NE LB1044

Increases annual appropriation for the Business Innovation Act to $15 million starting fiscal year 2026-27, up from approximately $11 million under current law

Removes requirement for the department to submit the qualified action plan to the Governor for approval; department now develops plan independently by January 1 of each even-numbered year

Establishes minimum annual awards of $4 million (up to $6 million) for the prototype creation program, with maximum $150,000 per project

Establishes minimum annual awards of $4 million (up to $6 million) for the commercialization program, with maximum $500,000 per project

Declared an emergency measure, taking effect immediately upon passage and approval