Nebraska Legislative History

Abstract

This article discusses the use of legislative history in Nebraska to determine the legislative intent of a statute. When confronted with an ambiguous statute, Nebraska appellate courts have often construed it by reference to the statute’s legislative history. Nebraska courts have repeatedly relied on such documents as the introducer’s statement of intent, the committee statement, the committee hearings, floor debates, bill versions, amendments, statements from the governor, and other information found in the Legislative Journals.

Keywords: Nebraska, Unicameral Legislature, Legislative History, Legislative Intent, Statutory Interpretation, Legislative Bill, Introducer’s Statement of Intent, Floor Debates, Committee Hearings, Legislative Journal, Laws of Nebraska, Revised Statutes of Nebraska