Interim study to examine the fiscal impact of unfunded, statutorily mandated tuition and fee waivers on Nebraska's public university, state colleges, community colleges, and the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Teresa Ibach

Examine the fiscal impact and sustainability of unfunded, statutorily mandated tuition and fee waivers across Nebraska higher education and propose funding solutions.

Notice of hearing for October 31, 2025

Overview

Bill Type: Legislative Resolution (interim study)

Bill Number: LR 261

Title: Interim study to examine the fiscal impact of unfunded, statutorily mandated tuition and fee waivers on Nebraska's public university, state colleges, community colleges, and the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education

Introduced: May 15, 2025

Status: Notice of hearing set for October 31, 2025

Sponsors: Ibach (primary); Bostar, Dorn, Dungan, Kauth

Purpose and Scope

LR 261 proposes an interim study to assess the fiscal effects of unfunded, statutorily mandated tuition and fee waivers across Nebraska’s higher-education system, including:
- Public universities
- State colleges
- Community colleges
- Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (CCPE)

The resolution aims to understand:
1. The financial impact of unfunded, mandated tuition waivers on higher education institutions.
2. The long-term sustainability of these waivers.
3. The degree to which such waivers support Nebraska’s strategic workforce development objectives.
4. Legislative solutions (including Legislative Bill 307, 2025) and funding mechanisms to prevent undue burden on public universities and colleges.

Key Provisions

The Appropriations Committee is designated to conduct the interim study.

A working group may be formed to support the study, potentially including:

University of Nebraska (NU)
State colleges
Community colleges
CCPE
Nebraska Statewide Workforce and Education Reporting System (NSWERS)
Other relevant education and legislative stakeholders

The study is intended to identify key issues, gather input from affected parties, and propose potential solutions.

At the conclusion of the study, the committee must report its findings and recommendations to the Legislative Council or Legislature.

Who Is Affected

Nebraska’s higher education institutions (NU, state colleges, community colleges)

Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (CCPE)

Nebraska Statewide Workforce and Education Reporting System (NSWERS)

Students who benefit from statutory tuition and fee waivers

Legislative and educational stakeholders involved in funding and policy decisions

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Hearing Notice: October 31, 2025

Referral History: Referred to Executive Board (May 15, 2025); Referred to Appropriations Committee (May 19, 2025)

Outcome: The interim study will culminate in a report of findings and recommendations to the Legislative Council or Legislature. No immediate statutory changes are enacted; rather, the resolution lays the groundwork for potential future policy and funding decisions.

Potential Impact and Considerations

The study could highlight gaps in funding for legally mandated waivers and influence future appropriation decisions.

Findings may inform discussions around LB 307 and other funding mechanisms intended to support or restructure tuition and fee waivers.

Results could affect budgeting, institutional planning, and Nebraska’s workforce development strategy by clarifying the sustainability and effectiveness of current waiver structures.

If you’d like, I can tailor this into a concise one-page briefing or expand any section with additional context.

Bill