The lawmaking process in Nebraska officially begins when a senator introduces a bill into the Legislature, which meets each January. The idea must be introduced by a senator to be formally considered by the Legislature. Committees debate and propose amendments to bills, and the full Legislature has an opportunity to debate each bill at least two times before its final passage. Senators may propose amendments to alter the bill at each stage of debate. A senator may introduce a bill to create a new law, or to get rid of or change an existing law.
Research is done during the period between sessions called the interim.
During this time, legislative committees study a variety of issues that have been identified by the Legislature. A senator brings his or her 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 the legislative session which begins each January. In order to introduce a bill, a senator files it with the Clerk of the Legislature.