This bill proposes a comprehensive restructuring of the roles and responsibilities of court clerks in Nebraska, transitioning the duties of county clerks acting as ex officio clerks of the district court to clerk magistrates and establishing a new position for the clerk of the district and county courts. It mandates the development of consolidation plans for these duties, which require Supreme Court approval, and eliminates the elected office of clerk of the district court, transitioning all clerks and their employees to state employment by January 7, 2027, while ensuring no loss of income or benefits during this process. The bill also addresses administrative aspects such as oaths for clerks, office space management, and retirement benefits for transferred employees, emphasizing public input in the consolidation process.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, focusing on bonding requirements for county officials and the consolidation of county offices, with certain bonding requirements for the clerk of the district court ceasing to apply after January 7, 2027. It outlines procedures for office consolidation, including public hearings and voter approval, and details the structure and selection process for the County Civil Service Commission. The bill also clarifies the terms of office and salaries for elected officials and county employees, establishes responsibilities for clerks regarding statistical information for the Department of Health and Human Services, and introduces provisions for the governance of mental health boards, including restrictions on the appointment of clerks to these boards. Overall, the bill aims to enhance accountability and streamline county governance through updated operational standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 11-119, 11-125, 11-126, 22-417, 23-120, 23-121, 23-405, 23-1114.03, 23-1114.04, 23-1114.05, 23-1114.06, 24-228, 24-337.01, 24-337.04, 24-507, 24-508, 24-509, 33-106.02, 43-512.05, 71-915, 71-957