NE LB417

Nebraska Promise Program: Board of Regents administers tuition coverage for University of Nebraska undergraduates with family income under $65,000/year or Pell Grant eligibility, covering up to 15 credit hours per semester after other aid is applied; students must maintain a 2.5 GPA

College Promise Act: Creates 100% tuition waivers at community colleges (up to 2 years) and state colleges (up to 4 years) for Nebraska residents with family income under $65,000/year, with remaining costs reimbursed to institutions through a new College Promise Fund

College Promise Fund: State Treasurer transfers certified waiver amounts from the General Fund in 10 monthly payments (September-June); the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education administers distributions and develops an appeals process for eligibility determinations

K-12 Assessment Changes: Beginning school year 2025-26, State Board of Education must recommend career-readiness assessments leading to a National Career Readiness Certificate; 12th graders may retake college admission tests or take career-readiness assessments at no cost during fall semester

Emergency Clause: Act takes effect immediately upon passage; tuition waiver provisions become operative three months after legislative session adjournment