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 cities of the metropolitan class. Key changes include the establishment of a primary election for the nomination of elective officers to be held on the first Tuesday of April preceding the general election, with the general election occurring on the first Tuesday after the second Monday in May every four years. Starting in 2028, candidates for elective office will be nominated at the statewide primary election and elected at the statewide general election, with terms commencing on the fourth Monday after the election. The bill also clarifies that the city council is authorized to call special elections and outlines the procedures for canvassing votes and certifying results.

Additionally, the bill modifies the election process to ensure that the terms of office for the mayor coincide with those of the city council members. It specifies the requirements for candidates seeking election to the city council, including residency and voter registration criteria. The bill also addresses the acquisition of bridges by cities of the metropolitan class, removing the requirement for elections or votes of electors when the city council decides to acquire a bridge or issue revenue bonds for such acquisitions under two million dollars. It allows the city council to determine the financing method for bridge projects and introduces provisions for the election of city council members, specifying that the mayor and seven council members will be elected for four-year terms, with one council member from each district. The bill streamlines the legal framework by repealing several existing statutes that are rendered obsolete by these amendments.

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