The Manufacturing Modernization and Workforce Development Pilot Investment Act aims to provide one-time grants of up to $50,000 to eligible manufacturing operations in Nebraska for capital investments that enhance productivity through smart technologies. The bill outlines the criteria for grant applications, which include a requirement for private matching financial support, and establishes a grant application period from October 1, 2025, to November 1, 2026. Additionally, the bill amends several sections of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, including the state unemployment insurance tax rate and the Workforce Development Program Cash Fund, while eliminating the Nebraska Worker Training Board and certain fund transfers. Notably, it replaces references to the "State Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund" with the "Workforce Development Program Cash Fund."

The bill also introduces new definitions and provisions related to unemployment insurance, including the termination of the State Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund on July 1, 2025, with funds being transferred to the Workforce Development Program Cash Fund. It clarifies the calculation of unemployment benefits and modifies tax collection processes to ensure funds are directed to the new cash fund. Furthermore, it establishes a subaccount within the Job Training Cash Fund for training grants aimed at small businesses and those in rural or high-poverty areas, while detailing various fund transfers from the Cash Reserve Fund to support workforce development initiatives. The act is set to become operative on July 1, 2025, indicating a significant restructuring of funding and training initiatives within the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 48-602, 48-622.01, 48-622.02, 48-648, 48-649.01, 48-649.03, 48-657, 48-3405, 81-407, 81-1201.21
Final Reading: 48-602, 48-622.01, 48-622.02, 48-626, 48-648, 48-649.01, 48-649.03, 48-657, 48-3405, 81-407, 81-1201.21, 84-612
Slip Law: 48-602, 48-622.01, 48-622.02, 48-626, 48-648, 48-649.01, 48-649.03, 48-657, 48-3405, 81-407, 81-1201.21, 84-612