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NebraskaLB296109th Legislature 1st and 2nd SessionslegislatureWALLET

Require the State Department of Education to create a centralized education records system and employ registrars relating to students under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court and change provisions relating to graduation requirements and the State Department of Education Improvement Grant Fund

Sponsored By: John Arch

Signed by Governor

Education Committee

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Records, credits, and diplomas for court-involved students

The Education Department creates a central records system for students who have been under juvenile court. The state hires registrars to keep records, move them quickly, and review past school work. Starting July 1, 2026, schools must send records right away, and the Commissioner can award credit that all schools must accept. Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, eligible students in out‑of‑home care can request a diploma from a school they attended or a state diploma. Agencies had to sign a data‑sharing deal by Oct 1, 2023, and a consultant reports in 2024 to improve these policies.

FAFSA form required to graduate high school

Starting in the 2024–25 school year, every public high school student must submit a FAFSA before graduating. A parent or guardian can sign a decline form, a principal can decline for good cause, or a student age 19 or emancipated can decline. The state provides the forms in English, Spanish, and other main school languages. The Education Department reports statewide results each year starting December 31, 2025.

New education improvement grants and fund

The state creates the Education Improvement Grant Fund, fed by lottery transfers, returned grants, and interest. Of the 10% lottery transfer, 8.75% goes to improvement grants and 1.25% to innovation and learning‑platform grants. Starting July 1, 2024, the Board runs improvement grants for teacher hiring, school improvement, and better reading and math results. The fund also pays for the central records system and registrars, and the Board reports to the Legislature each year.

State grants for STEM learning platforms

Starting January 1, 2024, the State Board runs a grant program to buy yearly licenses for 3D, game‑based tools in chemistry, physical science, and math for middle and high schools. The grants use lottery funds. Any developer that gets a grant must give access to all Nebraska school districts. Grants are awarded by July 1 each year, and the Board reports results by December 1.

More finance and computer classes to graduate

Beginning in 2023–24, high school students must take at least five credits in personal finance or financial literacy. Beginning in 2027–28, at least five credits must also include computer science and technology education. These courses count toward graduation requirements.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • John Arch

    legislature

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 91 • No: 0

legislature vote • 3/6/2025

Final Reading

Yes: 48 • No: 0 • Other: 1

legislature vote • 2/10/2025

Vote

Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 6

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor on March 11, 2025

    3/12/2025legislature

  2. Dispensing of reading at large approved

    3/6/2025legislature

  3. Passed on Final Reading 48-0-1

    3/6/2025legislature

  4. President/Speaker signed

    3/6/2025legislature

  5. Presented to Governor on March 6, 2025

    3/6/2025legislature

  6. Placed on Final Reading with ST7

    3/4/2025legislature

  7. Enrollment and Review ST7 filed

    3/4/2025legislature

  8. Enrollment and Review ST7 recorded

    3/4/2025legislature

  9. Advanced to Enrollment and Review for Engrossment

    2/25/2025legislature

  10. Placed on Select File

    2/19/2025legislature

  11. Advanced to Enrollment and Review Initial

    2/10/2025legislature

  12. Cavanaugh, M. name added

    2/10/2025legislature

  13. Placed on General File

    2/5/2025legislature

  14. Notice of hearing for January 28, 2025

    1/21/2025legislature

  15. Referred to Education Committee

    1/17/2025legislature

  16. Date of introduction

    1/15/2025legislature

Bill Text

  • Introduced

    3/12/2025

    PDF

  • Enrolled / Slip Law

    PDF

  • Final / Enacted

    PDF

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