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LB 403

Create the Office of Grants and provide duties

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ashlei Spivey

Creates a centralized Office of Grants to help Nebraska entities identify, apply for, and comply with national and federal grant opportunities.

Title printed. Carryover bill
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Bill Summary · LB 403

Summary of LB403: Create the Office of Grants and Provide Duties

Basic bill information

  • Bill: LB403
  • Title: Create the Office of Grants; provide duties
  • Introduced: January 17, 2025
  • Primary sponsor: Senator Ashlei Spivey
  • Committee: Government, Military and Veterans Affairs
  • Hearing: Notice of hearing February 13, 2025
  • Status: Notice of hearing; referred to committee on January 22, 2025
  • Legislature session: One Hundred Ninth Legislature, First Session (Nebraska, 2025)

Purpose and intent

LB403 establishes a new Office of Grants within the executive branch to help Nebraska state agencies, political subdivisions, and private qualifying organizations identify, pursue, and comply with national grant opportunities, including federal grants.

Key provisions and duties

  • Creation and structure

    • Establishes the Office of Grants in the executive branch.
    • The office is led by a Director of Grants appointed by the Governor, who serves at the Governor’s pleasure.
    • The Director may hire additional staff as needed, subject to the availability of adequate funding.
    • The Director must have at least ten years of experience related to writing or managing nationwide searches for federal grants.

  • Core functions

    • Identify national grant programs (including federal programs) available to:
    • Nebraska state agencies
    • Political subdivisions of Nebraska
    • Private organizations located in Nebraska
    • Assist these entities in:
    • Identifying relevant national grant programs
    • Applying for grant funding
    • Complying with grant program requirements

  • Planning and statewide strategy

    • By July 1, 2026, create a statewide plan to maximize the amount of grant funding received by state agencies, political subdivisions, and private organizations (including federal programs).
    • The statewide plan must be updated annually.

  • Annual reporting to the Legislature

    • By July 1 of each year (starting after the initial reporting), the Office must electronically submit a report including:
    • (a) A summary of the statewide plan
    • (b) An analysis of whether any state legislation passed in the most recent session supports, hinders, or otherwise affects the ability to receive funding under national grant programs
    • (c) The number of state agencies, political subdivisions, and private organizations served during the most recent calendar year
    • (d) The total number and dollar amount of national grant awards received during the most recent calendar year as a result of the Office’s services
    • These reports are intended to provide transparency and measure impact.

  • Funding note

    • The office’s creation and operations are contingent on adequate funding.

Who would be affected

  • State government:
    • Nebraska state agencies would gain a centralized resource for identifying and pursuing grants.
  • Local government and nonprofits:
    • Political subdivisions (counties, municipalities) and private organizations located in Nebraska could receive assistance with grant identification, applications, and compliance.
  • Federal and national grant programs:
    • The office would interface with and coordinate access to federal and other national grant opportunities.

Procedural and timeline highlights

  • Introduction and first reading: January 17, 2025
  • Committee referral: January 22, 2025
  • Hearing notice: February 13, 2025
  • Key deadline: July 1, 2026 – initial statewide plan due, followed by annual updates
  • Subsequent annual reporting: July 1 each year

Practical impact and considerations

  • Potential benefits:

    • Consolidates grant-seeking expertise, potentially increasing Nebraska’s success rate in securing grants.
    • Provides a centralized point of coordination for federal and national grant opportunities.
    • Improves reporting and accountability on grant activity and outcomes.

  • Potential considerations:

    • Funding requirements and long-term sustainability.
    • Coordination with existing state agencies and offices involved in grants.
    • Administrative burden and performance metrics for evaluating success.

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

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