reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-113 - Presiding officer; duties.

50-113.
Presiding officer; duties.
It shall be the duty of the presiding officer of the Legislature to preside over the Legislature, to keep and maintain order during the session thereof, and to do and perform the duties devolving on him by general parliamentary usage, and the rules adopted by the Legislature.
Source
Laws 1867, § 4, p. 85;
R.S.1913, § 3755;
C.S.1922, § 3148;
C.S.1929, § 50-114;
Laws 1941, c. 101, § 1, p. 418;
C.S.Supp.,1941, § 50-114;
R.S.1943, § 50-113.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-114 - Clerk; duties; official records of the Legislature; audio and video recordings; restrictions on use.

50-114.
Clerk; duties; official records of the Legislature; audio and video recordings; restrictions on use.
(1) It shall be the duty of the Clerk of the Legislature to attend the sessions of the Legislature, to call the roll, to read the journals, bills, memorials, resolutions, petitions, and all other papers or documents necessary to be read in the Legislature, to keep a correct journal of the proceedings in the Legislature, and to do and perform such other duties as may be imposed upon the clerk by the Legislature or by the Executive Board of the Legislative Council.
(2) The records of floor debate and committee hearings as prepared and permanently maintained by the Clerk of the Legislature are the official records of the Legislature.
(3) Any government website offering access to audio and video recordings of the proceedings of the Legislature or of a committee or division of the Legislature shall require notification to any website user, using appropriate technology, that such recordings shall not be used, reproduced, or redistributed without express permission by the Legislative Council and in accordance with the policies developed by the Executive Board of the Legislative Council pursuant to section 50-117.
Source
Laws 1867, § 4, p. 85;
R.S.1913, § 3755;
C.S.1922, § 3148;
C.S.1929, § 50-114;
Laws 1941, c. 101, § 1, p. 418;
C.S.Supp.,1941, § 50-114;
R.S.1943, § 50-114;
Laws 1967, c. 328, § 8, p. 871;
Laws 2023, LB254, § 2.
Effective Date: May 27, 2023
Annotations
Entries found in legislative journals prevail over evidence furnished by enrolled bill. Webster v. City of Hastings, 59 Neb. 563, 81 N.W. 510 (1900).
Enrolled bill and journals of houses are the official records relative to enactment of law and are the only competent evidence. State v. Abbott, 59 Neb. 106, 80 N.W. 499 (1899).
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-114.01 - Clerk; daily journal; prepare; compile after session.

50-114.01.
Clerk; daily journal; prepare; compile after session.
The Clerk of the Legislature shall prepare a daily journal of the proceedings of the Legislature. The Legislative Journal shall be compiled by the clerk after each regular session of the Legislature.
Source
Laws 1973, LB 84, § 1;
Laws 1976, LB 718, § 1.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-114.02 - Clerk; charges; authorized.

50-114.02.
Clerk; charges; authorized.
The Clerk of the Legislature shall be authorized to make such charges, subject to the approval of the Executive Board of the Legislative Council, to recover costs and expenses of (1) copying files and records in the clerk's possession, (2) preparing certificates, (3) handling and mailing individual bills and bill subscriptions, and (4) such publications as may be authorized by the Legislature or the Executive Board of the Legislative Council.
Source
Laws 1977, LB 231, § 2.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-114.03 - Clerk; reports; list; distribution; establish requirements for reports.

50-114.03.
Clerk; reports; list; distribution; establish requirements for reports.
(1) The Clerk of the Legislature shall periodically prepare and distribute electronically to all members of the Legislature a list of all reports received from state agencies, boards, and commissions. Such lists shall be prepared and distributed to each legislator no less frequently than once during the first ten days of each legislative session. Upon request by a legislator, the clerk shall arrange for any legislator to receive an electronic copy of any such report.
(2) A state agency, board, or commission or other public entity which is required to provide a report to the Legislature shall submit the report electronically. The Clerk of the Legislature may establish requirements for the electronic submission, distribution, and format of such reports. The clerk may accept a report in written form only upon a showing of good cause.
Source
Laws 1979, LB 322, § 79;
Laws 2003, LB 114, § 1;
Laws 2012, LB719, § 2;
Laws 2012, LB782, § 74.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-114.04 - Clerk; reports; period retained.

50-114.04.
Clerk; reports; period retained.
The Clerk of the Legislature shall retain the reports received from state agencies, boards, and commissions for three years after the date of receipt of such reports after which time the clerk may dispose of such reports.
Source
Laws 1979, LB 322, § 81.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-114.05 - Clerk of the Legislature Cash Fund; created; use; investment.

50-114.05.
Clerk of the Legislature Cash Fund; created; use; investment.
The Clerk of the Legislature Cash Fund is hereby created. The fund shall consist of funds received by the Clerk of the Legislature pursuant to sections 49-1480.01 and 49-1482. The fund shall be used by the Clerk of the Legislature to perform the duties required by sections 49-1480 to 49-1492.01, except that transfers may be made from the fund to the General Fund at the direction of the Legislature. Any money in the Clerk of the Legislature Cash 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 1994, LB 872, § 14;
Laws 1994, LB 1243, § 16;
Laws 1995, LB 7, § 53;
Laws 2005, LB 242, § 67;
Laws 2009, First Spec. Sess., LB3, § 26.
Cross References
Nebraska Capital Expansion Act, see section 72-1269.
Nebraska State Funds Investment Act, see section 72-1260.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-115 - Assistant clerk; duties.

50-115.
Assistant clerk; duties.
The assistant clerk shall be under the control and direction of the Clerk of the Legislature, and shall assist him in the proper discharge of his duties, and shall do and perform such other service as may be directed by the Legislature or by the Executive Board of the Legislative Council.
Source
Laws 1867, § 4, p. 85;
R.S.1913, § 3755;
C.S.1922, § 3148;
C.S.1929, § 50-114;
Laws 1941, c. 101, § 1, p. 418;
C.S.Supp.,1941, § 50-114;
R.S.1943, § 50-115;
Laws 1967, c. 328, § 9, p. 871.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-116 - Sergeant at arms; duties; display of state banner.

50-116.
Sergeant at arms; duties; display of state banner.
It shall be the duty of the sergeant at arms to enforce the attendance of absent members, when directed properly so to do; to arrest all members or other persons, when lawfully authorized so to do; to keep and preserve order during the sessions of the Legislature; to convey to the post office the mail matter sent by the respective members, and to receive from such office the mail matter for such members, and to deliver the same to them on each morning of the session; to obey and enforce the orders of the presiding officers of the Legislature; and to do and perform such other duties as may be enjoined on him by law and the Legislature. It shall also be the duty of the sergeant at arms to procure a banner of the State of Nebraska, as described in section 90-102, and to place the same on top of the State Capitol building, there to be kept during the time the Legislature shall be in session. The colors of the banner shall be fast colors and the cloth shall be of substantial material. The banner shall be so arranged on the staff or pole that it may be raised or lowered with ease.
Source
Laws 1867, § 4, p. 85;
R.S.1913, § 3755;
C.S.1922, § 3148;
C.S.1929, § 50-114;
Laws 1941, c. 101, § 1, p. 418;
C.S.Supp.,1941, § 50-114;
R.S.1943, § 50-116;
Laws 1963, c. 305, § 1, p. 901.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-117 - Digital Internet archive of closed-captioned video coverage of the Legislature; policies and procedures; requirements.

50-117.
Digital Internet archive of closed-captioned video coverage of the Legislature; policies and procedures; requirements.
(1) The Legislative Council, through the Executive Board of the Legislative Council, shall develop and maintain a publicly accessible, digital Internet archive of closed-captioned video coverage of the Legislature, including floor debate and public committee hearings indexed by legislative bill or resolution number or by date, beginning with the coverage of the One Hundred Ninth Legislature, First Session, in January 2025 or as soon as live, closed-captioned video coverage of the Legislature is available for use, whichever is sooner, as provided in section 79-1316. Closed-captioned video coverage shall include closed captioning in both English and Spanish.
(2) Applicable historical video coverage of the Legislature shall be collected and added to the digital archive as available. Applicable historical video coverage shall only consist of video coverage of the Legislature captured by the Nebraska Educational Telecommunications Commission and closed-captioned prior to January 1, 2025.
(3) Such archive is intended solely for educational and informational purposes and to enhance access for the public, in keeping with the Legislature's commitment to transparency in state government.
(4) Audio and video recordings of the proceedings of the Legislature or of a committee or division of the Legislature are not official records of such proceedings and shall not be admissible in any proceeding as evidence of legislative history, action, or intent.
(5) The Executive Board of the Legislative Council shall develop policies and procedures surrounding the creation and ongoing usage of the publicly accessible, indexed, digital Internet archive of closed-captioned video coverage of the Legislature developed pursuant to this section. Such policies shall include, but not be limited to:
(a) The usage of archived video recordings for purposes other than legislative purposes;
(b) A determination regarding which committee hearings and committee briefings shall be recorded and added to the digital archive;
(c) Parameters surrounding long-term storage of archived video recordings; and
(d) Management of costs in relation to supporting public accessibility of archived video recordings.
Source
Laws 2023, LB254, § 1.
Effective Date: May 27, 2023
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-123.01 - Members; salary.

50-123.01.
Members; salary.
Each member of the Legislature shall receive a salary in an amount equal to the maximum authorized by the Constitution of Nebraska. Such salary shall be paid in equal monthly installments.
Source
Laws 1960, Seventy-first Spec. Sess., c. 1, § 1, p. 59;
Laws 1968, Seventy-ninth Spec. Sess., c. 2, § 1, p. 3251;
Laws 1988, First Spec. Sess., LB 1, § 1.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-125 - Legislature; special session; how convened; notice.

50-125.
Legislature; special session; how convened; notice.
Whenever ten or more members of the Legislature shall lodge with the Secretary of State a positive statement in writing, over their signatures respectively, setting forth the purpose or purposes for which said Legislature is convened, requesting that the Legislature meet in special session, personally delivered or transmitted by either registered or certified mail, return card requested, the Secretary of State shall forthwith certify to each of the other members of the Legislature, transmitted by either registered or certified mail, return card requested, the fact that ten or more members have lodged such statements with him and the object or objects of calling such session. If within ten days thereafter an additional number of the members of the Legislature, sufficient to make two-thirds or more, shall lodge statements in like manner as aforementioned with the Secretary of State, requesting that the Legislature meet in special session, the Secretary of State shall forthwith certify to the Governor the fact that two-thirds or more of said members have lodged said statements with him and the object or objects of calling such session. Thereupon the Governor shall, by proclamation, stating therein the purpose or purposes for which it is called, convene the Legislature to meet in special session within five days after receipt of said certificate from the Secretary of State. The Legislature shall enter upon no business except that for which it was called together.
Source
Laws 1937, c. 117, § 2, p. 419;
C.S.Supp.,1941, § 50-118;
R.S.1943, § 50-125;
Laws 1957, c. 242, § 42, p. 854;
Laws 1969, c. 430, § 1, p. 1452.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-126 - Legislature; convening; failure of Secretary of State or Governor to act; penalty.

50-126.
Legislature; convening; failure of Secretary of State or Governor to act; penalty.
Any Secretary of State or any Governor who shall refuse or neglect punctually to perform the duties enjoined upon them or either of them, by section 50-125, shall be deemed guilty of an act of malfeasance which works a forfeiture of office. Upon complaint of any legislator or elector of the state the Attorney General shall forthwith file an information in quo warranto against said officer as an original action in the Supreme Court of the state, without bond for costs. If it shall appear from the showing made that the officer so offending failed punctually to perform said duties, or any of them, a judgment shall be rendered that said officer so offending be ousted, and also that he pay the costs of the proceeding.
Source
Laws 1937, c. 117, § 3, p. 420;
C.S.Supp.,1941, § 50-119;
R.S.1943, § 50-126.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-128 - Legislature; make appropriations.

50-128.
Legislature; make appropriations.
Beginning in 1987, the Legislature shall make appropriations for the expenses of state government during the regular session held in each odd-numbered year for the biennium beginning July 1 of such year and ending June 30 of the next succeeding odd-numbered year.
Source
Laws 1986, LB 258, § 1.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-201 - Legislative findings.

50-201.
Legislative findings.
The Legislature hereby finds and declares (1) that the Constitution of Nebraska, by expressly providing for the legislative branch of government, implies the powers and the duty to provide the means, accessories, and instrumentalities to carry into effect the purposes for which the Legislature was created, (2) that items in the nature of expenses incidental to holding the office are not pay or perquisites within the meaning of Article III, section 7 of the Constitution of Nebraska, and (3) that the Constitution of Nebraska is construed to allow expenses to members of the Legislature, incidental to the performance of their duties as members of the Legislature, without contravening any constitutional provision as to pay, perquisites, or compensation.
Source
Laws 1981, LB 206, § 1.
Annotations
Sections 50-201 and 50-202 are not in conflict with Article III, section 7, of the Nebraska Constitution. State ex rel. Douglas v. Beermann, 216 Neb. 849, 347 N.W.2d 297 (1984).
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-202 - Members; expenses allowed; when.

50-202.
Members; expenses allowed; when.
Each member of the Legislature shall be allowed necessary expenses incurred while performing in the official capacity as a member of the Legislature.
Source
Laws 1981, LB 206, § 2.
Annotations
Pursuant to Article III, section 7, of the Constitution of Nebraska and this section, the Legislature was authorized to adopt a policy which would reimburse the members of the Legislature for actual expenses they paid or incurred while performing their duties. Jaksha v. Thomas, 243 Neb. 794, 502 N.W.2d 827 (1993).
Sections 50-201 and 50-202 are not in conflict with Article III, section 7, of the Nebraska Constitution. State ex rel. Douglas v. Beermann, 216 Neb. 849, 347 N.W.2d 297 (1984).
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-203 - Expenses; Executive Board of the Legislative Council; powers and duties.

50-203.
Expenses; Executive Board of the Legislative Council; powers and duties.
The Executive Board of the Legislative Council shall adopt policies to carry out section 50-202. The policies shall allow each member of the Legislature to receive per diem expenses based upon ordinary and necessary business expenses as permitted by section 162 of the Internal Revenue Code which are incurred while performing in the official capacity as a member of the Legislature. The per diem expenses paid to a member shall be less than or equal to the amounts actually paid or incurred.
Source
Laws 1995, LB 508, § 1.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-302 - Legislative findings and intent.

50-302.
Legislative findings and intent.
The Legislature finds that there is an important role that innovation and entrepreneurship play in the economic well-being of the state. It is the intent of the Legislature to promote such innovation and entrepreneurship through the Next Generation Business Growth Act.
Source
Laws 2016, LB1083, § 2.
Termination Date: January 1, 2017
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-303 - Legislature's Venture Development and Innovation Task Force; created; members; plan; preparation and submission.

50-303.
Legislature's Venture Development and Innovation Task Force; created; members; plan; preparation and submission.
(1) The Legislature's Venture Development and Innovation Task Force is created. The Executive Board of the Legislative Council shall appoint six members of the Legislature to the task force. The Executive Board shall appoint one of the six members as chairperson and another member as vice-chairperson.
(2) The task force shall develop a statewide strategic plan to cultivate a climate of entrepreneurship and innovation. The task force shall adopt policy criteria to be used in the development of the plan. The plan shall include: (a) An inventory of existing state-sponsored and locally sponsored programs and resources that are targeted to small businesses, microenterprises, and entrepreneurial endeavors in the state; (b) an economic impact analysis of the existing programs under the Business Innovation Act; (c) an overview of best practices from other states; (d) a review of previously issued statewide strategic plans focused on high-growth businesses; and (e) various policy options.
(3) On or before December 1, 2016, the Legislature's Venture Development and Innovation Task Force shall prepare and electronically submit the statewide strategic plan to the Clerk of the Legislature.
Source
Laws 2016, LB1083, § 3.
Termination Date: January 1, 2017
Cross References
Business Innovation Act, see section 81-12,152.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-304 - Employment of nonprofit organization.

50-304.
Employment of nonprofit organization.
The Legislature's Venture Development and Innovation Task Force, in consultation with the Executive Board of the Legislative Council, shall employ a nonprofit organization to provide research, analysis, and recommendations for the development of the statewide strategic plan required by section 50-303.
Source
Laws 2016, LB1083, § 4.
Termination Date: January 1, 2017
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-305 - Appropriation intent.

50-305.
Appropriation intent.
It is the intent of the Legislature to appropriate seventy-five thousand dollars from the General Fund to the Legislative Council for carrying out the purposes of the Next Generation Business Growth Act.
Source
Laws 2016, LB1083, § 5.
Termination Date: January 1, 2017
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-401 - Legislative Council; members; functions.

50-401.
Legislative Council; members; functions.
There is hereby created a Legislative Council, hereinafter referred to as council, which shall consist of all of the members of the Legislature. It shall be the function of the Legislative Council to consider legislative policies between sessions of the Legislature and carry out the duties imposed by section 50-402.
Source
Laws 1937, c. 118, § 1, p. 421;
Laws 1939, c. 60, § 1, p. 261;
C.S.Supp.,1941, § 50-501;
Laws 1943, c. 118, § 1, p. 413;
R.S.1943, § 50-401;
Laws 1949, c. 168, § 1(1), p. 444.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-401.05 - Executive Board of the Legislative Council; policy regarding telephones and telefax machines; authorized.

50-401.05.
Executive Board of the Legislative Council; policy regarding telephones and telefax machines; authorized.
The Executive Board of the Legislative Council may adopt policies that allow a member of the Legislature to install and use with private funds a telephone line, telephone, and telefax machine in his or her public office for private purposes.
Source
Laws 1994, LB 1243, § 1.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-402 - Legislative Council; office; duties.

50-402.
Legislative Council; office; duties.
The Legislative Council shall occupy and maintain offices in the State Capitol.
It shall be the duty of the council:
(1) To collect information concerning the government and general welfare of the state;
(2) To examine the effects of previously enacted statutes and recommend amendments thereto;
(3) To deal with important issues of public policy and questions of statewide interest;
(4) To prepare a legislative program in the form of bills or otherwise as in its opinion the welfare of the state may require, to be presented at the next session of the Legislature;
(5) To study federal aid to the state and its political subdivisions and advise the Legislature of money, land, or buildings available from the federal government, matching funds necessary, grants and aids, and what new legislation will be needed;
(6) To establish and maintain a complete and efficient bill drafting service for the purpose of aiding and assisting members of the Legislature and the executive departments of the state in the preparation of bills, resolutions, and measures and in drafting the same in proper form, and for this purpose there shall be assigned to the council for such work, rooms in the State Capitol conveniently situated in reference to the legislative chamber;
(7) To provide, through the Revisor of Statutes, for the publication of supplements and replacement volumes of the statutes of Nebraska;
(8) To provide, through the Executive Board of the Legislative Council, for the development and maintenance of a publicly accessible, indexed, digital Internet archive of closed-captioned video coverage of the Legislature as provided in section 50-117; and
(9) To set up subcommittees within the executive board to carry out functions such as investigation of any area which it may decide is in the public interest with power to employ such additional personnel as may be needed to carry out the intent and activities of the executive board or the Legislature.
Source
Laws 1937, c. 118, § 2, p. 422;
Laws 1939, c. 60, § 2, p. 261;
C.S.Supp.,1941, § 50-502;
R.S.1943, § 50-402;
Laws 1965, c. 311, § 1, p. 873;
Laws 1965, c. 312, § 1, p. 874;
Laws 1967, c. 328, § 11, p. 872;
Laws 1972, LB 1129, § 2;
Laws 1992, LB 898, § 2;
Laws 2023, LB254, § 3.
Effective Date: May 27, 2023
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-404 - Legislative Council; executive board; special committees; civil or criminal actions; exempt; when.

50-404.
Legislative Council; executive board; special committees; civil or criminal actions; exempt; when.
The executive board shall have power and authority to appoint committees of the Legislative Council and assign subjects to them for study and reports. No member of the Legislature shall be liable in any civil or criminal action whatever for words spoken at an authorized committee meeting when conducting an investigation authorized by the executive board or for words spoken at meetings of standing or special committees of the Legislature.
Source
Laws 1937, c. 118, § 2, p. 422;
Laws 1939, c. 60, § 2, p. 262;
C.S.Supp.,1941, § 50-502;
R.S.1943, § 50-404;
Laws 1949, c. 168, § 2, p. 445;
Laws 1973, LB 485, § 4.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-405 - Legislative Council; duties; investigations; studies.

50-405.
Legislative Council; duties; investigations; studies.
It shall be the duty of the council (1) to investigate and study the possibilities for consolidation in state government for elimination of all unnecessary activities and of all duplication in office personnel and equipment and of the coordination of departmental activities or of methods of increasing efficiency and effecting economies, (2) to investigate and study the possibilities of reforming the system of local government with a view to simplifying the organization of government, (3) to study the merit system as it relates to state and local government personnel, (4) to cooperate with the administration in devising means of enforcing the law and improving the effectiveness of administrative methods, (5) to study and inquire into the financial administration of the state government and the subdivisions thereof, the problems of taxation, including assessment and collection of taxes, and the distribution of the tax burden, and (6) to study and inquire into future planning of capital construction of the state and its governmental agencies as to location and sites for expansion.
Source
Laws 1937, c. 118, § 3, p. 422;
C.S.Supp.,1941, § 50-503;
R.S.1943, § 50-405;
Laws 1969, c. 431, § 1, p. 1453;
Laws 1986, LB 996, § 1;
Laws 2012, LB782, § 75;
Laws 2013, LB222, § 17.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-406.01 - Subpoena; renewal; procedure; rules; legislative authority; referencing; not justiciable.

50-406.01.
Subpoena; renewal; procedure; rules; legislative authority; referencing; not justiciable.
(1)(a) If a member of the Legislature presents a newly constituted Legislature with a subpoena issued pursuant to section 50-406 during a previous legislative biennium and such subpoena is still pending:
(i) The Executive Board of the Legislative Council shall vote to determine whether to renew the subpoena; and
(ii) If the subpoena was issued by a standing committee, such committee shall also vote to determine whether to renew the subpoena.
(b) The vote or votes required in subdivision (1)(a) of this section shall be taken no later than ten days after the day the regular session of the Legislature commences as provided in Article III, section 10, of the Constitution of Nebraska.
(c) If a majority of the members of the Executive Board of the Legislative Council and, if applicable, of the committee, are in favor of renewing the subpoena, the subpoena is renewed and relates back to its previous issuance and such subpoena shall be considered to have been in full force and effect for such entire period.
(2) The Legislature has the constitutional authority to determine the rules of its proceedings. The question of the referencing of an investigation or inquiry is not justiciable and cannot be challenged or invalidated in a judicial proceeding.
Source
Laws 2020, LB681, § 5.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-407 - Legislative Council; committees; subpoenas; enforcement; refusal to testify; procedure.

50-407.
Legislative Council; committees; subpoenas; enforcement; refusal to testify; procedure.
(1) In case of disobedience on the part of any person, including a representative of a state agency or political subdivision, to comply with any subpoena issued pursuant to section 50-406 or in case of the refusal of any witness to testify on any matters regarding which the witness may be lawfully interrogated, the Legislative Council or the standing committee or special legislative investigative or oversight committee which issued the subpoena shall, at the hearing at which the person was subpoenaed to appear, hold a vote to find the person in contempt unless the council or committee votes to find that the failure to comply or refusal to testify was not willful.
(2) If the council or committee finds a person in contempt as provided in subsection (1) of this section, the council or committee may, by application or petition to the district court of Lancaster County, request the court to compel obedience by proceedings for contempt as in the case of disobedience of the requirements of a subpoena issued from such court or a refusal to testify therein. The application or petition shall be filed by the chairperson of the Executive Board of the Legislative Council, and in the case of a standing or special legislative investigative or oversight committee, such filing shall be joined by the chairperson of such committee.
(3) If a witness who has been subpoenaed pursuant to section 50-406 refuses to testify before the council or a committee on the basis of the privilege against self-incrimination, a court order may be requested pursuant to sections 29-2011.02 and 29-2011.03. In the case of a proceeding before the Legislative Council, the request shall be filed by the chairperson of the Executive Board of the Legislative Council. In the case of a proceeding before a standing committee or special legislative investigative or oversight committee, the request shall be filed by the chairperson of such committee.
Source
Laws 1937, c. 118, § 4, p. 423;
C.S.Supp.,1941, § 50-504;
R.S.1943, § 50-407;
Laws 1949, c. 168, § 4, p. 445;
Laws 1990, LB 1246, § 16;
Laws 2013, LB613, § 2;
Laws 2020, LB681, § 4.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-408 - Legislative Council; committees; witnesses; fees.

50-408.
Legislative Council; committees; witnesses; fees.
Each witness who appears before the Legislative Council, any standing committee, or any special legislative investigative or oversight committee by subpoena of such council or committee, other than a state officer or employee, shall receive for attendance the fees provided for witnesses in civil cases in courts of record and mileage as provided in section 81-1176, which shall be audited and paid upon the presentation of proper vouchers sworn to by such witness and approved by the secretary and chairperson of the council.
Source
Laws 1937, c. 118, § 4, p. 423;
C.S.Supp.,1941, § 50-504;
R.S.1943, § 50-408;
Laws 1949, c. 168, § 5, p. 445;
Laws 1981, LB 204, § 89;
Laws 2020, LB681, § 6.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-409 - Legislative Council; state and local governments; cooperation.

50-409.
Legislative Council; state and local governments; cooperation.
Each officer, board, commission or department of state government or any local government shall make such studies for and furnish information to the council as it may require and as can be made within the limits of its appropriation.
Source
Laws 1937, c. 118, § 5, p. 423;
C.S.Supp.,1941, § 50-505;
R.S.1943, § 50-409.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-410 - Legislative Council; meetings; quorum.

50-410.
Legislative Council; meetings; quorum.
The council shall meet at least once in each biennium. One meeting of the entire council shall be held at the call of the chairman not less than thirty nor more than sixty days prior to the next regular session of the Legislature. Twenty-five members shall constitute a quorum, but a smaller number may meet and may compel the attendance of members in order to secure a quorum.
Source
Laws 1937, c. 118, § 6, p. 423;
C.S.Supp.,1941, § 50-506;
R.S.1943, § 50-410;
Laws 1949, c. 168, § 6, p. 446;
Laws 1951, c. 169, § 2, p. 655;
Laws 1965, c. 314, § 1, p. 876;
Laws 1969, c. 430, § 2, p. 1453.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-411 - Legislative Council; message from Governor.

50-411.
Legislative Council; message from Governor.
The Governor shall have the right to send a message to the session of the council convening next after the adjournment of each session of the Legislature, and may, from time to time, send additional messages containing his recommendations and explaining the policy of the administration.
Source
Laws 1937, c. 118, § 7, p. 423;
C.S.Supp.,1941, § 50-507;
R.S.1943, § 50-411.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-412 - Legislative Council; library facilities; receipt and use of funds.

50-412.
Legislative Council; library facilities; receipt and use of funds.
The Legislative Council and Legislature shall have access to all library reference facilities maintained by state agencies. The council is authorized to accept and use any funds made available to it through the terms of any cooperative agreement that it may make with any agency whatsoever for the accomplishment of the purposes of sections 50-401 to 50-415.
Source
Laws 1937, c. 118, § 8, p. 423;
Laws 1939, c. 60, § 3, p. 262;
C.S.Supp.,1941, § 50-508;
R.S.1943, § 50-412;
Laws 1992, LB 898, § 3.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-413 - Legislative Council; minutes of meetings; reports.

50-413.
Legislative Council; minutes of meetings; reports.
The Legislative Council shall keep complete minutes of its meetings and shall submit electronically periodical reports to the members of the Legislature.
Source
Laws 1937, c. 118, § 9, p. 424;
C.S.Supp.,1941, § 50-509;
R.S.1943, § 50-413;
Laws 1949, c. 168, § 7, p. 446;
Laws 2012, LB782, § 76.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-414 - Legislative Council; recommendations; publication.

50-414.
Legislative Council; recommendations; publication.
The recommendations of the council shall be completed and made public at least thirty days prior to any regular session of the Legislature at which such recommendations are to be submitted. A copy of said recommendations shall be mailed to the address of each member of the Legislature, to each elective state officer, and to the State Library.
Source
Laws 1937, c. 118, § 10, p. 424;
C.S.Supp.,1941, § 50-510;
R.S.1943, § 50-414.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-415 - Legislative Council; members; employees; expenses.

50-415.
Legislative Council; members; employees; expenses.
(1) The members of the council shall be compensated for actual expenses incurred while attending sessions of the council, and the members of any committee of the council shall be compensated for actual expenses incurred while on business of the committee.
(2) Employees of the Legislature shall be compensated for actual expenses incurred while on the business of the Legislature.
Source
Laws 1937, c. 118, § 11, p. 424;
C.S.Supp.,1941, § 50-511;
R.S.1943, § 50-415;
Laws 1951, c. 169, § 3, p. 655;
Laws 1981, LB 204, § 90;
Laws 2020, LB381, § 42.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-416 - Legislative Research; Director of Research.

50-416.
Legislative Research; Director of Research.
The office of Legislative Research is established within the Legislative Council. The office shall provide nonpartisan public policy and legal research for members of the Legislature and their staffs and maintain a legislative reference library for the use of members of the Legislature and their staffs. The Director of Research shall be responsible for hiring, firing, and supervising the research office staff.
Source
Laws 2009, LB620, § 2.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-416.01 - Nebraska Retirement Systems Committee; members.

50-416.01.
Nebraska Retirement Systems Committee; members.
The Legislature shall select five of its members who shall serve, together with the chairperson of the Appropriations Committee, as the Nebraska Retirement Systems Committee. The Nebraska Retirement Systems Committee shall be a standing committee of the Legislature. The chairperson and members shall be chosen in the same manner as chairpersons and members of the other standing committees of the Legislature.
Source
Laws 1989, LB 189, § 1.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-417 - Nebraska Retirement Systems Committee; public retirement systems; existing or proposed; duties.

50-417.
Nebraska Retirement Systems Committee; public retirement systems; existing or proposed; duties.
The Nebraska Retirement Systems Committee shall study any legislative proposal, bill, or amendment, other than an amendment proposed by the Committee on Enrollment and Review, affecting any public retirement system, existing or proposed, established by the State of Nebraska or any political subdivision thereof and report electronically the results of such study to the Legislature, which report shall, when applicable, include an actuarial analysis and cost estimate and the recommendation of the Nebraska Retirement Systems Committee regarding passage of any bill or amendment. To assist the committee in the performance of such duties, the committee may consult with and utilize the services of any officer, department, or agency of the state and may from time to time engage the services of a qualified and experienced actuary. In the absence of any report from such committee, the Legislature shall consider requests from groups seeking to have retirement plans established for them and such other proposed legislation as is pertinent to existing retirement systems.
Source
Laws 1959, c. 243, § 2, p. 832;
Laws 1989, LB 189, § 2;
Laws 2011, LB10, § 1;
Laws 2012, LB782, § 77.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-418 - Legislative Fiscal Analyst; office established; personnel; Appropriations Committee; duties.

50-418.
Legislative Fiscal Analyst; office established; personnel; Appropriations Committee; duties.
There shall be established within the Legislative Council the office of Legislative Fiscal Analyst. The Legislative Fiscal Analyst, with the approval of the Executive Board of the Legislative Council, may employ necessary assistants.
The Appropriations Committee shall determine the budgeting and related needs of each agency of state government before and during each session of the Legislature for the use of the Legislature. The committee, under the direction of the Executive Board of the Legislative Council, shall secure sufficient personnel and funds for the operation of the staff to go physically into each agency of state government and by observation and contact be able to defend and substantiate its recommendation and to accomplish the objective stated in this section.
Source
Laws 1961, c. 253, § 1, p. 746;
Laws 1967, c. 595, § 2, p. 2026;
Laws 1986, LB 996, § 3;
Laws 1992, LB 898, § 4.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-419.01 - Legislative Fiscal Analyst; present evaluation of state operations; when.

50-419.01.
Legislative Fiscal Analyst; present evaluation of state operations; when.
The Legislative Fiscal Analyst shall present to the Appropriations Committee, beginning the fifth legislative day, an evaluation of the operations of the state government including those issues, policies, and problems which have come to his or her attention or which resulted from analyses and in which improvement in performance and organization is possible. The Legislative Fiscal Analyst shall, if requested, recommend alternatives to the identified problems and related needs.
Source
Laws 1969, c. 429, § 3, p. 1451;
Laws 1973, LB 291, § 1;
Laws 1986, LB 996, § 5.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-419.02 - Legislative Fiscal Analyst; revenue volatility report; contents.

50-419.02.
Legislative Fiscal Analyst; revenue volatility report; contents.
(1) On November 15, 2016, the Legislative Fiscal Analyst shall prepare and electronically submit a revenue volatility report to the Appropriations Committee of the Legislature. Every two years thereafter the Legislative Fiscal Analyst shall prepare a revenue volatility report to append to the annual report required under section 77-2715.01. The report shall also be posted on the Legislature's website.
(2) The report shall:
(a) Evaluate the tax base and the tax revenue volatility of revenue streams that provide funding for the state General Fund budget;
(b) Identify federal funding included in the state budget and any projected changes in the amount or value of federal funding or potential areas in which federal funding could be lost;
(c) Identify current and projected balances of the Cash Reserve Fund;
(d) Analyze the adequacy of current and projected balances of the Cash Reserve Fund in relation to the tax revenue volatility and the risk of a reduction in the amount or value of federal funding or potential areas in which federal funding could be lost;
(e) Include revenue projections for the ensuing two fiscal years included in the impending biennial budget; and
(f) Contain any other recommendations that the Legislative Fiscal Analyst determines are necessary.
Source
Laws 2015, LB33, § 1.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-419.03 - Long-term fiscal trends; legislative findings and declarations.

50-419.03.
Long-term fiscal trends; legislative findings and declarations.
The Legislature finds and declares that:
(1) Research conducted since 2009 by the University of Nebraska at the request of the Legislature's Planning Committee shows (a) the population of Nebraska is becoming more concentrated in the most populous counties, with two-thirds of the counties showing dramatic and sustained population loss, (b) the population of Nebraska is aging, and (c) the population of Nebraska is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse;
(2) It is in the best interest of the economy of Nebraska to anticipate long-term fiscal trends;
(3) The Legislative Fiscal Analyst, in partnership with the Legislature's Planning Committee and the University of Nebraska, has a tool to project the long-term fiscal impact of revenue and expenditure measures and changes in federal policy; and
(4) The state is constitutionally prohibited from incurring debt, which, due to downturns in revenue, has caused the Legislature to deplete the cash reserves by more than one-half during the last two biennial budgets. The restoration of cash reserves over the next two biennial budgets is essential if the state is to meet its obligations and adapt to the challenges projected by data accumulated by the Legislature's Planning Committee.
Source
Laws 2019, LB713, § 1.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-420 - Fiscal analyst; officer, board, commission, and department of state government; furnish information.

50-420.
Fiscal analyst; officer, board, commission, and department of state government; furnish information.
Each officer, board, commission, and department of state government, including the Accounting Administrator of the Department of Administrative Services, shall furnish to the Legislative Fiscal Analyst, upon request, any information in its possession, including records received from other officers, boards, commissions, or departments of state government, whether such information is retained in computer files or otherwise, if such information is directly related to the performance of the official duties of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst under sections 50-418 to 50-420.
Source
Laws 1961, c. 253, § 3, p. 747;
Laws 1979, LB 193, § 2.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-421 - Office of Legislative Audit; Legislative Auditor.

50-421.
Office of Legislative Audit; Legislative Auditor.
The office of Legislative Audit is established within the Legislative Council. The office shall conduct performance audits. The Legislative Auditor shall be responsible for hiring, firing, and supervising the performance audit staff.
Source
Laws 2006, LB 956, § 2;
Laws 2009, LB620, § 1.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 50 - Legislature › 50-433 - Nebraska Sentencing Reform Task Force; created; duties; members; reports; termination.

50-433.
Nebraska Sentencing Reform Task Force; created; duties; members; reports; termination.
(1) The Nebraska Sentencing Reform Task Force is created.
(2) The task force shall identify and recommend changes to Nebraska's criminal justice laws, policies, and practices to improve public safety and more effectively allocate Nebraska's criminal justice system resources.
(3) The task force shall consist of the following members:
(a) The Governor or the Governor's designee;
(b) The Attorney General or the Attorney General's designee;
(c) Three members of the Judiciary Committee of the Legislature appointed by the Executive Board of the Legislative Council;
(d) Two representatives of law enforcement appointed by the Governor;
(e) Two county attorneys appointed by the Governor; and
(f) Two criminal defense attorneys with at least ten years' experience appointed by the Governor.
(4) The task force shall submit its first report to the Legislature no later than November 15, 2023. The task force shall submit its second report to the Legislature no later than November 15, 2024. The reports shall be submitted electronically to the Clerk of the Legislature.
(5) Administrative and staff support for the task force shall be provided by any executive branch staff as directed by the Governor or by staff of the Judiciary Committee of the Legislature as directed by the chairperson of the Judiciary Committee.
(6) The task force terminates on December 31, 2024.
Source
Laws 2023, LB50, § 19.
Effective Date: September 2, 2023