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LR 499

Recognize the month of May 2026 as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Eliot Bostar

Nebraska will officially recognize May 2026 as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month to educate the public and honor those affected, with no new costs or rules.

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Bill Summary · LR 499

Summary: LR499 (Nebraska) – National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, May 2026

Basic purpose

  • LR499 is a Legislative Resolution introduced in the Nebraska Legislature's 109th session. Its primary aim is to officially recognize the month of May 2026 as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month in Nebraska.
  • The resolution designates May 2026 for public education and recognition efforts related to asthma and allergic diseases, aligning Nebraska with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s designation of May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.

Key provisions

  • Recognition: The Legislature proclaims May 2026 as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month within Nebraska.
  • Public encouragement: The resolution asks Nebraskans to celebrate and recognize individuals in their communities who suffer from asthma and allergies.
  • No fiscal or regulatory mandates: The text does not authorize spending, create new programs, or impose regulatory requirements. It is a ceremonial/awareness-raising measure.

Who or what is affected

  • Directly affects: The Nebraska Legislature and Nebraskans by acknowledging the importance of asthma and allergy awareness.
  • Indirectly affects: Individuals with asthma and allergies and related stakeholders (e.g., healthcare providers, schools, communities) by promoting awareness and education during May 2026.

Context and rationale (as stated in the bill)

  • The bill cites national statistics to emphasize the prevalence and impact of asthma and allergic diseases:
    • Nearly 20 million people in the U.S. have asthma; over 100,000 of these live in Nebraska.
    • Skin, seasonal, and food allergies affect more than 100 million Americans (seasonal allergies alone affecting more than 82 million).
    • Asthma is a leading cause of hospitalizations and school absences among children; about one million people visit emergency departments annually due to asthma.
    • Economic costs cited: asthma-related costs near $115 billion annually in the U.S.; nasal and food allergies collectively contribute substantial costs (the text mentions $3 million and nearly $400 billion, respectively, which appears to be a typographical/interpretive error and likely intended to reflect substantial economic impacts).
    • Disproportionate burden on minority communities and higher comorbidity with food allergies and asthma.
  • Emphasis on access to affordable health insurance, medications, and devices for individuals with asthma and allergies.

Procedural/timeline aspects

  • Introduction and status:
    • Introduced by Senator Bostar (co-sponsor listed).
    • Action history shows the bill was laid over and later adopted and signed.
    • Adopted and signed by the President/Speaker on April 17, 2026; date of introduction was April 7, 2026.
  • Effective date: The resolution designates May 2026 as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month; it does not specify additional regulatory effective dates or funding.

Practical impact for readers

  • This is largely a symbolic, awareness-raising measure intended to elevate public understanding of asthma and allergies in Nebraska during May 2026.
  • It invites Nebraskans to honor individuals living with asthma and allergies, potentially supporting local education, outreach, and community recognition efforts without imposing new laws or budgetary obligations.

Notable sponsors

  • Primary sponsor: Senator Bostar (co-sponsor listed as Eliot Bostar).

If you’d like, I can provide a one-page briefing for a legislative committee or a voter-facing summary highlighting talking points and suggested questions.

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

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