This week, the Legislature convened at 10:00 AM on Monday, passing four bills on Final Reading. While they had set time aside for the Governor's veto of bills sent to him in the last week, the Governor did not return any bills with a veto. They then recessed at 10:30 AM, reconvening at 2:00 PM for Governor Pillen's address to the Legislature, followed by Speaker Arch's Closing Comments to the Legislature, before completing final actions needed to adjourn Sine Die at 2:45 PM, one day earlier than the 90-day session was initially scheduled to last.

Governor Jim Pillen had the following highlights in his address to the Legislature:

He praised the passage of a balanced, historically conservative two-year budget totaling $11 billion. He emphasized investments in education, property tax relief, and public safety, asserting that the budget "puts idle pillowcase money to work" and positions Nebraska for long-term success.

He underscored legislation aimed at safeguarding children from the adverse effects of social media. Notably, bills such as LB140, LB383, and LB172 were enacted to restrict cell phone use in schools, expand parental controls on social media, and prohibit AI-generated child pornography.

The Governor highlighted the passage of LB246, which bans the production and sale of lab-grown meat in Nebraska, aiming to protect the state's agricultural legacy. Additionally, LB317 established the Department of Water, Energy, and Environment, focusing on water quality and quantity management.

The Governor addressed the enactment of LB644, the "Foreign Adversary and Terrorist Agent Registration Act," requiring individuals and entities engaged in political activities on behalf of designated foreign adversaries to register with the Nebraska Attorney General, with penalties for non-compliance.

Education and Youth Sports: Pillen mentioned LB89, the "Stand with Women Act," which mandates that participation in K-12 and collegiate sports aligns with a student's sex as defined by reproductive anatomy, a move he described as ensuring fairness for female athletes

He concluded his address by thanking the legislators for their service and emphasizing the need for continued efforts to address challenges in the upcoming session.

Additionally, he mentioned in his address that lawmakers would be back in Lincoln to continue to address the issues of the State of Nebraska, indicating that he has no intention of calling a Special Session like he did last year to push his property tax relief plan.

This by no means suggests that there could not be a Special Session should the finances of the state change with lower than projected revenues, or by changes at the federal level reducing federal funding to states.

To watch the FULL VIDEO: Governor Pillen delivers his Sine Die address to Nebraska Legislature - Courtesy of KOLN | Nebraska Local News - Published: Jun. 2, 2025 at 2:43 PM CDT click here

Senator John Arch, Speaker of the Legislature, closed the 2025 session by thanking senators, especially the freshmen, for their dedication during a demanding but rewarding year. He noted the passage of 322 bills and urged lawmakers to use the interim to focus on constituents and cooperation.

Arch cautioned that the biggest challenge in 2026 will be the state’s uncertain budget outlook, encouraging fiscal prudence when drafting future legislation. Read more

The Nebraska Legislature 109th Legislature, 1st Regular Session in Review

The Nebraska Legislature 109th Legislature, 1st Regular Session adjourned Sine Die on June 2, 2025, at 2:45PM.

This will complete the Legislature's work for this year, unless a special session is called, which, as mentioned above, is not likely, at least at this point.

The 109th Legislature, 1st Regular Session, convened on January 8, 2025, to begin its 90-day session and was scheduled to adjourn Sine Die on June 9, 2025. They wound up adjourning on day 89, one day earlier.

Twenty-five members were sworn into office Jan. 8 as the 109th Nebraska Legislature convened for its 90-day first session. That number comprises six re-elected members and 19 newly elected senators, including two who had been appointed and one nonincumbent who is returning after previously serving in the Legislature.

Sen. John Arch of La Vista was re-elected as speaker of the Legislature.

Four lawmakers were elevated to leadership positions for the first time as senators elected chairpersons of the Legislature’s 14 standing committees.

They voted 31-18 to elect Omaha Sen. Kathleen Kauth over Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha to serve as chairperson of the Business and Labor Committee.

Gering Sen. Brian Hardin prevailed over Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston, by a 28-21 vote, to become chairperson of the Health and Human Services Committee.

Lawmakers chose Lincoln Sen. Beau Ballard to serve as chairperson of the Nebraska Retirement Systems Committee. He edged out Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln on a vote of 25-24.

Elkhorn Sen. R. Brad von Gillern defeated Sen. George Dungan of Lincoln to lead the Revenue Committee on a 29-15 vote.

The former chairperson of the Health and Human Services Committee, Blair Sen. Ben Hansen, was unopposed in his bid to serve as chairperson of the Executive Board, which oversees legislative services and employees.

Also elected as chairpersons in uncontested races were: Niobrara Sen. Barry DeKay to the Agriculture Committee; North Platte Sen. Mike Jacobson to the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee; Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue to the General Affairs Committee; Bellevue Sen. Rita Sanders to the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee; Sen. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln to the Judiciary Committee; and Plymouth Sen. Tom Brandt to the Natural Resources Committee.

Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil was re-elected chairperson of the Education Committee, defeating Seward Sen. Jana Hughes on a vote of 29-20.

The chairpersons of three other committees also remain the same as last year, with the following lawmakers re-elected in uncontested races: Sen. Robert Clements of Elmwood to the Appropriations Committee; Columbus Sen. Mike Moser to the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee; and Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha to the Urban Affairs Committee.

To reread the first Weekly Legislative Report of the session, you can click here.

Lawmakers this session created a two-year state budget while facing a projected $433 million revenue shortfall by the end of the biennium at the start of the session. They also focused on tax policy and education funding reform.

Senators introduced 715 bills during the first 10 legislative days and 28 constitutional amendments.

The Legislature passed 322 bills this session, but fell short of passing any additional property tax relief.

Being the first Session of the 109th Legislature, any bills that did not pass, or were not amended into other bills, or killed by their committee of jurisdiction, will remain in play for the 2nd Session of the 109th Legislature, which is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

At the start of the new biennium, the Legislature must pass a two-year budget. To address a $432 million shortfall, Governor Pillen proposed repealing $120 million in costly laws, freezing most agency spending, and cutting others—including $14.3 million from the University of Nebraska system. His plan also boosts federal funding for health care and raises taxes on cigarettes, vaping, spirits, gambling, and hemp products. New taxes would apply to candy, soft drinks, alternative nicotine, and crypto electricity use, while sales taxes on net wrap and twine would be reinstated.

Read Governor Pillen's State of the State Address in its entirety.

Nebraska lawmakers wrapped up the 2025 legislative session on Monday, concluding an 89-day stretch that saw over 200 bills passed and a balanced budget secured despite an initial $432 million shortfall.

Speaker John Arch praised senators for their work. He warned that the upcoming 2026 session would bring similar challenges, namely, adjusting the budget for the 2025-27 biennium and preparing for a projected $129 million shortfall in the following two years. Arch urged senators to monitor national fiscal shifts, especially in Medicaid and SNAP, which could push more costs to states.

Gov. Jim Pillen had attempted to issue line-item vetoes on portions of the budget, but they were ruled improperly filed and later withdrawn. He has pledged not to veto any of the 204 bills passed this session, with most taking effect on September 3.

Arch encouraged senators to use the interim to listen to constituents, prepare 2026 proposals, and focus on working together toward shared goals. Lawmakers will reconvene for a 60-day session on January 7, 2026.

Read more "Nebraska lawmakers adjourn 2025 legislative session, look ahead to future budget changes. Speaker John Arch: ‘It was hard work this session, but you proved that you can do the hard work. Next session will be no different.’ By: Zach Wendling - June 2, 2025 6:22 pm

Senators also began the session by voting to make a few changes to their rules, one of which changed voting "present and not voting' (PNV) on Final Reading would automatically be recorded as a 'no' vote. Read below, "Senators change ‘present not voting’ option, adopt permanent session rules."

Overall Bill and Committee Summary

(click on each image below to see a fill size version)

Bills Signed Into Law This Session

State budget package approved

By: Unicameral Update

Lawmakers gave final approval May 15 to six components of the state’s $11 billion, two-year budget package. Read More

Line-item vetoes delivered, returned to governor

By: Unicameral Update

Gov. Jim Pillen sent a message dated May 21 to lawmakers announcing a handful of vetoes to line-items contained in two components of the state budget package passed last week. Read More

Paid sick leave limitations approved

By: Unicameral Update

Senators passed a measure May 28 intended to clarify provisions of a ballot initiative passed by Nebraska voters that guarantees paid sick leave. Read More

Tax incentives pared back

By: Unicameral Update

Lawmakers gave final approval April 30 to a bill that rolls back various recently enacted tax incentives. Read More

New school finance commission approved with hopes for long-term Nebraska property tax reform

By: Zach Wendling, Nebraska Examiner

Nebraska lawmakers greenlit a long-term commission Friday to review how the state funds its K-12 schools, a step that could lead to future property tax relief after the latest efforts fell short this year. Read More

Skimmer device, 'kingpin' measure passed

By: Unicameral Update

Lawmakers gave final approval May 14 to a bill that criminalizes the unauthorized use of skimmer devices and creates enhanced penalties for “kingpins.” Read More

Natural resources, environmental agency merger approved

By: Unicameral Update

A proposal to combine two state agencies tasked with managing Nebraska’s water resources received final approval from lawmakers May 1. (Note: as passed would allow professional geologists, rather than only professional engineers, to serve as Chief Water Officer.) Read More

State boards and commissions modified, eliminated

By: Unicameral Update

Lawmakers passed a bill May 28 that modifies or eliminates more than three dozen state-established entities. (Note: as introduced, the bill would have eliminated the Nebraska Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board. This provision was taken out after the Board and industry representatives proved the need for the Board to continue in existence.) Read More

Potential third term for state senators approved

By: Unicameral Update

Nebraska voters will decide whether to amend the state constitution to extend term limits for members of the Legislature under a measure given final approval May 28. Read More

Natural resources omnibus clears final round

By: Unicameral Update

A Natural Resources Committee omnibus bill that creates a battery collection and recycling program received final approval from lawmakers May 14. Read More

Car warranty compensation rules updated

By: Unicameral Update

Lawmakers approved a bill May 14 intended to ensure that motor vehicle manufacturers fairly compensate Nebraska new car and truck dealers for warranty service. Read More

DMV cleanup bill, single license plate requirement passes

By: Unicameral Update

Lawmakers gave final approval April 10 to a state Department of Motor Vehicles cleanup measure that includes a requirement for the department to issue one license plate to each registered motor vehicle rather than two. Read More

Good life district fixes approved

By: Unicameral Update

Lawmakers passed a bill June 2 making several updates to a state initiative intended to spur large retail developments. Read More

Bills Not Signed Into Law This Session

Package of Tort Modernization Bills:

LB79 - Provide for dismissal of certain civil actions involving commercial motor vehicles. 

·      For a civil action involving a commercial motor vehicle, if the employer admits the person in question was an employee or contractor of the employer and was acting within the scope of employment, the bill requires the employer’s liability to be adjudged solely on the legal doctrine of respondeat superior

LB205 - Provide requirements for admissibility of evidence relating to medical expenses, require disclosures by plaintiffs seeking damages for such expenses, and provide a cap on noneconomic damages in certain civil actions against commercial motor vehicle carriers

·      LB 205 would cap non-economic damages at $2.25 million for personal injury actions involving a commercial motor vehicle. 

·      LB 205 also would ensure judges and juries have access to the actual costs of medical bills, not the inflated rates, in personal injury and wrongful death actions.

LB132 - Change provisions relating to admissibility of evidence of use of an occupant protection system or a three-point safety belt system

·      LB 132 provides that evidence a person was not wearing an occupant protection system or three-point safety belt is admissible in any civil proceeding for the purposes of determining liability and mitigation.

LB199 - Change the statute of limitations for personal injury actions, include administrative proceedings within the Nonrecourse Civil Litigation Act, require disclosures by consumers under such act, and provide for discipline against civil litigation funding companies

·      LB199 would reduce Nebraska's statute of limitations for personal injury actions from four years to two years,

·       and require disclosure of any contract for nonrecourse civil litigation financing.

Proposals to tax services, candy and soft drinks considered

By: Unicameral Update

Measure to tax services, fund property tax relief falls to filibuster

By: Unicameral Update

A proposal aimed at expanding Nebraska’s state sales tax to fund additional property tax relief fell short on May 19 following a failed cloture motion.

LB170, introduced by Sen. Tom Brandt, originally proposed taxing soft drinks and candy. He later offered an amendment replacing it with a broader measure to tax 18 discretionary services (e.g., dry cleaning, golf lessons, pool maintenance) and increase taxes on cigarettes ($1.36 per pack, up from the current $0.64 per pack), vaping products (to 40% wholesale), removing the sales tax exemption from pop, but leaving candy exempt, online cigar sales at 20%, and energy drinks. The revised plan projected $110 million in new revenue annually, earmarked for property tax relief under the School District Property Tax Relief Act.

Brandt later scaled the proposal back, removing most sales tax provisions but keeping excise tax increases on tobacco and vape products, estimating $80 million in revenue. Despite some bipartisan support, opponents argued the proposal disproportionately burdened low- and middle-income Nebraskans and failed to address structural property tax drivers.

After eight hours of debate, the cloture motion failed 30-15—three votes short—Read More

Limits to state minimum wage stall

By: Unicameral Update

A bill that would limit scheduled increases to the state’s minimum wage and establish a separate, lower wage for young Nebraskans fell two votes short on the final round of debate May 14. Read More

Vote on limits to state minimum wage reconsidered

By: Unicameral Update

Lawmakers could have a second chance to vote on final passage of a measure that would limit scheduled increases to the state’s minimum wage after choosing May 22 to reconsider a vote taken last week. Read More

Scaled-back inheritance tax cut stalls on second round

By: Unicameral Update

A proposal to cut county inheritance taxes while also distributing replacement revenue to counties stalled on select file May 13 after a failed cloture motion. Read More

Both options to end yearly time change advanced to final round

By: Unicameral Update

Nebraskans would no longer reset their clocks twice a year under two proposals given second-round approval March 11. (Note: both bills remain on Final Reading and could be taken up on Final Reading in the 2026 session.) Read More

Electoral winner-take-all proposal stalls on first round

By: Unicameral Update

A measure aimed at reinstating a winner-take-all system for allocating Nebraska’s five presidential electoral votes failed to advance from the first round of debate April 8. Read More

Mobile sports betting measure passed over

By: Unicameral Update

A proposal that would allow Nebraskans to place bets on sports with their mobile devices was passed over during second-round debate April 23 at the request of the introducer. Read More

Mandatory alcohol server training stalls

By: Unicameral Update

A proposal that would require mandatory alcohol training for Nebraska servers failed to advance from general file March 4. Read More

Property tax credit 'gap year' fix offered

By: Unicameral Update

The Revenue Committee heard testimony Feb. 26 on a proposal intended to address the effects of recent legislation that modified a property tax relief program. (Note: the bill was never advanced from committee.) Read More

Legislative pay commission debated

By: Unicameral Update

On March 14, lawmakers debated LR25CA, a proposed constitutional amendment that would tie Nebraska state senators’ salaries to the state minimum wage beginning January 6, 2027. The proposal also included state-funded health insurance with benefits equivalent to Medicaid. However, lacking enough votes to overcome a filibuster, the measure was passed over.

Meanwhile, LR7CA, introduced by Sen. Myron Dorn of Adams, would increase lawmakers’ annual pay from $12,000 to $30,000. That proposal remains in the Executive Board and has not advanced to the floor.

Both measures reflect an ongoing conversation about legislative compensation and may be considered again during the 2026 session. Read More

Cloture attempt on medical cannabis regulation fails

By: Unicameral Update

A proposal seeking to regulate and tax medical cannabis in Nebraska after approval of two ballot initiatives last November stalled on the first round of debate May 20 following a failed cloture motion. (Note: with the ballot initiative on Medical Cannabis having passed last November having an effective date of October 1, 2025, it is now up to the Liquor Control Commission and its newly appointed medical cannabis regulators to promulgate rules and regulations. See article below for more.) Read More

Two new Nebraska medical cannabis regulators approved over opposition from patients, families

By: Zach Wendling, Nebraska Examiner

Campaign manager of successful 2024 ballot measures says appointees ‘will slow-roll access for patients’. Read More

LB582 - Change provisions under the Mechanical Amusement Device Tax Act relating to the amount of tax imposed on cash devices and how such collected taxes are remitted and change the revenue submitted to the Nebraska Tourism Commission Promotional Cash Fund. 

As introduced, LB 582 would raise the cash device tax from 5% to 15% and directs revenue to the General fund and the Education Future Fund.

The bill remains in the Revenue Committee. Therefore, it will carry over to the 2026 legislative session. 

LB607 - Adopt the Environmental Stewardship of Batteries Act, the Extended Producer Responsibility Data Collection Act, and the Minimum Recycled Content Act, and change provisions relating to the Integrated Solid Waste Management Act, the Environmental Protection Act, and the Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive Fund

As outlined in the Statement of Intent on LB607, the bill would create a regulatory framework for new recycling technologies, typically referred to as advanced recycling, including the facilities, process, and material. Additionally, LB607 creates a producer-funded battery collection and recycling program to reduce environmental and safety risks. The bill sets performance goals, expands statewide disposal access, and requires public education efforts. LB607 also enhances transparency by requiring producers to report recycling and waste management data, as well as require the use of recycled materials in manufacturing to reduce reliance on new resources. The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy will oversee implementation, enforce compliance, and update regulations as technology advances. 

The bill remains in the Natural Resources Committee. Therefore, it will carry over to the 2026 legislative session. 

Vetoes This Session

Line-item vetoes delivered, returned to governor

By: Unicameral Update

Gov. Jim Pillen sent a message dated May 21 to lawmakers announcing a handful of vetoes to line-items contained in two components of the state budget package passed last week. Read More

Housing agency bed bug requirements vetoed, override motion filed

By: Unicameral Update

Gov. Jim Pillen vetoed a bill May 20 requiring the Omaha Housing Authority to address bed bug infestations. Read More

Veto of SNAP eligibility expansion sustained

By: Unicameral Update

An attempt to override the governor's veto of a bill to eliminate the state's lifetime ban on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program eligibility for individuals with certain drug-related convictions fell short May 19. Read More

Interim Study Resolution

There were 119 Interim Study Resolutions introduced during the 2025 Legislative Session.

Interim studies are research efforts conducted by the Nebraska Legislature between regular legislative sessions. These studies allow senators to investigate complex issues, gather stakeholder input, and develop informed legislative proposals for future sessions. Interim studies are especially valuable for addressing topics that require more time and analysis than is possible during the formal legislative calendar.

Each interim study is authorized through a legislative resolution, typically designated as a Legislative Resolution (LR). Senators introduce these resolutions toward the end of the session, outlining the subject matter they wish to examine. Once introduced, the resolutions are referred to the appropriate standing committee based on the topic area (e.g., Health and Human Services, Transportation and Telecommunications, etc.).

After the session adjourns, committees review the studies assigned to them and may schedule public hearings, roundtables, or site visits as needed. However, a formal hearing is not required. In many cases, issues are studied informally through staff research, stakeholder meetings, and data collection. This flexibility allows senators to explore a wide range of topics efficiently and in a manner that best fits the complexity of the issue.

While not required to take formal action, committees may issue reports or draft legislation based on their findings, which may lead to bills introduced in the next session. Interim studies serve as a critical bridge between sessions, ensuring legislators are prepared with researched, thoughtful solutions to the issues facing Nebraska.

A list of those Interim Studies of interest to you is included at the end of the "Bills of Interest to You" listing, which can be accessed by clicking on the image in that section.

Some of the more notable Interim Studies are:

Document Primary Introducer Committee Description 

LR86 Rountree Urban Affairs Interim study to identify and examine the state of affordable and accessible housing in Nebraska

LR123 Jacobson Banking, Commerce and Insurance Interim study to examine the collection, use, and protection of agricultural data in Nebraska

LR157 DeBoer Transportation and Telecommunications Interim study to examine and monitor issues relating to broadband and broadband deployment in Nebraska

LR158 Storer Natural Resources Interim study to examine the feasibility of the State of Nebraska assuming the administration of the seventy-six mile stretch of the Niobrara River that has been designated as a national scenic river

LR198 Kauth Executive Board Interim study to examine the process of creating the Technology Committee of the Legislature as a new standing committee and combining the Agriculture Committee of the Legislature and the Natural Resources Committee of the Legislature

LR218 Spivey General Affairs Interim study to examine the public health and community impact of skilled gaming machines in Nebraska

LR226 Cavanaugh, J. General Affairs Interim study to examine the implementation of the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act and the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act

LR234 Storm Natural Resources Interim study to examine the impact of the net-zero plans and goals of public power utilities

LR250 Andersen Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Interim study to examine whether power companies should be exempt from the Secure Drone Purchasing Act

LR257 Bostar Agriculture Interim study to examine foreign and domestic threats to Nebraska agriculture

To view a listing of all Interim Studies introduced this session, you can click here.

Bills of Interest to You - Including Interim Hearings

(Click on images below to view the complete list -

Interim Hearings appear at the end of the bill listing.