The 109th Legislature, Second Session, officially convened on January 7, 2026, marking the beginning of Nebraska’s annual short legislative session.This session is constitutionally limited to 60 working days and is expected to conclude around mid-April. During this time, we work through a fast-paced schedule to introduce new legislation, debate and consider legislation from both the first and second legislative sessions, and develop and advance necessary budget recommendations.The Speaker of the Legislature plays a key role in organizing the flow of the session by setting the daily agenda and determining when bills are scheduled for debate on the floor. Key factors in the implementation of this process include priority designations, previous legislative considerations, restricted time allowances, and the overall controversial status of the measures.
As of adjournment on Friday, a total of 237 legislative bills were introduced by members of the Nebraska Legislature, adding to the 715 proposals initially presented during the previous session. In accordance with previously adopted rules, each Senator is limited to a maximum of twenty bills per legislative session. These proposals cover a wide range of policy areas, and each measure will be reviewed and considered by their respective committees before advancing to General File for potential consideration by the legislative body as a whole. Senators are limited to the first ten legislative days to introduce their bills.
Of the many priorities during a short session, the state budget continues to play a major role in the consideration of new legislation and maintaining a responsible financial plan moving forward. As members of the Appropriations Committee, we are accountable for overseeing integral components of this critical work to develop a balanced budget for the next biennium. Our Committee will hold its first meeting on Monday afternoon, January 12th, and we will continue to meet for much of the session until full-day floor debate begins in March. All budget bills must be advanced to General File for consideration by the full Legislature by the 40th legislative day, March 9th.
