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Bill

LB 980

Change provisions of the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act relating to waivers of jury trials and summonses and provide for summary judgment and expedited proceedings

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Carolyn Bosn

LB 980 restricts jury trial access and accelerates eviction proceedings in Nebraska rental disputes, favoring faster landlord outcomes over tenant procedural protections.

Notice of hearing for February 04, 2026
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Bill Summary · LB 980

Legislative bill overview

LB 980 modifies Nebraska's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to change how jury trial waivers are handled, alter summons procedures, and establish mechanisms for summary judgment and expedited proceedings in landlord-tenant disputes. The bill streamlines eviction and rental dispute processes by reducing procedural requirements and potentially limiting tenants' access to jury trials.

Why is this important

Landlord-tenant disputes directly affect housing stability for renters and property management costs for landlords. Changes to jury trial rights, summons procedures, and expedited timelines can significantly shift the balance of power in eviction cases, potentially making it faster and easier for landlords to remove tenants while affecting tenants' ability to mount full legal defenses. These changes impact thousands of Nebraska residents in rental housing.

Potential points of contention

  • Jury trial waivers: Restricting jury trial access may disadvantage tenants who lack resources for legal representation, as juries can provide more sympathetic forums than judges in close cases
  • Expedited proceedings: Faster timelines could limit tenants' ability to gather evidence, obtain counsel, or explore settlement options, particularly problematic for vulnerable populations
  • Summary judgment provisions: Allowing cases to be decided without full trials increases risk that legitimate tenant defenses (constructive eviction, habitability violations, discrimination) are dismissed prematurely

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

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