Interim study to examine the InternNE program

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jason Prokop

An interim study by Nebraska's Business and Labor Committee to evaluate the InternNE program: retention, brain-drain impact, workforce development, and funding/partnership options.

Notice of hearing for September 05, 2025

Overview

Bill type: Legislative Resolution (LR)

Bill number: LR 211

Title: Interim study to examine the InternNE program

Session: One Hundred Ninth Legislature, First Session

Introduced: May 15, 2025

Primary sponsor: Prokop

Current status: Notice of hearing scheduled for September 5, 2025

Committee assignment: Business and Labor Committee designated to conduct the interim study

Purpose and Intent

The resolution directs an interim study to evaluate the InternNE program.

Core objectives:

Assess the program’s effectiveness in retaining Nebraska students in-state after participation.
Determine the program’s contribution to Nebraska’s workforce development.
Analyze its impact on addressing the state’s brain drain.

The study will also consider broader comparative and funding questions, including:

Evaluation of similar talent attraction and retention programs in other states.
Availability of adequate programming and opportunities for partnerships with Nebraska institutions of higher education.
Potential future funding mechanisms for a redevelopment program.

Key Provisions and Scope

Study authority: The Business and Labor Committee is charged with conducting the interim study.

Deliverables: At the conclusion of the study, the committee must report findings and recommendations to the Legislative Council or the Legislature.

Topics to be examined (non-exhaustive):

Effectiveness of InternNE in student retention within Nebraska.
Contribution to local and statewide workforce development.
Brain drain mitigation and its relation to the program.
Comparative analysis with similar programs in other states.
Programmatic support and partnership opportunities with Nebraska institutions of higher education.
Viable funding mechanisms or redevelopment approaches for continuing or expanding the program.

Who/What Would Be Affected

Stakeholders likely to be impacted include:

Nebraska students participating in or considering InternNE.
Higher education institutions in Nebraska partnering with InternNE.
Nebraska employers and workforce development initiatives.
State policymakers evaluating talent retention and brain drain strategies.

As a study, the resolution itself does not enact new program requirements or funding; it authorizes a process to examine these questions and propose recommendations.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction: May 15, 2025.

Initial referrals: Referred to Executive Board (May 15, 2025) and subsequently to the Business and Labor Committee (May 19, 2025).

Hearing notice: August 6, 2025, with a scheduled hearing on September 5, 2025.

Reporting: The committee is to prepare and present findings and recommendations after completing the interim study, directed to the Legislative Council or Legislature.

Potential Impacts

Provides a structured assessment of the InternNE program’s effectiveness and potential improvements.

Could inform future policy decisions, funding considerations, and partnership strategies to enhance talent retention and workforce development in Nebraska.

May identify opportunities for replicating successful models from other states and for developing a Nebraska-specific redevelopment/funding framework.

Bill