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 ( )
Lived in McCook and Beatrice
Served in U.S. House of Representatives
U.S. Senate from
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 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