Nebraska Legislature

Nebraska Legislature
Name	Nebraska Legislature
House type	Unicameral
Body	Nebraska State Government
Term limits	2 consecutive terms
Foundation	1937
Leader1 type	Speaker of the Legislature
Leader1	John Arch
Election1	2023
Leader2 type	Executive Board Chair
Leader2	Ray Aguilar
Election2	2023
Members	49
Political groups1	Nonpartisan (49), Officially:, • Republican (33), • Democratic (15), • Independent (1)
Voting system1	First-past-the-post
Last election1	November 8, 2022
Next election1	November 5, 2024
Meeting place	Nebraska State Capitol, Lincoln
Website	nebraskalegislature.gov

Nebraska Legislature. It is the unicameral legislative body of the U.S. state of Nebraska. Established by a 1934 constitutional amendment championed by U.S. Senator George W. Norris, it is the only nonpartisan, single-house state legislature in the United States. Its 49 members, known as senators, are elected from an equal number of legislative districts and serve four-year terms.

History

The push for a unicameral system was largely driven by the progressive ideals of George W. Norris, who argued that a bicameral system was inefficient and outdated. Following a successful statewide referendum in 1934, the first unicameral session convened in 1937, replacing the previous Nebraska House of Representatives and Nebraska Senate. The move was influenced by the Progressive Era and aimed to reduce the influence of political parties and lobbyists. Key historical figures in its early operation included John J. Exon, who later became Governor of Nebraska and a U.S. Senator. The legislature first met in the newly completed Nebraska State Capitol, a landmark building designed by Bertram Goodhue.

Structure and composition

The body consists of 49 senators elected from single-member districts apportioned by population. Elections are officially nonpartisan, with no party affiliation listed on ballots, though most members are affiliated with either the Republican Party or the Democratic Party. Leadership includes the Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature, currently John Arch, and the Executive Board chaired by Ray Aguilar. The Clerk of the Nebraska Legislature oversees administrative functions. Senators are subject to term limits of two consecutive four-year terms, a provision added by Nebraska voters in 2000.

Legislative process

All legislation begins as a bill introduced by a senator. Bills undergo a mandatory public hearing before one of the legislature's 14 standing committees, such as the Appropriations Committee or the Judiciary Committee. After committee review, bills are debated and amended on three separate readings by the full body. A simple majority of 25 votes is required for passage, except for emergency clauses or appropriations bills, which require 33 votes. The Governor of Nebraska then may sign, veto, or line-item veto the bill; the legislature can override a veto with a three-fifths majority.

Powers and duties

Its primary constitutional authority is to enact laws for the state, including the passage of the state budget. It holds the power of impeachment, with the authority to impeach officials such as the Governor of Nebraska or Justices of the Nebraska Supreme Court. The legislature also has investigative powers, can propose constitutional amendments to be voted on by the public, and confirms gubernatorial appointments to major state agencies and boards, including the Board of Regents and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Notable legislation

Significant acts include the 1967 creation of the Educational Television Commission, the 1982 passage of the Nebraska Nuclear Disposal Act concerning the proposed Crow Butte site, and the 1990 Nebraska Quality Jobs Act aimed at economic development. In 2006, it passed a controversial ban on affirmative action programs, which was later upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2014. More recent major legislation includes the 2023 Legislative Bill 574, which combined a 12-week abortion ban with restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors.

Current session and membership

The 108th Legislature, first session, runs from January 2023 to June 2024. The current membership comprises 33 registered Republicans, 15 registered Democrats, and one Independent, though all are elected on a nonpartisan ballot. Key leaders include Speaker John Arch of La Vista and Executive Board Chair Ray Aguilar of Grand Island. Notable senators include Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, known for extensive filibusters on social policy bills, and Tom Brewer of Gordon, a former U.S. Army colonel. The legislature meets in the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln.

Category:Nebraska Legislature Category:Unicameral legislatures Category:State legislatures of the United States