An idea for a law is suggested. Anyone, citizens, special interest groups, state agencies or the Governor may propose an idea. However, the proposal must be introduced as a bill into the legislature by a state senator for it to be formally considered. A senator and his staff research an area of interest. As a result, the senator may introduce a bill to create a new law or to repeal or alter an existing one.
Most research is done during the time between legislative sessions.
A senator brings his idea for a new law to a bill drafter, who works with the senator to transform the idea into the proper legal form for a bill. Unlike some states, bills introduced in Nebraska may contain only one subject. Most bills are introduced during the first 10 days of session, which begins each January. To introduce a bill, a senator files it with the Clerk of the Legislature, who reads the title of the bill into the record, assigns it a number and prints copies of it for the public and legislative review. The fiscal note contains estimates of the financial impact each bill would have if it were to become law.