Covering the Legislature

The Nebraska Legislature is nationally recognized for its openness and accountability, which are reflected in the privileges it extends to the news media. The Legislature allows journalists on to the chamber floor and gives them access to all committee hearings and most committee executive sessions. With these privileges, we ask you to understand our basic operations and to follow a few guidelines.

View the current Media Guide - Procedures for journalists covering the Nebraska Legislature

Most bills passed and approved by the governor become law three calendar months after the Legislature adjourns. However, a bill may take effect before that date if it contains an emergency clause. It takes a vote of two-thirds (33 members) of the Legislature to pass a bill with an emergency clause.

Bills, amendments, daily agendas, fiscal notes and Legislative Journals are available in the Clerk's Office and on the Legislature's web site. The Speaker of the Legislature sets the daily agenda, which is usually available late in the afternoon for the following day.

Every day during the session, the Legislature's Journal Clerk publishes a journal summarizing the previous day's floor activities. Amendments are read into the record and included in the Journal. Roll call, record and machine votes are included. Roll call and record votes record the position of each senator, while machine votes give totals only. Legislative Journals also contain announcements, appointments, attorney general's opinions and correspondence from the governor or secretary of state.

Copies of bills and amendments are available in the Bill Room, Room 1104 or at nebraskalegislature.gov.