This bill aims to enhance the rights and protections of firefighters in Nebraska by defining key terms and establishing requirements for formal investigations related to complaints against them. It introduces definitions for "complaint," "firefighter," "formal investigation," and "interview," and outlines the procedures that must be followed during a formal investigation. These procedures include timely completion of investigations, providing written summaries of complaints to firefighters prior to interviews, allowing legal representation during hearings, recording interviews, and ensuring confidentiality of all related documents unless disclosure is mandated by law or consented to by the firefighter.

Additionally, the bill grants firefighters the right to seek damages for false complaints, challenge disciplinary actions through grievance procedures, and prohibits the use of polygraph examinations. It emphasizes the importance of safe working conditions, access to training and mental health services, and confidentiality of personal information. Firefighters are also permitted to engage in political activities while off-duty and can request access to their personnel and training records at any time.