Bill
Bill > LB298
NE LB298
Provide for the Division of Legislative Oversight, the Director of Legislative Oversight, and the Legislative Oversight Committee and change provisions relating to the Public Counsel, the office of Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare, and the office of Inspector General of the Nebraska Correctional System
summary
Introduced
01/15/2025
01/15/2025
In Committee
01/17/2025
01/17/2025
Crossed Over
05/21/2025
05/21/2025
Passed
06/05/2025
06/05/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
06/05/2025
06/05/2025
Introduced Session
109th Legislature
Bill Summary
A BILL FOR AN ACT relating to the Legislature; to amend sections 28-711, 43-4302, 43-4303, 43-4317, 43-4320, 43-4321, 43-4322, 43-4324, 43-4326, 43-4329, 43-4330, 47-901, 47-902, 47-903, 47-904, 47-905, 47-907, 47-908, 47-909, 47-910, 47-911, 47-912, 47-913, 47-914, 47-915, 47-916, 47-917, 47-918, 47-920, 50-406, 50-406.01, 50-407, 50-408, 50-409, 50-410, 50-416, 50-418, 50-420, 50-1201, 50-1202, 50-1203, 50-1204, 50-1205, 50-1205.01, 50-1206, 50-1210, 50-1211, 50-1212, 50-1213, 50-1303, 50-1304, 73-401, 81-8,240, 81-8,241, 81-8,242, 81-8,243, 81-8,244, 81-8,245, 81-8,246, 81-8,247, 81-8,248, 81-8,249, 81-8,250, 81-8,251, 81-8,252, 81-8,253, 81-8,254, 81-1114, 83-178, 83-1,125.01, 84-304, 84-311, 84-322, and 84-910, Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, and sections 28-712.01, 29-2011.02, 29-2011.03, 43-2,108, 43-4301, 43-4318, 43-4323, 43-4325, 43-4327, 43-4328, 43-4331, 43-4332, 50-401.01, 50-402, 50-1209, 77-2711, and 77-27,119, Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024; to name the Office of Public Counsel Act; to change provisions relating to the Public Counsel; to provide for confidentiality of certain information; to provide for subpoenas; to state legislative intent; to provide for the Division of Legislative Oversight, the Director of Legislative Oversight, and the Legislative Oversight Committee; to change the Office of Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare Act and the Office of Inspector General of the Nebraska Correctional System Act as prescribed; to transfer provisions; to eliminate a penalty; to change provisions relating to the Legislative Council, the Legislative Research Office, the Legislative Fiscal Office, and the Legislative Audit Office; to change the Legislative Performance Audit Act as prescribed; to eliminate the Legislative Performance Audit Committee; to harmonize provisions; to provide a duty for the Revisor of Statutes; to repeal the original sections; to outright repeal sections 43-4304, 43-4304.01, 43-4304.02, 43-4305, 43-4306, 43-4306.01, 43-4307, 43-4307.01, 43-4308, 43-4309, 43-4310, 43-4311, 43-4312, 43-4313, 43-4314, 43-4315, 43-4316, 43-4319, 47-906, 47-919, and 50-421, Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska; and to declare an emergency.
AI Summary
This bill reorganizes and updates the oversight structures within the Nebraska state government, focusing on creating a more robust and independent system of legislative oversight. Here's a summary:
This bill establishes the Division of Legislative Oversight within the Legislative Council, creating several key positions and committees to enhance government accountability. The bill creates a new Office of Public Counsel Act and restructures the existing offices of Inspector General for Nebraska Child Welfare and the Nebraska Correctional System under this new oversight framework. The Director of Legislative Oversight, appointed by the Legislature, will be responsible for hiring and supervising staff for various oversight offices. A new Legislative Oversight Committee will be formed, composed of key legislative leaders and members, to provide oversight and direction for these investigative bodies.
The bill significantly reforms the existing Public Counsel's office, expanding its powers to investigate administrative agencies while establishing strict confidentiality protocols. It provides the Public Counsel with enhanced investigative tools, including the ability to request subpoenas through the Executive Board of the Legislative Council, access to confidential information, and protections for whistleblowers.
Similarly, the Inspector General offices for Child Welfare and the Correctional System are restructured, with clearer definitions of their investigative powers, reporting requirements, and protections for confidential information. These offices will now operate under the Division of Legislative Oversight, with more specific guidelines for conducting investigations, handling sensitive information, and reporting findings.
The legislation also updates various related statutes to align with these new oversight structures, including provisions for subpoena powers, confidentiality of records, and the process for investigating and reporting on potential misconduct or systemic issues within state agencies.
An emergency clause is included, meaning the act will take effect immediately upon passage and approval.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Approved by Governor on June 4, 2025 (on 06/05/2025)
Official Document
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