Opinion ID: 1865168
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Over Persons

Text: The defendants first argue that the district court could acquire no jurisdiction over them as they are immune from suit because of their sovereign nature. For purposes of applying the doctrine of sovereign immunity, a suit against an agency of the state is the same as a suit against the state. Concerned Citizens v. Department of Environ. Contr., 244 Neb. 152, 505 N.W.2d 654 (1993); Anstine v. State, 137 Neb. 148, 288 N.W. 525 (1939), overruled on other grounds, Beatrice Manor v. Department of Health, 219 Neb. 141, 362 N.W.2d 45 (1985). The retirement act provides that the system holds all cash and other property. § 23-2302. The system possesses the powers and privileges of a corporation, and the Attorney General is specifically designated as its legal adviser. § 23-2314. The close relationship between the system and the State is apparent through the legislative provisions which create and govern all of Nebraska's retirement systems. The retirement board responsible for administration of the system is also charged with responsibility of the State Employees Retirement Act, the School Retirement System, and the Nebraska State Patrol Retirement System. Neb.Rev.Stat. §§ 79-1503 (Reissue 1987) and 81-2019 and 84-1305 (Cum.Supp.1992). The Auditor of Public Accounts is responsible for making an annual audit of the system and an annual report concerning the condition of the system to the retirement board and to the Clerk of the Legislature. § 23-2313. The Legislature appoints five members of the Legislature to serve on a committee known as the Nebraska Retirement Systems Committee for the purpose of studying any legislative proposal, bill, or amendment affecting any public retirement system established by the State of Nebraska or any political subdivision thereof. Neb.Rev.Stat. §§ 50-416.01 and 50-417 (Cum.Supp.1992). Thus, little argument is required to demonstrate that the system is clothed with the sovereign immunity of the state. Indeed, Hoiengs' brief presents no direct challenge to the system's status as a state agency. Likewise, unless authorized by statute, neither may a county be sued, for a county is a political subdivision of the state having subordinate powers of sovereignty conferred by the Legislature. Franek v. Butler County, 127 Neb. 852, 257 N.W. 235 (1934). As such, it acts purely as an agent of the state. Rock Cty. v. Spire, 235 Neb. 434, 455 N.W.2d 763 (1990); Seward County Board of Commissioners v. City of Seward, 196 Neb. 266, 242 N.W.2d 849 (1976); State ex rel. Johnson v. County of Gage, 154 Neb. 822, 49 N.W.2d 672 (1951). See Stevenson v. Richardson County, Nebraska, 9 F.R.D. 437 (D.Neb.1949) (county is not by its nature corporate entity, but, rather, instrumentality erected by State whereby it administers its sovereign authority). Having concluded that the system and the counties have sovereign immunity, the question becomes one of determining whether that immunity has been waived.