reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-108 - Volunteer fire and rescue personnel; group life insurance; municipality or district; purchase; maintain; coverage termination.

35-108.
Volunteer fire and rescue personnel; group life insurance; municipality or district; purchase; maintain; coverage termination.
The governing body of any incorporated municipality having a volunteer fire department or the board of directors of each rural or suburban fire protection district shall purchase and maintain in force a policy of group term life insurance to age sixty-five covering the lives of all of its active volunteer fire and rescue personnel, except that when any such person serves more than one municipality or district such policy shall be purchased only by the first municipality or district which he or she serves. Such policy shall provide a minimum death benefit of ten thousand dollars for death from any cause and shall, at the option of the insured, be convertible to a permanent form of life insurance at age sixty-five. The coverage of such policy shall terminate as to any individual who ceases to be an active volunteer member of the fire department of the municipality or district.
Source
Laws 1971, LB 750, § 1;
Laws 1973, LB 249, § 1;
Laws 2003, LB 167, § 1.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-109 - Sirens; restriction on use.

35-109.
Sirens; restriction on use.
No siren or other similar device whose primary purpose is to warn the public of a natural or manmade emergency or disaster shall be used to notify volunteer firefighters of a fire or to summon volunteer firefighters to a fire. This section applies only to cities of the first class located within a county which contains a city of the metropolitan class.
Source
Laws 1997, LB 589, § 3.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-202 - Volunteer firefighter; file certificate of insurance.

35-202.
Volunteer firefighter; file certificate of insurance.
No Nebraska volunteer firefighter shall be dispatched on behalf of this state pursuant to the compact set forth in section 35-201 outside the boundaries of Nebraska unless such volunteer firefighter files with the Nebraska compact administrator a valid certificate of insurance covering him or her for workers' compensation benefits pursuant to the Nebraska Workers' Compensation Act outside the boundaries of Nebraska.
Source
Laws 2014, LB961, § 2.
Cross References
Nebraska Workers' Compensation Act, see section 48-1,110.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-302 - Paid fire departments; firefighters; hours of duty; alternating day schedule; agreement; restrictions.

35-302.
Paid fire departments; firefighters; hours of duty; alternating day schedule; agreement; restrictions.
Firefighters employed in the fire departments of cities having paid fire departments shall not be required to remain on duty for periods of time which will aggregate in each month more than an average of sixty hours per week. Each single-duty shift shall consist of twenty-four consecutive hours and shall be followed by an off-duty period as necessary to assure compliance with the requirements of this section unless by voluntary agreement between the city and the authorized collective-bargaining agent or, if there is no collective-bargaining unit, the firefighter, any firefighter may be permitted to work an additional period of consecutive time and may return to work after less than a twenty-four-hour off-duty period. Any firefighter may be assigned to work less than a twenty-four-hour shift, but in such event the firefighter shall not work in excess of forty hours per week unless otherwise provided by voluntary agreement between the city and the authorized collective-bargaining agent or, if there is no collective-bargaining unit, the firefighter. No agreement under this section shall allow a firefighter who is scheduled to work less than a twenty-four-hour shift and who holds the rank of fire chief or works as an immediate subordinate to a fire chief to fill temporary vacancies created by the absence of a firefighter who is assigned to work a twenty-four-hour shift and who holds a rank lower than fire chief. No firefighter shall be required to perform any work or service as such firefighter during any period in which he or she is off duty except in cases of extraordinary conflagration or emergencies or job-related court appearances.
Source
Laws 1953, c. 119, § 1(2), p. 377;
Laws 1963, c. 196, § 1, p. 642;
Laws 1971, LB 773, § 1;
Laws 1979, LB 80, § 101;
Laws 2009, LB537, § 1.
Annotations
This section provides firefighters with statutory rights and permits firefighters to waive those rights by voluntary agreement, but does not alter the well-established principle that such a waiver must be clearly and expressly established. Hogelin v. City of Columbus, 274 Neb. 453, 741 N.W.2d 617 (2007).
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-501 - Rural and suburban fire protection districts; organization; necessity.

35-501.
Rural and suburban fire protection districts; organization; necessity.
It is recognized, found, and declared: (1) That it is in the public interest to encourage residents and property owners in rural and suburban areas in the state to organize, equip, and maintain local firefighting bodies corporate and politic for the purpose of providing the same type of protection of their lives and property against loss or destruction by fire as is available to residents of incorporated cities and villages; and (2) that the organization and establishment of adequately equipped and maintained local bodies corporate and politic for such purposes will promote the public health, convenience, safety, and welfare through the preservation and protection of lives and resources in rural and suburban areas in the state.
Source
Laws 1949, c. 98, § 1, p. 262;
Laws 1955, c. 128, § 1, p. 363.
Annotations
City may annex territory within fire protection district. City of Bellevue v. Eastern Sarpy County S. F. P. Dist., 180 Neb. 340, 143 N.W.2d 62 (1966).
Cost of maintenance is provided by annual tax. Village of Niobrara v. Tichy, 158 Neb. 517, 63 N.W.2d 867 (1954).
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-502 - District; organization; conversion from rural to suburban fire protection district; conditions.

35-502.
District; organization; conversion from rural to suburban fire protection district; conditions.
(1) In order to provide for the protection of lives and property in rural and suburban areas against loss or damage by fire, more than fifty percent of the registered voters residing in the following are hereby authorized and empowered to initiate the formation of rural or suburban fire protection districts under the conditions specified in this section:
(a)(i) Any territory in the State of Nebraska equivalent in area to one township or more which is situated outside the corporate limits of any city or village; or
(ii) Any area of less than one township which is surrounded by rural or suburban fire protection districts; or
(b) Any area situated in the State of Nebraska outside the corporate limits of any city or village in which there are at least two hundred homes and which has a taxable valuation of at least two million eight hundred sixty thousand dollars.
(2) Such districts shall be organized in the manner provided by sections 35-501 to 35-517. If the district is organized in an area set forth in subdivision (1)(a) of this section, it shall be a rural fire protection district and references in such sections to rural fire protection districts shall refer to such a district. If the district is organized in an area set forth in subdivision (1)(b) of this section, it shall be a suburban fire protection district and references in such sections to a suburban fire protection district shall refer to such a district. Unless the context indicates otherwise, district, when used in such sections, shall refer to either a rural or suburban fire protection district, as the case may be.
(3) Any rural fire protection district which has been duly organized under Chapter 35, which has within its boundaries at least two hundred homes, and which has a taxable valuation of at least two million eight hundred sixty thousand dollars is hereby authorized and empowered to convert to a suburban fire protection district in the manner provided by section 35-519.
(4) Beginning July 1, 1998, no new rural or suburban fire protection district shall be formed except by merger or reorganization of two or more existing rural or suburban fire protection districts.
Source
Laws 1939, c. 38, § 1, p. 192;
C.S.Supp.,1941, § 35-601;
R.S.1943, § 35-401;
Laws 1949, c. 98, § 2, p. 262;
Laws 1955, c. 128, § 2, p. 363;
Laws 1959, c. 144, § 1, p. 554;
Laws 1972, LB 849, § 1;
Laws 1979, LB 187, § 148;
Laws 1990, LB 918, § 1;
Laws 1992, LB 719A, § 129;
Laws 1998, LB 1120, § 8.
Annotations
Organization of rural fire protection district may be collaterally attacked when defects complained of are jurisdictional. Kelle v. Crab Orchard Rural Fire Protection Dist., 164 Neb. 593, 83 N.W.2d 51 (1957).
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-507 - District; meeting; when held.

35-507.
District; meeting; when held.
A regular meeting of the registered voters who are residing within the boundaries of a district shall be held at the time of the budget hearing as provided by the Nebraska Budget Act, and special meetings may be called by the board of directors at any time. Notice of a meeting shall be given by the secretary-treasurer by one publication in a legal newspaper of general circulation in each county in which such district is situated. Notice of the place and time of a meeting shall be published at least four calendar days prior to the date set for meeting. For purposes of such notice, the four calendar days shall include the day of publication but not the day of the meeting.
Source
Laws 1949, c. 98, § 7, p. 265;
Laws 1971, LB 713, § 1;
Laws 1992, LB 1063, § 34;
Laws 1992, Second Spec. Sess., LB 1, § 34;
Laws 1998, LB 1120, § 10;
Laws 2017, LB151, § 4.
Cross References
Nebraska Budget Act, see section 13-501.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-509.01 - District; secretary-treasurer; bond; amount; premium; failure to furnish; effect.

35-509.01.
District; secretary-treasurer; bond; amount; premium; failure to furnish; effect.
The secretary-treasurer of each district shall, within ten days after his or her election, execute to the county and file with the county clerk a bond of not less than two thousand dollars in any instance nor less than the amount of money, as nearly as can be ascertained, to come into his or her hands as secretary-treasurer at any one time, with a surety company or companies of recognized responsibility as surety or sureties, to be approved by the president of such district, conditioned for the faithful discharge of the duties of his or her office. The premium on the bond shall be paid by the district. The bond when approved shall be filed in the office of the county clerk of the county in which the rural or suburban fire protection district is situated. If the district is located in two or more counties, such bond shall be filed in the office of the county clerk of the county in which the greatest portion of the valuation of the district is located. If the secretary-treasurer fails to execute such bond, his or her office shall be declared vacant by the board, and the board shall immediately appoint a secretary-treasurer, who shall be subject to the same conditions and possess the same powers as if elected to that office. The secretary-treasurer shall have no power or authority to withdraw or disburse the money of the district prior to his or her filing the bond required in this section.
Source
Laws 1953, c. 121, § 2, p. 384;
Laws 1955, c. 128, § 5, p. 366;
Laws 1998, LB 1120, § 13.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-511 - District funds; where deposited; how disbursed; annual report.

35-511.
District funds; where deposited; how disbursed; annual report.
All donations, contributions, bequests, annuities, or borrowed money received by or on behalf of the district shall be deposited with the secretary-treasurer of the district and shall be drawn out only upon proper check. Such check shall be authorized by the board of directors and shall bear the signature of the secretary-treasurer and the countersignature of the president of such district. The secretary-treasurer of the district shall, at each annual public meeting of the district, present a financial report concerning the affairs of the district.
Source
Laws 1939, c. 38, § 7, p. 193;
C.S.Supp.,1941, § 35-607;
R.S.1943, § 35-407;
Laws 1949, c. 98, § 11, p. 267;
Laws 1993, LB 516, § 3;
Laws 1998, LB 1120, § 14.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-512 - Districts; warrants; amount authorized; rate of interest.

35-512.
Districts; warrants; amount authorized; rate of interest.
All warrants for payment of any indebtedness of a rural fire protection district which are unpaid for want of funds shall bear interest at a rate specified by the issuing district and endorsed on the warrant, from the date of the registering of such unpaid warrants with the county treasurer;
Provided,
that the amount of such warrants does not exceed the revenue provided for the year in which the indebtedness was incurred.
Source
Laws 1939, c. 38, § 9, p. 194;
C.S.Supp.,1941, § 35-609;
R.S.1943, § 35-409;
Laws 1949, c. 98, § 12, p. 267;
Laws 1969, c. 51, § 102, p. 336.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-513 - Districts; consolidation; contracts for fire protection; cities and villages; power to contract; service award benefit program; authorized.

35-513.
Districts; consolidation; contracts for fire protection; cities and villages; power to contract; service award benefit program; authorized.
(1) Any rural or suburban fire protection district may elect to enter into a contract with another rural or suburban fire protection district to consolidate or cooperate for mutual fire protection and prevention purposes, or may enter into a contract with an incorporated city or village for fire protection service or fire protection cooperation, upon terms suitable to all concerned, and power to make such contracts is hereby conferred upon such city or village in addition to such other powers as have been heretofore provided by law.
(2) A rural or suburban fire protection district may establish a service award benefit program pursuant to the Volunteer Emergency Responders Recruitment and Retention Act and may appropriate and expend funds for the cost of any such program for volunteer members of a volunteer department of a city of the first or second class or village or other rural or suburban fire protection district with which the district has a contract for emergency response services.
Source
Laws 1939, c. 38, § 8, p. 194;
C.S.Supp.,1941, § 35-608;
R.S.1943, § 35-408;
Laws 1949, c. 98, § 13, p. 267;
Laws 1955, c. 128, § 7, p. 367;
Laws 1999, LB 849, § 32.
Cross References
Other provisions regarding contracts for fire protection, see sections 13-303, 13-318, 18-1707, and 18-1709.
Volunteer Emergency Responders Recruitment and Retention Act, see section 35-1301.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-516 - District; boundaries; change; procedure; merger.

35-516.
District; boundaries; change; procedure; merger.
(1) The boundaries of any rural or suburban fire protection district organized under sections 35-501 to 35-517 may be changed in the manner prescribed by section 35-514, but the changes of boundaries of any such district shall not impair or affect its organization or its right in or to property; nor shall it impair, affect, or discharge any contract, obligation, lien, or charge for or upon which it might be liable had such change of boundaries not been made.
(2) Any two or more rural or suburban fire protection districts may be merged by petition or resolution in the manner prescribed for annexation by section 35-514, and the resulting district shall succeed to all rights and property and be subject to any contracts, obligations, liens, or charges of the districts so merged.
Source
Laws 1949, c. 98, § 16, p. 270;
Laws 1955, c. 128, § 10, p. 369;
Laws 1961, c. 167, § 2, p. 499;
Laws 1963, c. 197, § 1, p. 644;
Laws 1996, LB 1085, § 50;
Laws 1998, LB 1120, § 16.
Annotations
No appeal having been taken from judgment in an error proceeding involving merger of two fire protection districts, it was conclusive of all matters which were or could have been raised therein and they cannot be relitigated in subsequent action for enforcement of that judgment. State ex rel. Southeast Rural Fire P. Dist. v. Grossman, 188 Neb. 424, 197 N.W.2d 398 (1972).
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-518 - District; contract for protection with counties of adjoining state; terms; damages.

35-518.
District; contract for protection with counties of adjoining state; terms; damages.
Any rural or suburban fire protection district may enter into contracts on an annual or other basis with any rural fire protection district of an adjoining county or counties of another state having a general fire protection program or firefighting equipment under the control of the fire protection district for the fire protection services or fire protection cooperation. All such contracts shall be upon terms suitable to all concerned. The terms and conditions upon and in compliance with which each district is to cooperate in furnishing, maintaining, and operating fire equipment for outside aid, mutual aid, or making payment for such service shall be expressly stipulated. The secretary-treasurer of the fire protection district is authorized to pay over money to the treasurer or other proper officer of the fire protection district in an adjoining state authorized to receive the same in accordance with the terms of the contract and upon the order of the board of directors. Any fire protection district, department, company, or firefighters answering any fire alarm or performing fire prevention services or rescue, resuscitation, first-aid, inspection, or any other official work outside its state and within a rural or suburban fire protection district organized under the provisions of Chapter 35, article 5, shall be considered an agent of the rural or suburban fire protection district located in the State of Nebraska, and acting solely and alone in a governmental capacity, and such rural or suburban fire protection district located in another state shall not be liable in damages for any act of commission, omission, or negligence while answering or returning from any fire, or reported fire, or doing or performing any fire prevention work or rescue, resuscitation, first-aid, inspection, or other official work.
Source
Laws 1955, c. 128, § 13, p. 372;
Laws 1979, LB 80, § 102.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-520 - Rural fire protection district; false alarm; false report; violation; penalty.

35-520.
Rural fire protection district; false alarm; false report; violation; penalty.
Whoever willfully or maliciously shall raise a false alarm or false report of a fire in any rural fire protection district or any rural area within the State of Nebraska shall be guilty of a Class III misdemeanor.
Source
Laws 1963, c. 193, § 1, p. 638;
Laws 1977, LB 40, § 170.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-521 - Rural or suburban fire protection district; dissolution; petition; election; disbursement of funds.

35-521.
Rural or suburban fire protection district; dissolution; petition; election; disbursement of funds.
A petition seeking the dissolution of a rural or suburban fire protection district, signed by the registered voters of the district equal in number to ten percent of the number of registered voters, may be filed with the board of directors. If the board finds that all indebtedness of the district can be satisfied from funds on hand or to be received from the then current levy, it shall submit the question of dissolution to the registered voters of the district at the next annual rural or suburban fire protection district election. If a majority of those voting on the question vote in favor of such dissolution, the board of directors shall declare the district dissolved and certify such action to the county boards of the counties in which the district is located. After satisfying the outstanding indebtedness of the district, the secretary-treasurer of the district shall transfer to the county treasurers of the counties in which the district is situated any remaining funds of the district in the same proportion as the area of the district in each county bears to the total area of the district, and such funds shall be deposited in the general fund of the respective counties.
Source
Laws 1967, c. 206, § 1, p. 563;
Laws 1998, LB 1120, § 18.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-522 - Rural or suburban fire protection district; inactive for five years; county board; dissolution.

35-522.
Rural or suburban fire protection district; inactive for five years; county board; dissolution.
When any rural or suburban fire protection district is inactive for a period of at least five years, as determined by resolution of the county board in which the greatest portion of the valuation of the district is located, the county board may order the district dissolved. The county board shall file copies of such order of dissolution with the county clerks and county treasurers of all counties in which such district is located. Upon receipt of such order, the county treasurer shall dispose of any remaining funds of such district in the manner provided by section 35-521.
Source
Laws 1967, c. 206, § 2, p. 564;
Laws 1998, LB 1120, § 19.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-529 - Rural or suburban fire protection district; radio equipment; purchase; reimbursement.

35-529.
Rural or suburban fire protection district; radio equipment; purchase; reimbursement.
The materiel administrator of the Department of Administrative Services is authorized to purchase radio equipment for any rural or suburban fire protection district when requested by the district. The district shall reimburse the state for the cost of any equipment so purchased for it.
Source
Laws 1969, c. 280, § 1, p. 1048;
Laws 2000, LB 654, § 2.
Cross References
Materiel administrator, see sections 81-147 to 81-151.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-530 - Territory within village or city; inclusion within district; procedure.

35-530.
Territory within village or city; inclusion within district; procedure.
The territory within the incorporated area of any village or city may be included within a rural or suburban fire protection district pursuant to sections 35-530 to 35-536.
Source
Laws 1978, LB 907, § 1;
Laws 1998, LB 1120, § 20.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-531 - Inclusion; procedure.

35-531.
Inclusion; procedure.
The proceedings for the inclusion referred to in section 35-530 may be initiated by (1) the presentation to the county clerk of a petition signed by sixty percent or more of the registered voters who are residing within the boundaries of the territory to be included stating the desires and purposes of such petitioners or (2) adoption by a majority vote of a joint resolution or ordinance by the board of directors of the district and the city council or village board. The petition or joint resolution or ordinance shall contain a description of the boundaries of the territory proposed to be included and it shall be accompanied by a map or plat and a deposit for publications costs.
Source
Laws 1978, LB 907, § 2;
Laws 1998, LB 1120, § 21.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-532 - Inclusion; county clerk; duties.

35-532.
Inclusion; county clerk; duties.
The county clerk shall verify the petition as provided in section 32-631 and determine and certify whether or not such petition or joint resolution or ordinance complies with the requirements of section 35-531 and that the persons signing the petition appear to reside within the boundaries described by such petition. Thereafter, the county clerk shall forward such petition, map or plat, and certificate to the board of directors of the district and the village board or city council affected by such inclusion. If the inclusion proposed is by joint resolution or ordinance, the county clerk shall transmit the joint resolution or ordinance and map or plat to the county board for a hearing under section 35-533.
Source
Laws 1978, LB 907, § 3;
Laws 1998, LB 1120, § 22.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-533 - Inclusion; map or plat; certificate; report; transmitted to county board; duties; district in more than one county; hearing; boundaries; determination.

35-533.
Inclusion; map or plat; certificate; report; transmitted to county board; duties; district in more than one county; hearing; boundaries; determination.
(1) Within thirty days after receiving the petition, map or plat, and certificate of the county clerk, in accordance with section 35-532, the board of directors of the district and the city council or village board shall transmit the petition, map or plat, and certificate to the proper county board, accompanied by a report in writing approving or disapproving the proposal contained in the petition, or approving such proposal in part and disapproving it in part.
(2) Within thirty days after receiving the resolution or ordinance, map or plat, and certificate of the county clerk, the board of directors of the district and the city council or village board shall transmit the resolution or ordinance, map or plat, and certificate to the proper county board.
(3) If the proposed district will be situated within two or more counties, the county clerk of the county in which the largest number of petitioners have signed or, in the case of a joint resolution or ordinance, the county containing the greatest number of registered voters, shall confer with the clerk or clerks of the other county or counties concerned and shall obtain a certificate as to the adequacy of the petitions, resolutions, or ordinances pertaining to such county or counties, and thereafter he or she shall designate a time and place for a hearing before a joint meeting of the county boards of all counties in which the proposed district is to be situated. Notice of such hearing shall be given by publication two weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, the last publication appearing at least seven days prior to the hearing. The notice shall be addressed to "all registered voters residing in the following boundaries" and shall include a description of the proposed boundaries as set forth in the petition, resolution, or ordinance. At the time and place so fixed, the county board or boards shall meet and all persons shall have an opportunity to be heard respecting the inclusion or the location of the boundaries of the district. Within forty-five days after such hearing, the county board or boards shall determine whether the proposed district is suited to the general fire protection policy of the county, or each of such counties, as a whole, determine the boundaries of the proposed district, and make a written order of such determination which shall describe the boundaries of the district and be filed in the office of the county clerk or clerks of each county in which such district is situated.
Source
Laws 1978, LB 907, § 4;
Laws 1998, LB 1120, § 23.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-535 - District; public meeting; board of directors.

35-535.
District; public meeting; board of directors.
After the filing of a written order by the county board pursuant to section 35-533, the county clerk shall then fix a time and place for a public meeting of all registered voters who are residing within the boundaries. A board of directors shall be elected as provided in section 35-506 and shall have the powers as provided in section 35-508.
Source
Laws 1978, LB 907, § 6;
Laws 1998, LB 1120, § 24.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-536 - Merged district; statutes applicable.

35-536.
Merged district; statutes applicable.
Each rural or suburban fire protection district merged pursuant to sections 35-530 to 35-536 shall be subject to the provisions of sections 35-508, 35-509, 35-511, and 35-512. Such merged district shall operate under the same tax levy limit as a rural or suburban fire protection district.
Source
Laws 1978, LB 907, § 7;
Laws 1979, LB 187, § 259;
Laws 1998, LB 1120, § 25.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-537 - Annexation of territory by a city or village; effect on certain contracts.

35-537.
Annexation of territory by a city or village; effect on certain contracts.
Whenever any city or village annexes all the territory within the boundaries of any rural or suburban fire protection district authorized under Chapter 35, article 5, the district shall merge with the city or village and the city or village shall succeed to all the property and property rights of every kind, contracts, obligations, and choses in action of every kind, held by or belonging to the district, and the city or village shall be liable for and recognize, assume, and carry out all valid contracts and obligations of the district. All taxes, assessments, claims, and demands of every kind due or owing to the district shall be paid to and collected by the city or village. Nothing in this section shall authorize the annexing city or village to revoke any resolution, order, or finding made by the district in regard to special benefits or increase any assessments made by the district, but such city or village shall be bound by all such findings or orders and assessments to the same extent as the district would be bound.
Source
Laws 2018, LB130, § 5.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-538 - Annexation; board of directors; accounting; effect.

35-538.
Annexation; board of directors; accounting; effect.
The board of directors of a rural or suburban fire protection district shall, within thirty days after the effective date of the merger, submit to the city or village a written accounting of all assets and liabilities, contingent or fixed, of the district. Unless the city or village within six months thereafter brings an action against the board of directors of the district for an accounting or for damages for breach of duty, the board of directors shall be discharged of all further duties and liabilities and their bonds exonerated. If the city or village brings such an action and does not recover judgment in its favor, the taxable costs may include reasonable expenses incurred by the board of directors in connection with such suit and a reasonable attorney's fee for the board's attorney. The city or village shall represent the district and all parties who might be interested in such an action. The city or village and such board shall be the only necessary parties to such action.
Source
Laws 2018, LB130, § 6.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-539 - Annexation; when effective; board of directors; duties.

35-539.
Annexation; when effective; board of directors; duties.
The merger shall be effective thirty days after the effective date of the ordinance annexing the territory within the rural or suburban fire protection district. If the validity of the ordinance annexing the territory is challenged by a proceeding in a court of competent jurisdiction, the effective date of the merger shall be thirty days after the final determination of the validity of the ordinance. The board of directors of the district of the rural or suburban fire protection district shall continue in possession and conduct the affairs of the district until the effective date of the merger.
Source
Laws 2018, LB130, § 7.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-601 - Emergency Firefighting Fund; created; use; investment.

35-601.
Emergency Firefighting Fund; created; use; investment.
There is hereby created the Emergency Firefighting Fund, to be used by the State Fire Marshal to assist in controlling and extinguishing wildland fires. Any money in the fund available for investment shall be invested by the state investment officer pursuant to the Nebraska Capital Expansion Act and the Nebraska State Funds Investment Act.
Source
Laws 1965, c. 190, § 1, p. 581;
Laws 1969, c. 286, § 1, p. 1055;
Laws 1969, c. 584, § 37, p. 2366;
Laws 1995, LB 7, § 31.
Cross References
Nebraska Capital Expansion Act, see section 72-1269.
Nebraska State Funds Investment Act, see section 72-1260.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-602 - Emergency Firefighting Fund; State Fire Marshal; use; purpose.

35-602.
Emergency Firefighting Fund; State Fire Marshal; use; purpose.
Whenever the State Fire Marshal finds that conditions of extreme fire hazard exist he may use the proceeds of the Emergency Firefighting Fund for the purpose of preventing, controlling, or extinguishing any fires that are a hazard to state and private lands within the state.
Source
Laws 1965, c. 190, § 2, p. 581;
Laws 1969, c. 286, § 2, p. 1055.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-603 - Emergency Firefighting Fund; agreements with federal government; purpose.

35-603.
Emergency Firefighting Fund; agreements with federal government; purpose.
The State Fire Marshal may, for the purpose of maintaining a fire patrol in any timber, brush, grass, or other flammable vegetation or material, enter into cooperative agreements with the federal government under such terms as he deems advisable and may renew, revise and terminate such agreements. The expenses incurred under such agreements shall be paid from the Emergency Firefighting Fund or funds available for wildland fire protection.
Source
Laws 1965, c. 190, § 3, p. 581;
Laws 1969, c. 286, § 3, p. 1055.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-801 - Clothing and equipment; prohibited acts; violation; penalty.

35-801.
Clothing and equipment; prohibited acts; violation; penalty.
(1) No vendor or manufacturer shall knowingly transfer, sell, or offer for sale in this state to any fire department or firefighter any item of clothing or equipment designed and intended to protect firefighters from death or injury while fighting fires unless the item of clothing or equipment meets or exceeds the minimum standards established for such item of clothing or equipment by the National Fire Protection Association in effect at the time of such transfer, sale, or offer for sale.
(2) No fire department shall knowingly purchase and no fire department or firefighter shall knowingly accept from any vendor or manufacturer any item of clothing or equipment intended to protect firefighters from death or injury while fighting fires unless the item of clothing or equipment meets or exceeds the minimum standards established for such item of clothing or equipment by the National Fire Protection Association in effect at the time of such purchase or acceptance.
(3) Any person violating subsection (1) or (2) of this section shall be guilty of a Class III misdemeanor.
(4) For purposes of this section:
(a) Clothing or equipment shall not include station or work uniforms or other items of personal clothing worn or intended to be worn under protective clothing or equipment while fighting fires; and
(b) Fire department means any paid or volunteer fire department, company, association, or organization or first-aid, rescue, or emergency squad serving a city, village, county, township, or rural or suburban fire protection district or any other public or private fire department.
Source
Laws 1992, LB 27, § 1;
Laws 1993, LB 67, § 1;
Laws 2007, LB160, § 2.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-1003 - Terms, defined.

35-1003.
Terms, defined.
For purposes of the Firefighter Cancer Benefits Act:
(1) Cancer means:
(a) A disease (i) caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body or a malignant growth or tumor resulting from the division of abnormal cells and (ii) affecting the prostate, breast, or lung or the lymphatic, hematological, digestive, urinary, neurological, or reproductive system; or
(b) Melanoma; and
(2) Firefighter means:
(a) A firefighter or firefighter-paramedic who is a member of a paid fire department of a municipality or a rural or suburban fire protection district in this state, including a municipality having a home rule charter or a municipal authority created pursuant to a home rule charter that has its own paid fire department;
(b) A firefighter or firefighter-paramedic who is a member of a paid fire department of an airport authority; or
(c) A volunteer firefighter who has been deemed an employee under subdivision (3) of section 48-115.
Source
Laws 2021, LB432, § 2.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-1004 - Benefits; entitled, when.

35-1004.
Benefits; entitled, when.
Before any firefighter is entitled to benefits under the Firefighter Cancer Benefits Act, such firefighter shall (1) have successfully passed a physical examination which failed to reveal any evidence of cancer, (2) have served at least twenty-four consecutive months as a firefighter at any fire station within the State of Nebraska, (3) have been actively engaged in fire suppression at an actual fire or fire training event, and (4) wear all available personal protective equipment when fighting any fire, including a self-contained breathing apparatus when fighting structure fires. After serving at least twenty-four consecutive months as a firefighter, the firefighter shall be deemed to be in compliance with subdivision (2) of this section even with a break in service, so long as such break does not exceed six months.
Source
Laws 2021, LB432, § 3.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-1006 - Benefits; maximum amount.

35-1006.
Benefits; maximum amount.
The combined total of all benefits received by any firefighter pursuant to subdivisions (1)(a) and (b) of section 35-1005 during his or her lifetime shall not exceed fifty thousand dollars.
Source
Laws 2021, LB432, § 5.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-1007 - Firefighter; cessation of status; eligibility for benefits; rural or suburban fire protection district, airport authority, city, village, or nonprofit corporation; responsible for payment of premiums or other costs.

35-1007.
Firefighter; cessation of status; eligibility for benefits; rural or suburban fire protection district, airport authority, city, village, or nonprofit corporation; responsible for payment of premiums or other costs.
A firefighter shall remain eligible for benefits pursuant to subsections (1) and (2) of section 35-1005 for thirty-six months after the formal cessation of the firefighter's status as a firefighter. If a firefighter has a physical examination during the thirty-six months of eligibility that reveals evidence of cancer, the firefighter shall be eligible for benefits under subsections (1) and (2) of section 35-1005 even if such benefits are paid after the thirty-six-month eligibility period ends. The rural or suburban fire protection district, airport authority, city, village, or nonprofit corporation for which such firefighter served shall be responsible for payment of all premiums or other costs associated with benefits that may be provided under subsections (1) and (2) of section 35-1005 throughout the duration of the firefighter's coverage.
Source
Laws 2021, LB432, § 6.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-1008 - Benefits; proof of insurance coverage or ability to pay; documentation.

35-1008.
Benefits; proof of insurance coverage or ability to pay; documentation.
A rural or suburban fire protection district, airport authority, city, village, or nonprofit corporation, if it provides benefits pursuant to subsections (1) and (2) of section 35-1005, shall maintain proof of insurance coverage that meets the requirements of the Firefighter Cancer Benefits Act or shall maintain satisfactory proof of the ability to pay such compensation to ensure adequate coverage for all firefighters. Sufficient documentation of satisfactory proof of the ability to pay such compensation to ensure adequate coverage for all firefighters shall be required and shall comply with rules and regulations adopted and promulgated by the State Fire Marshal. Such coverage shall remain in effect until thirty-six months after the rural or suburban fire protection district, airport authority, city, village, or nonprofit corporation no longer has any firefighters who could qualify for benefits under the act.
Source
Laws 2021, LB432, § 7.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-1009 - Reports; requirements.

35-1009.
Reports; requirements.
(1) Any rural or suburban fire protection district, airport authority, city, village, or nonprofit corporation that has had a firefighter file a claim for or receive cancer benefits under the Firefighter Cancer Benefits Act shall report such claims filed, claims paid, and types of claims to the State Fire Marshal. On or before December 1, 2023, and on or before December 1 of each year thereafter, the State Fire Marshal shall submit electronically an annual report to the Legislature and Governor stating the number of firefighters who have filed claims pursuant to the act and the number of firefighters who have received benefits under the act.
(2) If the firefighters in a fire department are being provided cancer benefits under the Firefighter Cancer Benefits Act, the fire chief of such fire department, or his or her designee, shall submit an annual report to the governing body of the rural or suburban fire protection district, airport authority, city, or village served by such fire department listing the total number of fire suppression incidents occurring during the most recently completed calendar year. Such report shall be submitted on or before February 15, 2023, and on or before February 15 of each year thereafter.
Source
Laws 2021, LB432, § 8.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-1101 - Fire Recognition Day; designation.

35-1101.
Fire Recognition Day; designation.
The second Saturday in May is designated and shall be known as Fire Recognition Day, and exercises appropriate for the subject and day may be exercised by any fire department.
Source
Laws 1997, LB 347, § 2.
Cross References
State Fire Day, see section 79-705.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-1202 - Mutual finance organization, defined.

35-1202.
Mutual finance organization, defined.
For purposes of the Mutual Finance Assistance Act, mutual finance organization means a group of rural or suburban fire protection districts, cities, or villages which enter into an agreement pursuant to section 35-1204 to cooperate for purposes of financing operational and equipment needs for fire protection, emergency response, or training within their joint areas of operation.
Source
Laws 1998, LB 1120, § 2.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-1203 - Mutual Finance Assistance Fund; created; use; investment.

35-1203.
Mutual Finance Assistance Fund; created; use; investment.
The Mutual Finance Assistance Fund is created. The fund shall be used to provide assistance to rural or suburban fire protection districts and mutual finance organizations which qualify under the Mutual Finance Assistance Act. Any money in the fund available for investment shall be invested by the state investment officer pursuant to the Nebraska Capital Expansion Act and the Nebraska State Funds Investment Act.
Source
Laws 1998, LB 1120, § 3.
Cross References
Nebraska Capital Expansion Act, see section 72-1269.
Nebraska State Funds Investment Act, see section 72-1260.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 35 - Fire Companies and Firefighters › 35-1204 - Mutual finance organization; creation by agreement; tax levy.

35-1204.
Mutual finance organization; creation by agreement; tax levy.
(1) A mutual finance organization may be created by agreement among its members pursuant to the Interlocal Cooperation Act or the Joint Public Agency Act. The agreement shall:
(a) Have a duration of three years;
(b) Require that each member of the mutual finance organization levy the same agreed-upon property tax rate within their boundaries for one out of the three tax years covered by the agreement. The members need not levy such agreed-upon property tax rate during the same year;
(c) Require that all members of the mutual finance organization levy no more than such agreed-upon property tax rate for the remaining tax years covered by the agreement; and
(d) Contain a statement of the agreed-upon maximum property tax rate.
(2) The property tax rates described in subsection (1) of this section shall be levied for the purpose of jointly funding the operations of all members of the mutual finance organization. All such property tax rates shall exclude levies for bonded indebtedness and lease-purchase contracts in existence on July 1, 1998.
(3) The changes made to this section by Laws 2020, LB1130, do not affect eligibility for funding pursuant to the Mutual Finance Assistance Act that is to be paid on or before May 1, 2021.
Source
Laws 1998, LB 1120, § 4;
Laws 1999, LB 87, § 70;
Laws 2019, LB63, § 3;
Laws 2020, LB1130, § 1.
Cross References
Interlocal Cooperation Act, see section 13-801.
Joint Public Agency Act, see section 13-2501.