The Preventing Lethal Agricultural and National Threats Act introduces measures to bolster state security against agricultural pathogens and foreign influence on critical infrastructure. It defines key terms such as "high-risk agricultural pathogen or pest" and prohibits the importation of these pathogens without proper authorization, classifying violations as felonies with heightened penalties for serious offenses involving foreign entities. The Department of Agriculture is granted the authority to designate additional pathogens as high-risk and enforce regulations accordingly. The bill also restricts contracts related to critical infrastructure, barring companies from agreements with foreign principals that could grant them access or control, and specifies that foreign adversarial companies are ineligible for state tax incentives.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws related to the Nebraska Advantage Act and the ImagiNE Nebraska Act, explicitly stating that no incentives shall be granted to foreign adversarial companies, thereby prioritizing local businesses. It outlines the application process for taxpayers seeking incentives, detailing documentation and fees, and establishes a framework for evaluating applications, including timelines for approval. The bill also modifies the handling of sensitive information regarding critical infrastructure, requiring detailed job descriptions for personnel with withheld identities and clarifying exemptions for certain water infrastructure information. Furthermore, it mandates registration for communications providers with the Public Service Commission and establishes penalties for non-compliance, aiming to enhance transparency and security in managing critical infrastructure and communications services in Nebraska.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 84-712.05, 86-125
Final Reading: 77-5723, 77-6827, 84-712.05, 86-125
Slip Law: 77-5723, 77-6827, 84-712.05, 86-125