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The Nebraska Legislature

Explore the unique characteristics of the Nebraska State Legislature, including its history, membership, session schedule, and the bill-to-law process. Discover why Nebraska is the only state in the U.S. with a unicameral legislature and how it differs from the traditional bicameral system.

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The Nebraska Legislature

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  1. The Nebraska Legislature “The One and Only”

  2. Focus Question In what two ways is the Nebraska State Legislature different from all other states in the United States?

  3. Unicameral Legislature • 49 states have Bicameral Legislatures (Congress) • House of Reps (assembly) • Senate • NE is only state in U.S. with a unicameral • One-house Leg. Branch called legislature • Members called Senators

  4. History of the Unicameral • George W. Norris (1861-1944) • Lived in McCook and Beatrice • Served in U.S. House of Representatives 1903-1913 • U.S. Senate from 1913-1943 • Why might he want a unicameral legislature?

  5. History of the Unicameral • Norris campaigned for Unicameral • Until 1934, NE had a bicameral like all others • Argued it was patterned after England’s Parliament • House of Commons • Represents Common People • House of Lords • Represents Aristocrats • Appointed by King/Queen

  6. Norris’ Campaign • NE built upon idea “all people are equal” • Norris argued bicameral was contrary to that belief • A Unicameral with less people is less expensive to the state • Laws could be passed more quickly • Most county, city, and school districts had unicameral • A vote amends NE Constitution in 1934

  7. Membership in the Unicameral • 49 Legislative Districts • Each district has equal population • 32,212 people • One Senator per district • Qualifications • Registered Voter • 21 years old • Lived in district for 1 year

  8. Membership in the Unicameral • Terms of Office • 4 years • Term of office is limited to two terms (NEW) • 1/2 of all Senators are elected every 2 years • Staggered system of election

  9. Membership in the Unicameral • Session of Legislature • Prior to 1970, met every odd year • Amended Constitution • Now meet annually • Odd years for 90 working days • Even years for 60 working days • 1st Wed. after 1st Mon. of Jan • Governor call a special session if necessary

  10. Membership in the Unicameral • Salary of Member • $12,000 a year • Why so low? • Will we ever get a “common” person in the Legislature? • Also paid expenses during session • There is an act to try to get this raised

  11. Membership in the Unicameral • Members • Members run on a non-partisan ballot (no parties) • Run on reputation not party • Two best candidates run against each other not Rep. vs. Dem • Unique to all other states • Local politicians should be worried about local issues not national party affiliations

  12. Bill to Law Process in NE • Differences • Reference Committee: Sends to committee instead Speaker of the House • Public Hearings: 7 day notice for afternoon hearing open to the public • Enrollment & Review: If it passes first vote, reviewed for proper form, amended, and engrossed (finalized) for final vote • The Governor: 5 Days to act, 3/5 to override veto

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