Staff members at the Nebraska Legislature are expected to have a lighter workload this summer compared to last year, as western Nebraska’s five state senators requested fewer interim studies following the recent legislative session.
During the Legislature’s shorter 60-day session, senators from western Nebraska introduced six interim study resolutions out of a total of 93 statewide. That’s a noticeable drop from the previous year, when those same senators accounted for 17 of the 119 studies proposed after a longer 90-day session.
Interim studies are conducted by the Legislature’s standing committees between sessions to take a closer look at specific issues and potentially lay the groundwork for future legislation. These studies often involve public hearings, some of which are held in communities outside of Lincoln to gather local input.
In fact, two studies conducted in 2025 led directly to significant legislation affecting western Nebraska that became law this year. One study, led by North Platte Senator Mike Jacobson, helped shape the Agricultural Data Privacy Act. Another study focused on Nebraska’s historic cattle-branding system and resulted in a new law that resolved long-standing disputes within the livestock industry. Senators Teresa Ibach of Sumner and Tanya Storer of Whitman played key roles in developing that legislation.
This year, Senator Jacobson introduced three new study resolutions, partly due to his role as chairman of the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee. One study will review licensing and continuing education requirements for auctioneers, while another will examine the structure of the Nebraska Tourism Commission.
That tourism study will consider whether the commission should once again fall under the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, reversing changes made in 2012 when tourism promotion was separated from the department. Supporters of the review say the move could strengthen statewide marketing and economic development efforts.
Jacobson also proposed a study to explore whether Nebraska colleges and universities could offer bachelor’s degree programs that take less than four years to complete. The proposal notes that workforce shortages continue in many professions requiring a college degree, and that some states have already adopted shorter degree programs to help address those gaps.
Meanwhile, Gering Senator Brian Hardin introduced two studies related to healthcare and youth services. One will examine changes in health information management, while the other will look at how young people receiving rehabilitation or treatment services transition back into their home communities.
Senator Tanya Storer also introduced a study to review artificial intelligence laws adopted by Congress and other states, focusing on potential risks to public safety. A related bill addressing oversight of AI systems was approved by committee earlier this year but was not debated before the Legislature adjourned in April.
Overall, lawmakers say the interim studies planned for the coming months will help guide policy discussions ahead of the next legislative session, while allowing committees time to gather research, hear from the public, and evaluate possible solutions to ongoing issues facing Nebraska communities.
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