State constitution
Constitution of Nebraska
Data from Nebraska Legislature
Full 18-article structure with condensed section text. Repealed/omitted sections are kept as short placeholders to preserve numbering. Read the verbatim text at the source link.
Article I Bill of Rights
§ 1 Statement of rights
All persons are by nature free and independent and have inalienable rights, including life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and the right to keep and bear arms; governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed.
§ 2 Slavery prohibited
There shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in this state.
§ 3 Due process of law; equal protection
No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor be denied the equal protection of the laws.
§ 4 Religious freedom
All persons have a natural and indefeasible right to worship according to conscience; no religious test may be required for office, and the Legislature shall protect every denomination in the peaceable enjoyment of worship.
§ 5 Freedom of speech and press
Every person may freely speak, write, and publish on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty; in libel cases truth may be given in evidence and the jury determines the law and facts.
§ 6 Trial by jury
The right of trial by jury shall remain inviolate, though the Legislature may authorize civil verdicts by less than a unanimous jury.
§ 7 Search and seizure
The people are secure from unreasonable searches and seizures; no warrant shall issue without probable cause supported by oath and describing the place and things.
§ 8 Habeas corpus
The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended unless the public safety requires it in case of rebellion or invasion.
§ 9 Bail; fines; imprisonment; cruel and unusual punishment
All persons are bailable except for the gravest offenses when proof is evident; excessive bail and fines and cruel and unusual punishments are prohibited.
§ 10 Presentment or indictment by grand jury; information
Serious offenses proceed by grand jury indictment or by information, as the Legislature provides.
§ 11 Rights of accused
In criminal prosecutions the accused has the right to counsel, to know the accusation, to confront witnesses, to compulsory process, and to a speedy public trial by an impartial jury.
§ 12 Evidence against self; double jeopardy
No person shall be compelled to give evidence against themselves, nor be twice put in jeopardy for the same offense.
§ 13 Justice administered without delay; mediation and arbitration
All courts shall be open and every person shall have a remedy by due course of law, administered without denial or delay; the Legislature may authorize mediation and arbitration.
§ 14 Treason
Treason against the state consists only in levying war against it or adhering to its enemies, giving them aid and comfort.
§ 15 Penalties; corruption of blood; transporting out of state prohibited
No conviction shall work corruption of blood or forfeiture of estate, and no person shall be transported out of the state for any offense.
§ 16 Bill of attainder; retroactive laws; contracts; special privileges
No bill of attainder, ex post facto law, law impairing the obligation of contracts, or law making irrevocable grants of special privileges shall be passed.
§ 17 Military subordinate
The military shall be in strict subordination to the civil power.
§ 18 Soldiers' quarters
No soldier shall in peacetime be quartered in any house without the owner's consent, nor in war except in a manner prescribed by law.
§ 19 Right of peaceable assembly and to petition government
The people have the right peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for redress of grievances.
§ 20 Imprisonment for debt prohibited
No person shall be imprisoned for debt in any civil action on contract, unless in cases of fraud.
§ 21 Private property compensated for
The property of no person shall be taken or damaged for public use without just compensation.
§ 22 Elections to be free; identification required
All elections shall be free, and there shall be no hindrance to the free exercise of the right of suffrage; valid photographic identification may be required to vote.
§ 23 Capital cases; right of direct appeal; other cases; right of appeal
There is a right of direct appeal to the Supreme Court in capital cases and a right of appeal in other cases as provided by law.
§ 24 Repealed
Repealed in 1990.
§ 25 Rights of property; no discrimination; aliens
No distinction shall be made by law between resident aliens and citizens in the ownership, possession, and enjoyment of property.
§ 26 Powers retained by people
The enumeration of certain rights shall not deny or disparage others retained by the people.
§ 27 English language to be official
The English language is the official language of this state.
§ 28 Crime victims; rights enumerated
Crime victims are entitled to enumerated rights, including notice, presence, and to be heard, which the Legislature shall implement.
§ 29 Marriage; same-sex relationships not valid or recognized
This provision defining marriage as between a man and a woman is unenforceable under the U.S. Constitution (Obergefell v. Hodges).
§ 30 Discrimination or preferential treatment prohibited
The state shall not discriminate against or grant preferential treatment to any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, education, or contracting.
§ 31 Unborn children; protection from abortion; exceptions
Except in the first trimester, abortion shall be prohibited except in cases of medical emergency or when the pregnancy results from sexual assault or incest.
Article II Distribution of Powers
§ 1 Legislative, executive, judicial
The powers of government are divided into legislative, executive, and judicial departments; no person charged with one shall exercise the powers of another, except as expressly directed or permitted.
Article III Legislative Power
§ 1 Legislative authority; how vested; initiative; referendum
The legislative authority is vested in a Legislature of one chamber, but the people reserve to themselves the powers of initiative and referendum.
§ 2 First power reserved; initiative
The people reserve the power to propose laws and constitutional amendments and enact or reject them at the polls, independent of the Legislature.
§ 3 Second power reserved; referendum
The people reserve the power to approve or reject at the polls any act, item, or part of any act passed by the Legislature.
§ 4 Initiative or referendum; signatures; procedure
Initiative and referendum petitions require signatures of specified percentages of electors distributed across counties; measures adopted are not subject to the Governor's veto.
§ 5 Legislative districts; apportionment; redistricting
The state is divided into legislative districts, redistricted after each federal census as nearly equal in population as practicable.
§ 6 Legislature; number of members; annual sessions
The Legislature consists of not more than 50 members (currently 49), meeting in annual session.
§ 7 Legislators; terms; election; salary; expenses
Members serve four-year terms and receive the salary, expenses, and mileage provided by this section and law.
§ 8 Legislators; qualifications; residence
A member must be a registered voter, at least 21, and a resident of the district for one year, with removal from the district vacating the office.
§ 9 Legislators; disqualifications; election to other office
No member may be appointed to a civil office created or whose pay was increased during the term; election to certain other offices requires resignation.
§ 10 Sessions; quorum; rules; expulsion
The Legislature sets the time of sessions; a majority is a quorum; it makes its own rules and may expel a member for cause.
§ 11 Journal; viva voce vote; open doors; committee votes
The Legislature keeps a journal, votes viva voce on final passage, sits with open doors, and records committee votes.
§ 12 Legislators; term limitation
No person shall serve more than two consecutive four-year terms in the Legislature.
§ 13 Style of bills; majority for passage; yeas and nays
The style of bills is prescribed; a majority of all members is necessary for passage, with the yeas and nays entered on the journal.
§ 14 Bills read by title; printing; one subject; signing
Bills are read by title and printed; each bill contains one subject expressed in its title; amended sections are set forth and bills are signed by the presiding officer.
§ 15 Members privileged from arrest
Members are privileged from arrest during sessions and going to and returning from them, except for treason, felony, or breach of the peace.
§ 16 Legislators and state officers; conflicts of interest
The Legislature shall provide standards governing conflicts of interest for its members and state officers.
§ 17 Impeachment; procedure
The Legislature has the sole power of impeachment; officers are tried before the Supreme Court (except the Chief Justice, tried before the district judges).
§ 18 Local or special laws prohibited
The Legislature shall not pass local or special laws in enumerated cases where a general law can be made applicable.
§ 19 Compensation; extra compensation prohibited; retirement benefits
No extra compensation shall be granted to public officers or contractors after service; retirement benefits may be adjusted as provided.
§ 20 Salt springs, coal, oil, minerals; alienation prohibited
The salt springs, coal, oil, and mineral lands belonging to the state shall never be alienated except as provided.
§ 21 Donation of state lands prohibited
The Legislature shall not donate or grant state lands except as this section allows.
§ 22 Appropriations for state; deficiencies; pay of members
The Legislature makes appropriations for the state's expenses; bills for the pay of members and officials are governed by this section.
§ 23 Repealed
Repealed in 1972.
§ 24 Games of chance, lotteries, and gift enterprises; restrictions
Games of chance, lotteries, and gift enterprises are prohibited except as expressly authorized (bingo, a state lottery, pari-mutuel wagering, and charitable gaming).
§ 25 Incidental expenses of state officers; warrants for money
Incidental expenses of state officers are paid as provided; specific appropriations are always necessary and warrants issue accordingly.
§ 26 Privilege of members
Members shall not be questioned in any other place for words spoken in debate.
§ 27 Acts take effect after three months; emergency bills
Acts take effect three months after adjournment unless passed with an emergency clause by a two-thirds vote.
§ 28 Repealed
Repealed in 1934.
§ 29 Emergency powers upon enemy attack
The Legislature may provide for the continuity of governmental operations in emergencies caused by enemy attack.
§ 30 Legislature to pass necessary laws
The Legislature shall pass all laws necessary to carry the constitution into effect.
Article IV Executive
§ 1 Executive departments; officers; terms; eligibility
The elected executive officers are the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Auditor of Public Accounts, State Treasurer, and Attorney General, chosen for four-year terms.
§ 2 Governor and Lieutenant Governor; eligibility; qualifications
The Governor and Lieutenant Governor must be at least 30, U.S. citizens for five years, and residents of the state.
§ 3 Treasurer; ineligibility
The State Treasurer is ineligible to that office for two consecutive terms.
§ 4 Election returns; canvass; election contests
Election returns for executive officers are canvassed by the Legislature, which resolves ties and provides for contests.
§ 5 Impeachment
Executive officers are subject to impeachment for specified misconduct.
§ 6 Supreme executive power
The supreme executive power is vested in the Governor, who shall take care that the laws are faithfully executed.
§ 7 Message by Governor; budget
The Governor submits a budget to the Legislature; appropriations may not exceed the budget except by a special majority, and excess amounts are subject to veto.
§ 8 Special sessions
The Governor may convene the Legislature in special session by proclamation stating the purposes.
§ 9 Repealed
Repealed in 1934.
§ 10 Governor to appoint officers; removal
The Governor appoints officers not otherwise provided for and may remove appointees as provided by law.
§ 11 Elected state officer; vacancy; appointment
A vacancy in an elected state office is filled by gubernatorial appointment for the remainder of the term.
§ 12 Nonelective state officers; vacancy; appointment; legislative approval
The Governor fills vacancies in nonelective state offices by appointment, subject to legislative approval where required.
§ 13 Board of Parole; pardons; reprieves
A Board of Parole exercises parole powers; the Board of Pardons may grant reprieves, commutations, and pardons subject to limitations.
§ 14 Governor commander-in-chief of militia
The Governor is commander-in-chief of the militia except when it is in the service of the United States.
§ 15 Bills presented to Governor; approval; item veto
Every bill is presented to the Governor, who may approve it, veto it, or disapprove or reduce items in appropriation bills; the Legislature may override by a three-fifths vote.
§ 16 Order of succession to Governor
The Lieutenant Governor and then other officers succeed to the office of Governor in the order prescribed.
§ 17 Repealed
Repealed in 1934.
§ 18 Repealed
Repealed in 1972.
§ 19 State institutions; management determined by Legislature
The management, control, and government of state institutions are determined by the Legislature.
§ 20 Public Service Commission; membership; powers
A Public Service Commission of elected members regulates common carriers and other entities as provided by law.
§ 21 Repealed
Repealed in 1972.
§ 22 Executive officials to keep accounts; reports
Executive officials keep accounts and make reports; false reports are punishable.
§ 23 Executive officials and heads of institutions; reports to Legislature
Executive officials and heads of institutions report to the Legislature and furnish information from spending agencies.
§ 24 Great seal
The Great Seal of the State is kept by the Secretary of State.
§ 25 Salaries of officials; fees
Salaries of state officials are fixed by law, and fees are accounted for as provided.
§ 26 Officials to give bonds
State officials give bonds as required for the faithful performance of their duties.
§ 27 Executive offices; creation of
The Legislature may create additional executive offices and prescribe their duties.
§ 28 Tax Equalization and Review Commission; Tax Commissioner
A Tax Equalization and Review Commission reviews and equalizes property valuations, and a Tax Commissioner exercises the powers provided by law.
Article V Judicial
§ 1 Power vested in courts; Chief Justice
The judicial power is vested in a Supreme Court, an appellate court, district courts, and other courts; the Chief Justice is the administrative head of the court system.
§ 2 Supreme Court; judges; quorum; jurisdiction; divisions
The Supreme Court consists of the Chief Justice and six judges, with appellate and original jurisdiction and authority to sit in divisions.
§ 3 Terms of Supreme Court
The Supreme Court holds terms as provided by law.
§ 4 Chief Justice and Judges; selection; residence
The Chief Justice and judges are selected under the merit plan and reside as required, with offices at the seat of government.
§ 5 Supreme Court judicial districts; redistricting
The state is divided into Supreme Court judicial districts, redistricted when required by population change.
§ 6 Chief Justice to preside
The Chief Justice presides over the Supreme Court.
§ 7 Chief Justice; Associate Justices; qualifications
Justices must have the qualifications of admission to the bar and residence provided by this section.
§ 8 Supreme Court appoints staff; budget; state reports
The Supreme Court appoints its staff, prepares its budget, and holds the copyright of state reports.
§ 9 District courts; jurisdiction; guilty pleas
District courts have general original jurisdiction; felons may plead guilty and be sentenced as provided.
§ 10 District court judicial districts
The state is divided into district court judicial districts.
§ 11 District court judges; change of number; boundaries
The number of district judges and the district boundaries may be changed as provided by law.
§ 12 District court judges may hold court for each other
District judges may hold court for one another, and retired judges may serve temporary duty.
§ 13 Supreme and district judges; salaries
Judges receive salaries fixed by law, not diminished during their term.
§ 14 Judges not to act as attorneys; not to practice law
Supreme and district judges shall not act as attorneys or practice law during their term.
§ 15 Repealed
Repealed in 1970.
§ 16 Repealed
Repealed in 1970.
§ 17 Repealed
Repealed in 1970.
§ 18 Repealed
Repealed in 1970.
§ 19 Practice of all courts to be uniform
The practice and forms of all courts of the same class shall be uniform.
§ 20 Officers in this Article; tenure; duties; compensation
The tenure, residence, duties, and compensation of the officers of this Article are as provided.
§ 21 Merit plan for selection of judges
Judges are appointed by the Governor from nominees of judicial nominating commissions and thereafter stand for retention on a nonpartisan ballot.
§ 22 State may sue and be sued
The state may sue and be sued, and the Legislature provides by law in what manner and courts.
§ 23 Jurisdiction of judges at chambers
Judges may exercise the jurisdiction conferred on them at chambers.
§ 24 Style of process
The style of all process is 'The State of Nebraska.'
§ 25 Supreme Court to promulgate rules of practice
The Supreme Court promulgates rules of practice and procedure and makes recommendations to the Legislature.
§ 26 Proviso as to effect of amendment
This section governs the transitional effect of the amendment reorganizing the judiciary.
§ 27 Juvenile courts; authorization
The Legislature may provide for the establishment of juvenile courts.
§ 28 Commission on Judicial Qualifications; composition
A Commission on Judicial Qualifications, of judges, attorneys, and citizens, investigates judicial conduct.
§ 29 Commission on Judicial Qualifications; majority vote
Action by the Commission on Judicial Qualifications requires a vote of the majority of its members.
§ 30 Judges; discipline; removal; grounds; procedure
Judges may be disciplined or removed for misconduct, disability, or other grounds under the prescribed procedure.
§ 31 Judges; removal procedure cumulative
The removal procedures for judges are cumulative to impeachment and other methods provided by law.
Article VI Suffrage
§ 1 Qualifications of electors
Every U.S. citizen 18 or older who has met the residence requirements is qualified to vote.
§ 2 Who disqualified
Persons convicted of a felony (unless restored) and persons non compos mentis are disqualified from voting.
§ 3 Military or naval service; place of voting
Presence at a place while in military or naval service does not gain or lose residence for voting purposes.
§ 4 Repealed
Repealed in 1972.
§ 5 Electors privileged from arrest
Electors are privileged from arrest while attending elections and going to and returning from them, except for serious crimes.
§ 6 Votes, how cast
All votes shall be by ballot or such other method as secures secrecy, as the Legislature provides.
Article VII Education
§ 1 Legislature; free instruction in common schools
The Legislature shall provide for the free instruction of all persons between the ages of 5 and 21 in the common schools.
§ 2 State Department of Education; general supervision
A State Department of Education has general supervision and administration of the school system.
§ 3 State Board of Education; members; election
The State Board of Education is composed of members elected on a nonpartisan ballot for staggered terms.
§ 4 State Board of Education; Commissioner of Education
The State Board of Education appoints a Commissioner of Education as its executive officer, with the powers and duties provided.
§ 5 Fines, penalties, and license money; allocation
All fines, penalties, and license money collected are appropriated exclusively to the support of the common schools.
§ 6 Educational lands; management; Board of Educational Lands and Funds
The management of educational lands and funds is vested in a Board of Educational Lands and Funds, governing the sale and lease of school lands.
§ 7 Perpetual funds enumerated
The perpetual educational trust funds consist of the enumerated grants, escheats, and proceeds dedicated to education.
§ 8 Trust funds belong to state for educational purposes
The educational trust funds belong to the state for educational purposes and are safely invested.
§ 9 Educational funds; early childhood education endowment fund
The use of educational trust funds is governed by this section, which also creates an early childhood education endowment fund.
§ 10 University of Nebraska; Board of Regents
The government of the University of Nebraska is vested in an elected Board of Regents, including student members, for staggered terms.
§ 11 Appropriation of public funds; sectarian instruction prohibited
No public funds shall be appropriated to any school controlled by a religious sect; no sectarian instruction may be given and no religious test required of teacher or student.
§ 12 Education and reform of minors
The Legislature may provide for the education and reform of minors as the public good requires.
§ 13 State colleges; board; selection; duties
The government of the state colleges is vested in a board whose members are selected as provided by law.
§ 14 Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education
A Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education coordinates the state's public postsecondary institutions.
§ 15 Omitted
This section is omitted from the current constitution.
§ 16 Repealed
Repealed in 1972.
§ 17 Repealed
Repealed in 1972.
Article VIII Revenue
§ 1 Revenue; raised by taxation; legislative powers
Taxes shall be levied by valuation uniformly and proportionately, but the Legislature may classify property and provide otherwise for certain classes.
§ 1A Levy of property tax for state purposes prohibited
The state is prohibited from levying a property tax for state purposes.
§ 1B Income tax may be based upon federal laws
The Legislature may base the state income tax upon the laws of the United States.
§ 2 Exemption of property from taxation; classification
The Legislature may exempt from taxation government, religious, educational, charitable, and other enumerated property and classes.
§ 2A Exemption of personal property in transit
Personal property in transit and stored in licensed warehouses or storage areas may be exempted from taxation.
§ 3 Redemption from sales of real estate for taxes
The owner of real estate sold for taxes has the right to redeem it within the period and on the terms provided by law.
§ 4 Legislature has no power to remit taxes; exception
The Legislature cannot release or remit taxes, except to cancel taxes on land acquired by the state.
§ 5 County taxes; limitation
County taxes shall not exceed the limits fixed by law except for the payment of indebtedness.
§ 6 Local improvements of cities, towns and villages
The cost of local improvements may be assessed against the property benefited as provided by law.
§ 7 Private property not liable for corporate debts
Private property and municipal inhabitants are exempt from liability for the debts of a municipal corporation.
§ 8 Funding indebtedness; warrants
Outstanding indebtedness and warrants may be funded and refunded as provided by law.
§ 9 Claims upon treasury; adjustment; appeal
Claims upon the treasury are adjusted and approved as provided, with a right of appeal.
§ 10 Taxation of grain and seed; alternative basis
Grain and seed may be taxed on an alternative basis as the Legislature provides.
§ 11 Public corporations providing electricity; payment in lieu of taxes
Public power and other public corporations may be required to make payments in lieu of taxes.
§ 12 Cities or villages; redevelopment; blighted property
Cities and villages may incur indebtedness for redevelopment of substandard and blighted property, financed by the resulting increase in taxes (tax-increment financing).
§ 13 Revenue laws and legislative acts; how construed
Revenue laws and related legislative acts are construed as provided in this section.
Article IX County and Township Organization
§ 1 Area
No new county shall be formed with less than the minimum area, nor reduce any county below it.
§ 2 Division of county; decision of question
The division of a county is decided by a vote of the electors affected.
§ 3 County added to another; indebtedness; liabilities
When a county is added to or stricken off, prior indebtedness and liabilities are apportioned as provided.
§ 4 County and township officers
The Legislature provides for the election or appointment of county and township officers and their terms and duties.
§ 5 Township organization
The Legislature may provide for township organization, adopted or abandoned by county vote.
Article X Public Service Corporations
§ 1 Reports under oath
Public service corporations make reports under oath as required by law.
§ 2 Property liable to sale on execution
The property of public service corporations is liable to sale on execution as provided.
§ 3 Consolidation of stock or property
Consolidations of competing lines or property are restricted as provided by law.
§ 4 Railways declared public highways; maximum rates
Railways are declared public highways subject to legislative regulation, including maximum rates, and their liability is not limited.
§ 5 Capital stock; dividends
The issuance of capital stock and payment of dividends by such corporations are regulated as provided.
§ 6 Eminent domain
The exercise of eminent domain by public service corporations is subject to law and to just compensation.
§ 7 Unjust discrimination and extortion
Unjust discrimination and extortion in charges by public service corporations are prohibited.
§ 8 Eminent domain for depot or other uses
Property may be taken by eminent domain for depots and other public service uses as provided.
Article XI Municipal Corporations
§ 1 Subscription to stock prohibited; exception
Municipalities are prohibited from subscribing to the stock of corporations, subject to stated exceptions.
§ 2 City of 5,000 may frame charter; procedure
A city of more than 5,000 may frame its own home-rule charter under the prescribed procedure.
§ 3 Rejection of charter; effect; new charter
If a proposed charter is rejected, the procedure to frame a new charter may be repeated.
§ 4 Charter; amendment; charter convention
A home-rule charter may be amended by proposal and vote, or through a charter convention.
§ 5 Charter of city of 100,000; home rule
A city of more than 100,000 is authorized to adopt a home-rule charter.
Article XII Miscellaneous Corporations
§ 1 Legislature to provide for corporations; stockholder voting
The Legislature provides by general law for the organization, regulation, and supervision of corporations and associations, including cumulative voting rights of stockholders.
§ 2 Repealed
Repealed in 1972.
§ 3 Repealed
Repealed in 1972.
§ 4 Repealed
Repealed in 1972.
§ 5 Repealed
Repealed in 1972.
§ 6 Repealed
Repealed in 1972.
§ 7 Repealed
Repealed in 1938.
§ 8 Corporate ownership of farm or ranch land restricted
Corporations and syndicates are restricted from acquiring an interest in real estate used for farming or ranching or from engaging in farming or ranching, with the Secretary of State and Attorney General charged with enforcement.
Article XIII State, County, and Municipal Indebtedness
§ 1 State may contract debts; limitation; exceptions
The state may contract debts to meet casual deficits not exceeding a small fixed amount, with larger debts only for defense or when authorized by a vote of the people.
§ 2 Industrial and economic development; powers of local governments
Counties and municipalities may exercise the powers granted for industrial and economic development.
§ 3 Credit of state; exception
The credit of the state shall not be given or loaned in aid of any individual, association, or corporation, subject to stated exceptions.
§ 4 Nonprofit enterprise development; powers of local governments
Counties and municipalities may exercise powers to aid nonprofit enterprise development as provided.
Article XIV Militia
§ 1 Personnel; organization; discipline
The Legislature provides for the organization, personnel, and discipline of the militia in conformity with federal law.
Article XV Miscellaneous Provisions
§ 1 Official oath; refusal; disqualification
Officers take an oath to support the constitutions and faithfully discharge their duties; refusal disqualifies from office.
§ 2 Official in default as custodian of public money; disqualification
An official who defaults as collector or custodian of public money or property, and a felon, are disqualified from office.
§ 3 Repealed
Repealed in 1986.
§ 4 Water a public necessity
The necessity of water for domestic and other uses is declared a natural want.
§ 5 Use of water dedicated to people
The use of the state's waters is dedicated to the people for beneficial use.
§ 6 Right to divert unappropriated waters
The right to divert unappropriated waters for beneficial use shall never be denied, subject to the priority of appropriation.
§ 7 Use of water for power purposes
The use of water for power purposes is subordinate to its use for domestic and agricultural purposes.
§ 8 Employment of women and children; minimum wage
The Legislature may regulate the employment of women and children and establish minimum wages.
§ 9 Controversies between employers and employees; industrial commission
The Legislature may provide an industrial commission to settle disputes between employers and employees, with appeals as provided.
§ 10 Repealed
Repealed in 1934.
§ 11 Repealed
Repealed in 1972.
§ 12 Removal of state capital
The state capital shall not be removed except by a vote of the people.
§ 13 Labor organizations; no denial of employment; closed shop prohibited
No person shall be denied employment because of membership or non-membership in a labor organization; the closed shop is prohibited (right to work).
§ 14 Labor organization; definition
This section defines 'labor organization' as used in the right-to-work provision.
§ 15 Labor organizations; amendment self-executing
The right-to-work amendment is self-executing, and the Legislature may pass laws to facilitate its operation.
§ 16 Repealed
Repealed in 1972.
§ 17 Retirement and pension funds; investment
Retirement and pension funds of the state and its subdivisions may be invested as provided.
§ 18 Governmental powers; intergovernmental cooperation; merger
The Legislature may authorize intergovernmental cooperation and the merger or consolidation of counties or other local governments.
§ 19 Liquor licenses; municipalities and counties; powers
Municipalities and counties have the powers over liquor licensing provided by this section.
§ 20 Omitted
This section is omitted from the current constitution.
§ 21 Omitted
This section is omitted from the current constitution.
§ 22 Omitted
This section is omitted from the current constitution.
§ 23 Omitted
This section is omitted from the current constitution.
§ 24 Omitted
This section is omitted from the current constitution.
§ 25 Right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife
The people have the right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife, which is the preferred means of managing and controlling wildlife.
§ 26 Political subdivision; revenues; commercial passenger air service
A political subdivision may pledge revenues to secure or promote commercial passenger air service as provided.
Article XVI Amendments
§ 1 How proposed
Amendments may be proposed by three-fifths of the Legislature, published, and submitted to the electors, taking effect if approved by a majority voting on the amendment (constituting at least 35% of total votes cast).
§ 2 Convention
The Legislature may submit to the electors the question of calling a constitutional convention; if approved, delegates are chosen and their proposals submitted to the people for ratification.
Article XVII Schedule
§ 1 Terms; reference to members of the Legislature
References to members of the Legislature include both appointed and elected members.
§ 2 Repealed
Repealed in 1972.
§ 3 Repealed
Repealed in 1972.
§ 4 General election of state
This transitional provision governed the first general election under the amended constitution.
§ 5 Terms of office of all elected officers
This transitional provision governed the terms of elected officers under the reorganization.
§ 6 Transferred
Transferred to Article III, section 30.
§ 7 Repealed
Repealed in 1972.
§ 8 Repealed
Repealed in 1972.
§ 9 Repealed
Repealed in 1998.
§ 10 No section 10
There is no section 10; the proposed amendment to add it failed at the 1940 election.
§ 11 Repealed
Repealed in 1972.
Article XVIII Term Limits on Congress
§ 1 Statement of intent
The people declare their intent to instruct Nebraska's congressional delegation to support a federal term-limits amendment.
§ 2 Instruction to congressional delegation; ballot notation
Members of the congressional delegation are instructed to support term limits, with a ballot notation for those who disregard the instruction.
§ 3 Nonincumbent candidates; Term Limits Pledge; ballot notation
Nonincumbent candidates who decline the Term Limits Pledge receive a ballot notation.
§ 4 Instruction to members of the Legislature; ballot notation
State legislators are instructed to act on a federal term-limits amendment, with a ballot notation for noncompliance.
§ 5 Ballot notation; Secretary of State; duties; appeal
The Secretary of State determines and applies the ballot notations, subject to appeal.
§ 6 Automatic repeal; when
This Article is automatically repealed once a federal term-limits amendment is ratified.
§ 7 Legal challenge; jurisdiction
Legal challenges to this Article are within the original jurisdiction of the Nebraska Supreme Court.
§ 8 Severability
If any portion of this Article is held invalid, the remaining portions remain in effect.
Full, verbatim text at Nebraska Legislature