Immigration (Driver Licenses & IDs)

This legislative resolution directs the Judiciary Committee to conduct an interim study on policies that could protect certain community spaces from immigration enforcement. The study focuses on areas like schools, hospitals, and homeless shelters, examining how other states have implemented similar protections and what guidance their attorneys general have issued. It specifically looks at whether these sensitive locations should remain safe from immigration harassment, with exceptions for executing judicial warrants. The committee will review state and local government actions across the country before submitting findings and recommendations to the Legislature.

Nebraska's LB 299 allows eligible immigrants authorized for employment (under federal rules as of January 1, 2025) and their dependents to access public benefits tied to employment. The bill expands eligibility for benefits like retirement programs (including state employee and school employee plans), unemployment assistance, education financial aid, and health-related support. It requires verification of employment authorization using standard documents (such as work permits or resident cards) but does not change existing definitions of public benefits or limit current eligibility. Dependents of eligible immigrant workers gain access to benefits without regard to their own immigration status. The bill amends multiple Nebraska statutes to implement these changes, effective upon passage.