Bill > LB411

This bill modifies the Nebraska Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act by changing the grant eligibility and distribution process for teachers. Currently, teachers can receive retention grants of $2,500 for their second, fourth, and sixth years of teaching in Nebraska schools, with an additional $5,000 high-need retention grant for teachers obtaining specific endorsements (special education, mathematics, science, technology, or dual credit) before certain dates. Beginning July 1, 2025, the bill introduces a new grant structure where teachers will receive increasing grant amounts based on years of teaching experience: $2,500 per year for years 1-6, $3,000 per year for years 7-15, and $4,000 per year for year 16 and beyond. The high-need retention grant will remain $5,000 but with updated eligibility criteria. The bill also changes the grant distribution process, mandating that the department automatically provide grants to eligible teachers and that school districts distribute the funds directly to teachers. The department is prohibited from prioritizing grants based on the school where a teacher works, and teachers who previously received a high-need retention grant will be ineligible for another such grant in the future. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage due to an declared emergency.

Education

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59493