Handbook·State government

How to testify before the Nebraska legislature

State page·Verified 2026-07-10

The mechanics of testifying are in the general guide. This page covers what is specific to Nebraska.

How Nebraska does it

Nebraska is the only unicameral, officially nonpartisan state legislature, and bills go to one of 14 standing committees rather than two chambers' worth. There is no remote oral testimony option open to the general public: you show up in person, fill out a green sign-in sheet at the witness table, and wait for your bill to be called. Overflow rooms handle large hearings. In-person testimony generally runs at least 3 minutes, though the committee chair can shorten or lengthen that. For hearings expecting large crowds, some committees use guidelines that guarantee 3 minutes per testifier and alternate proponent and opponent testimony in hour-long blocks. If you can't attend, Nebraska offers two different written options: qualified individuals with a disability can submit ADA Accommodation written testimony, listed on the committee statement as if given by a testifier. Anyone else can submit a single online comment for the public hearing record, but that comment isn't treated as testimony, isn't subject to questioning, and bars you from also testifying in person on that bill.

Deadlines and numbers

  • Both ADA written testimony and the general online hearing-record comment are due by 8:00 a.m. Central time on the day of the hearing, and both require email verification before that deadline.
  • Separate "ongoing comments" can be submitted any time once a bill is scheduled, with no limit, but these aren't part of the official record.
  • Hearings are typically concentrated early in the session, afternoons starting around 1:30 p.m.

Where to go