Opinion ID: 1865168
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 20

Heading: Nature of Declaratory Judgment

Text: Having already determined in subpart (1)(b) of this part VI that the claims procedures do not apply, we need only note that we have previously held that a declaratory judgment action is an appropriate method to obtain judicial construction of a statute. State Bd. of Ag. v. State Racing Comm., 239 Neb. 762, 478 N.W.2d 270 (1992); State v. Nebraska Assn. of Pub. Employees, 239 Neb. 653, 477 N.W.2d 577 (1991); State ex rel. Spire v. Northwestern Bell Tel. Co., 233 Neb. 262, 445 N.W.2d 284 (1989); § 25-21,150. Notwithstanding that the retirement act gives rise to contractual rights, it is the interpretation of the act which is the focus of this action. Indeed, we have previously entertained declaratory judgment actions to determine the pension rights of public employees. For example, in Hooper v. City of Lincoln, 183 Neb. 591, 163 N.W.2d 117 (1968), a fireman sought declaratory relief to determine his pension rights. We determined that under the facts of the case, declaratory judgment was a proper procedure despite the city's argument that a fireman claiming disability benefits under the pension act must first file a claim against the city pursuant to statute and then, if dissatisfied with its disposition, appeal by petition in error to the district court. See, Halpin v. Nebraska State Patrolmen's Retirement System, 211 Neb. 892, 320 N.W.2d 910 (1982); Retired City Civ. Emp. Club of Omaha v. City of Omaha Emp. Ret. Sys., 199 Neb. 507, 260 N.W.2d 472 (1977).