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LB 570

Provide for scholarships for nursing students

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

Nebraska DHHS would offer $2,500/semester nursing scholarships (subject to funding) to residents in approved programs, in exchange for 2 years of work in Nebraska after graduation

Title printed. Carryover bill
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Bill Summary · LB 570

Summary of LB 570 — Provide for Scholarships for Nursing Students

Overview

LB 570 would authorize the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to award nursing scholarships and expresses legislative intent to appropriate funding for the program. The bill establishes eligibility, funding levels, and work‑requirement commitments for nursing students in Nebraska. A hearing is scheduled for February 20, 2025.

Primary Purpose

  • To create a public scholarship program for Nebraska nursing students.
  • To support the development and retention of the state’s nursing workforce by providing financial assistance in exchange for a service commitment in Nebraska.

Key Provisions

  • DHHS shall award scholarships of $2,500 per semester to qualified nursing students, contingent on available appropriations.
  • Scholarships are available to students who meet all eligibility criteria (see Eligibility).
  • The Legislature expresses its intent to appropriate $5 million for fiscal year 2025-26 for purposes of this section.

Eligibility Criteria (Section 1, Subsection 2)

A nursing student must meet all of the following:
- Reside in Nebraska.
- Enroll or state an intent to enroll in a nursing program approved under Neb. statutes sections 38-2232 to 38-2236, offered by a Nebraska public or private postsecondary institution, and which leads to:
- an associate degree, diploma, or certificate in nursing, or
- an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
- State an intent to practice upon completion as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), licensed registered nurse (RN), or nurse aide.
- Agree in writing to work for two years in Nebraska after completing the nursing program, in the capacity of LPN, RN, or nurse aide.

Funding and Fiscal Implications

  • The program is funded through appropriations, with the bill specifying:
    • $2,500 per semester scholarships, subject to available appropriations.
    • An intended appropriation of $5 million for FY 2025-26 to support the program.
  • The total number of scholars supported depends on the final appropriations (e.g., roughly up to 1,000 students if two semesters per year at $2,500 each, given $5 million).

Administration and Compliance

  • DHHS would have the powers and duties necessary to administer the scholarship program (administration details are not fully enumerated beyond the scholarship award provisions).
  • Participation is contingent on the availability of funds; no obligation exists beyond the appropriated amount.

Affected Parties

  • Nebraska residents pursuing nursing education in approved programs.
  • Nebraska public and private postsecondary nursing programs.
  • DHHS as administrator of the scholarship program.
  • Recipients who must fulfill the two-year Nebraska work commitment after program completion.

Timeline and Procedural History

  • Introduced: January 22, 2025 (Sponsor: Senator John Cavanaugh; primary).
  • Referred to Committee: January 24, 2025 (Health and Human Services Committee).
  • Hearing: Notice issued for February 20, 2025.

Sponsor

  • Primary: Senator John Cavanaugh
  • Committee: Health and Human Services
  • Chair: Senator Brian Hardin (as listed in the hearing notice)

This bill aims to establish a targeted, nebraska-resident nursing scholarship program to bolster the state’s nursing workforce, with formal eligibility requirements and a two-year service obligation, contingent on future appropriations.

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

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