This bill proposes a comprehensive restructuring of the Nebraska court system, particularly focusing on the roles and responsibilities of clerks. It aims to transfer the duties of county clerks, who currently act as ex officio clerks of the district court, to clerk magistrates starting January 1, 2026. The bill establishes a new position of clerk of the district and county courts, consolidating the roles of clerks and clerk magistrates, and eliminates the elected office of clerk of the district court, transitioning all elected clerks and their employees to state employment by January 7, 2027. The bill also outlines the process for developing consolidation plans, which require Supreme Court approval, and mandates that counties bear the costs for office space and facilities for the new clerks. Additionally, it ensures the transfer of retirement benefits, sick leave, and vacation leave for affected clerks and employees, maintaining their income and accrued benefits during the transition.

Moreover, the bill introduces amendments to the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, focusing on bonding requirements for county officials and the consolidation of county offices. It specifies that certain bonding requirements for the clerk of the district court will no longer apply starting January 7, 2027, and allows for the consolidation of various county offices, contingent upon the qualifications of the consolidated officeholder. The bill also details the composition and election procedures for the County Civil Service Commission, emphasizing political diversity and voting rights for county employees. Additionally, it establishes terms of office and salary structures for elected officials and county employees, while clarifying the responsibilities of clerks regarding statistical information provision to the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill further addresses governance and operational procedures for mental health boards, including restrictions on appointments and compensation for board members, and amends recording requirements for mental health proceedings.

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