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LB 122

Require display of the state and national motto in schools

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Glen Meyer

Nebraska LB 122 requires each public school to prominently display the U.S. national motto “In God We Trust” and Nebraska’s motto “Equality Under the Law” in English in classrooms

Title printed. Carryover bill
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Bill Summary · LB 122

Summary of Nebraska LB 122 (2025)

Overview

LB 122 would require every school board in Nebraska to prominently display the national motto of the United States and the state motto of Nebraska in each classroom or in another prominent location within the school building where daily visibility to students is ensured. The bill allows private donations to help cover the costs of displaying the posters or plaques.

  • Bill number: LB 122
  • Title: Require display of the state and national motto in schools
  • Introduced: January 10, 2025
  • Committee: Education
  • Hearing: February 24, 2025
  • Primary sponsor: Senator Glen Meyer
  • Other sponsors: Senators Clements, Hardin, Lippincott, Lonowski, McKeon, Murman, Storer
  • Status as of document: Notice of hearing for February 24, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The bill’s declared purpose is to ensure daily, visible display of:
- United States national motto: "In God We Trust"
- Nebraska state motto: "Equality Under the Law"

The intent is to promote awareness of these mottos among students by guaranteeing a conspicuous, legible display in each school.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1(1): Each school board must, on or after the act’s effective date, prominently display both mottos written legibly in English on a poster or plaque no smaller than 8.5 by 11 inches. The display must be located in each classroom or in another prominent location in the school building where students can see and read it daily during the school session.
  • Section 1(2): School boards may accept private contributions to defray the costs of implementing the display requirement.

Affected Entities

  • All public school districts in Nebraska (through their individual school boards) are covered by the requirement.
  • Classrooms and school buildings must feature the mandated poster/plaque displays.

Implementation and Timeline

  • Introduction and initial steps: Introduced January 10, 2025; referred to the Education Committee on January 14, 2025.
  • Hearing notice: February 13, 2025, with a scheduled hearing on February 24, 2025.
  • Effective date: The act becomes effective on the date specified within the bill (the document notes “on and after the effective date of this act,” but the exact date is not provided in the text you supplied).

Funding and Donations

  • The bill explicitly allows private donations to help cover the costs associated with implementing the display requirement, providing a potential funding mechanism to minimize district burden.

Additional Notes

  • The bill codifies a mandatory display requirement but does not specify enforcement mechanisms or penalties for noncompliance in the provided text.
  • The mottos and language requirements are precise: the display must be in English and of a minimum size (8.5" x 11").

This summary captures the bill’s core elements and potential impact for readers seeking a clear understanding of LB 122.

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

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