WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

LB 187

Change provisions of the Nebraska Real Estate License Act

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Robert Dover

LB 187 standardizes Nebraska real estate rules: mandates written buyer agency for 1-4 unit homes, narrows licensing trigger, cuts pre-licensing to 60 hours, emergency effective.

Approved by Governor on March 11, 2025
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LB 187

Summary — LB 187 (2025)

Title: Change provisions of the Nebraska Real Estate License Act
Status: Approved by Governor March 11, 2025 (contains emergency clause — effective immediately)
Introduced: Jan 13, 2025. Sponsor: Sen. Robert Dover. Passed Final Reading 48–0–1.

Purpose / Intent

LB 187 standardizes certain licensing, agency‑agreement, and education requirements under the Nebraska Real Estate License Act so that all real estate licensees operate under the same statutory rules (the introducer’s intent cites differences between National Association of Realtors members and non‑members). The bill amends multiple statutory sections to clarify when written agency agreements are required, narrow a licensing trigger for certain contract marketing, and modify pre‑licensing education and related rulemaking.

Key provisions

  • Sections amended: Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76‑2422, 81‑885.02, 81‑885.13, and 81‑885.24.
  • Written agency agreements (Section 76‑2422)
    • All written brokerage agreements must be entered into by the designated broker (though the broker may authorize affiliated licensees in writing).
    • Bifurcates buyer/tenant agency requirements:
    • A designated broker acting as a single agent for a buyer of residential property (1–4 dwelling units) must enter into a written agency agreement before or while performing enumerated brokerage acts.
    • For other types of property (non 1–4 unit residential and other property), a designated broker acting as a single agent may (but is not mandated to) enter into a written agency agreement.
    • Reiterates required content of agreements (duties per statutory sections, compensation terms, fixed expiration date, and subagency offer disclosure).
    • Clarifies written consent requirements for dual agency and written contracts for subagency.
  • Restricted acts / licensing trigger (Section 81‑885.02)
    • Clarifies that publicly marketing for sale an equitable interest in a contract for purchase of real property is an act requiring a license, but expressly excludes vacant lots from that definition (i.e., marketing an equitable interest in a contract for a vacant lot does not itself constitute acting as a broker/associate/salesperson).
  • Education and licensing (Section 81‑885.13)
    • Reduces pre‑licensure classroom requirement for salesperson applicants from three courses/90 hours to two courses/60 hours (distance education formats may be approved).
    • Gives the Nebraska Real Estate Commission express rulemaking authority to specify mandatory subject matter for required courses.
    • Clarifies treatment of certain referral fees so that in defined situations a referral fee is not automatically deemed improper compensation subject to investigation (text details are codified in the bill).
  • Other provisions
    • Operative‑date, repealer, and emergency‑clause sections included (emergency clause makes the act effective upon gubernatorial approval).

Who is affected

  • Designated brokers and affiliated licensees (changes to who must sign/enter agreements and when).
  • Buyers and tenants of 1–4 unit residential properties (written buyer agency agreements are mandatory).
  • License applicants (lower pre‑licensing hour requirement for salespersons).
  • Nebraska Real Estate Commission (added explicit rulemaking authority).
  • Individuals or entities marketing equitable interests in contracts for vacant lots (now excluded from broker licensing trigger).

Timeline / Procedure

  • Referred Jan 15, 2025; committee hearing Jan 27, 2025; advanced to General File Jan 28; placed on Final Reading Feb 20; passed Feb 2025; presented to Governor Mar 6, 2025; approved Mar 11, 2025 and effective immediately due to emergency clause.

Potential impacts / considerations

  • Standardizes buyer‑representation practice statewide (removes disparity between NAR and non‑NAR licensees).
  • Designated brokers must ensure written authorization processes and documentation comply with new signatory rules.
  • Reduced pre‑licensing hours may increase access to licensure and change training demand; the Commission will define required course content.
  • Excluding vacant‑lot contract interests from the licensing trigger could change compliance obligations for some contract marketers.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.