Unicameral Legislature

History of the Unicameral Unicameral means a one-house legislature. Basic Job is to make laws. Nebraska is the only state to have a unicameral. All other states have a house of representatives and a senate just like our national legislature.

George Norris George William Norris was responsible for creating the unicameral. campaigned across Nebraska to promote the unicameral idea. In 1937 Nebraska officially went from a bicameral legislature to a unicameral.

Benefits to a Unicameral System It is less expensive to operate a unicameral. It is easier for people to understand. It is more open and accountable to the public. Nonpartisan- when senators are elected their party affiliation is not place on the ballot. This allows senators to focus on the needs of the voters rather than their party affiliation.

Criticisms of a Unicameral System The main criticism of a unicameral system is that with only one house there would be fewer checks on power and the legislature could create unfair laws.

How do we check the power of a unicameral? Citizens have the right to vote for members of the legislature. The Nebraska Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional. The Governor can veto bills. Each bill gets a public hearing Bills can contain only ONE subject Must be at least 5 days between a bills introduction and it’s passage

Senators There are 49 state senators in the unicameral Nebraska lawmakers in the unicameral are called Senators. Paid 12,000 a year There are 49 state senators in the unicameral Serve a 4 year term 2 term limit (may sit out for one term & then run again) Qualifications: 21 years old Be a registered voter Live in the district you will represent for 1 year -- Never been convicted of a felony Sen. Tony Fulton District 29

Governor The Governor is the Chief Executive of Nebraska. He has the power to suggest laws and veto bills. Pete Rickkets

How a Bill becomes a Law - Unicameral STEP 1: Introduction The bill must start as an idea and a senator must agree to sponsor the bill. The senator will then introduce the bill by giving it to the clerk. The clerk will read the title of the bill into record, give the bill a number, and print copies of the bill for use.

How a Bill becomes a Law - Unicameral STEP 2: Committee The bill is assigned a committee and debated. The committee also holds public trials to here what citizens think of the bill. If the committee approves the bill moves on.

How a Bill becomes a Law - Unicameral STEP 3: General File The general file is the first time the full legislature has the opportunity to debate and vote on the bill. The bill needs a majority vote or 25 votes to move on.

How a Bill becomes a Law - Unicameral STEP 4: Select File The select file is the second time the full legislature has the opportunity to debate and vote on the bill. The bill needs a majority vote or 25 votes to move on.

How a Bill becomes a Law - Unicameral STEP 5: Final Reading The final reading is when the clerk reads the bill in full including any amendments that have been made into the record. The bill can not be debated or changed during this stage. The bill is voted on again for final passage.

How a Bill becomes a Law - Unicameral STEP 6: Governor If the bill passes then it is sent to the governor. If the governor signs the bill or takes no action within 5 days the bill becomes law. The governor may also line-item veto or veto specific parts of the bill. It takes 30 votes to override a veto.

Effective Dates of Laws Most laws go into effect 3 months after the legislature Adjourns. Emergency Clause – states that bills can go into effect immediately. Referendum – the bill will be put on the ballot and the people will decided to pass it or not.