This bill amends various sections of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska to prohibit discrimination based on military or veteran status across multiple areas, including employment, public accommodations, and housing. Key insertions include the explicit addition of "military or veteran status" to existing anti-discrimination provisions, which previously covered categories such as race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, familial status, disability, and age. The bill clarifies that it is not discriminatory for clubs to limit admission or service to veterans or servicemembers and their families on a nondiscriminatory basis. Furthermore, it empowers local governments to enact ordinances that align with or exceed state and federal civil rights protections, allowing local agencies to seek damages or equitable relief on behalf of complainants.

Additionally, the bill introduces a Medical Debt Relief Program aimed at discharging medical debt for eligible residents, ensuring equitable operation across demographics, including military or veteran status. The State Treasurer will administer the program, which includes guidelines for fairness and transparency. The bill also updates regulations in personnel administration to prohibit discrimination based on military or veteran status, alongside existing protections against discrimination based on race, national origin, and sex. It mandates that personnel policy boards adopt rules for fair treatment in recruitment and promotion processes, while also establishing a framework for appeals in discrimination cases. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance protections for military and veteran individuals, ensuring equal treatment in various aspects of public life.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18-1724, 20-113, 20-132, 20-134, 20-139, 20-317, 20-318, 20-320, 20-321, 20-322, 20-325, 23-2525, 23-2531, 23-2541, 25-1645, 29-401, 32-221, 32-230, 39-210, 45-1056, 45-1303, 48-215, 48-628.13, 48-1125, 48-1101, 48-1104, 48-1105, 48-1106, 48-1107, 48-1108, 48-1111, 48-1113, 48-1115, 48-1117, 48-1119, 48-1122, 48-1124, 49-801, 51-211, 58-216, 58-808, 58-809, 58-810, 68-1605, 75-325, 76-1495, 81-885.24