Interim study to examine the initiative and referendum petition processes in the twenty-six states in which such a process exists

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Strommen

LR 206 orders an interim, data-driven study of initiative and referendum petition practices in 26 states to guide Nebraska on fair representation, transparency, and funding.

Notice of hearing for October 24, 2025

Overview

LR 206 is a Nebraska Legislative Resolution introduced on May 14, 2025 by Senator Strommen (primary). The resolution directs an interim study by a designated legislative committee to examine how initiative and referendum petition processes operate in the 26 states that have such processes, with a focus on potential lessons or changes for Nebraska. The resolution is currently in the hearing stage with a notice issued for October 24, 2025.

Purpose

To study the initiative and referendum petition processes used in the 26 states that have these processes.

To evaluate whether Nebraskans, including residents in low-population areas, are fairly and properly represented in the petition process.

To review spending on Nebraska initiative petition measures over the last 15 years, including funding sources and geographic locations.

Key Provisions and Scope

The study shall include, but is not limited to:
1. Recent proposed statutory or constitutional changes to initiative and referendum processes, covering:
- Signature requirements and circulation periods
- Content of initiatives and circulator requirements
- Signer requirements, petition formats, and petition requirements
- Ballot language, election requirements, and procedures for withdrawing signatures
- Campaign finance requirements
2. Representation of Nebraskans in the petition process, with attention to low-population areas.
3. Spending on initiative petition measures in Nebraska over the last 15 years, including:
- Names of funding entities
- Dollar amounts
- Locations of funding entities

Process and Timeline

Designated Committee: Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee is named to conduct the interim study.

Reporting: The committee shall prepare a report of findings and recommendations to the Legislative Council or Legislature upon completion of the study.

Status Timeline:

Introduced: May 14, 2025
Referred to Executive Board: May 14, 2025
Referred to Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee: May 19, 2025
Hearing Notice: August 6, 2025 (for a hearing on October 24, 2025)

Stakeholders and Potential Impact

Nebraskans in general, with particular attention to residents in low-population and rural areas who participate in or are affected by petition processes.

Campaign finance observers and groups tracking funding for ballot initiatives.

State policymakers considering potential changes to initiative and referendum rules in Nebraska.

Bottom Line

LR 206 seeks to initiate a non-binding, data-driven review of how initiative and referendum petition processes function across the states that use them, with lessons for Nebraska on representation, transparency, and finance in petition efforts. The interim study could set the stage for future legislative proposals based on its findings and recommendations.

Bill