LINCOLN — The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry is highlighting a series of workforce, housing, infrastructure, and economic development measures passed during the 2026 legislative session.
In its annual “Results for Business” report, the organization said nearly every proposal it identified as important to Nebraska’s business community was approved by lawmakers.
Outgoing Chamber President and CEO Matt Williams credited the organization’s government relations team, members, and supporters for the results. Williams said workforce availability, infrastructure, and economic competitiveness remain significant challenges for the state.
Among the workforce measures highlighted was LB1212, which establishes a pathway for qualified physicians trained outside the United States to obtain licenses through a supervised process. The Chamber supported the measure as a way to address health care shortages, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
The report also points to LB304, which permanently raises the income eligibility level for Nebraska’s childcare subsidy program from 130% to 185% of the federal poverty level. That represents an income of approximately $59,000 for a family of four. The Chamber said an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 families could have lost access if lawmakers allowed the expanded threshold to expire.
Lawmakers also approved LB847, which creates the Nebraska Office of Registered Apprenticeship and the Nebraska Apprenticeship Council. The legislation also includes provisions moving the InternNE program from the Department of Economic Development to the Department of Labor.
Housing was another major priority. LB1067 increases Nebraska’s documentary stamp tax on real estate transactions from $2.32 to $3.32 per $1,000 of property value through the beginning of 2032. The additional revenue will be divided between state rural and middle-income workforce housing funds.
The Nebraska Department of Revenue estimates the increase will generate $13.4 million during the 2026-27 fiscal year and $18.5 million the following year.
Additional legislation approved during the session established community improvement districts, expanded the number of inland port districts allowed in Nebraska, and lowered the population requirement for communities seeking an inland port designation.
The Chamber also supported legislation addressing agricultural data privacy and safety requirements for conversational artificial intelligence systems. Those requirements include notifying minors when they are interacting with artificial intelligence, preventing sexually explicit content involving minors, and establishing protocols for prompts involving suicidal thoughts.
Another measure, LB258, limits annual increases in Nebraska’s minimum wage to 1.75% beginning in 2027. The legislation replaces an inflation-based adjustment previously approved by voters and establishes separate youth and training wages. The Chamber said the change will provide businesses with more predictable labor costs.
The report also highlights changes involving workers’ compensation records, private electric generation facilities, and the state’s economic development incentives.
LB1165, known as the Grow the Good Life Act, provides incentives intended to retain major employers following corporate mergers and encourage large companies to create at least 500 additional high-wage jobs. It also expands certain ImagineNE incentives and allows businesses to use earned credits to help cover employee childcare expenses.
Williams also welcomed Joseph Young as the Chamber’s next president and CEO. Young previously served as the organization’s executive vice president.
Chamber Executive Vice President for Legislation and Policy Hunter Traynor said Nebraska must continue competing for workers, capital, energy, and innovation while preparing for future economic opportunities.