WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

LB 654

Appropriate funds to the Department of Agriculture

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dave Murman

Allocates $600,000 General Fund over two years to the Department of Agriculture for the AgrAbility program to purchase assistive technology for farmers and ranchers.

Title printed. Carryover bill
1
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LB 654

Summary of Nebraska LB 654 (2025)

Overview

  • Bill: LB 654
  • Title: Appropriate funds to the Department of Agriculture
  • Purpose: To appropriate General Fund dollars to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (DAG) to support the Nebraska AgrAbility program, enabling the purchase of assistive technology and equipment for farmers and ranchers.
  • Introduced: January 22, 2025
  • Committee: Appropriations
  • Primary Sponsor: Senator Dave Murman
  • Status: Notice of hearing scheduled for February 21, 2025

Key Provisions

  • Section 1: Appropriations
    • Monetary totals: $300,000 General Fund for FY 2025-26 and $300,000 General Fund for FY 2026-27.
    • Recipient and purpose: Funds allocated to the Department of Agriculture, Program 78, for state aid.
  • Section 2: Program purpose
    • The funds are specifically designated for the Nebraska AgrAbility program, to purchase assistive technology and equipment for farmers and ranchers.
  • Effective date
    • The act includes an emergency clause, meaning it would take effect immediately upon enactment (i.e., upon becoming law).

Fiscal Impact

  • Total General Fund allocation across the two fiscal years: $600,000 ($300,000 per year).
  • The emergency clause accelerates implementation, allowing allocations to be used without delay once enacted.

Who Is Affected

  • Nebraska Department of Agriculture (Program 78) – recipient and administrator of the funds.
  • Nebraska farmers and ranchers, particularly those who may benefit from assistive technology and equipment provided through the AgrAbility program.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: January 22, 2025
  • Referred to: Appropriations Committee (January 24, 2025)
  • Hearing: Notice issued for February 21, 2025
  • Legislative context: Part of the One Hundred Ninth Legislature, First Session (2025)

Notes for Readers

  • The bill aligns funding specifically with the AgrAbility program, a targeted effort to assist farmers and ranchers with disabilities or mobility challenges through assistive technology.
  • The emergency clause is a notable procedural element, signaling the intent for immediate applicability upon passage.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.