This bill amends various sections of Nebraska's Revised Statutes to expand eligibility for public benefits and retirement systems to "eligible aliens" who are authorized to work in the United States and are either training to become or are employed as law enforcement officers. Key provisions include allowing these eligible aliens to receive law enforcement training and certification, access public benefits related to their employment, and participate in retirement programs. The bill also introduces definitions for terms such as "approved identification document" and "public benefits," and clarifies that family members of eligible aliens can access the same benefits without regard to their lawful presence. Additionally, it modifies verification processes for lawful presence, ensuring eligible aliens can attest to their status when applying for benefits, and mandates annual reporting by state agencies on compliance with these provisions.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies eligibility requirements for participation in retirement systems, specifying that employees must be United States citizens, lawfully present, or eligible aliens employed as law enforcement officers. It requires both the employing entity and the employee to maintain at least one approved identification document to verify citizenship or lawful presence. The bill also outlines procedures for governmental entities that may no longer qualify under federal law due to business transactions, establishing notification processes and detailing the responsibilities of the retirement board. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper documentation and streamlines the legal framework surrounding retirement and compensation systems by repealing obsolete provisions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 4-109, 4-108, 4-110, 4-111, 4-112, 4-113, 23-2306, 24-703.01, 48-628.04, 79-915, 81-1401, 81-1410, 81-2016, 84-1307, 84-1504