Nebraska’s Legislature convenes annually on the first Wednesday after the first Monday in January.  Sessions in odd-numbered years last 90 days, whereas sessions in even-numbered years are 60 days.  Adjournment dates vary based on how the Speaker scheduled the 90 or 60 day session.  For a full summary of current legislative issues in the state of Nebraska please visit www.nebraskalegislature.gov.

                The 2012 Session (103^rd Legislature) is scheduled for January 4^th to April 18^th.

                The 2013 Session is scheduled to start January 9^th. 

Below is an updated about current issues on the state-level: 

• LB 959 – Provides immunity to employers for job references.  This bill was signed into law on April 12, 2012 and will become effective July 18, 2012.  This will provide absolute immunity for employers from a claim for providing factual information about current or former employees to a prospective employer – including dates of employment, pay level at the time of termination, job description and duties and wage history.  It provides qualified immunity from civil liability to any employer who in good faith provides information about job performance, conduct or evaluation of current or former employee to a prospective employee.  This will allow employers to comment on current or former employee’s work performance with limited risk of liability with provided written consent.  Click here for access to the final law. 
• LB 1058 – Changes Employment Security Law and New Hire Reporting Act.  This bill was signed into law on April 12, 2012 and will become effective July 18, 2012.  Employers must provide information to the Department of Labor within seven days after mailing electronic transmission of a request.  If it fails to do so, it will lose any appeal rights available to it.  Contributory employers that respond to the Department’s request for information timely, will not have their experience rating affected if they provide information to the best of their knowledge and the employee’s separation from employment is voluntary and without good cause.  The Department of Labor can recover an unemployment compensation debt from an employee against their Federal income tax refund.  Click here for access to the final law. 
• For the latest information on current legislative issues, please click here for the update provided by the SHRM Nebraska State Council.