Interim study to provide a comprehensive analysis of the standing committee system of the Legislature

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Wendy DeBoer

Initiate an interim study to assess Nebraska’s standing committees, propose potential creation, elimination, or consolidation, and adjust jurisdiction and workload.

Referred to Executive Board

LR 174 — Summary

Overview

LR 174 is a legislative resolution introduced in the Nebraska Legislature during the 109th, first session. It proposes an interim study to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the standing committee system and to consider improvements or changes. The resolution is currently referred to the Executive Board.

Title: Interim study to provide a comprehensive analysis of the standing committee system of the Legislature

Status: Referred to Executive Board

Introduced: May 12, 2025

Classification: Resolution

Primary Sponsor: Senator DeBoer (with co-sponsor Senator Arch)

Purpose and Intent

The resolution authorizes an interim study to assess the Nebraska Legislature’s standing committee system and determine whether improvements or changes are warranted. The study is intended to address whether structural adjustments are needed to better reflect contemporary Nebraska needs and legislative workload.

Key Provisions

Creation of a select interim committee to conduct the study.

The select committee would be composed of:

The chairperson and vice chairperson of the Rules Committee,
The Speaker of the Legislature,
One member of the Legislature from each congressional district in Nebraska (Nebraska currently has three congressional districts).

The select committee’s duties include examining: 1) Creation of new standing committees and the elimination or consolidation of current committees in connection with any new committee creation; 2) Standing committee subject matter jurisdiction; 3) The legislative bill load assigned to each standing committee; 4) Other issues related to standing committees.

Upon completing the study, the select committee must report its findings and recommendations to the Legislative Council or Legislature.

Scope of Study

Evaluate the potential creation of new standing committees and the possible elimination or consolidation of existing ones.

Review each committee’s subject matter jurisdiction.

Assess the bill workload (legislative bill load) each standing committee carries.

Consider other issues related to the structure and operation of standing committees.

Process, Timeline, and Procedure

The Executive Board is authorized to designate the select interim committee.

The select committee is required to provide a final report with findings and recommendations after concluding the study.

The resolution does not specify a deadline for the report; timing is at the discretion of the Executive Board and the Legislative Council/Legislature upon completion.

Impact and Implications

Potential reorganization of Nebraska’s standing committees, including creation, elimination, or consolidation of committees.

Possible changes to jurisdictional assignments and committee workloads.

Implications for legislative workflow, oversight, and public access to legislative processes.

Short-term effect: initiation of an interim study process during the interim period between sessions.

Bill