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LR 7CA

Constitutional amendment to change legislative salaries to thirty thousand dollars annually

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Myron Dorn

Sets Nebraska lawmakers' salary at $30,000/yr, with a $1,000 monthly cap plus actual travel reimbursements; bans other pay beyond salary/travel; nonpartisan elections.

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Bill Summary · LR 7CA

LR 7CA — Constitutional Amendment to Set Legislative Salary at $30,000 Annually

Overview

LR 7CA is a proposed constitutional amendment in Nebraska that would set the annual salary for state legislators at $30,000. The measure is a proposed change to Article III, Section 7 of the Nebraska Constitution and would require voter approval at a general election.

  • Introduced: January 10, 2025
  • Introducer/Author: Senator Myron Dorn
  • Chair/Committee: Senator Ben Hansen; Executive Board
  • Status: Notice of hearing scheduled for February 24, 2025
  • Election Timing for Vote: If approved by the Legislature, the amendment would be placed on the ballot for the general election in November 2026.

Purpose and Intent

The bill seeks to modify the Nebraska Constitution to standardize and increase (or in some analyses, guarantee) the annual compensation for members of the Nebraska Legislature to $30,000, along with a defined travel expense provision. This aligns legislative compensation with a fixed salary level and explicit travel reimbursements, while restricting other forms of compensation.

Key Provisions

  • Salary Reduction/Increase to $30,000: Each member of the Nebraska Legislature would receive an annual salary of $30,000.
  • Monthly Cap on Salary: The salary could not exceed $1,000 per month during the term of office (i.e., the annual $30,000, with a monthly limit specified).
  • Travel Expenses: In addition to salary, each member would receive an amount equal to actual travel expenses for commuting to and from each regular or special session, using the most usual route.
  • Other Compensation: Members would receive no pay or perquisites other than the stated salary and the travel reimbursement. Legislative employees would likewise receive no compensation beyond their salary or per diem.
  • Non-Partisan Elections Implication: The amendment reiterates that legislative members shall be nominated and elected in a nonpartisan manner, with no party indication on ballots (consistent with current constitutional language).

Who Is Affected

  • Primary Beneficiaries: State senators/members of the Nebraska Legislature.
  • Related Parties: Legislative staff and employees would be governed by the same restriction—no compensation beyond the legislator’s salary and travel or per diem allowances.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduction and Hearing: The proposal was introduced in January 2025; a hearing is scheduled for February 24, 2025, before the Executive Board.
  • Constitutional Amendment Process:
    • The Legislature proposes the amendment.
    • If approved, it would be submitted to Nebraska voters at the general election.
  • Ballot Language (submittal): The ballot language would read: “A constitutional amendment to change the salary of members of the Legislature to thirty thousand dollars per year.” Voters would choose “For” or “Against.”

Ballot Text Summary

  • Proposed amendment to Article III, Section 7.
  • Sets the annual legislator salary at $30,000 and monthly cap of $1,000.
  • Reimburses actual travel expenses to and from each session.
  • Prohibits any other pay or perquisites beyond salary and travel/expenses.
  • Maintains nonpartisan nomination/election framework for legislators.

Notes

  • The text references historical framework for legislative terms and redistricting, but the core substantive change is the salary level and related expense provisions.
  • If approved, the constitutional amendment would take effect for future terms, with ballot approval anticipated at the November 2026 general election.

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

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