Immigration

LB 1212 creates two new license types for internationally trained physicians in Nebraska who completed medical education outside the U.S. It allows a "limited license" (valid up to 6 years total) requiring supervision by a participating health care entity (like a hospital or health center) and completion of a state-approved assessment program. A "restricted license" would permit independent practice in designated health profession shortage areas after meeting the same requirements. The bill requires physicians to hold ECFMG certification, pass USMLE steps 1 and 2, maintain valid U.S. work authorization, and be employed by a participating entity during the limited license period. This directly affects internationally trained physicians seeking to practice medicine in Nebraska, particularly in underserved rural or urban areas.

LB 295 requires all Nebraska state and local government employees participating in retirement systems (including county, school, state, and judicial employees) to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence in the United States. It mandates that employers and employees maintain specific documents like driver's licenses, birth certificates, passports, or U.S. immigration cards (e.g., I-551) to verify eligibility, which must be presented upon request by the retirement board. The bill also updates technical provisions across retirement acts, such as mortality tables for benefit calculations, lump sum payment rules, and board meeting procedures. These changes apply to multiple retirement systems, including the State Employees Retirement Act and School Employees Retirement Act.