Bill > LB1061

This bill amends existing Nebraska law regarding residency requirements for in-state tuition and fees at state postsecondary educational institutions, specifically changing section 85-502 of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska. The primary change involves the conditions under which an alien student can be considered a resident for tuition purposes. Previously, an alien student needed to have applied for or have a pending petition with the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to attain lawful status and establish a home in Nebraska for at least 180 days with the intent to make it their permanent residence. The bill removes the requirement for an active application or pending petition with the INS and instead requires the alien student to have established a home in Nebraska for at least 180 days with the bona fide intention to *become a lawful permanent resident of the United States* and make Nebraska their permanent residence, supported by documentary proof. Additionally, the bill repeals the original section 85-502, meaning the amended version will be the operative law. The bill also removes a specific provision (subdivision 9) that allowed students who graduated from a Nebraska high school and resided in the state for at least three years prior to graduation to be considered residents, provided they intended to become permanent residents and filed an application to do so.