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LR 229

Interim study to examine the Firefighter Cancer Benefits Act and potential changes to the act that would not include an unfunded mandate and would better serve the needs of Nebraska's paid and volunteer firefighters

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Stan Clouse

The study aims to improve the Firefighter Cancer Benefits Act by proposing changes that avoid unfunded mandates and better serve both paid and volunteer Nebraska firefighters.

Notice of hearing for September 05, 2025
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Bill Summary · LR 229

Summary: Legislative Resolution LR 229 (Interim Study)

Overview

  • Bill Number: LR 229
  • Title: Interim study to examine the Firefighter Cancer Benefits Act and potential changes to the act that would not include an unfunded mandate and would better serve the needs of Nebraska's paid and volunteer firefighters
  • Type: Legislative Resolution (interim study)
  • Introduced: May 15, 2025 by Senator Clouse (primary)
  • Current Status: Notice of hearing scheduled for September 5, 2025

Purpose and Scope

  • The resolution designates an interim study to assess the Firefighter Cancer Benefits Act and identify potential changes to the act that:
    • Would not impose unfunded mandates
    • Would better serve both paid and volunteer firefighters in Nebraska
  • The study will include, but is not limited to:
    • Review of similar legislation in other states that provide firefighter cancer benefits
    • How such benefits have been incentivized and implemented
    • Whether those state laws include benefits for volunteer firefighters
    • How those benefits are funded

Key Provisions

  • Study Assignment: The Revenue Committee of the Legislature is designated to conduct the interim study.
  • Deliverables: Upon completion, the committee must prepare a report of findings and recommendations and submit them to the Legislative Council or Legislature.
  • Scope of Analysis: While centered on the Firefighter Cancer Benefits Act, the study’s comparative element extends to:
    • Cross-state legislation with similar benefits
    • Incentives, implementation mechanisms, inclusion of volunteers (if any), and funding strategies

Who Is Affected

  • Primary Stakeholders: Nebraska’s paid and volunteer firefighters
  • Secondary Stakeholders: Fire departments, counties/municipal entities that administer firefighter benefits, state policymakers, taxpayers
  • The study’s outcomes could influence future policy changes to the Firefighter Cancer Benefits Act or related funding structures.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: May 15, 2025
  • Initial Referrals: Referred to Executive Board (May 15, 2025), then to Revenue Committee (May 19, 2025)
  • Additional Referral: Referred to Business and Labor Committee (June 2, 2025)
  • Hearing Notice: August 6, 2025, with a scheduled hearing on September 5, 2025
  • Process: The Revenue Committee will conduct the interim study and, at its conclusion, prepare a findings and recommendations report for consideration by the Legislative Council or Legislature.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • The resolution signals a proactive approach to evaluating the current Firefighter Cancer Benefits Act and exploring improvements that avoid unfunded mandates.
  • Findings may inform future legislative changes to enhance protections or benefits for firefighters, including potential adjustments to funding mechanisms and eligibility.
  • Emphasis on inclusivity of volunteer firefighters and alignment with practices in other states may shape recommendations for Nebraska.

Next Steps

  • Monitor the September 5, 2025 hearing for scope, methodologies, and any amendments to the study plan.
  • Await the Revenue Committee’s final report with recommendations to determine any forthcoming legislative proposals.

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

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