| Issue |
Status/Date |
Level |
Summary |
 Finance--District |
Signed into law 05/2012 |
P-12 |
Allows for refunding bonds at the district level and sets parameters. Adjusts dates by which districts must certify budgets and the state legislature must certify state aid (to May 1 for FY 2012-13, then to March 1 of subsequent years.
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB633.pdf
Title: L.B. 633
Source: http://nebraskalegislature.gov |
Postsecondary Affordability--Tuition/Fees--Prepd/College Savings Plans |
Signed into law 05/2012 |
Postsec. |
Changes the Postsecondary Education Act. Creates the College Savings Plan Program Fund. Defines "eligible" institutions for participation in College Savings Plan Program. Defines unqualified withdrawal from College Savings Plan Program Fund and defines qualified higher education expenses as certified costs of tuition and fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for enrollment or attendance at an eligible education. Includes reasonable room and board expenses, based on the minimum amount applicable for the eligible institution during the period of enrollment, for those students enrolled on at least a half-time basis. Accommodates for expenses for special needs students. Requires participation agreement to allow participate to make contributions for meeting qualified higher education expenses and requires that such contributions not required to meet a minimum balance or contribution. Allows for termination of participation agreements, and if canceled, establishes that participant is entitled to receive the principal amount of all contributions made plus the investment income. Addresses other particulars. Allows for designation of successor account owner, but for purposes of federal gift and generation-skipping transfer taxes, contributions to an account are considered a completed gift from the contributor to the beneficiary. Addresses recurrent authorization qualifications and process for eligible institutions.
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB1104.pdf
Title: L.B. 1104
Source: http://nebraskalegislature.gov |
Accountability--Measures/Indicators |
Signed into law 04/2012 |
P-12 |
Provide for an accountability system to measure school performance under the Quality Education Accountability Act. Requires by August 1, 2012, that the state board establish an accountability system to measure the performance of schools and districts. Requires such a system to combine multiple measures, including, but not limited to, graduation rates, students growth and student improvement on the assessment instruments and other indicators. Authorizes the measures to be combined into a school performance score and district performance score. Authorizes the board to establish levels of performance for the indicators used in order to classify the performance of public schools and districts beginning with school year 2013-14. Requires the state department to annually report any performance levels established by the board regarding the performance of individual public schools and districts.
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB870.pdf
Title: L.B. 870 - Multiple Measures Section
Source: http://nebraskalegislature.gov/ |
Attendance |
Signed into law 04/2012 |
P-12 |
Changes provisions relating to compulsory attendance. Retains upper age of 16 but lays out an explicit process and requirements for early withdrawal by a parent.
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB996.pdf
Title: L.B. 996
Source: http://nebraskalegislature.gov |
Career/Technical Education |
Signed into law 04/2012 |
P-12 |
Allows any school district, with state department approval, to establish and operate a career academy. The purpose of a career academy is to provide students with a career-based curriculum. Allows district to partner with another district, an educational service unit, a learning community, a postsecondary educational institution, or a private entity in the establishment and operation of a career academy. Requires that such schools recruit students who seek a career-based curriculum that is based on criteria determined by the state department; that the instructors are recruited and hired based on their expertise in career-based education; and requires provision of a rigorous academic curriculum with a transition component to perpare students for the workforce, including, but not limited to, internships, job training and skills training. Allows such schools to receive private donations. Requires the department to define standards and criteria for establishment, evaluation and continuing approval of career academies and the curriculum used, and for the necessary data elements and collection of data, including, but not limited to, the number of students enrolled in an academy and their grade levels, and the establishment of advisory boards consisting of business and education representatives to provide guidance and direction for the operation of career academies.
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Final/LB870.pdf
Title: L.B. 870 - Career Academy Section
Source: http://nebraskalegislature.gov/ |
Economic/Workforce Development |
Signed into law 04/2012 |
Postsec.,
Community College |
To fill the skills gap of educated workers needed to serve key roles in high-demand industries, provides competitive grants for educational bridge programs for low-income adults. Defines bridge program as a structured career pathway program, developed in partnership among a provider of basic skills and training, the provider of the Adult Education Program, and a nonprofit social services organization, which assists students in obtaining academic, employability, and technical skills needed to enter and succeed in postsecondary education and training and the labor market. Requires the legislature to appropriate $200,000 each fiscal year for three consecutive years.
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB1079.pdf
Title: L.B. 1079
Source: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov |
Finance--Taxes/Revenues |
Signed into law 04/2012 |
P-12 |
Changes provisions relating to appraised value of school lands. Specifies that appraised value is to be determined by the Board of Educational Lands and Funds.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB800.pdf
Title: L.B. 800
Source: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov |
Health |
Signed into law 04/2012 |
P-12 |
Requires the Division of Public Health of the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a lead poisoning prevention program. Requires a coordinated plan that includes blood-testing for elevated blood-lead levels if the child resides in a zip code with a high pevalence of children with elevated blood-lead levels. Requires an educational and community outreach plan. Facilitates early detection of (and response to) high blood-lead levels.
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB1038.pdf
Title: L.B. 1038
Source: http://nebraskalegislature.gov |
Health--Nutrition |
Signed into law 04/2012 |
P-12 |
Encourages participation and utilization of the Summer Food Service Program by requiring the State Department of Education to take certain actions.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/AM/ER205.pdf
Title: L.B. 1090
Source: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/ |
Health--School Based Clinics or School Nurses |
Vetoed 04/2012 |
P-12 |
Adopts the Nebraska Coordinated School Health Act. Provides for the state department to award grants to districts for the establishment of school-based health cetners. Requires districts to provide a 50% match. Grant funds may only be used for capital construction and startup costs and may not be used for oeprations, administration or service delivery costs.
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Final/LB1020.pdf
Title: L.B. 1020
Source: http://nebraskalegislature.gov |
Postsecondary Finance |
Signed into law 02/2012 |
Postsec.,
Community College |
Enacts the Community College Aid Act. Specifies distribution of state aid appropriations among the six community college areas for 2013-14 and future fiscal years. Amends provisions relating to maximum property tax levy rates authorized to be levied by community college areas. Assigns certain duties to the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education with respect to the Community College Aid Act and authorizes the Commission to adopt and promulgate related rules and regulations. Also creates the Nebraska Community College Student Performance and Occupational Education Grant Committee and sets membership. Gives this committee more authority in developing guidelines for grants and allows determination of allocation of funds (within certain parameters).
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB946.pdf
Fiscal note: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/FN/LB946.pdf
Title: L.B. 946
Source: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov |
Assessment--College Entrance Exams |
Signed into law 05/2011 |
Postsec. |
Adopts the Postsecondary Institution Act and amend provisions of the Private Postsecondary Career School Act. Sec. 85-961 currently provides that community colleges (with exceptions specifically authorized by statute and the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education) have sole responsibility for the award of associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in less than baccalaureate degree program areas. Amends this provision so as to clarify that the reference to certificates relates to certificates comprised of courses at the associate-degree level or below. Authorizes the University of Nebraska (upon Coordinating Commission approval) to offer certificates within fields in addition to those already specifically authorized in statute, if the preponderance of the courses comprising the certificates is above the associate-degree level. Specifically directs the Coordinating Commission to conduct a study (with other education entities) regarding the need for uniform policies and practices for dual enrollment courses and career academies in Nebraska. Also provides for a three year pilot project beginning in 2011-12 for the administration of a standard college
admission test to students in the 11th grade.
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB637.pdf
Title: L.B. 637
Source: http://nebraskalegislature.gov |
Finance--Facilities |
Vetoed 05/2011 |
P-12 |
From fiscal note: LB 283 expands an existing authority for school districts to levy property taxes and issue bonds for capital projects to include energy efficiency projects. Schools are limited to a levy of 5.2 cents for certain capital projects which will include energy efficiency projects pursuant to the bill. Energy efficiency projects are defined in the bill.
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Final/LB283.pdf
Title: L.B. 283
Source: http://nebraskalegislature.gov |
Finance--Funding Formulas |
Signed into law 05/2011 |
P-12 |
Changes the formula which provides state aid to schools pursuant to the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act
(TEEOSA). See details in fiscal note: http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/FN/LB235.pdf
Title: L.B. 235
Source: http://nebraskalegislature.gov |
Health |
Vetoed 05/2011 |
P-12 |
Requires each student entering kindergarten on and after July 1, 2011, to have undergone blood lead testing after the age
of eighteen months and before the age of four years or, in the case of a transfer student four years of age or older enrolling in the district for the first time, within six months prior to enrollment. Any student who does not comply is not to be permitted to continue in school until he or she so complies (lists exceptions). Requires each district to make diligent efforts to inform families prior to the date of school registration.
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/AM/AM659.pdf
Title: L.B. 204
Source: http://nebraskalegislature.gov/ |
Special Populations--Military |
Signed into law 05/2011 |
P-12 |
Adopts the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB575.pdf
Title: L.B. 575
Source: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov |
Choice of Schools--Magnet or Specialized Schools |
Signed into law 04/2011 |
P-12 |
Amends current law relating to focus schools, focus programs and magnet schools established by school districts in a learning
community. Clarifies that one or more school districts collaborating on a focus program, focus school or magnet school that is
part of a diversity plan of the learning community will be eligible for a focus school and program allowance. Also repeals provisions requiring one school district to be the primary district when multiple districts collaborate on focus schools, focus programs or magnet schools. It requires school districts collaborating on a focus program or school or magnet school to form a joint entity pursuant to the Interlocal Cooperation Act to administer the program or school.
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB558.pdf
Title: L.B. 558
Source: http://nebraskalegislature.gov/ |
Civic Education--Civic Knowledge and Literacy |
Signed into law 04/2011 |
P-12 |
Expands the topics required to be covered in the teaching of civics in high schools. The bill provides that in teaching about the
duties of citizenship, specific attention shall be given to instruction regarding active participation in the improvement of a citizen's
community, state, country, and world and the value and practice of civil discourse between opposing interests.
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB544.pdf
Title: L.B. 544
Source: http://nebraskalegislature.gov/ |
Finance--Federal |
Signed into law 03/2011 |
P-12 |
From the fiscal note: Repeals the section of statute requiring a student achievement coordinator at NDE. The
general fund savings from eliminating the position will be $103,420 in FY12 and FY13.
Increases teacher and administrator certificate fees from $55 to $70 with increases to provide for the expenses of 1.6 FTE at NDE who investigate alleged violations of professional ethics and practices by educators. Transfers funds remaining in the School District Reorganization Fund on July 1, 2011to the Education Innovation Fund. The balance of the reorganization fund was $702,178 on December 31, 2010. NDE anticipates there will be an additional reorganization that will be eligible for reimbursement from the fund in the current year in the amount of $425,915. So, the projected revenue that will be transferred to the Education Innovation Fund is estimated to be slightly in excess of $276,300, depending upon the interest earned the remainder of the fiscal year.
Education Innovation Fund: The bill changes the allocation of the Education Innovation Fund beginning in FY2011-12 through
FY2015-16. The fund is derived from lottery proceeds. Current law provides for the first $1 million of the fund to be used for the
Excellence in Teaching Act and the remainder to be allocated, after administrative expenses, for distance education equipment and
incentives provided to school districts and educational service units.
Provides for the accumulated balance and annual revenue of the Education Innovation Fund to be used to fund a couple of
existing state aid programs for high ability learners and early childhood education grants. The high ability learner program will be funded with lottery funds for five years and early childhood education grants will be shifted to this fund source for two years. The Center for Student Leadership and Extended Learning Act, a state funded program, is also switched to lottery funding for the next five years as is the multicultural education program. An integrated student information system will also be funded by the
Education Innovation Fund. Continues funding for distance education equipment, incentives and administration but instead of $1 million being set aside for this program each fiscal year, the bill provides that only the amount necessary to fund loans for students who received a loan in the prior fiscal year through the Attracting Excellence to Teaching component of the program will be funded.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Intro/LB333.pdf
Title: L.B. 333
Source: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov |
Finance--Federal |
Signed into law 02/2011 |
P-12 |
Fiscal Note summary: LB 18 amends the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act (TEEOSA) which is the formula used to distribute state aid to education. Increases the needs calculated for school systems from 100% to 102.23% in the current school year, FY2010-11. The amount of aid received by a school is the difference between calculated needs and formula resources. The formula is changed to increase state aid to include one-time allocations from the federal Education Jobs Fund in FY2010-11.
Federal funds expended pursuant to the bill are considered to be general fund operating expenditures for purposes of state aid. The
funds are to be allocated to schools on the last business day of April. School districts are not required to revise previously adopted
budgets for FY2010-11 unless expenditures are increased in FY2010-11 with the additional state aid received per LB 18.
The bill also changes the certification date for state aid for two fiscal years. The aid certification date for aid distributed in the current
fiscal year is changed to on or before March 1, 2011. The subsequent year's state aid for FY2011-12 is to be certified on or before July 1, 2011. The State Department of Education estimates the formula change will increase state aid to schools by $58,610,740 in FY2010-11. Increased expenditures by school districts result in increased state aid two years later per the state aid formula. However, any future general fund fiscal impact of the one-time allocation of federal funds is dependent upon whether increased funds are used by schools to spend at a higher level or are used to offset revenue shortfalls. This fiscal note assumes the majority of schools will be using the proceeds to offset decreases in other resources, so no future fiscal impact is projected.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB18.pdf
Title: L.B. 18
Source: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov |
Postsecondary Finance |
Signed into law 02/2011 |
Postsec.,
Community College |
Does not impact the level of funding appropriated for state aid to community college areas but does specify the distribution of state aid among the six community college areas for 2011-12 and 2012-13.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Final/LB59.pdf
Title: L.B. 59
Source: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov |
Finance--District |
Signed into law 04/2010 |
P-12 |
From the fiscal note: Allows school-based health centers to be Medicaid providers. School-based health services may include medical health, behavioral and mental health, preventative health and oral health. A service provided through a school-based center would not require
prior consultation or referral by the patient's primary care physician to be covered by Medicaid. The bill also requires the Department of
Health and Human Services to seek a state plan amendment in the Children's Health Insurance Program and Medicaid to cover legal
non-residents, as authorized in Public Law 111-3. The bill as amended requires school-based health clinics sponsored by a federally
qualified health clinic to be reimbursed at their clinic rate.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB1106.pdf
Title: L.B. 1106
Source: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov |
Finance--Funding Formulas |
Signed into law 04/2010 |
P-12,
Postsec. |
Provides for the calculation of state aid for unified systems and makes changes related to the early childhood education programs to be included in the calculation of state aid, as well as district responsibilities for students participating in open enrollment. Also changes the graduate program requirements for the Enhancing Excellence in Teaching Program to include graduate studies other than teacher education programs. Among other provisions, removes a redundant reporting requirement for county assessors to certify taxable value of school districts; clarifies residency provisions for school districts; modifies qualifications for preschool programs that receive state aid funds; and harmonizes the calculation of unused budget authority with recent changes in the budget authority provisions for school districts. Defines the educational service unit coordinating council as a political subdivision, but does not grant taxing authority. Also requires the board to adopt a policy for sharing student data with the University of Nebraska Regents, the Nebraska State Colleges board of trustees and the board of governors from each community college area.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB1071.pdf
Title: L.B. 1071
Source: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov |
Governance--School Boards |
Signed into law 04/2010 |
P-12 |
Eliminates per diem payments for learning community coordinating council members.
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB937.pdf
Title: L.B. 937
Source: http://nebraskalegislature.gov |
Health |
Signed into law 04/2010 |
P-12 |
Requires the department to determine which screenings should be performed and establishes a method for gathering student health data for schools. Allows an exemption from health inspections if a student provides written documentation from a doctor stating that the child recently has been inspected. Parents also may opt out of the screenings.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=9673
Title: L.B. 713
Source: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov |
Postsecondary Affordability--Financial Aid |
Signed into law 04/2010 |
Postsec. |
Changes income qualifications and increases the maximum dollar amount of awards given under the Nebraska Opportunity Grant Act – formerly the Nebraska Scholarship Act. Students with an expected annual family contribution of $6,000 or less will qualify for awards. The $6,000 threshold will increase each year by 2.5 percent. The maximum award amount under the act is increased from 25 to 50 percent of tuition and fees for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Finally, the bill renames the Nebraska Scholarship Act as the Nebraska Opportunity Grant Act to clarify that the awards are need-based and not contingent on a student's academic credentials.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=9746
Title: L.B. 956
Source: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov |
Postsecondary Finance |
Signed into law 04/2010 |
Community College,
Postsec. |
Terminates the current funding formula and dissolves the Nebraska Community College Association on June 30, 2011. The six community college presidents will work together to develop a new funding formula and reorganize a community college association.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=9739
Title: L.B. 1072
Source: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov |
Special Education |
Signed into law 04/2010 |
P-12 |
Changes provisions relating to payment for educational services; defines and redefines terms under the Special education Act; relates to determinations of a student's resident district.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB1087.pdf
Title: L.B. 1087
Source: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov |
Teaching Quality--Compensation and Diversified Pay--Pay-for-Performance |
Signed into law 04/2010 |
P-12 |
From the Fiscal Note: Provides for the rental income from solar and wind leases on school lands to be used for teacher performance pay beginning in 2016-17. The Board of Educational Lands and Funds (BELF) is to provide a separate accounting of state apportionment which shows the income from solar or wind energy leases on school lands up to an amount of $10 million, which is the maximum amount that may be allocated for teacher performance pay. Beginning in 2016, the funds shall be distributed to school districts on or before February 25 by the State Department of Education (NDE) if the Commissioner of Education has determined that at least 75% of the school districts have included teacher performance pay in collective-bargaining agreements. The funds are allocated to schools based upon the pro rata enumeration of children who are age five through eighteen in each district and are to be used for teacher performance pay. If a school district does not include performance pay in the collective-bargaining agreement, then the district is to return the funds received pursuant to the bill within one month to the temporary school fund. The provisions of the bill sunset in 2019, if the 75% requirement has not been met in 2016, 2017 or 2018
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB1014.pdf.
Title: L.B. 1014
Source: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov |
Attendance |
Signed into law 03/2010 |
P-12 |
Children are eligible for kindergarten if they are 5 years old by July 31, beginning with the 2012-13 school year. Previously, the cutoff date was Oct. 15. The bill includes an exception for children who turn 5 between Aug. 1 and Oct. 15 if they perform adequately on a school assessment. The bill also requires school boards to adopt an assessment procedure to determine if a child is capable of kindergarten-level work.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Final/LB1006.pdf
Title: L.B. 1006
Source: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/ |
Governance--School Boards |
Signed into law 03/2010 |
P-12 |
Allows expenses for non-voting members of learning community coordinating councils, modifies the levy authority for learning communities, changes learning community reporting provisions, and eases the restrictions on terminating an elementary learning center executive director. Currently, learning community coordinating councils are authorized to reimburse expenses for voting members. This bill includes nonvoting members. Requires the superintendent or head administrator of a public school district or a nonpublic school system to report on a monthly basis to the Commissioner of Education as directed by the commissioner regarding the number of and reason for any long-term suspension, expulsion, or excessive absenteeism of a student; referral of a student to the office of the county attorney for excessive absenteeism; or contacting of law enforcement officials, other than law enforcement officials employed by or contracted with the school district as school resource officers, by the district or system relative to a student enrolled in the district or system. A school district that is a member of a learning community must also provide the learning community coordinating council with a copy of such report on or before the date the report is due to the commissioner.For each fiscal year, learning communities may levy a maximum levy of one cent on each one hundred dollars of taxable property subject to the levy for elementary learning center employees, for contracts with other entities or individuals who are not employees of the learning community for elementary learning center programs and services, and for pilot projects, except that no more than ten percent of such levy may be used for elementary learning center employees.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB1070.pdf
Title: L.B. 1070
Source: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov |
Finance--Taxes/Revenues |
Signed into law 02/2010 |
P-12 |
Provides the Board of Educational Lands and Funds with the power to issue leases relating to solar and wind energy and enter into contracts relating to carbon sequestration rights. http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB235.pdf
Title: L.B. 235
Source: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov |
School/District Structure/Operations |
Signed into law 02/2010 |
P-12 |
Excerpts from the Fiscal Note: LB 711 changes provisions for the withdrawal of districts from a unified school system or the dissolution of a unified school system. A unified school system has two or more Class II or III school districts participating in the system for a minimum of three years. There are currently three unified school systems in the state. The bill authorizes additional school districts to form unified systems in the future. It also allows school districts currently participating in unified systems to withdraw from such systems and not be required to merge with another district. The financial implications of the bill cannot be determined because it is unknown which districts may seek to dissolve or withdraw from existing unified systems; how interlocal agreements relating to the rights and liabilities of districts upon
withdrawal or dissolution of a system will differ from declaratory judgments; and, which districts may form unified systems in the future.
The bill also changes the certification date for state aid pursuant to the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act
(TEEOSA) for 2010-11, from on or before March 1, 2010 to on or before March 10, 2010.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=9631
Title: L.B. 711
Source: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov |
Accountability--Measures/Indicators |
Adopted 01/2010 |
P-12 |
Adds quality indicators to major provisions. For example, 004.01 K-12 Curriculum. Quality Indicator: The curriculum is comprehensive, coordinated, and sequential and is directed toward locally approved goals and standards for student learning. The instructional program focuses on achievement and provides for the needs of all students including learners with disabilities and high ability learners. It draws upon research, best practice, and reputable theory. Or, additionally: 004.04 Secondary Curriculum. Quality Indicator: The secondary instructional program is based upon state or locally approved standards for student learning. It provides breadth and depth of subject areas which enable students to achieve knowledge and skills necessary to continue post-secondary education or enter a career field. Instruction builds upon knowledge acquired in previous grades and helps students acquire the learning goals of the school, builds 21st century skills, and prepares students for living in a global society. Schools provide required instructional units on site or through a combination of local and distance learning programs.
http://www.sos.ne.gov/rules-and-regs/regtrack/proposals/0000000000000797.pdf
Title: Title 92, NAC Chapter 10 - Multiple Provisions
Source: http://www.sos.ne.gov/rules-and-regs |
Curriculum--Mathematics |
Adopted 01/2010 |
P-12 |
Requires no later than October 6, 2010, that school districts adopt new academic content standards in the subject area of mathematics determined by each district to be measurable quality standards that are the same as, equal to, or more rigorous than the state academic
content standards in Appendix B (Mathematics Standards) of this Chapter. The standards adopted by school districts with reference to Appendix B replace standards previously adopted with reference to Appendix A of this Chapter.
http://www.sos.ne.gov/rules-and-regs/regtrack/proposals/0000000000000797.pdf
Title: Title 92, NAC Chapter 10 - Multiple Provisions
Source: http://www.sos.ne.gov/rules-and-regs |
High School--Graduation Requirements |
Rule Adoption 01/2010 |
P-12 |
003.05A By the 2014-15 school year, school districts are required to adopt and implement graduation requirements that meet the highest level of rigor of the standards as specified in the state standards set forth in the appendices of this Chapter, including, but not limited to the following:
003.05A1 Language Arts. Forty credit hours of Language Arts with
course content that includes composition, verbal communication,
literature, research skills, and technical reading and writing.
003.05A2 Mathematics. Thirty credit hours of mathematics with course
content that includes algebraic, geometric, data analysis, and probability
concepts.
003.05A3 Science. Thirty credit hours of science with course content that
includes biological, earth/space, and physical science concepts with
corresponding science inquiry skills and laboratory experience.
003.05A4 Social Studies/History. Thirty credit hours of social
studies/history with course content that includes civics/government,
geography, United States and world history, and economic concepts.
http://www.sos.ne.gov/rules-and-regs/regtrack/proposals/0000000000000797.pdf
Title: Title 92 NAC Chapter 10 - Multiple Provisions
Source: http://www.sos.ne.gov/rules-and-regs |
Finance--Funding Formulas |
Signed into law 11/2009 |
P-12 |
Appropriations bill (passed in special session). Changes and eliminates provisions relating to disbursement of income tax receipts, calculation of formula need, elementary site allowance, teacher education adjustment, and instructional time allowance and expenditure limits as prescribed; provides for calculation of a teacher education allowance; relates to english proficiency, distance education, summer school, teacher education and elementary site allowances. http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB545A.pdf
Title: L.B. 545A
Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet |
Career/Technical Education |
Signed into law 05/2009 |
P-12 |
Adopts the Center for Student Leadership and Extended Learnings Act.From statement of intent: creates the Center for Student Leadership and Extended Learning Act, and provides state support for establishing and maintaining within the State Department of Education the Center for Student Leadership and Extended Learning. Requires the center to provide ongoing financial and administrative support for state leadership and administration of Nebraska career education student organizations. Career education student organizations that would be supported by the center are FFA, FBLA, FCCLA, DECA, SkillsUSA, and HOSA. Center is intended to create and coordinate opportunities for students to participate in educational activities outside the normal classroom, and partner with state and local organizations to share research and identify best practices that can be disseminated to schools and community organizations. LB 476 would appropriate no less than $450,000 each fiscal year to carry out the Center for Student Leadership and Extended Learning Act.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB476.pdf
Title: L.B. 476
Source: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov |
Finance--Lotteries |
Signed into law 05/2009 |
P-12 |
Changes the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009; amends provisions regarding the Education Innovation Fund; relates to property taxes; amends provisions regarding expenditures for payments to school district certified employees in exchange for voluntary termination; relates to calculations for state aid, English proficiency, property valuations, school reorganizations and poverty allowance expenditures.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Final/LB545.pdf
Title: L.B. 545
Source: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov |
Finance--Taxes/Revenues |
Signed into law 05/2009 |
Postsec. |
Allows any business firm which makes expenditures in research and experimental activities as defined in section 174 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, on the campus of a college or university in this state or at a facility owned by a college or university in this state shall be allowed a research tax credit as provided in the Nebraska Advantage Research and Development Act. Requires that the credit amount equal 35% of the federal credit allowed under federal tax code or as apportioned by the state. Requires that the credit be allowed for the first tax year it is claimed and for the four tax years immediately following.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Final/LB555.pdf
Title: L.B. 555
Source: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/ |
Governance--School Boards |
Signed into law 05/2009 |
P-12 |
No member of a school board shall be employed as a teacher by engaged in a contract to teach pursuant to sections 79-817 to 79-821 with the
school district which he or she serves as a board member.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB163.pdf
Title: L.B. 163
Source: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov |
Health |
Signed into law 05/2009 |
P-12 |
Amends section 79-217 to require every student entering 7th grade on or after July 1, 2010
to have a booster immunization containing diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and an acellular pertussis vaccine. The
immunization must meet the standards approved by the United States Public Health Service for such biological
products, as such standards existed on January 1, 2009.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Final/LB464.pdf
Title: L.B. 464
Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet |
Postsecondary Participation--Affirmative Action |
Signed into law 05/2009 |
P-12,
Postsec. |
Changes diversity criteria (deletes terms racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds but leaves term "diverse") under the Student Diversity Scholarship Program Act.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Final/LB440.pdf
Title: L.B. 440
Source: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov |
Special Education |
Signed into law 05/2009 |
P-12 |
Statement of intent: Legislative Bill 549 is the K-12 education technical bill for 2009. Substantive changes would include reducing the time a district would be allowed to contract for the instruction of all students from 3 years to 2 years, adding a requirement for districts to provide transportation allowances to parents of students who live more than 3 miles from the pick up point for transportation provided by the school, authorizing statewide regional networks for the provision of services to children with disabilities, and revising procedures for appointing surrogate parents for children with disabilities. A public hearing requirement would also be eliminated for itemized estimates for environmental hazards, accessibility barrier elimination, or modifications for life safety code violations, indoor air quality, or mold abatement and prevention. The measure would clarify or make minor revisions to provisions for exempt schools, student transportation, option enrollment, student records, school district reporting requirements, school board meetings, school finance, reorganization of educational service units, and veteran education. The sections regarding the Nebraska Equal Opportunity for Displaced Homemakers Act, the Diagnostic Resource Center in Cozad, and the obsolete distribution formula for core service funding would be outright repealed.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Final/LB549.pdf
Title: L.B. 549
Source: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov |
Career/Technical Education |
Signed into law 04/2009 |
Community College |
Provides for vocational training for public assistance recipients; provides that for creating the self-sufficiency contract and meeting the applicant's work activity requirement, an applicant shall be allowed to engage in vocational training that leads to an associate degree, a diploma, or a certificate for a minimum of twenty hours per week for up to thirty-six months. From the fiscal note: This bill would allow the work activity requirements for receiving Aid to Dependent Children assistance to include engaging in vocational training that leads to an associate's degree, a diploma or a certificate for a minimum of 20 hours per week for up to 36 months. This provision terminates on September 30, 2012. Required work activities are outlined in the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Act (TANF). In addition to outlining the scope of work activities, states must meet a work participation rate of 50%. Failure to the meet the work participation rate could result in federal penalties being imposed on the state.
Federal law caps vocational training at 12 months. States may exceed the 12-month federal cap, but the individuals who are in
vocational training longer than 12 months do not count towards meeting the federal work participation rate. Based on current work
participation rates and the sunset date, this provision would not put the state's work participation rates at less than 50%.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB458.pdf
Title: L.B. 458
Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet |
Governance |
Signed into law 04/2009 |
P-12 |
Allows videoconferencing and telephone conferences by educational service unit boards as long as certain requirements are met (i.e., no more than half of the meetings during a year).
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB361.pdf
Title: L.B. 361
Source: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov |
Postsecondary Institutions--Community/Technical Colleges |
Signed into law 04/2009 |
Community College,
Postsec. |
From the Fiscal Note: Requires the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education to report findings of a study relating to the Nebraska community college system to the Legislature on or before December 15, 2009. Specific elements to be addressed by the study are:
(a) The need for changes to the statutory role and mission of Nebraska community colleges.
(b) Changes in the weighting of courses that may be necessary for reimbursable education units to properly reflect the role and mission of Nebraska community colleges and the cost of providing such courses.
(c) Powers, duties, and mission of the Nebraska Community College Association or its successor and whether membership in such an association should be required.
(d) Consequences for failing to satisfy current community college association membership requirements contained in section 85-1502.
(e) State coordination of community colleges in the absence of a community college association or membership therein.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB340.pdf
Title: L.B. 340
Source: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov |
Teaching Quality--Recruitment and Retention |
Signed into law 04/2009 |
P-12 |
From the Fiscal Note: LB 547 changes provisions of the Attracting Excellence to Teaching Program Act, a teacher loan forgiveness program administered by the State Department of Education (NDE). The bill changes the criteria for eligibility for loans from the program, increases the annual amount that may be loaned to an applicant and increases the amount of time a new applicant must teach in the state in order for a loan to be forgiven. The Attracting Excellence to Teaching Program Act is expanded to include the Enhancing Excellence in Teaching Program and the act is renamed the Excellence in Teaching Act. The addition of the Enhancing Excellence in Teaching Program to the act changes the focus of the funding for the act. All of the funding is currently provided to students working toward an initial certificate to teach in any subject area. The bill provides that loans made after the effective date of the bill, to new applicants working toward their initial certificate, will only be made to students majoring in a shortage area. It also expands the eligibility for the program and provides for the majority of the loans to be made to certificated teachers enrolled in graduate education programs who are majoring in a shortage area.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB547.pdf
Title: L.B. 547
Source: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov |
High School--Dual/Concurrent Enrollment |
Signed into law 03/2009 |
P-12,
Postsec.,
Community College |
Changes provisions of the Access College Early Scholarship Program Act for low-income dually enrolled students to authorize the coordinating commission for postsecondary education to limit the number of scholarships awarded in each term or to an individual student. Revises commission's reporting requirement on the program from biennial to annual. http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB20.pdf
Title: L.B. 20
Source: www.nebraskalegislature.gov |
Postsecondary Participation--Admissions Requirements |
Signed into law 03/2009 |
Postsec.,
Community College |
Provides a definition of high school graduate for purposes of postsecondary financial aid and admission to postsecondary institutions. Provides a student is a high school graduate if he or she has obtained an associate of arts degree or an associate of science degree from a community college in the state. Since a high school diploma is a prerequisite for receipt of federal financial aid, such a definition would allow students not previously eligible for federal financial aid to become potential recipients. http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB102.pdf
Title: L.B. 102
Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet |
Choice of Schools--Choice/Open Enrollment |
Signed into law 02/2009 |
P-12 |
Primarily affects the Omaha area. From the fiscal note: LB 62 changes application provisions for a student residing in a learning community who opts to attend school in an option school
district which is a member of the learning community in 2009-10. The bill requires an application to be submitted between the effective
date of the bill and April 1, 2009. School districts must notify applicants and the State Department of Education (NDE) about
acceptances for 2009-10 by April 10, 2009. These provisions have no fiscal impact.
The bill also changes the calculation of state aid for Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act (TEEOSA). Current law
provides for a learning community transportation adjustment in the first two years of a new learning community. The transportation
adjustment increases formula need for schools in a learning community by an amount equal to the estimated cost to provide free
transportation for students transferring to other schools in the learning community pursuant to subsection (2) of Section 79-611. LB 62
changes the fiscal years of the adjustment in the formula to the second and third years of a new learning community rather than the first
and second years of the learning community. So, the transportation adjustment is delayed a year. It will not be part of the calculation
of state aid in 2009-10, but instead will be included as an adjustment n 2011-12. Adjustments increase state aid to schools eligible for
the adjustment.
The change aligns the learning community transportation adjustment in the state aid formula with the initiation of open enrollment in the
new learning community. Open enrollment in the learning community begins in 2010-11. During the first two years of open enrollment
in the learning community, the expenses for transportation are not included in the calculation of general fund operating costs because
the state aid calculation uses two year old data. Providing a transportation adjustment to schools in the learning community in 2010-
11and 2010-11 covers the costs of transporting eligible students to other schools in the learning community in the year in which the
transportation costs are incurred. The change from current law will result in an increase in state aid paid in 2011-12 in the amount of
the transportation adjustment. The amount of the transportation adjustment is unknown because the attendance of children in other
than the school district of residence in the new learning community is unknown as are transportation costs for such attendance.
The bill also requires NDE to annually certify to each learning community and each member school district the average percentage of
students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunches in each school building.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Final/LB62.pdf
Title: L.B. 62
Source: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov |
Postsecondary Participation--Affirmative Action |
Approved by voters 09/2008 |
P-12,
Postsec. |
(INITIATIVE MEASURE NO. 424) Proposes an amendment to the State Constitution; prohibits the State from discriminating against, or granting preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, public education, or public contracting; allows bona fide qualifications based on sex that are reasonably necessary; provides an exception for certain federal programs. On 11/14/2008 Ballot.
Title: V. 3; (Initiative Measure No. 424)
Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet |
Assessment |
Signed into law 04/2008 |
P-12 |
From the fiscal note: Changes the current assessment system to provide for statewide assessments in reading and mathematics to be administered in seven grades, rather than three. The bill also establishes an additional statewide science assessment. The science assessment is to begin in 2011-12 and be given in at least three grades. LB 1157 provides that the State Board of Education shall not require school districts to administer assessments other than required state assessments. The bill also eliminates the requirement for educational
service units to conduct an annual peer review of local assessments and for school districts to develop assessment portfolios. A technical advisory committee is established to review the statewide assessments plan and instruments. The State Department of Education (NDE) estimates the need for $3.5 million for assessments in reading, mathematics and science.
Additional funds ($225,000) will also be needed to revise standards and develop a special education alternate assessment ($1.5 million). NDE indicates a new special education assessment will be required due to the required revision of standards in LB 1157.
The general fund fiscal impact of the bill is dependent upon the actual cost of assessments and the amount of federal funds that may be redirected from use for local assessments to use for state assessments. NDE indicates the state receives $2,750,000 of federal funds from No Child Left Behind (NCLB) that are used for the current STARS assessment program. The use of these funds can be redirected to state assessments.
Link to fiscal note, which includes a table of projected costs:
http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/FN/LB1157.pdf
Full text: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Final/LB1157.pdf/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Final/LB1157.pdf
Title: L.B. 1157
Source: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov |
Choice of Schools--Choice/Open Enrollment |
Signed into law 04/2008 |
P-12 |
From the fiscal note: LB 1154 pertains to learning communities. Section 8 changes the requirements for transportation of students in a learning community. Free transportation is to be provided to a student contributing to the socioeconomic diversity of enrollment who is attending another school in the learning community, only if the student lives more than one mile from the school to which he or she transfers. The change may result in a minimal decrease in transportation expenses for affected school districts. Section 9 redefines focus programs, focus schools, magnet schools and pathways. It appears the bill clarifies that school districts may establish one or more focus schools or programs or magnet schools. There appears to be no fiscal impact for these provisions. Section 10 allows a school district to exceed its applicable allowable growth rate for expenditures to pay another school district for the transfer of land from such other school district to the district seeking to exceed its applicable allowable growth rate. Any increased spending pursuant to this provision will increase state aid, two years later. Schools are also allowed to exceed the allowable growth rate by the amount of estimated increased expenditures above that of the second preceding school year for telecommunication services and access to and transmission of data on networks in the first two years that a district participates in Network Nebraska, or in 2008-09, if the district participated in 2007-08.
http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB1154.pdf
Title: L.B. 1154
Source: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov |
Economic/Workforce Development |
Signed into law 04/2008 |
Community College |
Makes revisions to statutes governing the Job Training Cash Fund in the Department of Economic Development. The Department would be required to: Establish a subaccount within the fund to provide job training grants targeted to small and rural employers. The amount placed in the subaccount would be equal to the amount of interest accruing to the Job Training Cash Fund in the prior fiscal year. Whenever practicable, the Department would give priority consideration to training services offered by community college areas.
http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB956.pdf
Title: L.B. 956
Source: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov |
Finance--Funding Formulas |
Signed into law 04/2008 |
P-12 |
From the fiscal note:
Basic Funding: The bill changes the computation of the needs component of the state aid formula beginning in 2008-09. Instead of
using cost groups as the primary basis to calculate need, the bill establishes comparison groups for each school district to determine
the amount of basic funding. The comparison group for a school district is the next five larger districts and the next five smaller districts
in size based upon the number of formula students. Basic funding is determined by first subtracting allowances to determine adjusted
general fund operating expenditures. Then, for schools with less than 900 formula students, the basic funding for the district becomes
the average of the adjusted general fund operating expenditures of the comparison group of school districts, omitting the high and low
districts from the calculation. Basic funding for schools with 900 or more formula students will be based on average adjusted general
fund operating expenditures per student for the comparison group, excluding the high and low districts.
The change from using cost groups to comparison groups for purposes of calculating basic funding will result in an estimated $16
million decrease in the needs calculation in 2008-09 due to the exclusion of the high and low spending school districts in the
comparison groups. The change in needs for any school district depends upon the relative spending of the district to the spending of
other school districts in a comparison group. The calculated amount of needs for the basic funding component of the formula is about
$2.1 billion.
Formula Students: The calculation of formula students is changed to reduce the number of formula students by .5 for each student
enrolled in less than full-day kindergarten. Formula students is also changed to include 60% of the qualified early childhood education
fall membership. The formula currently weights early childhood educations students at .06. The changes will alter the number of
students used in the formula to calculate state aid. Districts not offering full-day kindergarten will have a lower number of formula
students. Changes in formula students shift need between school districts.
General Fund Operating Expenditures: The definition of general fund operating expenditures (GFOE) is changed to include
expenditures for summer school. GFOE is also redefined to exclude receipts to the general fund to the extent the receipts are not
included in formula resources from early childhood education tuition, summer school tuition, converted contracts, distance education
courses, private foundations and other private sources, the textbook loan program, federal impact aid, and transfers from the general
fund to a bond fund and transfers from other funds into the general fund. Beginning in 2010-11, GFOE will also exclude the proceeds
of levy override elections. Any changes in GFOE as a result of the inclusion of summer school as an expenditure and the exclusion of
the other items as expenditures changes total needs in the formula. The changes decrease formula needs by $34.1 million in 2008-09.
Cost Growth Factor: The bill changes the cost growth factor which is used to increase general fund operating expenditures in the
formula. The component in the cost growth factor for enrollment growth is eliminated as is the growth due to a board vote. The cost
growth factor in the 2008-09 certification of state aid is 1.078. The bill changes the factor to 1.06, based upon the current allowable
growth rate. The change in the factor reduces the amount of formula need by $37.9 million in 2008-09.
Fiscal note: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/FN/LB988.pdf
Full text: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB988.pdf
Title: L.B. 988
Source: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov |
Health |
Signed into law 04/2008 |
P-12 |
Allows funding from the Health Care Cash Fund to be used for school-based health clinics (formerly prohibited).
http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB469.pdf
Title: L.B. 469
Source: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov |
High School--Graduation Requirements |
Signed into law 04/2008 |
P-12 |
At the request of 1 a parent or guardian, a school district is to issue a certificate of attendance to a student who receives special education services, who has reached seventeen years of age, and who has not completed his or her individualized education plan. Requires districts to allow a student who receives a certificate of attendance under this section to participate in the high school graduation ceremony of such high school with students receiving high school diplomas. A student may receive only one certificate of attendance and may participate in only one graduation ceremony based on such certificate. The receipt of a certificate of attendance does not affect a school district's obligation to continue to provide special education services to a student receiving such certificate. Does not preclude a student from receiving a high school diploma by meeting the school district's graduation requirements or in his or her individualized education plan or receiving a diploma of high school equivalency upon completing the requirements of such section. The school district may allow a student who has previously participated in a graduation ceremony based on a certificate of attendance to participate in an additional graduation ceremony when such student receives a high school diploma.
For school year 2008-09, any early childhood education program established by a school board or an educational service unit that is not receiving a grant or funding through the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act may enroll children who meet the age requirements to be enrolled in kindergarten.
http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Final/LB1153.pdf
Title: L.B. 1153
Source: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov |
Postsecondary Affordability--Tuition/Fees |
Signed into law 04/2008 |
Postsec.,
Community College |
Provides that if a member of the State National Guard enrolled in any state-supported university, college, or community college or any independent, not-for-profit, regionally accredited college or university is unable to complete his or her course of study within a specified time period due to deployment, the Adjutant General may extend the entitlement period for such member; requires the member to maintain satisfactory performance with the guard and pursue his or her course of study in such institution.
http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB746.pdf
Title: L.B. 746
Source: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov |
Postsecondary Institutions--Community/Technical Colleges |
Signed into law 04/2008 |
Community College,
Postsec. |
Changes provisions governing distribution of state aid among Nebraska's six community college areas. The total level of state aid appropriated for community college area aid would not be directly impacted. Such appropriations would remain at the discretion of the Legislature. Distribution of aid among the six areas would be affected. Proportional shares of total state aid distributed among the six community college areas will vary over time as values for factors incorporated in the statutory aid distribution formula change over time.
http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB973.pdf
Title: L.B. 973
Source: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov |
School/District Structure/Operations--Facilities |
Signed into law 03/2008 |
P-12 |
Relates to energy financing contracts; increases the maximum amount of time for repayment for energy financing contracts after the installation of the energy conservation measures; increases the maximum amount of time for repayment of energy financing contracts for school boards; provides for a performance bond; requires disclosure of interest rates.
Title: L.B. 747
Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet |
School Safety |
Signed into law 02/2008 |
P-12 |
Requires schools to adopt a bullying policy by July 1, 2009; amends provisions regarding student discipline.Defines bullying as any ongoing pattern of physical, verbal, or electronic abuse on school grounds, in a vehicle owned, leased, or contracted by a school being used for a school purpose by a school employee or his or her designee, or at school-sponsored activities or school-sponsored athletic events.
http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Final/LB205.pdf
Title: L.B. 205
Source: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/ |
Assessment |
Signed into law 05/2007 |
P-12 |
Requires the state board to implement a statewide assessment and reporting reporting system; grade level standards and assessments; and the tracking of individual student achievement. Requires a statewide assessment of reading beginning in 2009-10 and a statewide assessment of mathematics beginning in 2010-11.
http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB653.pdf
Title: L.A. 653
Source: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov |
Desegregation |
Signed into law 05/2007 |
P-12 |
Pertains to Class V school districts. (Omaha Public Schools is only class V district as of bill passage.) Provides for the division of a learning community into separate education centers and establishes procedures. Replaces the requirement for Class V school districts to be divided into new school districts with a provision for the creation of education centers within the district. Requires school districts in learning communities to provide enough openings for students residing outside the attendance area of a school such that at least 10% of the students attending the school could reside outside the attendance area. Defines duties and authorities of Class V districts, education centers and learning communities.
http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB641.pdf
Title: L.B. 641
Source: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov |
Finance |
Signed into law 05/2007 |
P-12 |
Changes procedure relating to elections to exceed the property tax levy limit. Specifies that the method of voting at the meeting will protect the secrecy of the ballot.
http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB289.pdf
Title: L.B. 289
Source: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov |
Finance |
Signed into law 05/2007 |
P-12 |
Relates to school breakfast funding. Changes the basis for the state reimbursement of the school breakfast program from the current year to the second preceding year. The current reimbursement amount of $.05 per school breakfast served is retained. Current law allowing the appropriation to be pro-rated if sufficient funds are not appropriated is repealed.
http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB73.pdf
Title: L.A. 73
Source: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov |
Online Learning--Virtual Schools/Courses |
Signed into law 05/2007 |
P-12 |
Relates to educational service units and school funding, incuding distance education. Changes provisions relating to: election of board members for educational service units; distance education, unit boundaries and board membership; and the Early Childhood Education Grant Program. Provides: a formula and changes provisions relating to core services and technology infrastructure funding; for election districts; a duty for the Auditor of Public Accounts.
http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB603.pdf
Title: L.B. 603
Source: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/ |
Online Learning--Virtual Schools/Courses |
Signed into law 05/2007 |
P-12 |
Distance education provisions of this larger appropriations bill pertain to the qualifications of school districts and educational service units (ESUs) for lottery funds allocated for distance education equipment reimbursement and incentives. The bill allows ESU's to count each office within the ESU that has a distance education classroom serving 4,000 square miles to qualify for equipment reimbursement for such classroom. School districts may also count high school buildings for purposes of reimbursement that are no longer being used as such due to a school district merger, if the buildings had distance education classrooms at the time of application. Elementary distance education courses offered by school districts and ESU's may qualify for incentives if funds remain after equipment reimbursements and incentives for other courses are paid.
http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB603.pdf
Title: L.A. 603
Source: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov |
Postsecondary Affordability--Tuition/Fees--Prepd/College Savings Plans |
Signed into law 05/2007 |
Postsec.,
Community College |
Increases the amount that may be excluded for state income tax purposes for contributions to a state educational savings plan trust account.
http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB338.pdf
Title: L.B. 338
Source: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov |
Postsecondary Institutions--Community/Technical Colleges |
Signed into law 05/2007 |
Postsec.,
Community College |
Adopts the community college foundation and equalization aid act to be used to provide state aid to community college areas. Amends provisions governing the six areas' property tax levying authority, specifies data elements to be utilized in the computation of annual community college aid distribution as well as derivation of property tax levying authority each year. Directs the coordinating commission for postsecondary education to annually collect data necessary for computation of community
college state aid distribution and property tax levying authority.
http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB342.pdf
Title: L.B. 342
Source: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/ |
School/District Structure/Operations |
Vetoed 05/2007 |
P-12 |
Provides for the creation of new Class I school districts. Class I districts may be created pursuant to a plan submitted by an individual or group of individuals. The plan is required to meet specified criteria and must be filed with the school board of the affected Class II, III, or IV school district and the state committee for the reorganization of school districts.
http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Final/LB658.pdf
Title: L.B. 658
Source: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Final/LB658.pdf |
Special Education |
Signed into law 05/2007 |
P-12 |
Creates the special education task force to examine the provision of special education services and recommend policies and potential legislation to the clerk of the legislature and the education committee on or before December 31, 2007. The examination would include, but not be limited to: (1) Federal and state laws; (2) Special education services in other states; (3) Application of the "least-restrictive-environment" doctrine; (4) The availability of services across the state; (5) The use of private providers by public school districts; (6) The use of private providers by private citizens; and (7) The provision of services for wards of the state or wards of the court.
http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB316.pdf
Title: L.B. 316
Source: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/ |
Special Education |
Signed into law 05/2007 |
P-12 |
Adopts the autism treatment program act for the purposes of (1) creating the Autism Treatment Program administered by the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and (2) providing for the development of a waiver or an amendment to an existing waiver under the medical assistance program established in section 68-903. Creates fund and allocates funds.
http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB482.pdf
Title: L.B. 482
Source: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/ |
Teaching Quality |
Signed into law 05/2007 |
P-12 |
Changes provisions of the school employees retirement act. Relates to retirement and payment of death benefits. Allows for a disability retirement application any time prior to the date of normal retirement eligibility.Gives a surviving spouse 12 months to elect to receive annuity benefits as they existed on the date of death of the member or at age 65, whichever is later.
http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB508.pdf
Title: L.B. 508
Source: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov |
High School--Dual/Concurrent Enrollment |
Signed into law 04/2007 |
P-12,
Postsec.,
Community College |
Creates the Access College Early Scholarship Program, and eliminates the Community Scholarship Foundation Program. The purpose of the program is to provide financial assistance to low-income students for courses to be taken for credit from a qualified postsecondary educational institution while still enrolled in high school.
http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB192.pdf
Title: L.B. 192
Source: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov |
P-3 |
Signed into law 03/2007 |
P-12 |
Transfers operation of the Early Childhood Training Center from the educational service unit currently operating the center to the department of education on September 1, 2007. Addresses transfer of employee benefits.
http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Final/LB231.pdf
Title: L.B. 231
Source: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov |
Finance |
Signed into law 01/2007 |
P-12 |
Relates to the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act. Changes provisions relating to cost growth factor.
http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Final/LB21.pdf
Title: L.B. 21
Source: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/ |
P-3 |
Approved by voters 12/2006 |
P-12 |
A constitutional amendment to permit use of funds dedicated to the common schools for early childhood educational purposes. If adopted, requires the creation of an early childhood education endowment fund for the purpose of supporting early childhood education in the state as provided by the Legislature. Requires allocation of an amount equal to forty million dollars for the endowment fund. Only interest or income on such early childhood education endowment fund may be appropriated as provided by the Legislature. For purposes of Article VII of this Constitution, early childhood education means programs operated by or distributed through the common schools promoting development and learning for children from birth to kindergarten-entrance age. If the annual income from twenty million dollars of private funding is not irrevocably committed by July 1, 2011, to the use of the early childhood education endowment fund, then the forty-million-dollar allocation pursuant to subdivision (3)(b) of this section may revert to the use of the common schools as the Legislature shall determine.
http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/legal/SLIP_LB1006.pdf
Title: L.B. 1006
Source: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/ |
School/District Structure/Operations |
Legislation Repealed by Voters 11/2006 |
P-12 |
Gives voters the option of retaining or repealing legislation pertaining to certain dissolved school districts.
http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/pdf/FINAL_LB126_1.pdf
Title: L.B. 126
Source: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/ |
Postsecondary Institutions--Private/Independent |
Rule Adoption 08/2006 |
Postsec.,
Community College |
Establishes procedures for authorizing private postsecondary career schools to operate, be accredited and grant degrees.
Nebraska 1264
Title: Title 92 NAC Chapters 41 and 42
Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet |
Career/Technical Education |
Signed into law 04/2006 |
P-12 |
Adopts the Career Education Partnership Act. The bill provides for the state department of education to administer a
program to provide grants to collaborative partnerships of two or more school districts that are collaborating on a project with an
educational service unit, or a public postsecondary institution and an advisory group. Grants may not exceed $75,000 per project and
may be expended over a two year period. Appropriates $450,000 of general funds in 2006-07 and 2007-08 for grants.
http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/pdf/FINAL_LB690_1.pdf
Title: L.B. 690
Source: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/ |
Online Learning--Virtual Schools/Courses |
Signed into law 04/2006 |
P-12 |
From the fiscal note: LB 1208 relates to the provision of distance education in the state. The bill requires educational service units (ESU's) to assume responsibility for distance education services that are being provided to member school districts through a distance education
consortium on July 1, 2007. A Distance Education Council is created to coordinate distance education in the state. The bill requires the Chief Information Officer (CIO) to bid for equipment and software for school districts, ESU's, community colleges,state colleges and the University of Nebraska to participate in distance learning.
http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/PDF/FiscalNote_LB1208_0002.pdf
Title: L.B. 1208
Source: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us |
P-3 |
Signed into law 04/2006 |
P-12 |
From the fiscal note: LB 1256 establishes an endowment fund to provide early childhood education grants to programs for at-risk children from birth to age three. Upon the effective date of an endowment agreement, administration of the Early Childhood Education Grant Program with respect to programs for children from birth to age three will transfer to the board of trustees. If there is no endowment agreement in effect, the department will request proposals for all early childhood education programs from school districts, which include birth to kindergarten.
The State Department of Education is to request proposals from private endowments to be the provider for the Nebraska Early Childhood Endowment within 90 days of passage of the bill. The endowment provider must place no less than $20 million in a private endowment within five years. At least $1 million must be placed in the endowment prior to December 31, 2006 and a minimum of $5 million prior to June 30, 2007. All interest, earnings and proceeds from the endowment are deposited into the Early Childhood Endowment Cash Fund at least quarterly to be used for grants, evaluation and technical assistance. The bill provides for the Early Childhood Endowment Fund to consist of $40,000,000 of the Cash Reserve Fund, which shall remain in the Cash Reserve Fund, on the effective date of an endowment agreement until June 30, 2007. The interest earned on the $40 million accrues to the Early Childhood Education Cash Fund. After July 1, 2007, the Early Childhood Endowment Fund will consist of the greater of $40 million, or 10% of the value of funds belonging to the state for educational purposes (Permanent School Fund), if the constitutional amendment contained in LB 1006 passes in November, 2006. If the amendment does not pass, then the endowment agreement may provide for the obligations of the endowment provider to terminate if another source of funding is not secured. A six-member Early Childhood Education Endowment Board of Trustees is created to administer the grant program. Grants may be provided to school districts, cooperatives of school districts and educational service units. Grant recipients are eligible for up to 50% of the total budget of the program each year. Continuation grants may be awarded. Revenue: The bill provides for interest earned on $40 million of the Cash Reserve Fund.
http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/legal/SLIP_LB1256.pdf
Title: L.B. 1256
Source: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us |
Postsecondary Affordability--Tuition/Fees--Undocumented Immigrants |
GOVERNOR'S veto overridden by LEGISLATURE. 04/2006 |
Postsec. |
From the fiscal note: allow students to claim resident status if they have a petition pending with the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service
to attain lawful status. LB239 would also allow students graduating from Nebraska high schools and applying or intending to apply as
permanent residents to enroll as resident students.
http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/legal/SLIP_LB239.pdf
Title: L.B. 239
Source: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/ |
Private Schools |
Signed into law 04/2006 |
P-12 |
From fiscal note: LB 821 requires school districts to allow the part-time enrollment of students who are residents of the district who are enrolled in
another private, denominational, or parochial school or school which elects not to meet accreditation or approval requirements. Parttime
enrollment does not entitle a student to transportation or transportation reimbursements. Schools may also allow the part-time
enrollment of students who are not residents of a district.
http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/legal/SLIP_LB821.pdf
Title: L.B. 821
Source: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us |
P-3 Finance |
Signed by Governor 06/2005 |
P-12 |
Changes provisions relating to early childhood education programs as prescribed; to define and redefine terms; to provide a weighting factor and a calculation; to change provisions relating to applicable allowable growth rates; to change provisions relating to a grant program; to harmonize provisions; and to repeal the original sections. Defines "qualified early childhood education average daily membership." Defines the weighting factor for early childhood education programs as six-tenths.
http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/pdf/FINAL_LB577_1.pdf
Title: L.B. 577
Source: StateNet |
Postsecondary Online Instruction |
Signed into law 05/2005 |
P-12,
Postsec.,
Community College |
Creates and provides duties for the Distance Education Enhancement Task Force. http://www.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/99/PDF/Slip/LB689.pdf
Title: L.B. 689
Source: StateNet |
School/District Structure/Operations |
Signed into law 03/2005 |
P-12 |
Relates to schools. Provides for payment adjustments to reflect transfers of property as prescribed.
(1) State aid payments shall be adjusted to reflect transfers of property due to annexation, to any dissolution of a Class I school district, and to any reorganization involving one or more Class I school districts.
Title: L.B. 198
Source: StateNet |
Teaching Quality--Compensation and Diversified Pay |
Signed into law 03/2005 |
P-12 |
Relates to retirement; authorizes certain contributions related to school plans.
Title: L.B. 329
Source: StateNet |
Attendance |
Signed into law 04/2004 |
P-12 |
LB 868 changes the mandatory ages for compulsory education. From the fiscal note: Currently, ages are from age 7 through
age 15. Beginning in the 2005-06 school year, children will be required to attend school if they will reach the age of 6 by January 1st of
the current school year unless they are attending an alternative education program that will allow them to enter the first grade the
following school year. Children also must attend through the age of 17 unless they have obtained a diploma, have completed an
alternative education program or have reached the age of 16 and the parent or guardian has signed a waiver form.
It is assumed the bill will result in a one-time increase the number of children in kindergarten in the 2005-06 school year. The bill
requires children who will turn age 6 by January 1st of the next year to start school in the current year. The state department does not have statewide data on the number of age-eligible children who delay entrance to kindergarten. However, the
National Center for Education Statistics reports that about 9% of age-eligible kindergarten children postpone their entrance to
kindergarten each year. Using this estimate it is assumed that up to 920 more children will enter kindergarten in the public schools in
the fall of 2005 than would have in the absence of the bill. (This number is derived by taking half of the public school children in
kindergarten in FY03 times 9%. Delayed entrance is assumed for only half of the number of kindergarten students because the bill still
allows delayed entrance for half of the 5 year olds.)
The fiscal impact of additional children in kindergarten in 2005-06 will vary by school district depending upon whether the district can
absorb additional students into existing classrooms without hiring teachers or expanding the number of classrooms. Due to a statewide
decline in elementary membership in the last decade, this fiscal note assumes that most of the additional children will be absorbed into
existing classrooms. It is assumed that very few, if any, new teachers will be hired to meet the one-time influx of additional students in
kindergarten. There may be minimal additional expenses for school textbooks and materials for these students. If this is the case,
then overall "need" in the state aid formula may minimally increase, two years later. The student count used in the state aid formula
will increase one year later. These changes will result in a minimal shift in state aid between school districts to those districts that
receive additional students, one year after the increase occurs, or in 2006-07. The 2007-08 computation of state aid will include any
increased expenditures pursuant to the bill which will increase overall aid for school districts by a minimal amount. http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/legal/SLIP_LB868.pdf
Title: L.B. 868
Source: StateNet |
School/District Structure/Operations |
Signed into law 04/2004 |
P-12 |
One part of this bill creates the School District Reorganization Fund. From the fiscal note: AM 3480 provides that the state will fund incentive payments to encourage Class II and III school districts with less than 390 students to reorganize into Class II, III, IV or V school districts with greater than 390 students. The incentive payments apply to consolidations after May 31, 2005 and before June 1, 2007. Incentives are paid to reorganized schools for two years. Base year incentives are paid in the initial year of reorganization. $1 million in transfers from the Education Innovation Fund (lottery proceeds) will be available in 2005-06 and 2006-07 for base year incentives. The funds are to be prorated if the total is insufficient to fund all schools qualified for incentives.
Base year incentives will be equal to 50% of the amount calculated based upon a formula established in the amendment.
Incentives in the second year of a consolidation will equal the other 50% of the original calculation unless funds were prorated for the
base year. If funds were prorated, the second year incentive will include the amount not paid in the first year due to proration of funds.
Second year incentives will be funded with General Funds as part of the distribution of state aid in 2006-07 and 2007-08. Base year
incentives are not included in formula resources for purposes of state aid and schools may exceed the budget lid by the amount of
incentive payments received. The fiscal impact of the amendment for the state depends upon the consolidations that occur. In 2002-03, there were 134 Class II and III school districts with less than 390 students. These systems had an average daily membership (ADM) of 32,891 students. It is estimated that if all school districts (76) in the standard cost grouping with less than 390 students were to consolidate, the fiscal impact for incentives will be $36.4 million over the three year period from 2005-06 to 2007-08.
The potential fiscal impact is overstated since all Class II and III school districts in the standard cost group with less than 390 students
will probably not consolidate. The fiscal impact is understated due to the use of 2002-03 ADM. This is because declining membership
in smaller school systems results in a greater number of schools being eligible for future incentives which may be higher as
membership declines. The fiscal impact may also be understated if school systems in the sparse or very sparse cost groups
consolidate. The fiscal impact may also be impacted by consolidations of Class I and Class VI districts with Class II and III districts.
This fiscal notes assumes that about 5%-10% of the eligible districts will consolidate and be eligible for incentives during the period
allowed in the bill. This assumption is based upon the number of consolidations of school districts that occurred from 1997-98 through
2001-02 when a prior incentive plan was funded by the state. If this number of consolidations occur, then the total fiscal impact will
range from $1.8 to $3.6 million over the three year period. The estimated amount will be higher if all of the consolidations occur in
districts which receive the largest incentive payments pursuant to the bill.
The amount of additional state aid required each fiscal year for incentives will depend upon the timing of consolidations. The fiscal
impact in the bill's initial year is a maximum of $1 million of lottery funds set aside for base year incentives. If $1million of base year
incentives are distributed in 2005-06, the fiscal impact in 2006-07 would be $1 million of general funds for second year incentives
authorized in 2005-06 and an additional $1 million of lottery funds for 2006-07 base year incentives. If base year incentives are
prorated in 2005-06, the General Fund fiscal impact in 2006-07, will be greater than $1 million for second year incentives, since the
amount of the proration will have to be made up in the second year.
The reorganization of schools into districts with 390 or more students will result in reorganization efficiencies which will reduce the
amount expended by schools to operate with less than 390 students. These efficiencies should result in a savings for property
taxpayers in those merged school districts with costs greater than their cost grouping cost prior to the merger. The state will also
realize a savings in state aid payments two years after the consolidation due to lower overall school expenditures. Lower school
spending results in lower cost group costs which will reduce state aid for schools receiving equalization aid. Any savings in state aid
will occur beginning in 2007-08.
School systems that opt to consolidate and receive incentive aid will have increased state incentive aid for two fiscal years. School
systems receiving aid may exceed budget lids by the incentive payment amount. Consolidated school systems may also have
increased expenditures related to consolidation such as retirement incentives, staff development assistance and transportation. Based
on the current school finance formula, consolidated systems may also receive stabilization aid for a couple of years after the state
incentive aid payments end. Slip Law: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/legal/SLIP_LB1091.pdf Fiscal Note: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/PDF/FiscalNote_LB1091_0002.pdf
Title: L.B. 1091
Source: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us |
Parent/Family |
Signed into law 03/2004 |
P-12 |
Eliminates a requirement for school districts to provide abortion information.
Title: L.B. 172
Source: StateNet |
Students |
Signed into law 06/2003 |
P-12 |
Any person who competes in the sport of football for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln may be granted a stipend, the amount of which
shall be determined by the university. In addition, the university may in its discretion grant a stipend to persons who compete in sports other than football which participate in Big Twelve Conference competition. http://srvwww.unicam.state.ne.us/pdfs/XCVIII/R1/slip/SLIP_LB688.pdf
Title: L.B. 688
Source: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us |
Finance |
Signed into law 05/2003 |
P-12 |
The Public Elementary and Secondary Student Fee Authorization Act does not limit the ability of a governing body to request
donations of money, materials, equipment, or attire to defray costs if the request is made in such a way that it is clear that the request is not a requirement. The act does not prohibit a governing body from permitting students to supply materials for course projects. A governing body may require students to furnish minor personal or minor consumable items for participation in extracurricular activities. Also, In in regard to extracurricular activities, the option student shall be treated similarly to other students who transfer into the school from another public, private, denominational, or parochial school. http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/Legal/SLIP_LB249.pdf
Title: L.B. 249
Source: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us |
Finance--Taxes/Revenues |
GOVERNOR'S veto overridden by LEGISLATURE. 05/2003 |
P-12,
Community College |
Amends provisions relating to state aid, allowable growth for school district budgets, school levies. Provides for a statutory computation of annual community college area state aid eligibility. http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/Legal/SLIP_LB540.pdf.
Title: L.B. 540
Source: StateNet |
Health |
Signed into law 05/2003 |
Postsec. |
Beginning with school year 2003-04, each postsecondary educational institution must provide to each newly enrolled student who will reside in oncampus housing and the student's parent or guardian: (a) Detailed information on the risks associated with the potentially fatal meningococcal disease; (b) the availability and effectiveness of a vaccine against the disease; (c) a recommendation that each student receive the meningococcal vaccination; and (d) information on the availability of an indigent patient fund to assist qualified persons with the cost of the vaccine. http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/Legal/SLIP_LB513.pdf
Title: L.B. 513
Source: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us |
Leadership |
Signed into law 05/2003 |
P-12,
Postsec. |
LB 685, as amended, includes provisions from LB's 264, 683 and 684 pertaining to teacher certification and private postsecondary
career schools. Changes provisions relating to the issuance of administrator and teacher education certificates and permits to provide more flexibility in the certification of qualified educators for Nebraska schools and not to decrease any requirements for certificates to teach, provide special services, and administer in Nebraska schools. Defines basic skills competency as either (a) proficiency in (i) the written use of the English language, (ii) reading, comprehending, and interpreting professional writing and other written materials, and (iii) working with fundamental mathematical computations as demonstrated by successful completion of an examination designated by the board taken by teacher education students at a standard institution of higher education or (b) successful employment experiences. Establishes a new Certification Fund to replace the existing Teachers' Certification Fund. It also reduces the amount of teacher certificate fees that are placed in the Professional Practices Fund. The balance of the existing Teachers' Certification Fund is deposited into the new fund on the effective date of the bill. Provides that $13, rather than $15, of the $45 fee for a certificate or permit is to be used for costs of the Professional Practices
Commission. The $2 difference is instead used to certify educators and is placed in the newly created Certification Fund. Allows private postsecondary career schools to apply to te department of education for authority to award baccalaureate degrees. The department is required to refer these applications to the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education for its review and approval. The bill authorizes
the Coordinating Commission to assess reasonable fees based on its administrative costs to conduct such reviews. http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/index.htm
Title: L.B. 685
Source: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us |
Postsecondary Affordability--Financial Aid |
Signed into law 02/2003 |
Postsec. |
Provides for inclusion of associate degree program students under the Minority Scholarship Program Act.
Title: L.B. 106
Source: StateNet |
Postsecondary Institutions--Community/Technical Colleges |
Signed into law 02/2003 |
Postsec.,
Community College |
Provides for automatic nomination of candidates for community college boards of governors.
Title: L.B. 15
Source: StateNet |
Scheduling/School Calendar |
Signed into law 01/2003 |
P-12 |
One provision allows the state board to adopt and promulgate rules and regulations to define school day and other appropriate units of the school calendar (previously was "shall adopt").
Title: L.B. 67
Source: StateNet |
Accountability |
Adopted 12/2002 |
P-12 |
Establishes major rules regarding regulations and procedures for the accreditation of schools. Repeals 94 NAC 3. NEBRASKA REG 895 (SN)
Title: 92 NAC 10 (Rule 10)
Source: StateNet |
Bilingual/ESL |
Rejected by voters 11/2002 |
P-12 |
(LR 1CA 2001-2002) Amends section 27 of the Article I of the Nebraska Constitution to eliminate language requirements for private, denominational and parochial schools.
Title: Proposed Amendment 1
Source: Nebraska Secretary of State Web site |
No Child Left Behind--Report Cards |
Active 10/2002 |
P-12 |
2000-2001 Report Card: (http://reportcard.nde.state.ne.us/Main/PDFDownload.asp)
Source: Nebraska Department of Education Web site |
No Child Left Behind--Supplemental Services |
Active 09/2002 |
P-12 |
Supplemental Education Services application; deadline 10/15/2002: (http://www.nde.state.ne.us/TITLE1/nesspapp.pdf)
Source: Nebraska Department of Education Web site |
Finance |
Signed by governor 08/2002 |
P-12 |
As part of the state's budget cuts, eliminates the School Finance Review Committee and the Education Roundtable (saves approximately $20,000)
Title: L.B. 41B
Source: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us |
Finance--District |
Signed into law 04/2002 |
P-12 |
LB 460 repeals current law that restricts the annual growth rate of allowable cash reserves of school districts to 2% of the total general
fund budget of expenditures. School districts must still adhere to the statutory cap that restricts allowable reserves to between 20% to
45% of the total general fund budget of expenditures based on the membership of the district. The repeal of the annual percentage increase in reserves may have a fiscal impact on the amount of property taxes levied and collected by some school districts. The state department indicates that only 27 of 263 Class II-VI school districts are at the maximum reserve percentage in 2001-02. It is unknown what budgetary decisions will be made by school districts that have the ability to levy additional property taxes for reserves. It is assumed that some districts, not currently at the levy limit, will increase reserves pursuant to the bill. This will have an unknown fiscal impact in terms of increased property taxes levied. http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/Legal/SLIP_LB460.pdf
Title: L.B. 460
Source: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us |
Finance--Facilities |
Signed into law 04/2002 |
P-12 |
LB 391 is the Nebraska Schools Construction Alternatives Act. The bill allows a school district to enter into a design-build contract or construction management at risk contract for a public project if the school adheres to specified procedures. It is voluntary on the part of the school district whether these types of contracts are used for capital construction projects. School districts that opt to enter into these contracts may do so in some instances to accelerate building projects and reduce capital expenditures. http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/Legal/SLIP_LB391.pdf
Title: L.B. 391
Source: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us |
Finance--Funding Formulas |
Signed into law 04/2002 |
P-12 |
Changes the calculation of state aid to education for 2002-03, 2003-04, and 2004-05. The bill establishes a temporary aid adjustment factor that reduces each local school system's ""need", allocated income tax funds and net option funding by 1.25%. The bill reduces the factors used to compute the stabilization factor and small stabilization adjustment by 1.25%. The lop-off provision is adjusted to reflect receipts from other school districts related to annexation. LB 898 also requires the recertification of 2002-03 state aid before May1, 2002. The state department estimates the general fund fiscal impact of the bill to be a $22,223,160 decrease in state aid in 2002-03. The 1.25% decrease in formula need, allocated income tax funds and net option funding will result in a decrease in state aid for the majority of school systems. A few school systems impacted by the stabilization factors will have little or no decrease in state aid. The statewide average decrease in aid from the amount certified in February 2002 is 3.26%. The bill also allows school districts to exceed the levy limitation with a three-fourths majority vote of the school board by an amount that is the difference between the amount of state aid that would have been provided without the changes made in LB 898. This provision allows school districts at the levy maximum to increase property tax receipts by the amount of the decrease in state aid, if 75% of the board votes to do so. NDE will have a minimal increase in expenditures to certify these amounts to school districts by the required dates. It is assumed the increase in expenditures can be handled with the resources of the agency.
Title: L.B. 898
Source: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us |
Finance--State Budgets/Expenditures |
Signed into law 04/2002 |
P-12 |
LB 1172 is the Public Elementary and Secondary Student Fee Authorization Act. The act provides that a school or an educational
service unit (ESU) may collect fees or require students to provide equipment or attire for the following purposes: extracurricular
activities; admission fees for spectators at extracurricular activities and transportation charges for participants; certain postsecondary
education costs; certain transportation costs; reproduction costs for students files or records; reimbursement for damaged or lost
property; before and after school or prekindergarten services; summer school or night school; and breakfast and lunch programs.
Students may be required to furnish certain personal or consumable items and clothing for specified courses and activities. A school
store may be operated. Schools may require students to furnish musical instruments for optional music courses that are not
extracurricular activities, if the use of an instrument is provided free of charge for students qualifying for free or reduced price lunches.
Current law allowing a fee for eye protective devices is rewritten to require schools to provide the devices free of charge.
Entities charging fees pursuant to the act are required to have a policy to waive fees for students who qualify for free or reduced-price
lunches. School boards must annually hold a public hearing on the student fee policy and adopt a policy to be published in the student
handbook. A student fee fund shall be established to deposit fees received from extracurricular activities, postsecondary education
costs and summer and night school costs. Fees deposited into the fund shall be used for the purposes for which they were collected. http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/Legal/SLIP_LB1172.pdf
Title: L.B. 1172
Source: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/index.htm |
Finance--State Budgets/Expenditures |
GOVERNOR'S veto overridden by LEGISLATURE. 04/2002 |
P-12 |
LB 898's intent is to help address the budget shortfall facing Nebraska for the current biennium. LB 898 would increase the local effort rate for FY 2002-03 and beyond, so that it is only seven and one-half cents below the maximum levy, rather than ten cents. Currently, the local effort rate under a one-dollar maximum levy would be ninety cents. LB 898 increases the local effort rate to ninety-two and one-half cents. LB 898 reduces state appropriations by approximately $20.5 million. The bill also allows school districts to exceed the levy limitation with a three-fourths majority vote of the school board by an amount that is the difference between the amount of state aid that would have been provided without the changes made in LB 898.
Title: L.B. 898
Source: www.unicam.state.ne.us/index.htm |
Textbooks and Open Source |
Signed into law 04/2002 |
P-12 |
The bill, as amended, includes the contents of LB 1250. LB 1250 requires a publisher or manufacturer to provide a computer file or
electronic versions of each textbook that is purchased from the vendor. The vendor must also allow the school or ESU the right to
transcribe, reproduce, modify and distribute each textbook purchased in Braille or large-print if other specialized materials are not
provided by the vendor for use by students who are blind or visually impaired. Vendors are required to reimburse a school or ESU for
the cost of creating computer files or electronic versions, if they are not furnished upon request.
Title: L.B. 647
Source: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us |
P-3 |
Signed into law 03/2002 |
P-12 |
LB 326 is the Nebraska Read, Educate, and Develop Youth Act. The bill requires the state department and the
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) agencies to develop a packet to be given to parents of each child born in the state
beginning January 1, 2003*. The agencies may solicit private financial assistance. A READY Cash Fund is established for receipts
from private sources to underwrite the costs of the act. The fund is to be administered by HHS-Finance & Support.
It is estimated there are 23,500 births each year. The agencies estimate the costs for materials and distribution will be $5.00-$8.00 per
packet. Annual costs to provide the information are estimated to be $117,500-$188,000. Funds appropriated through L.A. 326
http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/Legal/SLIP_LB326.pdf
Title: L.B. 326
Source: www.unicam.state.ne.us |
Finance--Funding Formulas |
Signed into law 05/2001 |
P-12 |
Section 16 changes the definition of general fund operating expenditures for purposes of the state aid formula (TEEOSA). The bill provides that general fund operating expenditures will not include retirement incentive plans and staff development assistance. The exclusion of these items from general fund operating expenditures will reduce formula "need". The State Department of Education indicates that the amount of retirement incentive plans and staff development assistance is not a significant amount on a statewide
basis, so the exclusion of these items will result in a minimal decrease in state aid paid to schools.
Section 20 provides that net option funding will be the net number of option students in each grade range times the statewide average cost grouping cost per student multiplied by the weighting factor for the corresponding grade range. Current law provides that net option funding will be net number of option students in each grade range times the lesser of the statewide average cost grouping cost
per student or the local system cost grouping cost per student multiplied by the weighting factor for the corresponding grade range. This change will shift a minimal amount of state aid between school districts. The change means that schools in the standard cost grouping that receive net option funding will receive a higher amount of net option funding since the aid will be based on the statewide average cost grouping cost rather than the local system cost grouping cost. The increase in net option aid will reduce the amount available through the formula as income tax rebate. Since net option funding and income tax rebates are considered to be resources for purposes of determining the overall amount of state aid received, the change will only have a minimal impact on state aid provided to districts that are not receiving equalization aid. [Summary from Fiscal Note.)
Title: L.B. 797--Two Components
Source: Nebraska Legislative Web Site |
Finance--Funding Formulas |
Signed into law 05/2001 |
P-12 |
Changes the definition of general fund operating expenditures for purposes of the state aid formula. General fund operating expenditures will not include retirement incentive plans and staff development assistance. The exclusion of these items from general fund operating expenditures will reduce formula "need." resulting in a minimal decrease in state aid paid to schools. The state department of education indicates that the amount of retirement incentive plans and staff development assistance is not a significant amount on a statewide basis, so the exclusion of these items will result in a minimal decrease in state aid paid to schools.
Title: L.B. 797
Source: Nebraska Legislative Web Site |
Finance--Lotteries |
Signed into law 05/2001 |
P-12 |
Changes the allocation of the Education Innovation Fund in 2001-02 and 2002-03. The bill provides that up to 20% of the Education Innovation Fund (lottery proceeds), not to exceed $1.5 million per fiscal year, will be granted for a distance education network completion grant. The grant will fund engineering, equipment, and installation charges for two-way interactive distance education capacity for public high school buildings that do not have such capacity currently. Pursuant to current law about $1.6 million of lottery funds will be allocated for competitive incentive grants each year. The reallocation will leave approximately for $100,000 for competitive incentive grants in each of these two fiscal years.
Title: L.B. 833
Source: http://www.ecs.org/html/offsite.asp?document=http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/index.htm |
Special Education |
Signed into law 05/2001 |
P-12 |
Section 37 of LB 797 allows Class I school districts to amend the general fund budget of expenditures after October 15th of each year for special education expenditures, special grant funds received or for current fiscal year expenditures that board deems essential that could not reasonably have been anticipated at the time the budget was adopted. These amendments can be done without the approval of the school boards of the high school districts or districts with which the Class I is affiliated. Approval of budget amendments is now required by the high school or affiliated district boards. This change may result in increased spending by a Class I school district, which may result in a minimal increase in state aid paid in the future (from Fiscal Note).
Title: LB 797
Source: Nebraska Legislative Web Site |
State Policymaking |
Signed into law 05/2001 |
P-12,
Postsec. |
LB 303 creates an Education Roundtable. The Roundtable has 34 members including the Governor and Commissioner of Education, who are co-chairpersons. The group is required to meet at least twice every calendar year. Ad hoc advisory groups may be established by the Roundtable to study education topics. The Roundtable's purposes are to identify and prioritize the future needs and challenges related to education in Nebraska, to share information, and to study and create multiple ways to coordinate statewide efforts in education. Recommendations by the group are to provided annually. The state department and the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education are to provide administrative and research support. The act terminates on December 31, 2005.
Title: L.B. 303
Source: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/index.htm |
State Policymaking |
Signed into law 05/2001 |
P-12 |
Creates the Education Roundtable to (1) identify and prioritize the future needs and challenges related
to education in the state, (2) share information, and (3) study and create multiple ways to coordinate statewide efforts in education in Nebraska. Must report findings by December 1 of each year to the Appropriations Committee and Education Committee of the Legislature, the Governor's Policy Research Office, the State Board of Education, and the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education.
Title: L.B. 303
Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet |
Finance--District |
Signed into law 04/2001 |
P-12 |
LB 240 allows school districts that are in an empowerment zone or enterprise community or which have at least 35% of their students eligible for free or reduced-cost lunches to levy a property tax for any qualified purpose. The term qualified purpose for an academy means: rehabilitation or repair of a facility; the provision of equipment; the development of course materials; and, the training of teachers and other personnel. Qualifying Class II, III, IV, V and VI districts will be able to levy a property tax of up to five and one-fifth
cents per $100 to pay off the bonds. Class I districts may not exceed levy limits of up to $.05 cents. The bill allows schools that qualify for the academy zone bonds to sell the bonds, without a vote of the people, after a public hearing is held. The interest free bonds are outside the $1.10 levy limit for schools but must adhere to the current $.052 cent levy limit established for the hazardous materials/ADA fund. The bill limits the total amount that may be financed by bonds with respect to a qualified zone academy to $7.5 million statewide per year. If the requests exceed $7.5 million, then the allocations are reduced proportionately and the amount of the reductions may be reallocated to requests from qualified zone academies that will not be financed with bonds.
Title: L.B. 240
Source: Nebraska Unicameral Web Site |
P-3 Finance |
Signed into law 04/2001 |
P-12 |
LB 759 changes current law pertaining to early childhood education pilot program grants. The bill provides for an Early Childhood Education Grant Program in lieu of the pilot projects that are currently funded. Programs selected for grants may be provided one-half of the total budget of the program per year. Pilot projects previously funded shall be eligible for continuation grants if their programs adhere to the requirements of the bill. The State Department of Education (NDE) may use up to 5% of the total appropriation for the grant program to evaluate and provide technical assistance to the early childhood education programs. NDE is to develop rules and regulations to implement the program. The state provided $560,000 of general funds in 2000-01 for pilot program grants for early childhood education programs. The bill does not require any additional funding for early childhood education program grants. Section 3 requires preschool programs, established by school boards or educational service units, to be approved by NDE. All teaching and administrative staff who are providing educational services in early childhood education programs are required to have training in early childhood education and have a permit or certificate issued by NDE. NDE indicates this is current practice, so no fiscal impact is estimated for these provisions.
Title: L.B. 759
Source: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us |
Leadership |
Signed into law 03/2001 |
P-12 |
LB 314 exempts certain applicants for an entry-level teacher or administrator certificate from the requirement to take and pass a basic skills competency examination. An applicant is exempted from the test if the person has a certificate issued by another state based on successful completion of a teacher education program and has three or more successive years of experience in a school. Applicants with current credentials from a national nonprofit organization that issues credentials to teachers based upon meeting certain standards are also exempt. The bill repeals a requirement for the State Department of Education (NDE) to administer a basic skills examination for prospective teachers and administrators from outside the state.
Title: L.B. 314
Source: Nebraska Unicameral Web Site |
School/District Structure/Operations |
Signed into law 02/2001 |
P-12 |
Changes provisions relating to inspection of pupil transportation vehicles.
Title: L.B. 36
Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet |
Bilingual/ESL |
Rejected by voters 05/2000 |
P-12 |
(LR 20-1999); Constitutional amendment; eliminates the English language requirement in private, denominational, and parochial schools.
Title: V. 4
Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet |
Assessment |
Signed into law 04/2000 |
P-12 |
Directs the state board to develop sufficiently clear and measurable model academic content standards. Additionally, each school district in the state is required to develop measurable academic standards that would need to be the same as, equally rigorous as or more rigorous than the measurable model standards created by the board. Also directs local school districts to develop academic subject assessments, which will be given in one subject each year, beginning with reading. Once a subject assessment takes place, the local versions of the assessments will be forwarded to an independent expert who will select four model assessments. School districts will then be required to utilize one of the model assessments the next time that subject area is assessed. Provides for the implementation of a statewide writing assessment beginning in the spring of 2001 for students at three grade levels selected by the state board.
Title: L.B. 812
Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet |
Finance |
Signed into law 04/2000 |
P-12 |
Relates to revenue and taxation; changes provisions relating to the Nebraska Budget Act, tax levies, joint public agencies, taxation of public property, and school finance; changes the operative date of changes made by Laws 1999; provides operative dates; repeals the original sections; declares an emergency.
Title: L.B. 968
Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet |
Finance |
Vetoed 04/2000 |
P-12 |
Changes provisions relating to budgets, beginner grade entrance document requirements, the enrollment option program, reorganization plan hearings, report filing dates, warrants, expenditure limitations, state aid, temporary mitigation funds, the Hardship Fund, certain site and building funds, special education, and private postsecondary career schools; changes and eliminates provisions relating to duties of the school Finance Review Committee.
Title: L.B. 1401
Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet |
Finance--State Budgets/Expenditures |
Vetoed 04/2000 |
P-12 |
Relates to School Finance; changes the calculation of local effort rate; adjusts levy amounts.
Title: L.B. 1107
Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet |
Postsecondary Affordability--Tuition/Fees--Prepd/College Savings Plans |
Signed into law 04/2000 |
Postsec. |
Creates an educational savings plan for Nebraskans who want to save for their child's college education. The program will accept and invest contributions from participants to pay for future education costs for designated beneficiaries. The minimum annual contribution per beneficiary will be $300. The maximum annual contribution allowed under current Internal Revenue Service rules will be approximately $50,000.
Title: L.B. 1003
Source: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/update/2000review_articles/Education.htm |
Special Education |
Signed into law 04/2000 |
P-12 |
This bill clarifies several aspects of how students, spacificly Special Ed. students, are to be treated in the state. It clarifies that special ed. students are "children from birth to the age twenty-one years". The bill also clarifies that schools are required to provide an education to children who are homeless. And it further defines that if a student's resident district is unable to provide special education services then they must contract with a non-resident district to provide those services.
Title: L.B. 1243
Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet |
Teaching Quality--Compensation and Diversified Pay |
Signed into law 04/2000 |
P-12 |
Creates a 14-member task force that will study teacher salaries and report to the Legislature by Oct. 1. The task force will be directed to examine, among other things, the issue of whether the state should have greater control over Nebraska educational processes and facilities if the state provided substantial funding for teachers' salaries. Also authorizes the Nebraska Volunteer Services Commission to apply for funding from the Corporation for National Service. The funding will be used by the commission to provide incentives to college graduates to establish their teaching careers in Nebraska and to experienced Nebraska teachers to pursue graduate degrees.
Title: L.B. 1399
Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet |
Finance--Taxes/Revenues--Alternative Revenues |
Signed into law 03/2000 |
P-12 |
Relates to the tobacco fund settlement; creates the Teen Tobacco Education and Prevention Project; creates a committee and a fund; harmonizes provisions; repeals the original sections.
Title: L.B. 1436
Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet |
Technology |
Signed into law 03/2000 |
P-12 |
Relates to the Nebraska Educational Telecommunications Commission; changes provisions relating to powers and duties; repeals the original section; declares an emergency.
Title: L.B. 1328
Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet |