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LR 157

Interim study to examine and monitor issues relating to broadband and broadband deployment in Nebraska

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Wendy DeBoer

Nebraska will study current and upcoming broadband deployment, focusing on coordination, resilience, regulatory changes, and program requirements to speed access.

Referred to Transportation and Telecommunications Committee
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Bill Summary · LR 157

Summary: Legislative Resolution LR 157 (2025)

Overview

LR 157 is a Nebraska Legislative Resolution introducing an interim study to examine and monitor issues related to broadband and broadband deployment in Nebraska. The study is assigned to the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee. It is a one-session interim inquiry intended to inform future policy and oversight.

  • Bill type: Legislative Resolution (interim study)
  • Introduced: May 9, 2025
  • Referred to: Transportation and Telecommunications Committee (May 19, 2025); also referred to Executive Board (May 9, 2025)
  • Primary sponsor: Senator DeBoer

Purpose

To establish an interim study focusing on how broadband access and deployment are expanding in Nebraska, with attention to currently evolving program requirements, coordination across jurisdictions, network resilience, regulatory changes, and other related issues.

Key provisions / study topics

The interim study shall include, but is not limited to, examination of the following areas:
1. Projects underway under state or federal efforts to expand broadband availability in Nebraska, including analysis of changing federal program requirements and any delays those changes may cause.
2. Cooperation across different jurisdictions to achieve the shared goal of universal broadband access for Nebraskans.
3. Resiliency and redundancy of broadband networks being built, to ensure consistent access for Nebraskans.
4. The changing regulatory landscape for broadband services, including the state's need to oversee consumer interests, the necessity of relevant regulations, and opportunities to improve efficiency to speed deployment.
5. Other issues related to broadband expansion in Nebraska.

Process and deliverables

  • Designation: The Transportation and Telecommunications Committee will conduct the interim study.
  • Reporting: Upon completing the study, the committee shall provide a report of its findings and recommendations to the Legislative Council or the Legislature.

Affected parties

  • Nebraskan residents and communities (consumers of broadband)
  • Broadband providers and infrastructure developers
  • Local governments and inter-jurisdictional partners
  • State agencies and regulators
  • Federal programs and policymakers influencing Nebraska broadband deployment

Timeline and procedural notes

  • Interim study format means findings are intended to inform future legislative action and potential policy changes.
  • No explicit final deadline is provided in the bill text; the deliverable is a report to the Legislative Council or Legislature after the study concludes.

Potential impact

  • Establishes a formal, structured review of current and upcoming broadband deployment efforts in Nebraska.
  • Could influence future regulatory approaches, oversight mechanisms, and coordination strategies across state and local levels.
  • May identify efficiencies, resilience improvements, and priority areas for funding or policy adjustments to accelerate broadband access.

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

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