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LB 580

Appropriate funds to the Department of Environment and Energy

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Machaela Cavanaugh

Reallocate remaining Lead Service Line Cash Fund to DEE for lead service line replacements, with DEE grants to metropolitan utilities districts; effective immediately.

Title printed. Carryover bill
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Bill Summary · LB 580

Summary of LB580 (Nebraska, 2025)

Note: Provisions from LB580 were amended into LB261 by AM832 on June 6, 2025. The information below reflects LB580 as introduced and the associated intent and provisions, including how they interact with LB261.

Overview

  • Bill Number: LB580
  • Title: Appropriate funds to the Department of Environment and Energy
  • Introduced: January 22, 2025
  • Committee: Appropriations
  • Primary Sponsor: Senator Machaela Cavanaugh
  • Purpose: Reallocate remaining funds from the Lead Service Line Cash Fund for lead service line replacements, administered by the Department of Environment and Energy (DEE), in accordance with Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-5328. The bill includes an emergency clause.

Purpose and Intent

  • Reappropriate any remaining funds in the Lead Service Line Cash Fund for FY 2025-26 to support lead service line replacement efforts.
  • Ensure funds are used in accordance with Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-5328, which governs lead service line activities.
  • Direct remaining funds not allocated for qualified labor training organizations to DEE for grants to metropolitan utilities districts for lead service line replacements, also under § 71-5328.
  • The bill includes an emergency clause, suggesting immediate effect upon enactment.

Key Provisions (as introduced)

  • Section 1: Reappropriation of Lead Service Line Cash Fund
    • Any remaining funds in the Lead Service Line Cash Fund are reappropriated for FY2025-26 to the Department of Environment and Energy (DEE) to support lead service line replacements in accordance with § 71-5328.
    • Any remaining funds not allocated for qualified labor training organizations are reappropriated for FY2025-26 to DEE for grants to metropolitan utilities districts for lead service line replacements, in accordance with § 71-5328.
  • Section 2: Emergency Clause
    • The act contains an emergency clause, making it effective immediately upon enactment.

Fiscal and Programmatic Implications

  • Redirects unspent or residual funds from the Lead Service Line Cash Fund toward DEE's lead service line replacement activities.
  • Supports grant funding to metropolitan utilities districts for replacement efforts.
  • Aligns funding with § 71-5328, ensuring statutory compliance for lead service line projects and associated activities (including any related labor training considerations for workforce development).

Affected Parties and Programs

  • Department of Environment and Energy (DEE): Primary recipient of reappropriated funds for lead service line replacements.
  • Metropolitan Utilities Districts: Potential grant recipients for lead service line replacement projects.
  • Qualified labor training organizations: Funds not allocated to these entities would be redirected to DEE for replacement grants.
  • Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-5328: Governing statute for lead service line replacements and related activities.

Legislative History and Status

  • Introduced: January 22, 2025
  • Referred to: Appropriations (January 24, 2025)
  • Hearing: March 18, 2025
  • Legislative actions indicate that provisions of LB580 were amended into LB261 via AM832 on June 6, 2025, integrating its funding reallocation language into LB261.

Why it matters

  • Provides a mechanism to utilize remaining funds to advance lead service line replacement projects, expediting public health and infrastructure improvements.
  • Establishes a clear pathway for funding to DEE and for grants to utilities, with statutory alignment to lead service line statutes.

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

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