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LR 218

Interim study to examine the public health and community impact of skilled gaming machines in Nebraska

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

Nebraska LR 218 orders an interim study by the General Affairs Committee on the public health and community impact of skilled gaming machines, with a final report to lawmakers.

Notice of hearing for October 30, 2025
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Bill Summary · LR 218

Summary of LR 218 (Nebraska)

Overview

LR 218 is a Nebraska Legislative Resolution introduced on May 15, 2025, during the 109th Legislature’s first session. The resolution designates an interim study to examine the public health and community impacts of skilled gaming machines in Nebraska. It is a non-binding measure aimed at gathering information and informing future policy discussions. The request is for the General Affairs Committee to conduct the study and report findings and recommendations to the Legislative Council or Legislature. A hearing notice has been issued for October 30, 2025.

  • Introduced: May 15, 2025
  • Primary Sponsor: Spivey (with Hughes)
  • Status: Notice of hearing for October 30, 2025
  • Referred to: Executive Board (May 15, 2025) and General Affairs Committee (May 19, 2025)
  • Classification: Resolution (interim study)

Purpose and Scope of the Study

The resolution tasks the General Affairs Committee with conducting an interim study to assess the public health and community effects of skilled gaming machines in Nebraska. The study should cover, at minimum, the following areas:

1) Prevalence, placement, and geographic density of skilled gaming machines across Nebraska.
2) Impacts on addiction services, financial hardship, and broader public health.
3) The current legal and regulatory framework governing skilled gaming machines, in comparison to other forms of gambling.
4) State revenue generated by skilled gaming machines versus state expenditures on related services (including gambling and financial counseling).
5) Effects on neighborhood safety, crime patterns, and local economic activity.
6) The extent to which these devices are marketed to or accessed by vulnerable populations.

Methodology and Collaboration

The resolution authorizes the General Affairs Committee to collaborate with relevant parties, including state agencies, law enforcement, subject matter experts, addiction specialists, gaming regulators, directly impacted individuals, community organizations, and other stakeholders.

Deliverables and Timeline

  • At the conclusion of the study, the Committee must prepare a report detailing its findings and recommendations.
  • The report should be presented to the Legislative Council or Legislature.
  • The resolution does not specify a sunset date or a precise timeline for the interim study; the duration is determined by the Committee’s planning and reporting process.

Who Is Affected

  • Nebraskan residents and communities where skilled gaming machines operate.
  • State and local government agencies, regulators, and service providers (e.g., addiction services, financial counseling, crime prevention).
  • Businesses operating skilled gaming machines and related training, marketing, or compliance resources.

Notes

LR 218 is a procedural instrument aimed at data collection and policy consideration rather than immediate regulatory changes. The October 30, 2025 hearing will likely discuss the study scope, data needs, and potential next steps for reporting.

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

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