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Bill

LB 1061

Change residence requirements relating to tuition and fees at state postsecondary educational institutions

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dave Murman

Bill modifies Nebraska's college residency requirements for in-state tuition eligibility, affecting student affordability and state university revenue.

Notice of hearing for January 26, 2026
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Bill Summary · LB 1061

Legislative bill overview

LB 1061 modifies Nebraska's residency requirements for determining in-state versus out-of-state tuition rates at public postsecondary institutions. The bill changes how long individuals must establish residency in Nebraska before qualifying for in-state tuition benefits. These changes could expand or restrict access to lower tuition rates depending on how the residency periods are adjusted.

Why is this important

Residency requirements directly affect college affordability for students and families, as in-state tuition is typically 50-75% lower than out-of-state rates. Changes to these requirements could influence enrollment patterns, the geographic diversity of student bodies, and state revenue from tuition. The policy also affects workforce development and economic competitiveness, as tuition affordability influences whether talented students remain in or relocate to Nebraska.

Potential points of contention

  • Residency definition disputes: Disagreement over what constitutes "establishing residency" (e.g., driver's license, voter registration, tax filing, parental residence) and whether these standards are consistently applied
  • Financial impact on institutions: Unclear how expanded in-state eligibility affects university budgets versus potential enrollment gains from improved affordability
  • Fairness to out-of-state and international students: Concerns about whether changes create equity issues or competitive disadvantages for non-residents seeking admission
  • Implementation complexity: Questions about how institutions verify residency status and handle borderline cases, particularly for dependent versus independent students

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

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