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LB 76

Change provisions of the Nebraska State Patrol Retirement Act

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Eliot Bostar and 1 co-sponsor

LB 76 boosts Nebraska State Patrol retirement benefits by increasing surviving spouse payouts to 100% and raising cost-of-living adjustments for retirees to combat inflation.

Title printed. Carryover bill
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LB 76

Summary of Legislative Bill LB 76

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: LB 76
  • Title: Change provisions of the Nebraska State Patrol Retirement Act
  • Status: Provisions/portions of LB 76 amended into LB 645 by AM 1135
  • Introduced: January 09, 2025
  • Committee: Nebraska Retirement Systems
  • Hearing Date: February 21, 2025

Purpose and Intent

LB 76 aims to enhance the benefits provided under the Nebraska State Patrol Retirement Act, specifically focusing on survivor benefits and cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for retired officers. The bill seeks to ensure that surviving spouses of state patrol members receive a more substantial financial benefit and that retirees' benefits keep pace with inflation.

Key Provisions

  1. Surviving Spouse Benefit Increase:

    • The bill proposes to increase the surviving spouse benefit from 75% to 100% of the deceased officer's benefit. This change aims to provide greater financial security for surviving spouses.

  2. Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Increase:

    • The maximum annual COLA for patrol members would be increased:
      • From 2.5% to 4% for members hired before July 1, 2016.
      • From 1% to 4% for members hired after July 1, 2016.
    • The COLA will be adjusted to the lesser of the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index or the specified maximum percentages.

  3. Effective Date:

    • The changes to the COLA provisions are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Impact

  • Who Would Be Affected:
    • The bill primarily affects retired members of the Nebraska State Patrol and their surviving spouses. It aims to provide them with enhanced financial benefits, particularly in the event of the member's death.
    • Current and future members of the Nebraska State Patrol will also benefit from the improved COLA provisions, which will help maintain the purchasing power of their retirement benefits.

Legislative Process

  • The bill was introduced by Senator Eliot Bostar and has undergone a committee hearing where it was advanced to General File with amendments.
  • An amendment (AM 798) was filed, which struck original sections related to the COLA increase, indicating ongoing discussions and modifications to the bill's provisions.
  • The bill includes an emergency clause, which typically allows for immediate implementation upon passage.

Conclusion

LB 76 represents a significant effort to improve the financial security of surviving spouses of Nebraska State Patrol members and to ensure that retirement benefits remain adequate in the face of inflation. The proposed changes reflect a commitment to supporting those who have served in law enforcement and their families.

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

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