This bill amends the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska to prohibit the establishment of academic tenure at postsecondary educational institutions governed by the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska, the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State Colleges, and community college boards. It introduces provisions that prevent these institutions from granting tenure to any employee who is not already tenured as of the effective date of the act. The bill requires the respective boards to adopt written policies regarding employee agreements, acceptable grounds for faculty dismissal, annual performance evaluations, and standards for faculty review and discipline. Additionally, it removes existing language related to academic tenure and adds new responsibilities for the boards to ensure compliance with these policies.

The bill also addresses the reduction of staff in educational settings, specifically protecting permanent employees during a reduction in force. It stipulates that a permanent employee cannot be laid off while a probationary employee is retained for duties the permanent employee is qualified to perform. If employee evaluations are considered in reduction decisions, the bill mandates that specific criteria regarding evaluations must be clearly outlined in the reduction-in-force policy. Furthermore, it repeals original sections 85-106, 85-304, 85-1511, and 85-1530, indicating a significant update to the legal framework governing employment practices in educational institutions, aimed at ensuring qualified permanent employees are protected from layoffs in favor of less experienced probationary staff.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 85-106, 85-304, 85-1511, 85-1530