding will

1. Supply grants to nonprofits that develop affordable housing, including housing for refugees and other such immigrants, with at least one-half of these grants awarded to organizations located in counties of less than 100,000 residents, and
2. Supply job training and placement grants to nonprofits for refugee employment and employability services.

DED updates:

A webpage for ARPA-funded programs has been created: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/recovery/
DED will be making progress on implementation in the next few months.

Bill title: LB1014 – Appropriate Federal Funds allocated to the State of Nebraska pursuant to the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

Program Name 

• NIFA LIHTC Pandemic Relief Program

Appropriation

FY21-22 $10,500,000 / FY22-23 $10,000,000

Summary

Nebraska Investment Finance Authority: $20.5 million in ARPA funding will be used to contract with the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, as described in the Nebraska Investment Finance Act. This will support the development of affordable housing units eligible for federal four and nine percent low-income tax credit programs. 

DED updates:

A webpage for ARPA-funded programs has been created: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/recovery/
DED will be making progress on implementation in the next few months.

Bill title: LB1014 – Appropriate Federal Funds allocated to the State of Nebraska pursuant to the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

Program Name 

• Nebraska Refugee Job Training and Placement Program

Appropriation

FY21-22 $1,000,000 / FY22-23 $0

Summary

Affordable Housing for Refugees: $1 million in ARPA funding will

1. Supply grants to nonprofits that develop affordable housing, including housing for refugees and other such immigrants, with at least one-half of these grants awarded to organizations located in counties of less than 100,000 residents, and
2. Supply job training and placement grants to nonprofits for refugee employment and employability services.

DED updates:

A webpage for ARPA-funded programs has been created: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/recovery/
DED will be making progress on implementation in the next few months.

Bill title: LB1014 – Appropriate Federal Funds allocated to the State of Nebraska pursuant to the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

Program Name 

• Building Mental Health Care and Education Capacity Program

Appropriation

FY21-22: $10,000,000 / FY22-23: $30,000,000

Summary

Capital Construction for Mental Health Care and Education: $40 million in ARPA funding will supply capital construction grants to build Nebraska’s mental health care and education capacity.

DED updates:

A webpage for ARPA-funded programs has been created: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/recovery/
DED will be making progress on implementation in the next few months.

Bill title: LB1014 – Appropriate Federal Funds allocated to the State of Nebraska pursuant to the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

Program Name 

• Nuclear Plant Siting Feasibility Study Program

Appropriation

FY21-22: $0 / FY22-23: $1,000,000

Summary

Siting Nuclear Plants: $1 million in ARPA funding will be distributed to a political subdivision that owns or operates a nuclear power plant in Nebraska; the funds will be used to conduct a feasibility study to assess siting options for advanced nuclear reactors and existing electric generation facilities based on key compatibility assets for such advanced nuclear reactors.

DED updates:

A webpage for ARPA-funded programs has been created: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/recovery/

Bill title: LB1014 – Appropriate Federal Funds allocated to the State of Nebraska pursuant to the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

Program Name 

• Shovel-Ready Capital Recovery and Investment Act

Appropriation

FY21-22: $50,000,000 / FY22-23: $50,000,000

Summary

Shovel-Ready Capital Construction and Investment Act: $100 million in ARPA funding will supply grants to eligible nonprofits under the Shovel-Ready Capital Recovery and Investment Act. Such grants are intended to assist capital projects that were delayed due to COVID-19, and that will have a positive economic impact in the state of Nebraska.

DED updates:

Applicants were notified of their award status on 6/17/2022. A webpage for ARPA-funded programs has been created: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/recovery/ 

Bill title: LB1014 – Appropriate Federal Funds allocated to the State of Nebraska pursuant to the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

Program Name 

• Nebraska Meat Processing Wastewater Pretreatment and Runoff Control Program

Appropriation

FY21-22: $0 / FY22-23: $20,000,000

Summary

Wastewater Treatment for Meat Processing: $20 million in ARPA funding will support wastewater pretreatment and runoff control for meat processing plant site development.

DED updates:

A webpage for ARPA-funded programs has been created: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/recovery/ 
DED will be making progress on implementation in the next few months.

Bill title: LB1014 – Appropriate Federal Funds allocated to the State of Nebraska pursuant to the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

Program Name 

• Nebraska International Event Sponsorship Fund

Appropriation

FY21-22: $500,000 / FY22-23: $0

Summary

International Competitions: $500,000 in ARPA funding will supply major sponsorship grants for international competitions to be hosted in Nebraska that are recognized by an international governing body.

DED updates:

A webpage for ARPA-funded programs has been created: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/recovery/
DED will be making progress on implementation in the next few months.

Bill title: LB1024 – Adopt the Economic Recovery Act, create the Economic Recovery & Incentives and Housing Divisions of the Department of Economic Development, change provisions of the Middle Income Workforce Housing Investment Act, provide for grants

Program Name 

• Economic Recovery Act

Appropriation

$381,814,128

Summary

The COVID-19 public health emergency caused widespread economic, social, and public health turmoil that deepened existing economic disparities. These challenges were disproportionately felt in low-income and minority communities such as North Omaha and South Omaha, where social and economic challenges have persisted for multiple generations. Funding under the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to respond to challenges that have been worsened by the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The Economic Recovery Act will create an economic recovery division of DED and a special committee of the legislature. The Act appropriates $250 million in ARPA funds, $128.74 million in federal Coronavirus Capital Construction Funds, $3.074 million in federal EDA tourism grants, and $10 million in state General Funds, while transferring $55 million in state cash reserve funds, to a new Economic Recovery Fund in DED. Under the act, the Legislature will issue an RFP for potential eligible uses of ARPA funds in qualified census tracts and for uses in the areas of entrepreneurship, housing, employment, job creation, and small business assistance. DED will then develop a coordinated plan to direct and prioritize the use of grants toward the economic recovery of those communities and neighborhoods.

DED updates:

A webpage for ARPA-funded programs has been created: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/recovery/ 
DED will be making progress on implementation in the next few months.

Bill title: LB1024 – Adopt the Economic Recovery Act, create the Economic Recovery & Incentives and Housing Divisions of the Department of Economic Development, change provisions of the Middle Income Workforce Housing Investment Act, provide for grants

Program Name 

• QCT Recovery Act

Appropriation

$250,000,000

Summary

The COVID-19 public health emergency caused widespread economic, social, and public health turmoil that deepened existing economic disparities. These challenges were disproportionately felt in low-income and minority communities such as North Omaha and South Omaha, where social and economic challenges have persisted for multiple generations. Funding under the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to respond to challenges that have been worsened by the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The Economic Recovery Act will create an economic recovery division of DED and a special committee of the legislature. The Act appropriates $250 million in ARPA funds, $128.74 million in federal Coronavirus Capital Construction Funds, $3.074 million in federal EDA tourism grants, and $10 million in state General Funds, while transferring $55 million in state cash reserve funds, to a new Economic Recovery Fund in DED. Under the act, the Legislature will issue an RFP for potential eligible uses of ARPA funds in qualified census tracts and for uses in the areas of entrepreneurship, housing, employment, job creation, and small business assistance. DED will then develop a coordinated plan to direct and prioritize the use of grants toward the economic recovery of those communities and neighborhoods.

LB1024 also creates the Qualified Census Tract Recovery Grant Program, which includes funding in the following amounts:

• Up to $10 million for qualified projects in qualifying census tracts (QCT) in Lincoln.
• Up to $10 million for qualified projects in QCT outside Lincoln and Omaha.
• No less than $35 million for qualified projects in QCT in South Omaha.
• No less than $55 million for qualified projects in QCT in North Omaha.

In addition, grants will be provided for the following:

• Up to $60 million for business park development in a QCT in Omaha.
• Up to $30 million for one or more iHubs in QCT in Omaha.
• Up to $10 million for producing the Standing Bear movie.
• Up to $6 million for internships and crime prevention in QCT in Omaha.
• Up to $20 million for affordable housing in QCT in Omaha.
• Up to $20 million for affordable housing in QCT in Lincoln.
• Up to $5 million for County Ag Society lost revenue in Lincoln.
• Up to $1 million for financial literacy programs.

DED updates:

A webpage for ARPA-funded programs has been created: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/recovery/ 
DED will be making progress on implementation in the next few months.

Bill title: LB1024 – Adopt the Economic Recovery Act, create the Economic Recovery & Incentives and Housing Divisions of the Department of Economic Development, change provisions of the Middle Income Workforce Housing Investment Act, provide for grants

Program Name 

• Nebraska Capital Projects Fund

Appropriation

$128,740,178

Summary

The updated Capital Projects Fund plan has allocated $80 million ($40 to congressional districts 1 and 3) for
broadband projects. In order to streamline applications for eligible broadband infrastructure projects in
Congressional District 1 and Congressional District 3, the DED intends to partner with the Nebraska Public Service
Commission to administer all grant applications for broadband projects in those districts.

The updated Capital Projects Fund plan has allocated $35 million to Congressional District 2. The DED will retain
administration of these funds which must be dedicated for grants to multipurpose community facilities that are located
within a city of the metropolitan class.

DED updates:

Capital Projects Fund Application Announcement
A webpage for ARPA-funded programs has been created: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/recovery/ 

Bill title: LB1024 – Adopt the Economic Recovery Act, create the Economic Recovery & Incentives and Housing Divisions of the Department of Economic Development, change provisions of the Middle Income Workforce Housing Investment Act, provide for grants

Program Name 

• EDA Tourism Grant

Appropriation

$3,074,000

Summary

Not less than $3 million for eligible grantees in qualified census tracts in each Congressional District for qualified projects under the American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation program.

EDA funding will be divided among eligible projects in Omaha, Lincoln, and the rest of the State.

DED updates:

A webpage for ARPA-funded programs has been created: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/recovery/ 
DED will be making progress on implementation in the next few months.

Bill title: LB1024 – Adopt the Economic Recovery Act, create the Economic Recovery & Incentives and Housing Divisions of the Department of Economic Development, change provisions of the Middle Income Workforce Housing Investment Act, provide for grants

Program Name 

• Middle Income Workforce Housing Investment Act

Appropriation

$20,000,000

Summary

Adds “preparing land parcels” as a qualified activity.

Preparing land parcels” includes: (a) Laying drinking water mains, lines, pipes, or channels; (b) Rehabilitation, renovation, maintenance, or other costs to secure vacant or abandoned properties in disproportionately impacted communities; (c) Acquiring and securing legal title of vacant or abandoned properties in disproportionately impacted communities; (d) Removal and remediation of environmental contaminants or hazards from vacant or abandoned properties in disproportionately impacted communities when conducted in compliance with applicable environmental laws or regulations; (e) Demolition or deconstruction of vacant or abandoned buildings in disproportionately impacted communities; and (f) Costs associated with inspection fees and other administrative costs incurred to ensure compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations for demolition or other remediation activities in disproportionately impacted communities.

DED updates:

A webpage for ARPA-funded programs has been created: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/recovery/ 
DED will be making progress on implementation in the next few months.

Bill title: LB1069 – Amends Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 81-1228, 81-1229, 81-1230, and 81-1231 of the Rural Workforce Housing Investment Act

Program Name 

• Rural Workforce Housing Investment Act

Appropriation

–

Summary

Makes minor changes to defined terms and program provisions. Maximum costs are increased to $325,000 for owner-occupied units and to $250,000 for rental units. The National Housing Trust Fund is added to the list of prohibited funding sources. The hard cap is eliminated on grant maximums and placed at the discretion of the DED director. Minimum match requirement is reduced from one-to-one to 50%. The life of the Act is extended through 6/30/27. Changes the requirement for an annual audit of nonprofit organizations receiving grants through the Act to an annual review of all financial records. AM1867 clarifies that the required match is 50% of the grant, sets a 24-month time to begin projects, and changes the transfer for unspent funds from the AHTF to the General Fund.

DED updates:

DED will be making progress on implementation in the next few months.

Bill title: LB1099 – Create the Nebraska Hydrogen Hub Industry Work Group

Program Name 

• Nebraska Hydrogen Hub Industry Work Group

Summary

LB1099 requires the Department of Economic Development to create the Nebraska Hydrogen Hub Industry Work Group. The Governor appoints members to the work group. The purpose of the Work Group is to develop and submit a proposal to the United States Department of Energy to be selected as one of the four regional clean hydrogen hubs authorized under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Public Law 117-58. DED may contract with private consultants to create the proposal.

Bill title: LB1150 – Change provisions relating to the contents of applications and agreements under the ImagiNE Nebraska Act

Program Name 

• ImagiNE

Appropriation

–

Summary

LB1150 requires approved ImagiNE applicants to provide information for tax incentive performance auditors, including the most recent taxable valuations and levy rates for all qualified locations, a program schedule for job training activities if used, and the city and state where recruited employees lived if talent recruitment is the purpose of the credits. Includes provisions of four other bills: LB502, LB817, LB1094 and LB457.

Bill title: LB1261 – Adopt the Nebraska Higher Blend Tax Credit Act and change provisions of the ImagiNE Nebraska Act, the Nebraska Advantage Rural Development Act, and the Urban Redevelopment Act. 

Program Name 

• ImagiNE
• Urban Redevelopment Act

Appropriation

–

Summary

Provides tax credit for ethanol fuels, allows for multiple location projects in ImagiNE Rural Manufacturing level and Urban Redevelopment Program, and raises amounts available under the Nebraska Advantage Rural Development Act.