Nebraska State Capitol, (Dallas Nau, Central Nebraska Today)
NEBRASKA — Several new laws will be going into effect in Nebraska as the calendar turns over to 2026.
Minimum wage: The state’s minimum wage will increase to $15 per an initiative that was passed by the voters in 2022. Ever year it has increased by $1.50.
By 2027, the minimum wage will increase each year, depending on of cost-of-living increases.
Employees paid by tip will make $2.13 an hour, but their employers are responsible for making sure that their wages and tips equal minimum wage.
Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act: Nebraska has joined a national trend of states adopting online protections for minors with the adoption of the Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act.
“The law, which will go into effect on January 1, 2026, imposes a number of requirements for providers of online services to design their features with privacy and security of children’s information as a core concern while prohibiting certain activities that impair such protections,” per the Koley Jessen law firm.
“The AAODCA is intended to promote the concept of “privacy by design,” a proactive approach to privacy protection that focuses on embedding data protection principles and choices into the design and operations of technologies rather than framing such considerations as an afterthought, in relation to children’s online activities,” per Koley Jessen.
“Covered online services must provide minors with easy-to-use tools that are designed to limit the ability of other users or visitors to communicate with the minor, prevent other individuals from viewing the personal data of the minor, restrict the sharing of the minor’s precise geolocation information (and provide clear notice when such tracking is taking place), and provide minors with the option to limit the amount of time the minor spends on the service,” per Koley Jessen.
Enforcement authority for the AAODCA rests with the state Attorney General, who will have the power to bring actions against companies beginning on July 1, 2026, six months after the law goes into effect.
Kratom Consumer Protection Act: Kratom is a herbal extract sold as supplements. The act establishes a regulatory framework for the manufacturing, sale, and distribution of kratom products in the state.
The law prevents the sale of kratom products to anyone under 21 years old and prevents the sale of kratom manufactured in a ways that is attractive to children.
