Bill > LB1141

This bill establishes the Nebraska Youth Pre-Apprentice Conservation Program, which will employ "opportunity youth" – defined as young people aged 16-20 who have been impacted by trauma, had negative contact with law enforcement, or are struggling in school – on projects that conserve and develop natural resources and maintain environmentally important lands and waters. The program, to be administered by the Game and Parks Commission starting January 1, 2027, will combine academic, environmental, and job skills training with personal growth opportunities, aiming to equip participants with transferable employment skills and make them valuable contributors to Nebraska. Participants will be paid at least minimum wage for a six-week period and will not be considered state employees, though supervisory staff will be. The bill also creates the Nebraska Youth Pre-Apprentice Conservation Program Fund and transfers $750,000 from the Workforce Development Program Cash Fund to this new fund to support the program. Additionally, it amends existing law to allow for transfers from the Workforce Development Program Cash Fund to the new conservation program fund, and repeals the original section of law that is being amended. The Game and Parks Commission is empowered to create rules and regulations for the program and will report annually to legislative committees on its progress and impact.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=63398