This bill amends several sections of the Nebraska Revised Statutes to establish a framework for student internships administered by the Department of Labor. Key provisions include the creation of the Intern Nebraska Cash Fund, which will be used to support internship opportunities for students in the state. The bill outlines the definition of an internship, eligibility criteria for businesses to apply for grants, and the types of expenses that can be reimbursed, such as wages, tuition, housing, and transportation. The maximum grant award per internship is set at $7,500, and businesses can apply for up to two grants for the same student.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of equitable access to internship grants across different geographic areas in Nebraska and mandates the Department of Labor to develop a qualified action plan to promote these opportunities, particularly to underserved student populations. The bill also includes provisions for the department to submit annual reports on the demand and impact of the internship grants, and it allows for the adoption of rules and regulations governing the grant process. The original sections related to the previous framework for internships are repealed, and new legal language is inserted to reflect these changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 81-1201.21, 81-1210.01, 81-1210.02, 81-1210.03, 81-1210.04