“This legislation is a step in the right direction for Nebraska students seeking nonpublic school options that best fit their needs. By creating a school voucher program, state leaders are empowering students and giving families peace of mind that their scholarships will be secure from year to year.
“Thank you, Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, Sen. John Arch, Sen. David Murman and Sen. Joni Albrecht for prioritizing parental choice and educational opportunity in the Cornhusker State.”
About the Legislation
Nebraska’s LB 1402 repeals and replaces the state’s Opportunity Scholarship Act passed in 2023, switching the funding mechanism from tax credit-funded to state-funded.
Under the new legislation, nearly 2,000 low-income students could receive vouchers worth an estimated $5,000 to attend private or parochial schools. Families would be eligible for the program if their household income is at or below 300% of the federal poverty level (up to $90,000 for a family of four) and if the student and/or their sibling received a voucher in the previous school year.
The program is capped at $10 million per year and will be administered by the State Treasurer’s office.
The legislation now heads to Gov. Jim Pillen’s desk for signature.
