WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

LB 286

Change provisions relating to application deadlines under the Nebraska Innovation Hub Act and the Nebraska Rural Projects Act

109th Legislature (2025-2026)

LB 286 extends the Dec 31, 2025 deadline for iHub designation and Rural Projects Act matching funds, enabling more applicants while preserving current requirements.

Approved by Governor on March 17, 2025
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LB 286

Summary — LB 286 (2025)

Status: Approved by Governor March 17, 2025
Introduced: January 15, 2025 (Urban Affairs Committee)
Primary change: extends and clarifies application deadlines under the Nebraska Innovation Hub Act and the Nebraska Rural Projects Act to December 31, 2025.

Purpose

LB 286 gives applicants additional time to apply for (1) designation as an iHub under the Nebraska Innovation Hub Act and (2) matching funds under the Nebraska Rural Projects Act by setting a uniform cut‑off date of December 31, 2025. It also repeals the prior versions of the amended statutory sections.

Key provisions

  • Section 1 (amending Neb. Rev. Stat. § 81‑12,110)

    • The Director of Economic Development shall accept iHub applications filed through December 31, 2025.
    • Retains application content requirements (statement of purpose, partnership agreements, map, physical central location, budget, management team descriptions, five‑year plan, performance standards, evaluation procedures, sustainability plan, community engagement, etc.).
    • Application fee: $1,000 paid to the State Treasurer for credit to the Innovation Hub Cash Fund.
    • Retains evaluation/selection framework: 45‑day decision window, five‑year designation term, MOU requirement, weighted scoring that prioritizes start‑up nonprofits/inland port authorities and considers service to underrepresented communities, partner commitments (minimum three partners), and quality of five‑year plan. Annual reporting requirements to the director and Urban Affairs Committee remain.

  • Section 2 (amending Neb. Rev. Stat. § 81‑12,208)

    • Changes the hard deadline for new applications for Nebraska Rural Projects Act matching funds to December 31, 2025 (previous statutory language had ended new filings June 30, 2023).
    • Application requirements retained: project identification and qualified location, projected total new investment (including applicant resources), E‑Verify number(s) for employees at the qualified location, and a $1,000 nonrefundable application fee remitted to the Nebraska Rural Projects Fund.
    • Complete applications filed on or before December 31, 2025 may be considered and agreements executed.

  • Section 3 repeals the original versions of the two statutory sections amended.

Who is affected

  • Potential iHub applicants: private nonprofit corporations and inland port authorities seeking iHub designation.
  • Rural Projects Act applicants: businesses, local governments, or developers seeking state matching funds for qualifying rural projects.
  • Nebraska Department of Economic Development: will process additional applications and continue oversight, scoring, approvals, and required reporting.
  • Broader impact on startups, rural economic development, local partners, and communities that would benefit from iHub programs or matching grants.

Timeline & legislative action

  • Committee hearing: Jan 28, 2025 (Urban Affairs). Advanced to General File.
  • Final Reading passed: March 13, 2025 (47–0–2). Presented to Governor March 13; approved March 17, 2025.
  • Effective immediately as a change in statute (repeals and amendments enacted with approval).

Potential impacts / considerations

  • Extends opportunity window and may increase the number of iHub designations and rural project applications through year‑end 2025.
  • Generates modest fee revenue: $1,000 per application to the designated state funds.
  • Could increase administrative workload for the Department of Economic Development to evaluate and monitor additional applicants and awardees.

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

Sign in to ask a question.