Nebraska law

Municipal Laws in Nebraska.

Nebraska local government operates under the 1875 Constitution (as amended) and Nebraska Revised Statutes. Nebraska cities are classified as metropolitan (Omaha), primary (Lincoln), first, second, and village classes. Counties operate under either county-board or county-commissioner forms. Nebraska has a unicameral nonpartisan Legislature — the only one in the U.S. The Nebraska Open Meetings Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 84-1407 et seq.) and Public Records Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 84-712 et seq.) govern transparency. The State Tort Claims Act and Political Subdivisions Tort Claims Act govern suits against state and local governments.

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Key Nebraska Statutes

City ClassificationNeb. Rev. Stat. Chapter 14 (metropolitan); Chapter 15 (primary); Chapter 16 (first); Chapter 17 (second class and villages)

Metropolitan (>300K, Omaha only): home-rule charter authority. Primary (100K-300K, Lincoln only). First (5K-100K). Second (800-5,000). Villages (100-800). Rules vary by class.

Nebraska Open Meetings ActNeb. Rev. Stat. § 84-1407 et seq.

Requires public bodies to meet in public with advance notice. Closed sessions only for statutorily enumerated purposes.

Nebraska Public Records ActNeb. Rev. Stat. § 84-712 et seq.

Public records are generally disclosable. Statutory exemptions for specified categories. Agency must respond within 4 business days.

State Tort Claims ActNeb. Rev. Stat. § 81-8,209 et seq.

Limited waiver of sovereign immunity for negligence of state employees. Specific exclusions for discretionary acts. Punitive damages constitutionally barred.

Political Subdivisions Tort Claims ActNeb. Rev. Stat. § 13-901 et seq.

Parallel limited waiver for counties, cities, villages, and other political subdivisions. Pre-suit notice required within 1 year.

State law

Official Sources

Nebraska Legislature League of Nebraska Municipalities

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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Municipal Laws in Nebraska.

Key Nebraska Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

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