This bill amends various sections of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska to update the nomination, election, and terms of city council members and mayors in metropolitan class cities. A significant change is the establishment of a primary election for elective officers, which will take place on the first Tuesday of April before the general election, with the general election scheduled for the first Tuesday after the second Monday in May every four years. Starting in 2028, candidates will be nominated at the statewide primary election and elected at the statewide general election, with their terms beginning on the fourth Monday following the election. The bill also modifies special election procedures and clarifies that only the top two candidates from the primary will appear on the general election ballot.

Additionally, the bill addresses the acquisition and financing of bridges by metropolitan cities, allowing city councils to bypass elections for certain bridge acquisitions and bond issuances if a majority agrees. It specifies that the mayor and seven city council members will be elected for four-year terms, with one council member representing each district. The bill outlines the process for changing the election method for governing board members from at-large to district-based elections, including petition requirements and district establishment. Several redundant statutes are repealed to streamline the legal framework governing these processes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 14-201, 14-202, 14-204, 14-205, 14-206, 14-207, 14-210, 14-211, 14-217.01, 14-376, 14-521, 14-811, 14-1206, 14-1211, 14-1216, 14-1251, 32-402, 32-536, 32-554