LB 784 Legislature · 109th Legislature (2025-2026)

Change residency requirements for sheriffs in certain counties, requirements for uniforms for sheriffs and deputies, and continuing education requirements for law enforcement officers

This bill changes residency rules for county sheriffs in non-metropolitan counties and updates training requirements for law enforcement officers. Specifically, it modifies Section 23-1701 to require sheriffs in counties without large cities to reside in their county or an adjacent county while serving, rather than only after election. It also maintains the existing requirement (under Section 23-1701.01) that sheriffs complete annual continuing education through Nebraska’s Law Enforcement Training Center. These changes directly affect sheriffs in Nebraska counties without metropolitan, primary, or first-class cities. The bill harmonizes existing provisions and sets effective dates for implementation.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Feb 2026
Legislature Passage
Apr 2026
Legislature Passage
Mar 2026
Signed into Law
Apr 2026
Introduced Jan 7, 2026 Signed Apr 17, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Enrollment and Review ER152 Final Reading · 4 edits
MODERATE
This bill updates Nebraska laws regarding law enforcement to modernize residency rules for sheriffs, mandate professional certification, and standardize uniform requirements. It ensures that appointed sheriffs meet the same training standards as elected ones and clarifies when uniforms must be worn.
Scope change
The bill expands the applicability of residency and training requirements to include sheriffs appointed by county boards, ensuring they meet the same professional standards as elected officials.
ELIGIBILITY

Residency requirements for sheriffs are clarified to allow them to live in an adjoining county if their county lacks a major city, and this exception now applies to appointed sheriffs as well.

REQUIREMENT

New mandatory certification and continuing education requirements are established for all sheriffs, including those appointed rather than elected.

Uniform and badge display rules are updated to specify that wearing them is discretionary during special investigations or mental health assignments.

ADDED

Penalties for failing to complete required training or education are defined, including fines equal to the sheriff's monthly salary.

Floor votes · Legislature Mar 17, 2026

How they voted

340
Passed · 15 other
Total votes 49
Mar 17, 2026
N Nonpartisan49
34 Yea 15
69% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
21
Key actions
7
Committee
2
Apr 17, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by Governor on April 14, 2026
executive
Apr 10, 2026
Legislature · Passed
President/Speaker signed
legislature
Apr 9, 2026
Legislature · Passed
Passed on Final Reading 48-0-1
legislature
Mar 23, 2026
Legislature · Passed
Hallstrom AM2682 adopted
legislature
Mar 23, 2026
Legislature · Passed
Enrollment and Review ER152 adopted
legislature
Mar 17, 2026
Legislature · Passed
Judiciary AM2236 adopted
legislature
Feb 25, 2026
Legislature · Passed
Placed on General File with AM2236
legislature
Jan 9, 2026
Committee
Referred to Judiciary Committee
legislature
Jan 7, 2026
Introduced
Date of introduction
legislature
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Bob Hallstrom
Bob Hallstrom
NNonpartisan
NE
1