Nebraska law

Civil Rights Laws in Nebraska.

The Nebraska Fair Employment Practice Act (NFEPA) and the Nebraska Fair Housing Act are Nebraska's principal civil rights statutes. NFEPA covers employment discrimination by employers with 15+ employees. The Fair Housing Act covers housing discrimination. The Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission (NEOC) administers both. Federal claims under § 1983, Title VII, ADA, and the Fair Housing Act remain available in Nebraska federal courts. Nebraska Constitution Article VII, § 5 constitutionally prohibits punitive damages.

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Statute of Limitations

300 days (NEOC); 180 days (fair housing)Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-1118

Employment discrimination complaints must be filed with NEOC within 300 days. Fair housing complaints: 180 days. EEOC charges also may be filed under dual-filing arrangement.

State law

Key Nebraska Statutes

Nebraska Fair Employment Practice ActNeb. Rev. Stat. § 48-1101 et seq.

Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, disability, marital status, and retaliation. Applies to employers with 15+ employees.

Nebraska Fair Housing ActNeb. Rev. Stat. § 20-301 et seq.

Prohibits discrimination in housing transactions based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and national origin. Administered by NEOC.

Nebraska Age Discrimination in Employment ActNeb. Rev. Stat. § 48-1001 et seq.

Separate from NFEPA, Nebraska's ADEA protects employees 40+ from age discrimination. Applies to employers with 20+ employees.

Punitive Damages — Constitutional ProhibitionNeb. Const. art. VII, § 5

Nebraska is one of very few states with a constitutional prohibition of punitive, vindictive, or exemplary damages. Any civil penalty fines imposed must be paid to the state school fund (not to the plaintiff).

State law

Official Sources

Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission U.S. EEOC

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Nebraska.

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Civil Rights Laws in Nebraska.

Statute of Limitations

Key Nebraska Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

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