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LB 69

Change provisions relating to the Commission on African American Affairs

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ashlei Spivey

LB 69 strengthens oversight and transparency for Nebraska’s African American Affairs Commission, mandating annual reports, regular public meetings, and clearer governance.

Approved by Governor on May 21, 2025
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Bill Summary · LB 69

Summary — LB 69 (2025)

Change provisions relating to the Commission on African American Affairs
Approved by Governor: May 21, 2025

Main purpose

LB 69 updates the statutory structure, duties, meeting rules, transparency, and reporting requirements for the Nebraska Commission on African American Affairs (statutory sections 81-2601, 81-2602, 81-2603, 81-2604, 81-2606, and 81-2607). The bill is intended to strengthen public notice, regularize meeting locations and schedules, require an annual report to the Governor and Legislature, and clarify membership and administrative authorities.

Key provisions

  • Membership and appointments (81-2601)

    • Commission consists of 14 members who must be of African ancestry; appointed by the Governor.
    • At initial appointment: one member must identify as an immigrant or new American; one must be a young professional (age 18 up to 25).
    • Members serve up to two full four-year terms; successors appointed by the Governor from a public panel of nominees; voting members are eligible for reappointment.
    • Names of all commissioners must be posted on the commission’s website.

  • Purpose and functions (81-2602, 81-2604)

    • Broad purpose: develop proactive solutions and enhance the well‑being and rights of African Americans in Nebraska.
    • Functions include promoting beneficial state/federal legislation; coordinating programs (housing, education, welfare, health, employment, economic development, law and order); working with state/federal agencies and elected officials; informing the Governor; administering applicable statutes; public education; and developing community initiatives.

  • Administration and staffing (81-2603)

    • Commission may receive/administer state, federal, and other funds.
    • May employ personnel and an executive director; the executive director must be African American and a legal Nebraska resident. An office for the director shall be provided.

  • Meetings, notice, and quorum (81-2606)

    • Commission must meet at least quarterly (meetings noted in January, April, July, October).
    • At least one meeting each calendar year must be held in the Nebraska city with the largest African American population.
    • In addition to Open Meetings Act requirements, public notice must be given no later than seven calendar days prior and published on the commission’s website, social media, and shared with local media.
    • Eight voting members constitute a quorum. Minutes must be posted on the commission’s website.
    • A member’s office becomes vacant for unexcused failure to attend quarterly or special meetings.

  • Annual report (81-2606(3))

    • Commission must electronically submit an annual report to the Governor and the Clerk of the Legislature containing: mission/achievements/goals; legislative advocacy and policy impact; community engagement; economic development; education/workforce initiatives; health/wellness; criminal justice/public safety; housing/community development; metrics and KPIs; financial information (budget, funding, expenditures, grants); public feedback and needs assessment; and future goals/strategic plans.

  • Executive board and contracting (81-2607)

    • Executive board composed of the chair and four commissioners to manage interim administration.
    • Board may enter contracts for consulting, supplies, or equipment up to $2,000 per contract and supervise commission-authorized initiatives.

Who is affected

  • Commission members and staff (appointment, term limits, attendance rules, website posting requirements).
  • Governor’s appointment process (public panel of nominees).
  • Nebraska Legislature and Governor (receives annual report).
  • African American communities across Nebraska (increased reporting, engagement, and program coordination).
  • Local media and the public (expanded notice and transparency).

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Introduced: Jan 9, 2025 (Sen. Ashlei Spivey, primary; co-introduced by McKinney).
  • Committee: Government, Military and Veterans Affairs — AM895 adopted to refine provisions.
  • Passed Legislature on Final Reading: May 15, 2025 (vote 45–3–1).
  • Presented to Governor May 15, 2025; Approved by Governor May 21, 2025.
  • Fiscal notes exist (submitted March 13 and May 1, 2025).

Potential impacts / considerations

  • Increases transparency and accountability through posting commissioner names/minutes and a detailed annual report with metrics and financial data.
  • May increase administrative workload (preparing standardized annual reporting, more frequent public notices, travel for one annual meeting in the largest-Afro‑descendant city).
  • Funding and staffing needs for compliance may be addressed by existing commission revenues or require appropriations (see fiscal notes).

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

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