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LB 23

Provide for grants for bike-sharing programs

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Cavanaugh and 1 co-sponsor

LB 23 creates a $250k General Fund grant program via DED to support nonprofit bike-sharing, with reporting and clawback to ensure funding boosts urban mobility and public health.

Title printed. Carryover bill
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Bill Summary · LB 23

Legislative Summary: Nebraska LB 23 (Bike-Sharing Grants)

Overview

LB 23 proposes a state grant program to support bike-sharing initiatives operated by nonprofit organizations. The bill authorizes funding and directs the Department of Economic Development (DED) to administer grants, with reporting and accountability requirements to ensure funds are used for approved purposes. The introducer describes the bill as advancing public health and welfare through expanded access to bike-sharing.

  • Introduced: January 9, 2025
  • Primary Sponsor: Senator John Cavanaugh
  • Cosponsor: Senator Raybould
  • Committee: Transportation and Telecommunications
  • Hearing: January 28, 2025 (Notice of hearing published)
  • Intent: Provide for grants for bike-sharing programs; appropriation from General Fund

Purpose and Intent

  • Establish a grant program to fund nonprofit organizations that operate bike-sharing programs.
  • Promote public health, mobility, and access through expanded bike-sharing options.
  • Clarify that the Legislature intends to appropriate funds to support these programs.

Key Provisions

  • Department of Economic Development (DED) Duty

    • DED shall establish a program for awarding grants to nonprofit organizations to operate bike-sharing programs deemed eligible.
    • DED shall require reporting from grant recipients to verify that funds are used for the intended purpose.
    • DED shall establish a process for the return of funds not used as authorized.

  • Funding

    • The Legislature intends to appropriate $250,000 from the General Fund to DED to establish and administer the grant program.

  • Grant Administration

    • DED shall provide grants to nonprofit organizations (as eligible) to operate bike-sharing programs.
    • Recipients must meet eligibility criteria set by DED and comply with reporting requirements.

Eligibility and Oversight

  • Eligible Grantees: Nonprofit organizations that operate bike-sharing programs (as determined by DED).
  • Compliance: Recipients must report on grant usage to verify alignment with the authorized purpose.
  • Remedies: DED must have a process to recapture or return funds not used for the authorized purpose.

Fiscal and Administrative Implications

  • A one-time or ongoing appropriation of $250,000 from the General Fund is authorized to establish and administer the program.
  • The program’s administration and reporting requirements will be handled by DED, with potential oversight by the Legislature through the appropriation process.

Timeline and Procedural Status

  • Introduced: January 9, 2025
  • Referred to: Transportation and Telecommunications Committee (January 13, 2025)
  • Notice of Hearing: January 21, 2025
  • Hearing Date: January 28, 2025
  • Actions to Watch: Committee adoption, potential amendments, and floor debate following the hearing

Potential Impact and Beneficiaries

  • Beneficiaries: Nonprofit organizations operating or planning to operate bike-sharing programs in Nebraska.
  • Indirect Beneficiaries: Nebraska residents who gain access to expanded bike-sharing options, potential improvements in urban mobility and public health.
  • State Agencies: DED would administer grants and ensure compliance and accountability.

Summary

LB 23 creates a state-backed grant program administered by the Department of Economic Development to support nonprofit-operated bike-sharing programs, with a $250,000 General Fund appropriation and required recipient reporting, plus a mechanism to recapture unused funds. The bill is currently set for a hearing on January 28, 2025.

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

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