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LR 240

Interim study to examine how the Legislature can take a more coordinated, proactive, and intentional policy role in shaping economic development and innovation across Nebraska since the Covid-19 pandemic

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

The bill authorizes an interim study to strengthen how Nebraska coordinates and guides economic development and innovation post-Covid, including potential new committee options.

Notice of hearing for October 22, 2025
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Bill Summary · LR 240

Summary of LR 240 (2025) — Interim Study on Nebraska’s Economic Development Policy Post-Covid

Overview

  • Bill type: Legislative Resolution (LR), interim study
  • Bill number: LR 240
  • Title: Interim study to examine how the Legislature can take a more coordinated, proactive, and intentional policy role in shaping economic development and innovation across Nebraska since the Covid-19 pandemic
  • Introduced: May 15, 2025
  • Status / Hearing: Notice of hearing scheduled for October 22, 2025
  • Primary sponsor: Spivey (District 13)
  • Committee designation: Urban Affairs Committee designated to conduct the study
  • Status note: Referred to Executive Board on May 15, 2025 and again on May 19, 2025

Purpose and Scope

LR 240 proposes an interim study to evaluate and strengthen the Legislature’s role in guiding Nebraska’s economic development and innovation in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The study aims to produce actionable insights and options for improved policy alignment and coordination across the legislative process.

Study objectives (key provisions)

The study shall consider, at minimum:
1. Partnerships: Identify key public and private partners involved in long-term economic development across the state.
2. Challenges and opportunities: Assess current and emerging economic development challenges and opportunities arising from Covid-19.
3. ARPA funding impact: Evaluate the influence of federal American Rescue Plan Act funding on past, present, and future economic development efforts.
4. Policy/coordination improvements: Provide recommendations for improving policy and coordination across legislative committees; explore the potential creation of a new legislative committee on economic development.
5. Measurement and reporting: Explore strategies to measure and report the impact of economic development efforts.

Process and Stakeholders

  • The Urban Affairs Committee may engage a broad range of stakeholders to inform the study, including:
    • State agencies
    • Economists
    • Business leaders
    • Labor representatives
    • Local governments
    • Community organizations
    • Other relevant stakeholders
  • The goal is to ensure the study is informed, comprehensive, and aligned with best practices.

Outputs and Timeline

  • Designation: The Urban Affairs Committee is to conduct the interim study.
  • Reporting: Upon completion, the committee must produce a report detailing findings and recommendations and submit it to the Legislative Council or Legislature.

Potential Impacts and Stakeholders

  • State policymakers: More coordinated, proactive policy guidance on economic development and innovation.
  • Legislative process: Possible restructuring considerations, including the potential formation of a new legislative committee on economic development.
  • Economic development actors: State agencies, regional and local governments, business and labor communities, and private partners may be affected by future POLICY changes and reporting requirements.
  • Funding/ARPA considerations: Greater clarity on how ARPA funds have shaped outcomes and how future funding could be directed.

Next Steps

  • Attend and review the October 22, 2025 hearing to understand stakeholder input.
  • Await the interim study findings and recommendations, followed by a formal report to the Legislative Council or Legislature.

This LR 240 summary presents the bill as introduced: a resolution to authorize an interim study by the Urban Affairs Committee focused on enhancing Nebraska’s coordinated approach to economic development and innovation in the post-pandemic era.

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

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