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LR 123

Interim study to examine the collection, use, and protection of agricultural data in Nebraska

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Jacobson

Nebraska will study how agricultural data is collected, used, and protected to prevent unfair trade practices and boost consumer protection, guiding future policy.

Referred to Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee
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Bill Summary · LR 123

Summary of LR 123 — Interim Study on Agricultural Data in Nebraska

Overview

LR 123 is a Nebraska Legislative Resolution establishing an interim study to examine the collection, use, and protection of agricultural data in Nebraska. The study emphasizes trade practices and consumer protection, aligning with the Agricultural Data Protection Act (LB525) introduced in the First Session of the One Hundred Ninth Legislature. The resolution designates the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee to conduct the study and report findings and recommendations to the Legislative Council or Legislature.

Purpose and Scope

  • Promote understanding of how agricultural data is collected, stored, used, and protected in Nebraska.
  • Focus on trade practices and consumer protection related to agricultural data.
  • Contextual relevance to LB525 (Agricultural Data Protection Act) from the previous Legislature session.

Key Provisions / Areas of Study

The interim study shall, at minimum, address:
1) The types of agricultural data being collected and utilized by corporations and other entities.
2) The existing legal and contractual frameworks governing ownership, use, and transfer of agricultural data.
3) Potential unfair trade practices and consumer protection issues arising from unauthorized use or sale of farmers’ and ranchers’ data.
4) Best practices for data protection and security in the agricultural sector.
5) The impact of data sharing and aggregation on market transparency and competition.
6) Methods of protecting the data from third-party sales and unauthorized usage.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • The Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee is designated to conduct the interim study.
  • After completing the study, the committee shall report its findings and recommendations to the Legislative Council or Legislature.
  • This is an interim (temporary) study with the intent of informing future policy considerations; it does not itself enact new law.

Affected Parties and Potential Impact

  • Primary beneficiaries: Nebraska farmers and ranchers, who own or generate agricultural data.
  • Data holders and producers: corporations, tech firms, data brokers, and other entities collecting or using agricultural data.
  • Consumers and market participants: stakeholders affected by data practices, transparency, and competition.
  • Policymakers: the study could inform future statutory or regulatory changes to data ownership, protection, and market practices in agriculture.

Legislative Actions and Status

  • Introduced: April 16, 2025
  • Referred to Executive Board: April 16, 2025
  • Referred to Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee: May 19, 2025
  • Sponsor: Primary — Jacobson (42nd District)

Summary Takeaway

LR 123 seeks to pause and analyze how agricultural data is collected, used, and protected in Nebraska, with an eye toward preventing unfair trade practices and enhancing consumer protection. The interim study will produce findings and recommendations to inform future legislative actions or policy adjustments related to agricultural data governance, ownership, security, and market integrity.

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

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