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LB 776

Provide a duty for each state agency to examine fees charged

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Machaela Cavanaugh

Nebraska requires state agencies to examine and report on all fees they charge, creating transparency and potential accountability for government revenue collection practices.

Referred to Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee
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Bill Summary · LB 776

Legislative bill overview

LB 776 mandates that each state agency in Nebraska conduct a comprehensive examination of all fees it charges to the public. The bill requires agencies to review their fee structures, presumably to assess their necessity, appropriateness, and impact. This is a procedural requirement that would create an accountability mechanism for how state agencies generate revenue through fees.

Why is this important

State agencies across Nebraska collect fees for licenses, permits, services, and regulatory compliance—costs that directly affect individuals and businesses. A systematic review could identify outdated, excessive, or redundant fees that burden taxpayers and small businesses. Conversely, the review might justify current fee levels or uncover underfunding issues in agency operations.

Potential points of contention

  • Administrative burden: Requiring all agencies to conduct fee reviews could impose significant compliance costs and staff time without clear guidance on standards or methodologies
  • Lack of enforcement mechanism: The bill's language doesn't specify what agencies must do with findings, whether fees can actually be reduced, or consequences for inaction
  • Scope ambiguity: Unclear whether the review includes all fees, how frequently it must occur, what constitutes a "proper" fee level, or whether legislative action is needed to change fees

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

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