reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-876 - Student teacher or intern; protection; rules and regulations; comply.

79-876.
Student teacher or intern; protection; rules and regulations; comply.
A student teacher or intern under the supervision of a certificated teacher, principal, or other administrator shall have the protection of the laws accorded the certificated teacher, principal, or other administrator and shall, while acting as such student teacher or intern, comply with all rules and regulations of the local board of education and observe all duties assigned certificated teachers.
Source
Laws 1971, LB 175, § 2;
R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1298;
Laws 1996, LB 900, § 501.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-877 - Student teacher or intern; responsibilities and duties.

79-877.
Student teacher or intern; responsibilities and duties.
A cooperating teacher, in cooperation with the principal or other administrator and the representative of the teacher preparation institution, shall assign to the student teacher or intern responsibilities and duties that will provide adequate preparation for teaching.
Source
Laws 1971, LB 175, § 3;
R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1299;
Laws 1996, LB 900, § 502.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-878 - Student teacher or intern; terms, defined.

79-878.
Student teacher or intern; terms, defined.
Whenever in sections 79-875 to 79-878 board of education is referred to and the school that a student teacher or intern is referred to does not have a board of education, such term shall be the person or governing body that administers such school.
Source
Laws 1971, LB 175, § 4;
R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-12,100;
Laws 1996, LB 900, § 503.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-896 - Teachers; applicants; inquiries concerning religious affiliation prohibited.

79-896.
Teachers; applicants; inquiries concerning religious affiliation prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for any person to prepare or deliver any questionnaire, employment application, or information blank to any applicant for any teaching position in the public schools of this state if the questionnaire, employment application, or information blank contains any inquiry or reference to the religious affiliation or the religious belief of the applicant.
Source
Laws 1937, c. 180, § 1, p. 710;
C.S.Supp.,1941, § 79-1426;
R.S.1943, § 79-1406;
Laws 1949, c. 256, § 368, p. 814;
R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1268;
Laws 1996, LB 900, § 521.
Cross References
For constitutional provisions for religious freedom, see Article I, section 4, and Article VII, section 11, Constitution of Nebraska.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-897 - Teachers; inquiries concerning religious affiliation; violations; penalty.

79-897.
Teachers; inquiries concerning religious affiliation; violations; penalty.
Any person who violates the provisions of section 79-896 is guilty of a Class III misdemeanor. Violation of such section shall be cause for the removal of any superintendent, member of a board of education or school board, or other public school official.
Source
Laws 1937, c. 180, § 2, p. 711;
C.S.Supp.,1941, § 79-1427;
R.S.1943, § 79-1407;
Laws 1949, c. 256, § 369, p. 815;
Laws 1977, LB 39, § 258;
R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1269;
Laws 1996, LB 900, § 522.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-8,100 - Teachers; solicitation by agents or salespersons prohibited; exceptions.

79-8,100.
Teachers; solicitation by agents or salespersons prohibited; exceptions.
It shall be unlawful for any peddler, agent, salesperson, or representative of any commercial enterprise, theatrical production, or play to call upon or to secure contracts with or solicit orders and business from any classroom teacher while the classroom teacher is actively engaged in the pursuit of his or her work as such. For purposes of this section, a teacher is actively engaged in the pursuit of his or her work between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on all days the school in which he or she is teaching is in session. The school board or board of education of any school district may designate such other hours as in their judgment seem best during which the classroom teacher or teachers of the district may be interviewed or solicited by the persons designated in this section.
Source
Laws 1929, c. 86, § 1, p. 339;
C.S.1929, § 79-2133;
R.S.1943, § 79-2141;
Laws 1949, c. 256, § 372, p. 815;
R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1272;
Laws 1996, LB 900, § 525.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-8,101 - Teachers; solicitation by agents or salespersons; violation; penalty.

79-8,101.
Teachers; solicitation by agents or salespersons; violation; penalty.
Any person or persons who violate the purpose and intent of the provisions of section 79-8,100 shall be guilty of a Class III misdemeanor.
Source
Laws 1929, c. 86, § 2, p. 339;
C.S.1929, § 79-2134;
R.S.1943, § 79-2142;
Laws 1949, c. 256, § 373, p. 816;
Laws 1977, LB 39, § 259;
R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1273;
Laws 1996, LB 900, § 526.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-8,106 - Epidemics; teachers' salaries; duty to pay; injury leave; workers' compensation benefits; requirements.

79-8,106.
Epidemics; teachers' salaries; duty to pay; injury leave; workers' compensation benefits; requirements.
(1) In case of epidemic sickness prevailing to such an extent that the school or schools in any school district shall be closed, teachers shall be paid their usual salaries in full for such time as the school or schools shall be closed.
(2) If an employee of a school district is physically injured by another individual who intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to such employee and such injury occurs within the employee's scope of employment in a manner that would be covered by the Nebraska Workers' Compensation Act, the employee shall receive injury leave and be paid their usual salary in full for such time as the employee is absent and unable to work as a result of such injury not to exceed seven calendar days. Thereafter, the employee shall use workers' compensation benefits as necessary and available in accordance with the Nebraska Workers' Compensation Act, except that no additional compensation shall be paid to an employee for any day for which such employee has already been paid for injury leave pursuant to this section.
(3) Injury leave pursuant to this section shall not count against any other leave the employee accrues as a result of working for such school district. A school district may require confirmation from a physician regarding the causation and the period of time for which an employee is unable to work in determining the applicability of injury leave, and such school district may withhold injury leave until such confirmation is provided.
Source
Laws 1919, c. 246, § 1, p. 1016;
C.S.1922, § 6542;
C.S.1929, § 79-2119;
R.S.1943, § 79-2128;
Laws 1949, c. 256, § 353, p. 809;
R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1253;
Laws 1996, LB 900, § 531;
Laws 2020, LB1186, § 1.
Cross References
Nebraska Workers' Compensation Act, see section 48-1,110.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-8,107 - Teachers; lunch period; exception.

79-8,107.
Teachers; lunch period; exception.
Every school district shall provide each teacher with an uninterrupted lunch period of not less than thirty minutes each school day, and no teacher shall be assigned teaching, supervisory, or other duties during such lunch period, except that school district attendance centers having less than two teachers shall be exempted from the provisions of this section.
Source
Laws 1967, c. 519, § 1, p. 1741;
R.S.1943, (1981), § 79-547;
Laws 1986, LB 820, § 1;
R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1254.10;
Laws 1996, LB 900, § 532.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-8,108 - Teachers and employees; pledge; form.

79-8,108.
Teachers and employees; pledge; form.
All persons engaged in teaching in the public schools of the State of Nebraska and all other employees paid from public school funds, shall sign the following pledge:
I, .........., do believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a republic; an indissoluble nation of many sovereign states; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.
I acknowledge it to be my duty to inculcate in the hearts and minds of all pupils in my care, so far as it is in my power to do, (1) an understanding of the United States Constitution and of the Constitution of Nebraska, (2) a knowledge of the history of the nation and of the sacrifices that have been made in order that it might achieve its present greatness, (3) a love and devotion to the policies and institutions that have made America the finest country in the world in which to live, and (4) opposition to all organizations and activities that would destroy our present form of government.
Source
Laws 1951, c. 206, § 4, p. 767;
R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-4,148;
Laws 1996, LB 900, § 533.
Cross References
Oath of office, see sections 11-101 to 11-101.03.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-8,109 - Teacher, administrator, or full-time employee; personnel file; access; written response; attach.

79-8,109.
Teacher, administrator, or full-time employee; personnel file; access; written response; attach.
Any teacher, administrator, or full-time employee of any public school district shall, upon his or her request, have access to his or her personnel file maintained by the district and shall have the right to attach a written response to any item in such file. Such teacher, administrator, or employee may in writing authorize any other person to have access to such file, which authorization shall be honored by the district. Such access and right to attach a written response shall not be granted with respect to any letters of recommendation solicited by the employer which appear in the personnel file. No other person except school officials while engaged in their professional duties shall be granted access to such file, and the contents thereof shall not be divulged in any manner to any unauthorized person.
Source
Laws 1973, LB 370, § 1;
R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-4,156;
Laws 1996, LB 900, § 534.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-8,111 - Nebraska Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act, how cited.

79-8,111.
Nebraska Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act, how cited.
Sections 79-8,111 to 79-8,118 shall be known and may be cited as the Nebraska Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act.
Source
Laws 2023, LB705, § 43.
Operative Date: June 2, 2023
Termination Date: January 1, 2028
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-8,112 - Purpose of act.

79-8,112.
Purpose of act.
The purpose of the Nebraska Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act is to provide financial incentives to recruit and retain teachers in Nebraska classrooms.
Source
Laws 2023, LB705, § 44.
Operative Date: June 2, 2023
Termination Date: January 1, 2028
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-8,113 - Terms, defined.

79-8,113.
Terms, defined.
For purposes of the Nebraska Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act:
(1) Department means the State Department of Education;
(2) Grant means a grant for teacher recruitment and retention payments under the Nebraska Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act; and
(3) Teacher means a person who holds a valid certificate to teach in Nebraska issued by the Commissioner of Education and is employed in Nebraska for the instruction of students in elementary or high school grades.
Source
Laws 2023, LB705, § 45.
Operative Date: June 2, 2023
Termination Date: January 1, 2028
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-8,114 - Grants; eligibility.

79-8,114.
Grants; eligibility.
(1) A teacher may apply to the department for a grant. The department shall not prioritize a grant based upon the school where the applicant teaches.
(2) A teacher is eligible to apply for:
(a) A retention one grant of two thousand five hundred dollars if the teacher has signed a contract to complete such teacher's second complete school year of full-time employment as a teacher at a Nebraska school in school year 2023-24, 2024-25, 2025-26, or 2026-27;
(b) A retention two grant of two thousand five hundred dollars if the teacher has signed a contract to complete such teacher's fourth complete school year of full-time employment as a teacher at a Nebraska school in school year 2023-24, 2024-25, 2025-26, or 2026-27;
(c) A retention three grant of two thousand five hundred dollars if the teacher has signed a contract to complete such teacher's sixth complete school year of full-time employment as a teacher at a Nebraska school in school year 2023-24, 2024-25, 2025-26, or 2026-27; and
(d)(i) A high-need retention grant of five thousand dollars if on or after June 2, 2023, a teacher:
(A) Obtains an endorsement in special education, mathematics, science, technology, or dual credit; and
(B) Signs a contract to complete a school year of full-time employment as a teacher at a Nebraska school in school year 2024-25, 2025-26, or 2026-27.
(ii) A teacher shall only be eligible to receive one high-need retention grant.
Source
Laws 2023, LB705, § 46.
Operative Date: June 2, 2023
Termination Date: January 1, 2028
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-8,115 - Legislative intent.

79-8,115.
Legislative intent.
It is the intent of the Legislature to encourage individual schools and school districts to adopt policies incentivizing teacher recruitment and retention through policies similar to the Nebraska Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act. Teachers at schools not adopting a recruitment and retention policy shall not be prohibited from receiving a grant under the Nebraska Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act.
Source
Laws 2023, LB705, § 47.
Operative Date: June 2, 2023
Termination Date: January 1, 2028
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-8,116 - Appropriation; legislative intent.

79-8,116.
Appropriation; legislative intent.
It is the intent of the Legislature to appropriate ten million dollars from the Education Future Fund to carry out the Nebraska Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act.
Source
Laws 2023, LB705, § 48.
Operative Date: June 2, 2023
Termination Date: January 1, 2028
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-8,117 - Rules and regulations.

79-8,117.
Rules and regulations.
The State Board of Education may adopt and promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the Nebraska Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act.
Source
Laws 2023, LB705, § 49.
Operative Date: June 2, 2023
Termination Date: January 1, 2028
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-8,118 - Act, termination.

79-8,118.
Act, termination.
The Nebraska Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act terminates on January 1, 2028.
Source
Laws 2023, LB705, § 50.
Operative Date: June 2, 2023
Termination Date: January 1, 2028
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-8,141 - Teacher Corps AmeriCorps Education Award Program; duties; legislative intent.

79-8,141.
Teacher Corps AmeriCorps Education Award Program; duties; legislative intent.
The Nebraska Volunteer Service Commission shall submit a program proposal to the Corporation for National Service to obtain funding for educational awards. The awards shall be used by the commission to (1) provide incentives for new college graduates to establish their teaching careers in Nebraska and (2) provide incentives for experienced Nebraska teachers to pursue graduate degrees. It is the intent of the Legislature that the State Department of Education shall provide state funding to the Nebraska Volunteer Service Commission to contract for a program officer position for the Teacher Corps AmeriCorps Education Award Program if the Corporation for National Service commits to funding such program in Nebraska. State funding provided by the State Department of Education shall be used by the Nebraska Volunteer Service Commission to contract for a program officer position to meet the required monitoring and compliance responsibilities of the program.
Source
Laws 2000, LB 1399, § 24.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-8,142 - Incentive for voluntary termination; school district; duties.

79-8,142.
Incentive for voluntary termination; school district; duties.
(1) A school district may agree to pay incentives to a certificated employee in exchange for a voluntary termination of employment.
(2) For purposes of this section, incentives paid in exchange for a voluntary termination of employment include any amount paid, except pursuant to the Retirement Incentive Plan or Staff Development Assistance agreement required under sections 79-854 to 79-856 for school districts involved in a unification or reorganization, to or on behalf of any certificated staff member in exchange for a voluntary termination of employment, including, but not limited to, early retirement inducements and costs to the school district for insurance coverage for such certificated staff member or any member of such certificated staff member's family.
(3) Incentives paid to a certificated teacher in exchange for a voluntary termination of employment shall be a qualified voluntary termination incentive for a certificated teacher for purposes of sections 77-3442 and 79-1028.01 if:
(a) All current and future incentives paid by the school district to such certificated teacher for such voluntary termination of employment do not exceed thirty-five thousand dollars in total and such school district has not and shall not pay any other incentives to such certificated teacher for any voluntary termination of employment;
(b) All current and future incentives for such voluntary termination of employment are paid within five years after such voluntary termination of employment or prior to such certificated teacher becoming eligible for medicare, whichever occurs first;
(c) Such school district has, to the satisfaction of the State Board of Education, demonstrated that the payment of such incentives in exchange for a voluntary termination of employment will result in a net savings in salary and benefit costs to the school district over a five-year period; and
(d) Such incentives to be paid in exchange for a voluntary termination of employment were not included in any collective-bargaining agreement.
(4) Each school district shall report all incentives paid in exchange for voluntary terminations of employment on the annual financial report in the manner specified by the department.
(5) The State Board of Education may adopt and promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the purposes of this section.
Source
Laws 2017, LB512, § 11.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-8,143 - Act, how cited.

79-8,143.
Act, how cited.
Sections 79-8,143 to 79-8,145.01 shall be known and may be cited as the Alternative Certification for Quality Teachers Act.
Source
Laws 2021, LB528, § 29;
Laws 2023, LB705, § 86.
Operative Date: September 2, 2023
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-8,144 - Legislative findings and declarations.

79-8,144.
Legislative findings and declarations.
The Legislature finds and declares that:
(1) Like many other states, Nebraska is facing a teacher and substitute teacher shortage;
(2) Mandatory training days and family leave policies draw many regular teachers out of their classrooms, causing schools to hire substitute teachers;
(3) The Internal Revenue Service requires a separation period for recently retired teachers who may otherwise be interested in returning to the classroom as a substitute teacher;
(4) In the fall of 2016, the State Department of Education conducted a teacher vacancy survey of all school districts, educational service units, and nonpublic school systems;
(5) Such survey showed that the state continues to have hundreds of unfilled teaching positions across the state;
(6) The most widely reported solution for filling teaching vacancies was to hire an individual who holds a transitional, provisional, or temporary teaching certificate; and
(7) Filling teaching vacancies and having an adequate number of substitute teachers is imperative for delivering a high-quality learning experience to students.
Source
Laws 2021, LB528, § 30.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-8,145 - Teacher education program; baccalaureate degree, graduate degree, or professional degree; forty-eight or more semester credit hours or associate degree; temporary certificate to teach; issuance; terms and conditions.

79-8,145.
Teacher education program; baccalaureate degree, graduate degree, or professional degree; forty-eight or more semester credit hours or associate degree; temporary certificate to teach; issuance; terms and conditions.
(1) In addition to certificates issued pursuant to sections 79-806 to 79-815:
(a) The Commissioner of Education shall, subject to the provisions of subsection (3) of this section, grant a temporary certificate to teach on a full-time basis to any applicant who:
(i) Has completed a teacher education program at a standard institution of higher education as defined in section 79-807; and
(ii) Currently possesses a certificate to teach in good standing from another state;
(b) The commissioner may, subject to subsection (3) of this section, grant a temporary certificate to teach on a full-time basis to any applicant who:
(i) Has earned and been awarded a baccalaureate degree, graduate degree, or professional degree from a college or university accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the United States Department of Education; and
(ii) Has passed any appropriate subject area examination as designated by the State Board of Education; and
(c) Beginning in fiscal year 2024-25, the commissioner shall, subject to subsection (3) of this section, grant a temporary certificate to teach on a full-time basis to any applicant who:
(i) Has completed two years at a college or university accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the United States Department of Education with at least forty-eight or more semester credit hours or obtained an associate degree from such a college or university;
(ii) Is employed as a paraprofessional or paraeducator at an elementary school, middle school, or high school in Nebraska; and
(iii) Has passed any appropriate subject area examination as designated by the State Board of Education.
(2) Any temporary certificate to teach issued pursuant to this section shall be valid for a period not to exceed two years, during which the holder of such temporary certificate must obtain a certificate to teach pursuant to sections 79-806 to 79-815 by completing the requirements contained in such sections.
(3) Issuance of a temporary certificate to teach pursuant to this section shall be subject to a criminal history record information check pursuant to section 79-814.01 and payment of any required fees.
Source
Laws 2021, LB528, § 31;
Laws 2023, LB705, § 88.
Operative Date: September 2, 2023
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-8,145.01 - Alternative teacher certification program; temporary certificate to teach; issuance; terms and conditions.

79-8,145.01.
Alternative teacher certification program; temporary certificate to teach; issuance; terms and conditions.
(1) In addition to certificates issued pursuant to section 79-806 to 79-815, the Commissioner of Education shall, subject to subsections (2) and (3) of this section, issue an alternative certificate to teach on a full-time basis to any applicant who:
(a) Possesses a baccalaureate degree; and
(b) Has successfully completed an alternative teacher certification program operated by an organization that satisfies the following criteria:
(i) The organization operates in at least five states;
(ii) The organization has operated an alternative teacher certification program for at least ten years; and
(iii) The program requires candidates to pass a subject area examination and the pedagogy examination, known as the professional teaching knowledge examination, to receive a certificate under such program.
(2) A certificate issued under this section only authorizes an individual to teach the subject and educational levels for which the individual has successfully completed an alternative teacher certification program.
(3) Issuance of an alternative certificate to teach pursuant to this section shall be subject to a criminal history record information check pursuant to section 79-814.01 and payment of any required fees.
(4) An individual who receives an alternative certificate to teach pursuant to this section shall:
(a) Participate in a school district clinical experience for one semester in such individual's first semester of employment as a teacher pursuant to this section; and
(b) Be subject to the same certification criteria as an individual who completes a traditional teacher preparation program if converting the alternative certificate to teach to a standard certificate to teach.
Source
Laws 2023, LB705, § 87.
Operative Date: September 2, 2023
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-8,147 - Terms, defined.

79-8,147.
Terms, defined.
For purposes of the Teach in Nebraska Today Act:
(1) Default has the same meaning as in 20 U.S.C. 1085, as such section existed on January 1, 2022;
(2) Department means the State Department of Education;
(3) Program means the Teach in Nebraska Today Program created in section 79-8,148; and
(4) Teaching full-time means (a) teaching an average of at least four hours per contract day performing instructional duties as a full-time employee of an approved or accredited public, private, denominational, or parochial school in this state or (b) teaching an average of at least four hours per contract day performing dual-credit instructional duties for students of approved or accredited public, private, denominational, or parochial schools in this state while employed full-time at an accredited public or private nonprofit college or university in this state.
Source
Laws 2022, LB1218, § 2.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-8,148 - Teach in Nebraska Today Program; created; purpose.

79-8,148.
Teach in Nebraska Today Program; created; purpose.
The Teach in Nebraska Today Program is created. The department shall administer the program. The purpose of the program is to attract individuals to the teaching profession who have expressed an interest in teaching and to support the employment of those individuals as classroom teachers by providing student loan repayment assistance for service as a classroom teacher in this state.
Source
Laws 2022, LB1218, § 3.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-8,149 - Student loan repayment assistance; eligibility; amount; priority for funds; procedure.

79-8,149.
Student loan repayment assistance; eligibility; amount; priority for funds; procedure.
(1) Student loan repayment assistance under the program shall be available to an individual who applies for the assistance and who:
(a) Is a resident of the State of Nebraska; and
(b) Is teaching full-time or has a contract to teach full-time at the time of application for the program.
(2) The amount of repayment assistance awarded to an eligible applicant pursuant to this section shall be limited to five thousand dollars per year. An eligible applicant may be awarded repayment assistance for up to five years. The five years of awards are not required to be consecutive but shall not extend beyond eight years in total.
(3) If the funds available for repayment assistance in any year are insufficient to provide assistance to all eligible applicants described in subsection (1) of this section, the department shall establish priorities for awarding repayment assistance with renewal applications given priority over initial applications. For initial applications, priority shall be given to applicants who demonstrate financial need.
(4) An eligible applicant may receive repayment assistance under the program for the repayment of a student loan received through any lender which was incurred in the applicant's own name for his or her own educational expenses at any accredited public or private nonprofit college or university in this state or any other state. If the loan is not a state or federal guaranteed student loan, the note or other writing governing the terms of the loan must require the loan proceeds to be used for expenses incurred by the applicant to attend an accredited public or private nonprofit college or university in this state or any other state.
Source
Laws 2022, LB1218, § 4.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-8,150 - Student loan repayment assistance; application; deadlines.

79-8,150.
Student loan repayment assistance; application; deadlines.
Applications for student loan repayment assistance must be submitted no later than June 10, 2023, and no later than June 10 of each year thereafter, on a form developed by the department. The department shall determine whether to approve or deny each application and shall notify each applicant of such determination no later than September 10, 2023, and no later than September 10 of each year thereafter. Repayment assistance awarded under the program shall be paid, in whole or in part as provided in section 79-8,151, no later than November 10, 2023, and no later than November 10 of each year thereafter.
Source
Laws 2022, LB1218, § 5.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-8,151 - Student loan repayment assistance; how paid; third-party vendor; contract authorized.

79-8,151.
Student loan repayment assistance; how paid; third-party vendor; contract authorized.
(1) Student loan repayment assistance awarded under the program may be applied to the principal amount of the loan and to interest that accrues. The repayment assistance shall be paid in one of the following three ways as directed by the applicant on his or her application:
(a) Directly to the lender or loan servicer that holds the outstanding balance of the student loan in one lump-sum payment;
(b) Directly to the lender or loan servicer that holds the outstanding balance of the student loan in monthly payments. Such monthly payments shall be made:
(i) In twelve equal payments; or
(ii) If requested by the applicant, in smaller amounts over a longer period of time, not to exceed twenty-four months. In such case, payments shall be equal for the first twelve months or until such time as the applicant's payment amount is recalculated by the lender or loan servicer and then, if adjusted, shall be equal for the next twelve-month period. Any unpaid funds at the end of twenty-four months may be requested to be paid in a lump-sum payment to the lender or loan servicer or shall be considered forfeited by the applicant. Applicants who are awarded repayment assistance in more than one year may have their awards divided across no more than one hundred twenty monthly payments under the program; or
(c) Directly to the applicant for the purpose of making the applicant's student loan payments. This subdivision shall only be available if the applicant is not in default on any student loan at the time of application. Any individual receiving repayment assistance under this subdivision must provide documentation that the full award was used for student loan payments when (i) applying for repayment assistance under the program in subsequent years and (ii) claiming an adjustment to federal adjusted gross income pursuant to section 77-2716. Such documentation shall be provided using a form prescribed by the department.
(2) The department may contract with a third-party vendor to administer the repayment assistance provided pursuant to the program.
Source
Laws 2022, LB1218, § 6.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-901 - Act, how cited.

79-901.
Act, how cited.
Sections 79-901 to 79-977.03 shall be known and may be cited as the School Employees Retirement Act.
Source
Laws 1991, LB 549, § 23;
Laws 1993, LB 292, § 1;
Laws 1994, LB 833, § 29;
Laws 1995, LB 501, § 4;
Laws 1996, LB 700, § 6;
Laws 1996, LB 847, § 28;
R.S.Supp.,1995, § 79-1501.01;
Laws 1996, LB 900, § 536;
Laws 1996, LB 1076, § 14;
Laws 1997, LB 724, § 2;
Laws 1998, LB 532, § 5;
Laws 1998, LB 1191, § 44;
Laws 2002, LB 407, § 21;
Laws 2011, LB509, § 16;
Laws 2013, LB553, § 2;
Laws 2019, LB34, § 9.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-903 - Retirement system; established; purpose.

79-903.
Retirement system; established; purpose.
A school retirement system is hereby established for the purpose of providing retirement allowances or other benefits for the school employees of the State of Nebraska as provided in the School Employees Retirement Act. It shall have the powers and privileges of a corporation, insofar as may be necessary to carry out the act, shall be known as the School Employees Retirement System of the State of Nebraska, and by such name shall transact all business as provided in the act.
Source
Laws 1945, c. 219, § 2, p. 640;
R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2902;
Laws 1949, c. 256, § 436, p. 842;
Laws 1967, c. 486, § 41, p. 1530;
Laws 1969, c. 584, § 85, p. 2400;
Laws 1969, c. 735, § 2, p. 2777;
Laws 1971, LB 987, § 17;
Laws 1991, LB 549, § 25;
R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1502;
Laws 1996, LB 900, § 538;
Laws 2011, LB509, § 18.
Cross References
For retirement system for employees of Class V school districts, see the Class V School Employees Retirement Act, section 79-978.01.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-904 - School retirement system; administration; retirement board; powers and duties; rules and regulations.

79-904.
School retirement system; administration; retirement board; powers and duties; rules and regulations.
The general administration of the retirement system, except the investment of funds, is hereby vested in the retirement board. The board may, by a majority vote of its members, adopt bylaws and adopt and promulgate rules and regulations, from time to time, to carry out the School Employees Retirement Act. The board shall perform such other duties as may be required to execute the act.
Source
Laws 1945, c. 219, § 3, p. 640;
R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2903;
Laws 1949, c. 256, § 437, p. 842;
Laws 1967, c. 486, § 42, p. 1530;
Laws 1969, c. 584, § 86, p. 2400;
Laws 1971, LB 987, § 18;
Laws 1991, LB 549, § 26;
Laws 1995, LB 369, § 5;
Laws 1996, LB 847, § 29;
R.S.Supp.,1995, § 79-1503;
Laws 1996, LB 900, § 539;
Laws 2011, LB509, § 19;
Laws 2018, LB1005, § 19.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-905 - Retirement board; duties.

79-905.
Retirement board; duties.
It shall be the duty of the retirement board to:
(1) Determine the eligibility of an individual to be a member of the retirement system and other questions of fact in the event of dispute between an individual and a department;
(2) Adopt rules and regulations, as the board may deem necessary, for the management of the board;
(3) Prescribe the form in which employers report contributions, hours worked by school employees, payroll information, and other information necessary to carry out the board's duties;
(4) Keep a complete record of all proceedings taken at any meeting of the board;
(5) Employ a director and such assistants and employees as may be necessary in the performance of its duties; and
(6) Obtain actuarial services pursuant to subdivision (2)(e) of section 84-1503.
Source
Laws 1967, c. 546, § 3, p. 1801;
Laws 1969, c. 584, § 87, p. 2401;
Laws 1991, LB 549, § 27;
Laws 1995, LB 502, § 2;
R.S.Supp.,1995, § 79-1503.01;
Laws 1996, LB 900, § 540;
Laws 1998, LB 1191, § 46;
Laws 2000, LB 1192, § 10;
Laws 2018, LB1005, § 21.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-906 - Director; records; contents; employer education program.

79-906.
Director; records; contents; employer education program.
(1) The director in charge of the retirement system shall keep a complete record of all members with respect to name, current address, age, contributions, and any other facts as may be necessary in the administration of the School Employees Retirement Act. The information in the records shall be provided by the employer in an accurate and verifiable form, as specified by the director. The director shall, from time to time, carry out testing procedures pursuant to section 84-1512 to verify the accuracy of such information. For the purpose of obtaining such facts and information, the director shall have access to the records of the various employers and state departments and agencies and the holder of the records shall comply with a request by the director for access by providing such facts and information to the director in a timely manner. A certified copy of a birth certificate or delayed birth certificate shall be prima facie evidence of the age of the person named in the certificate.
(2) The director shall develop and implement an employer education program using principles generally accepted by public employee retirement systems so that all employers have the knowledge and information necessary to prepare and file reports as the board requires.
Source
Laws 1991, LB 549, § 28;
R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1503.02;
Laws 1996, LB 900, § 541;
Laws 2000, LB 1192, § 11;
Laws 2005, LB 364, § 9;
Laws 2005, LB 503, § 9;
Laws 2012, LB916, § 20.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-907 - Statement of information; board; powers and duties.

79-907.
Statement of information; board; powers and duties.
(1)(a) On or before October 1, 2001, and at least every two years thereafter, the retirement board shall send to each contributing member of the retirement system by first-class mail, a statement of creditable service, reported salary, and other such information as is determined by the director of the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems to be necessary in calculating the member's retirement benefit.
(b) If the member requests a modification or correction of his or her statement of information, the member shall provide documentation to the board supporting such modification or correction and provide clear and convincing evidence that the statement is in error. The board shall, within sixty days after receipt of the documentation supporting the modification or correction, determine whether the member has proven by clear and convincing evidence that the statement shall be modified or corrected. If the board determines that the member has provided clear and convincing evidence, the board shall modify or correct the statement. If the board determines that the member has not provided clear and convincing evidence, the board shall deny the modification or correction. In either case, the board shall notify the member. The member may appeal the decision of the board pursuant to section 79-950.
(c) The board has an ongoing fiduciary duty to modify or correct a member's statement if the board discovers an error in the information it has on record. A modification or correction shall be made within sixty days after the error is brought to the attention of the board.
(2) The board may adopt and promulgate rules and regulations and prescribe the necessary forms to carry out this section.
Source
Laws 1998, LB 1191, § 47;
Laws 2000, LB 1192, § 12;
Laws 2004, LB 961, § 1;
Laws 2005, LB 144, § 1;
Laws 2018, LB1005, § 22.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-908 - State Treasurer; duties.

79-908.
State Treasurer; duties.
The State Treasurer shall be the custodian of the funds and securities of the retirement system and may deposit the funds and securities in any financial institution approved by the Nebraska Investment Council. All disbursements therefrom shall be paid by him or her only upon vouchers signed by a person authorized by the retirement board. The State Treasurer shall transmit monthly to the board a detailed statement showing all credits to and disbursements from the funds in his or her custody belonging to the retirement system.
Source
Laws 1945, c. 219, § 6, p. 641;
R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2906;
Laws 1949, c. 256, § 440, p. 843;
R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1506;
Laws 1996, LB 900, § 543;
Laws 1997, LB 623, § 13.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-909 - Auditor of Public Accounts; annual audit; report.

79-909.
Auditor of Public Accounts; annual audit; report.
The Auditor of Public Accounts shall make an annual audit of the retirement system and submit electronically an annual report to the Clerk of the Legislature of its condition. Each member of the Legislature shall receive an electronic copy of such report by making a request for it to the Auditor of Public Accounts. Expenses of the audit shall be paid from the Expense Fund.
Source
Laws 1945, c. 219, § 8, p. 641;
R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2908;
Laws 1949, c. 256, § 442, p. 843;
Laws 1967, c. 546, § 4, p. 1802;
Laws 1971, LB 987, § 20;
Laws 1979, LB 322, § 38;
R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1508;
Laws 1996, LB 900, § 544;
Laws 2012, LB782, § 155.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-910 - Retirement system; membership; separate employment; effect.

79-910.
Retirement system; membership; separate employment; effect.
(1) The membership of the retirement system shall be composed of (a) all persons who have an account in the School Retirement Fund, (b) all school employees who on or after July 1, 2002, must participate in the retirement system pursuant to section 79-910.01 and who have begun participation in the retirement system, and (c) emeritus members. The membership of the retirement system does not include persons described in sections 79-915 and 79-919 who are specifically excluded from membership in the retirement system.
(2) The membership of the retirement system also includes any person who prior to July 1, 2002, qualified for membership as follows: (a) All persons who become school employees after September 1, 1945, except those specifically excluded under sections 79-916 and 79-919, shall become members as soon as they become senior school employees, as senior school employee was defined in section 79-902 prior to July 1, 2002; (b) senior school employees on July 1, 1945, except those specifically excluded in sections 79-916 and 79-919, shall be members of the retirement system as of July 1, 1945, unless prior to October 1, 1945, any such employee shall have filed with the retirement board and with his or her employer a notice of his or her election not to be included in the membership of the system and a duly executed waiver of all the present and prospective benefits which would otherwise inure to him or her on account of his or her membership in the retirement system; and (c) emeritus members.
(3) Any school employee who qualifies for membership in the retirement system pursuant to subsection (1) or (2) of this section may not be disqualified from membership in the retirement system solely because such employee also maintains separate employment which qualifies the employee for membership in another public retirement system, nor may membership in this retirement system disqualify such an employee from membership in another public retirement system solely by reason of separate employment which qualifies such employee for membership in this retirement system.
Source
Laws 1945, c. 219, § 9, p. 642;
R.S.Supp.,1947, § 79-2909;
Laws 1949, c. 256, § 443, p. 844;
Laws 1951, c. 291, § 1, p. 964;
Laws 1953, c. 315, § 2, p. 1045;
Laws 1976, LB 30, § 1;
Laws 1976, LB 673, § 2;
Laws 1977, LB 349, § 1;
Laws 1979, LB 391, § 5;
Laws 1987, LB 549, § 2;
R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1509;
Laws 1996, LB 900, § 545;
Laws 1997, LB 624, § 17;
Laws 2002, LB 407, § 23.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-910.01 - Retirement system; participation.

79-910.01.
Retirement system; participation.
(1) Each person employed by a public school who is a school employee and who is qualified to participate in the retirement system shall participate in the retirement system.
(2) Public schools shall ensure that all school employees who qualify for participation pursuant to this section shall begin annual participation on July 1 of each plan year or upon such person's date of hire, if later than July 1, and that all required deposits are made on behalf of such employees.
Source
Laws 2002, LB 407, § 26;
Laws 2010, LB950, § 12.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-911 - Retirement system; emeritus member; retirement, when.

79-911.
Retirement system; emeritus member; retirement, when.
Any emeritus member may retire upon his or her application to the retirement board, to be effective upon the termination of his or her employment in any public school or in any position covered by the retirement system.
Source
Laws 1953, c. 315, § 3, p. 1046;
R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1509.01;
Laws 1996, LB 900, § 546;
Laws 2000, LB 1192, § 13.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-912 - Retirement system; employees previously electing nonmembership; election to hold membership; effect.

79-912.
Retirement system; employees previously electing nonmembership; election to hold membership; effect.
All school employees not required to hold a certificate, diploma, or credentials to practice in a professional capacity who had previously elected not to be included in the retirement system pursuant to section 79-910 may, after January 1, 1978, and prior to July 1, 1978, file with the retirement board an election to be included in the membership of the retirement system, but such employees shall be treated as new employees and no service credit shall be granted for the years the employees elected out of the retirement system.
Source
Laws 1977, LB 349, § 2;
Laws 1991, LB 549, § 29;
R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1509.02;
Laws 1996, LB 900, § 547.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-913 - Retirement system; membership; election of nonmembership; when.

79-913.
Retirement system; membership; election of nonmembership; when.
All school employees not required to hold a certificate, diploma, or credentials to practice in a professional capacity who are employed after January 1, 1978, and prior to July 1, 1978, shall have until June 30, 1978, to file with the retirement board an election not to be included in the membership of the retirement system established pursuant to the School Employees Retirement Act. The election shall be in writing on forms prescribed by the retirement board, and any person so electing waives all rights within the system except to a refund of his or her accumulated contributions. All such employees employed on or after July 1, 1978, shall become members of such retirement system as soon as they are employed and shall not have a right to elect out of such retirement system.
Source
Laws 1977, LB 349, § 3;
R.S.1943, (1994), § 79-1509.03;
Laws 1996, LB 900, § 548.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 79 - Schools › 79-917 - New employee; participation in another governmental plan; how treated.

79-917.
New employee; participation in another governmental plan; how treated.
Within the first one hundred eighty days of employment, a school employee may apply to the board for eligibility and vesting credit for years of participation in another Nebraska governmental plan, as defined by section 414(d) of the Internal Revenue Code. During the years of participation in the other Nebraska governmental plan, the employee must have been a full-time or a part-time employee as defined in the Nebraska governmental plan in which the credit was earned. Such credit shall not be included as years of service in the benefit calculation. The board may adopt and promulgate rules and regulations governing the assessment and granting of eligibility and vesting credit.
Source
Laws 1995, LB 501, § 5;
R.S.Supp.,1995, § 79-1514.10;
Laws 1996, LB 900, § 552;
Laws 2000, LB 1192, § 14;
Laws 2002, LB 407, § 25;
Laws 2013, LB263, § 15.