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 specifies that these boards cannot create or authorize a tenure system for any employee who is not already tenured as of the act's effective date. Additionally, the bill requires the boards to implement written policies concerning employee agreements, acceptable grounds for dismissal, annual performance evaluations, and standards for faculty review and discipline. It also outlines the powers and duties of the governing boards, including the authority to appoint and remove faculty, set compensation, and ensure preventive maintenance for facilities.

Moreover, the bill addresses the treatment of permanent employees during staff reductions, stating that a permanent employee cannot be laid off while a probationary employee is retained for a position the permanent employee is qualified to fill. It mandates that if employee evaluations are considered in the reduction process, specific criteria must be established in the reduction-in-force policy. The bill also repeals original sections 85-106, 85-304, 85-1511, and 85-1530, updating the legal framework governing employment practices in educational institutions to enhance job security for qualified permanent employees and ensure accountability in the evaluation process.

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