Bill > LB1096

This bill, titled the "Preventing Lethal Agricultural and National Threats Act," introduces several key provisions aimed at enhancing state security and regulating foreign influence. It establishes restrictions on importing "high-risk agricultural pathogens or pests," defined as diseases or pests of concern to the U.S. Department of Agriculture or those designated by the state's Department of Agriculture, with penalties ranging from a Class III to a Class IIA felony depending on the severity and circumstances of the violation, unless a permit is obtained. The bill also prohibits companies and governmental entities from entering into contracts related to "critical infrastructure"—which includes systems like 911, communication networks, cybersecurity, power grids, and water treatment facilities—with "foreign principals," defined as entities or individuals associated with foreign adversaries, unless no other reasonable option exists and not entering the contract poses a greater threat. Furthermore, it amends existing laws to prevent "foreign adversarial companies" from receiving state tax incentives, clarifies rules regarding the withholding of records related to critical infrastructure to protect against cyber and physical attacks, and imposes fines and civil penalties on communications providers that fail to certify their networks are free from national security threats or fail to submit required annual certifications.

Justice

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=63291