Jim Pillen

The Nebraska Legislature passed the Parental Rights in Social Media Act in 2025, which Governor Jim Pillen signed into law. The law requires social media companies to verify users' ages before account creation and obtain express parental consent for minors, with parents able to access and revoke consent through company dashboards, and establishes penalties of up to $2,500 per violation enforced by the Attorney General. NetChoice, an association representing major social media companies including Meta and TikTok, filed a lawsuit challenging the law's constitutionality under the First Amendment before its July 1 implementation date.

Pillen traveled to Ogallala on May 14, 2026, to celebrate the first high-speed broadband connection funded through the BEAD program, a component of the 2021 infrastructure bill. The connection, provided by Vistabeam from a tower northwest of Ogallala to a residence 11 miles away, delivered speeds exceeding 800 megabits per second download and 200 megabits per second upload. Following changes to the program under the Trump administration that reduced Nebraska's allocated funding from $405 million to $42 million, Pillen indicated he was working to identify alternative uses for the remaining $350 million in unallocated funds for projects including precision agriculture infrastructure.

Pillen signed Legislative Bill 847 and Legislative Bill 1165 during a ceremony in Omaha on May 7, 2026. LB847 creates an apprenticeship registry, while LB1165 establishes retention and hiring incentives for emerging businesses. Pillen stated the legislation was designed to retain world-class companies in Nebraska.

Pillen visited Pryor Ranch in Omaha as part of Senators Day to discuss Nebraska's horse and equine industry alongside pre-veterinary students and equine professionals. During the visit, Pillen announced a state-funded veterinary graduate program that will support 11 graduates annually, with the state covering their education costs in exchange for eight years of practice in rural communities. Participants who do not fulfill the eight-year rural practice requirement are obligated to repay their education expenses.

Governor Jim Pillen's administration filed a joint proposed consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice in response to a federal lawsuit challenging Nebraska's in-state tuition laws for undocumented students, agreeing that the state statutes violate the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The state and federal government jointly requested that a permanent injunction be issued to prevent in-state tuition benefits from being extended to non-citizens in Nebraska's future. Pillen characterized the agreement as a partnership between Nebraska and the Trump Administration, though the collusive nature of the lawsuit prompted a legal challenge regarding whether the court has jurisdiction to proceed.

Governor Pillen joined Nebraska business leaders in supporting a proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads, stating that the combination would benefit American farmers by creating a transcontinental rail system and eliminating costly handoffs between carriers. The railroads filed an amended merger application with the U.S. Surface Transportation Board after their initial application was rejected in January for insufficient detail regarding impacts on competitors and customers. The merged company is estimated to create approximately 1,200 new union jobs by the third year of operation.

Governor Pillen announced in December that Nebraska would implement Medicaid work requirements ahead of the federal deadline established by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, making Nebraska the first state to comply with the January 1, 2027 requirement. Beginning on Friday, most able-bodied Medicaid enrollees between ages 19 and 64 must complete at least 80 hours monthly of employment, work program participation, volunteering, or schoolwork, though exemptions apply to aged, disabled, pregnant, and child recipients, as well as those considered medically frail or experiencing temporary hardships. The implementation has generated disagreement between Nebraska DHHS and advocacy groups regarding the actual number of enrollees who may lose coverage, with estimates from policy research organizations suggesting between 28,000 and 41,000 Nebraskans could be at risk of losing health coverage under the new requirements.

Governor Pillen launched a new initiative in coordination with the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs to honor Korean War veterans and expand outreach to approximately 2,400 veterans of that conflict currently residing in Nebraska. The program centers on distributing a custom-made commemorative coin at no cost to anyone who served in Korea between 1950 and 1955, with the stated goals of recognizing their service and connecting veterans with available state and federal benefits. State officials cited incomplete historical records as a challenge in identifying all eligible veterans and emphasized the outreach effort's purpose of ensuring veterans access the full range of benefits to which they are entitled.

Governor Pillen announced a statewide initiative to recognize Nebraska's approximately 2,400 living Korean War veterans. The initiative includes a challenge coin featuring a 48-star American flag, the South Korean flag, and an inscription from the National Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C. Pillen and the Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs plan to host a ceremony at the Capitol on July 27 to present the coins to the veterans.

Governor Pillen issued a proclamation earlier in the week placing the Nebraska National Guard on active-duty status in preparation for potential large wildfires during forecasted warm and windy conditions. The proclamation was issued as the Pressey Fire burned approximately 9,000 acres near Broken Bow in Custer County with no containment, destroying one home and several outbuildings. Pillen had previously withdrawn a statewide burn ban issued in March as drought conditions intensified across Nebraska.

Pillen issued a statement characterizing Nebraska's in-state tuition and financial aid laws as "deeply misguided and unconstitutional" following the Department of Justice's filing of a complaint against the state regarding eligibility criteria that did not account for immigration status. The complaint alleged that Nebraska's laws, which allowed individuals without U.S. citizenship or residency to qualify for in-state tuition under certain conditions, violated federal law. Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers joined the DOJ in filing a proposed consent decree to align state laws with federal requirements, pending court approval.

Pillen held an open cabinet roundtable meeting where he and state agency heads discussed operational efficiencies and budget reductions. During the meeting, Pillen emphasized his administration's approach to "running government like a business" through focus on throughput, quality, and cost, stating the legislative session that concluded the previous week resulted in $418 million in government spending reductions. Department heads presented accomplishments including universal post-secondary education access in the correctional system and workforce support initiatives following the Lexington Tyson plant closure.

Governor Pillen vetoed a bill (LB839) that would have required housing developers using state Affordable Housing Trust Fund subsidies to ensure a percentage of housing units were accessible for people with mobility, hearing, or visual impairments. The Nebraska Legislature voted on whether to override Pillen's veto during the final day of the 2026 legislative session. The override attempt failed, with lawmakers rejecting all attempts to overturn the governor's vetoes.

Governor Pillen stated during a cabinet roundtable on Monday that state government will not grow despite Nebraska facing a projected budget deficit exceeding $630 million for the biennium beginning in July 2027. Pillen outlined his budget strategy as running government like a business while balancing the budget annually, and expressed skepticism regarding the realism of the deficit projections. The governor also addressed the upcoming closure of a Tyson Foods meatpacking plant in Lexington, stating based on biweekly discussions with company leadership that the facility would continue operating until August 2026 during its shutdown process.

During the 2026 legislative session, Pillen and state lawmakers adopted a budget that reallocated approximately $3.8 million in state funds previously earmarked for a trail connector project in Cass County, reducing available funding from $8.3 million to approximately $1.2 million. The funds were redirected to address state budget shortfalls through what officials termed "sweeping" unspent appropriations. The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District responded by using the remaining $1.2 million to develop 2.25 miles of the Mo Pac East Trail on abandoned railroad property while exploring alternative routes and funding sources for the connector project.

Governor Pillen addressed the Nebraska Legislature on the final day of the 109th session, stating he had signed over 60 bills requested by his office at an 80% success rate and touting passage of a balanced budget achieved through decreased spending, use of reserve funds, and increased revenue. Four veto override motions filed by senators failed during the session's closing, including an override of Pillen's veto of Senator John Kavanagh's bill that had previously passed with unanimous support. The session concluded with Nebraska facing a projected budget deficit exceeding $600 million for the next fiscal cycle, with some lawmakers criticizing the tax policies enacted during the session.

In April 2026, the Nebraska Supreme Court upheld an executive order issued by Pillen in 2023 that prohibited most state employees from working remotely, requiring them to work "in the office, facility, or field location assigned by their agency and not from a remote location." The court found that the remote work policy fell under existing collective bargaining agreement language allowing the state to "change, modify and alter the composition and site of the work force," and therefore did not require additional bargaining with the Nebraska Association of Public Employees. The court reversed a lower tribunal's finding that the union acted in bad faith while upholding the validity of Pillen's executive order.

Pillen vetoed LB 1256, legislation that would have explicitly included snow and ice removal and flood management under emergency response after it passed the Nebraska Legislature with unanimous support. The Department of Revenue estimated the bill would cost $40 million annually in property tax allowances, which Pillen stated he could not support during what he characterized as a property tax crisis. State Senator John Cavanaugh announced plans to bring an override motion to challenge the veto.

Pillen signed Legislative Bill 1075 into law on April 15, 2026, establishing penalties and restrictions on foreign contributions to Nebraska ballot initiative campaigns. Under the law, ballot committees that receive prohibited foreign contributions face fines equal to the contribution amount or $100,000, whichever is greater. The legislation follows a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Mike Hilgers against a Swiss billionaire accused of directing millions of dollars toward various ballot measures in the state.

Governor Pillen issued an executive order in January 2026 aimed at restricting what he characterized as an illegal recreational synthetic THC industry. Following this order, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture proposed regulations that would classify foods containing certain cannabinoids as adulterated under the Nebraska Pure Food Act, effectively prohibiting the sale of most hemp-derived edible products. The proposed rules are scheduled for a public hearing on April 21, 2026, at the Department of Agriculture building in Lincoln.

Nebraska lawmakers passed budget bills LB1071 and LB1072 and sent them to Governor Pillen's desk for signature on April 5, 2026. The budget bills included withdrawals of $152 million from the state's cash reserve and $50 million from the tobacco settlement fund to address a projected budget deficit. Governor Pillen stated the budget reflected his commitment to reducing government spending, investing in education, and lowering property taxes.

Governor Pillen's administration issued a new rule through the Department of Health and Human Services allowing Nebraska families to apply for exceptions to spending caps in the Aged and Disabled waiver program for people with developmental disabilities. The previous draft of the rule had capped annual spending at approximately $140,000 per person, calculated at 150 percent of the average cost of nursing home care, and the exception process now applies to both in-home and out-of-home care recipients. This change represents part of Pillen's broader initiative to reform the state's developmental disability services, which previously included an eight-year waiting list for services.

Governor Pillen stated that it is the Legislature's duty to put a balanced budget on his desk as Nebraska lawmakers failed for the second time to advance LB 1071, the state budget bill addressing a multimillion-dollar deficit. The bill, which included approximately $3.5 million in state funding for private school scholarships and a low-income childcare subsidy, fell short of the 33 votes needed to break a filibuster, receiving only 27 votes. With ten days remaining in the legislative session, the budget bill was scheduled to return for further consideration on Thursday.

The Nebraska Legislature advanced LB1212, a proposal sponsored by Sen. Merv Riepe to create provisional and transitional licenses for foreign-trained physicians to practice in the state. Under the legislation, internationally-trained doctors could practice under supervision for up to six years before obtaining an unrestricted license, provided they pass licensing exams and meet assessment requirements. The bill allows physicians to practice independently after three years in areas designated as having healthcare professional shortages.

Governor Pillen joined U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on March 23, 2026, for a tour of the Morrill Fire, which became Nebraska's largest wildfire in history after igniting on March 12 and burning 632,029 acres across five counties. Rollins stated that the USDA would "fully back" Nebraska's requests to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for disaster declaration financial assistance. The state was awaiting a decision from the Trump administration on whether to grant Nebraska's request for a federal disaster declaration.

Governor Pillen declared a state of emergency in March 2026 as wildfires burned more than 800,000 acres across central and western Nebraska, the worst year for wildfires in state history. The Nebraska Legislature scheduled a $5 million reduction to Pillen's emergency fund for the next fiscal year as part of efforts to close a $471.5 million budget deficit, despite the governor's fund currently holding $28.5 million and being actively deployed to support firefighting operations. The director of the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services stated that the reduction represented a compromise from an originally planned $20 million cut and noted that the state anticipated federal reimbursement for disaster-related expenses through FEMA matching funds.

Pillen signed an executive order to provide emergency relief during massive wildfires burning across western Nebraska, waiving restrictions on commercial vehicles and industrial operations to provide direct assistance to farmers and ranchers. The Morrill Fire became the largest wildfire in Nebraska history, consuming over 570,000 acres with zero percent containment as of the briefing on March 17, 2026. Pillen stated during a Nebraska National Guard briefing in Lincoln that difficult days lay ahead while acknowledging support from neighboring states and municipalities in the firefighting effort.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen received a letter on March 3 from the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce requesting detailed information regarding the state's Medicaid fraud investigatory processes, improper payments, recovery efforts, and audits as part of an expanded congressional investigation into Medicaid fraud across ten states. The investigation specifically examined Nebraska's applied behavioral analysis program, which experienced a nearly 1,800% increase in Medicaid spending between 2020 and 2024, rising to approximately $85 million in 2024. The committee's letter cited findings from a September Nebraska audit report that identified issues including duplicate invoices, missing documentation, and credential deficiencies within the ABA program, with the state subsequently lowering ABA reimbursement rates to align with neighboring states.

Pillen granted a no-bid contract worth $2.5 million for emergency economic development to Global Sustainability Developers LLC, a one-woman company owned by Julie Bushell. Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley stated that he believes the no-bid contract violates Nebraska law, while Pillen's office asserted that the contract followed applicable law given the deadlines set by the Nebraska Legislature. Lincoln police are investigating the contract, and the state auditor's office has provided files related to the matter.

Governor Pillen requested $7 million in state funding for private school scholarships in the state budget proposal, with the Appropriations Committee's proposal, LB 1071, allocating $3.5 million toward private school scholarships primarily for low-income students. The Nebraska Legislature debated and voted to retain the school choice funding in the budget package on March 9, 2026, despite an amendment effort by State Senator Tom Brandt to remove it. The funding was presented as a temporary measure while the state prepares to implement a federal school choice program that Nebraska has opted into.

Gov. Pillen requested $7 million in state funding for scholarships to private and religious schools in the 2026 budget proposal. The Legislature's Appropriations Committee proposed reducing this amount to $3.5 million, while some senators proposed eliminating the funding entirely. The Legislature debated the scholarship allocation during budget proceedings in March 2026, with no final decision reported in the article.

Governor Pillen directed all state departments to submit plans detailing how they could reduce their budgets by 10 percent as the Legislature began voting on appropriations to balance the budget. Four lawmakers who had pledged not to raise taxes voted against a proposed cigarette tax increase that would have generated $50 million in additional revenue. The senators indicated they would pursue budget reductions and fee adjustments tied to inflation rather than tax increases to address the budget deficit.

Pillen signed LB653 into law, legislation that expands the circumstances under which Nebraska schools may suspend Pre-K through second-grade students to include those exhibiting violent behavior in the classroom. The 2023 law had previously restricted suspensions of these grade levels to instances involving weapons brought to school or school vehicles. Pillen stated the new law provides teachers and school administrators additional disciplinary tools while maintaining students' right to be heard by administration.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen ordered state flags to fly at half-staff following the death of Sergeant First Class Noah Tietjens of Bellevue, Nebraska, who was killed in an Iranian unmanned aircraft system attack on a military operations center in Kuwait on Sunday. Tietjens, 42, was assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command based in Des Moines and was one of six U.S. military members killed in the strike. Pillen issued a statement expressing condolences to the Tietjens family and acknowledging the soldier's service in defense of the United States.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen held up negotiations between the Omaha Tribe and the state regarding a tobacco tax compact, citing his opposition to medical and recreational marijuana on tribal land. The Omaha Tribe officially legalized medical and recreational cannabis in July and proceeded with plans to establish a medical cannabis dispensary and testing facility on the reservation despite the state's pushback. A bill was introduced in the Nebraska legislature during the session to advance the matter forward.

Governor Pillen submitted budget proposals to the Nebraska Legislature requesting the transfer of $192.6 million over two years from cash funds into the state's general fund in response to revised revenue forecasts that decreased projections by $175 million for fiscal year 2026-27. The proposals included a $2 million reduction for the Department of Health and Human Services in the current fiscal year and $130.4 million in cuts for 2026-27. Pillen stated that lawmakers would need to consider additional budget reductions to align state spending with the updated revenue projections.

The Nebraska Legislature passed Legislative Bill 653, sponsored by State Senator Dave Murman, which allows schools to suspend students in grades pre-K-2 for violent behavior capable of causing physical harm, reversing a 2023 law that had limited such suspensions to cases involving deadly weapons. Governor Pillen urged the passage of LB 653, stating during his 2026 State of the State address that the previous law had "unintentionally damaged the classroom experience at many schools" and that educators deserved better working conditions. The bill passed 33-15 and includes a requirement that schools provide guardians with both oral and written notice of charges before suspensions take effect in the youngest grades.

Governor Pillen initially proposed eliminating the Nebraska Cultural Preservation Endowment Fund entirely and redirecting its dollars toward addressing a projected $471 million state budget deficit. The Nebraska Legislature's Appropriations Committee voted 5-2-1 to advance a modified proposal cutting $5 million from the $15 million endowment fund rather than eliminating it completely. Pillen's administration proposed replacing lost investment earnings with a $600,000 annual allocation from general funds, though the viability of this allocation under the committee's reduced cut remains unclear.

Governor Pillen enacted an anti-China law that took effect on October 1, which sought to strip companies with Chinese subsidiaries of state tax incentives. The state paused implementation of the law's provisions after reporting revealed the measure would affect major Nebraska employers including Valmont, Lindsey, and Werner, which collectively employ thousands of state residents. The law's broad definition of "foreign adversarial company" captured any business with a subsidiary in China, creating widespread impact on the state's tax incentive programs that have been central to economic recruitment efforts.

Governor Pillen championed a law passed by the Nebraska Legislature in 2025 designed to restrict state tax incentives for businesses affiliated with foreign adversarial countries, particularly China. The law's definition of "foreign adversarial company" was interpreted by the Nebraska Department of Revenue to include American corporations with subsidiaries operating in China, affecting major Nebraska-based employers such as Valmont, Lindsay, Fiserv, and Werner. Following implementation of the law on October 1, 2025, the Revenue Department issued letters to affected companies indicating they would be ineligible to collect on existing tax incentive agreements, though the Pillen administration subsequently signaled openness to amending the law to distinguish between Chinese-owned companies and American firms with Chinese subsidiaries.

Governor Pillen proposed cutting approximately $150 million from the Department of Health and Human Services budget over the next two years, a plan that the legislature's Appropriations Committee examined in February 2026. The proposal includes reducing Medicaid retroactive eligibility from three months to one month, implementing Medicaid work requirements expected to remove 12,000 to 18,000 people from coverage by May, eliminating vacant positions, and reducing pediatric cancer research funding by $2.7 million. DHHS leadership defended the cuts as part of an effort to implement business-oriented practices in state government, citing prior savings from consulting work.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen announced a partnership with Turning Point USA to establish chapters of the organization at every high school in Nebraska. The partnership, to be discussed at a press conference at the Governor's mansion, aims to advance what the organization describes as student-led engagement and free speech. Pillen and Turning Point USA Club America Enterprise Director Nick Cocca also stated plans to address school administrators whom they characterize as working to block, delay, or deny students from forming Turning Point USA chapters.

Gov. Pillen defended his administration's decision to award a $2.5 million no-bid contract to Global Sustainability Developers LLC, a company owned by Julie Bushell, stating the contract was approved by the Nebraska Legislature through appropriation bills and was intended to hire a consultant to secure additional federal funding for Nebraska businesses. Pillen argued on his monthly call-in show that the contract was awarded on an emergency basis to enable faster action in pursuing federal dollars. State Auditor Mike Foley challenged the emergency justification, stating that Department of Economic Development employees failed to document the emergency and that certain reports were backdated, actions Foley characterized as potentially obstructive.

Pillen issued a $2.5 million emergency contract without a competitive bidding process to a one-woman company, which prompted State Auditor Mike Foley to raise concerns about the contract's necessity and procedures. Foley testified in support of Senate Bill 997, introduced by Senator Bob Anderson, which would require the state auditor to be notified of all emergency contracts and limit their use to instances of genuine emergency. Pillen's office stated that there was insufficient time to undergo a normal procurement period based on legislative requirements.

Governor Pillen introduced legislation LB 1244 through Senator Dave Murman that would expand Nebraska's sales tax base by eliminating exemptions for dozens of services including animal grooming, tattooing, nail care, and wedding planning, while also ending the Nebraska Job Creation and Mainstreet Revitalization Act. The proposal would direct $120 million from the state's general fund to the school district property tax relief fund as part of Pillen's comprehensive budget package addressing a $471.5 million state shortfall. Small-business owners testified against the legislation at the Nebraska Legislature on Wednesday.

Governor Pillen issued a statement on social media in February 2026 regarding a University of Nebraska-Lincoln student government resolution that proposed divesting from companies sending weapons to Israel. Pillen's statement characterized Israel as Nebraska's closest ally and referenced antisemitism concerns related to the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement. The governor's statement was issued as the student body government prepared to vote on the divestment proposal.

Governor Pillen has the authority to appoint a replacement to the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission following the resignation of Chair Dr. Monica Oldenburg on February 2, 2026. All current members of the Medical Cannabis Commission were initially appointed by Pillen when the commission was established. The commission's future structure and authority are being shaped by legislative proposals, including LB1235, which would establish a funding framework, and LB934, which would convert the commission to an elected body.

Governor Pillen pushed a $2.5 million no-bid emergency economic development contract that drew calls from a former University of Nebraska student regent for legislative oversight hearings. In a statement, Pillen characterized the contract results, noting that Nebraska invested $2.083 million to obtain $307 million in federal funds and acknowledged separate paperwork and report submission issues by Department of Economic Development staff. The chair of the Nebraska Appropriations Committee declined to pursue oversight hearings, citing budget priorities, while the Legislative Oversight Committee indicated the matter remained under ongoing discussion.

Governor Pillen proposed draining the Nebraska Cultural Preservation Endowment Fund, a $15 million state arts and humanities fund established in 1998, to help address a $471 million state budget shortfall. The endowment, which operates as a public-private partnership matching state allocations with private donations, currently generates approximately $550,000 annually in investment income distributed to symphonies, museums, art galleries, and educational arts programs across the state. Pillen's proposal would eliminate the public portion of the fund and redirect those resources toward state budget and tax-relief purposes.

Nebraska Auditor Mike Foley raised questions in January 2026 about a $2.5 million no-bid contract awarded to Global Sustainability Developers LLC, owned by lobbyist Julie Bushell, who has traveled on economic development trips with Governor Pillen. Foley designated the "emergency" contract designation as "unsupportable" and indicative of "favoritism," though he subsequently stated he did not plan to conduct a separate audit of the contract. Former State Senator Dan McKeon requested that the attorney general's office open an independent investigation into the contract, stating the auditor's concerns justified a thorough review of how the taxpayer funds were spent.

In September 2025, Pillen signed an executive order making Nebraska the first state to opt into the federal tax credit scholarship program for school choice. This action followed a November 2024 ballot measure in which Nebraska voters rejected a state-funded school voucher program by 57 percent. Pillen declared the week of the proclamation as Nebraska School Choice Week, coinciding with National School Choice Week, and gathered with students, educators, and state senators to mark the occasion.

Governor Pillen's budget proposal includes reducing the share of gaming revenue dedicated to problem gambling treatment programs from 2.5% to 1% of casino revenues. The proposal also eliminates the Nebraska Commission on Problem Gambling, which was established in 2013 to oversee gambling addiction programs, and transfers its responsibilities to the Department of Health and Human Services. The Legislature's Appropriations Committee is currently reviewing the budget proposal, with committee members indicating that modifications may be made during the review process.

Governor Jim Pillen announced that approximately 200 Nebraska National Guard members will be deployed to Washington, D.C., to provide security for the nation's 250th anniversary celebration. Nebraska will join ten other states in responding to a request from the chief of the National Guard Bureau to help protect national monuments. The Nebraska troops will be deployed in late February and are expected to serve for between 90 and 120 days, working primarily as monument security and conducting safety patrols throughout the Capitol region.

Pillen stated that state leaders maintained continuous communication with Tyson Foods representatives regarding the closure of the company's Lexington meatpacking plant, set to shut down on January 20, 2026. Pillen dismissed reports that the facility would be destroyed, characterizing such claims as false and noting that Tyson was evaluating options to convert the plant into a case-ready meat facility or other processing operation. Pillen indicated that working with the large employer required careful negotiation given Tyson's broader employment of approximately 8,000 workers across Nebraska.

Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley issued a report finding that Governor Pillen and the Department of Economic Development processed an emergency no-bid contract valued at $2.5 million to Global Sustainability Developers LLC that violated state law requiring competitive bidding for contracts over $50,000. The contract was awarded to Julie Bushell's one-woman company to develop the bioeconomy industry in Nebraska, with Foley's investigation of emails indicating the contract was directed from the governor's office. Foley requested that the legislature rewrite contracting law to require his office be notified of emergency contracts, and the audit report stated the process violated current law and made illusory assurances to Nebraska communities.

Gov. Pillen delivered his State of the State address on Thursday, asserting that Nebraska's economy remains strong and presenting a budget proposal designed to address a projected $472 million shortfall. Pillen's proposal combines spending cuts, fund transfers, and unspecified tax changes and projects a $500 million improvement to the state's bottom line over the biennium, with significant reductions proposed for the Department of Health and Human Services. Some state senators, including Sen. Danielle Conrad, questioned the governor's characterization of the budget situation, while others acknowledged that the proposed cuts would create difficult circumstances.

Senator George Dungan introduced LB1034, legislation that would prohibit Nebraska schools from allowing immigration enforcement officials to enter school buildings without a judicial warrant. Dungan stated the bill aims to establish state law ensuring schools receive the same legal protections as homeowners regarding entry by federal agents. The proposal was introduced during a legislative session on January 14, 2026.

Governor Pillen directed the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to award a $2.5 million no-bid emergency contract to Global Sustainability Developers LLC, a bioeconomy consulting firm, in May 2024. State Auditor Mike Foley found in a January 2026 audit that the department violated Nebraska Revised Statutes 73-815 by failing to document in writing the emergency justification required for contracts exceeding $50,000 that bypass competitive bidding. Foley stated the contract's emergency designation was "unsupportable" and alleged the company was "handpicked rather than selected through" required open competitive processes.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen will appoint a replacement for State Senator Dan McKeon, who represented Wheeler, Greeley, Boone, Valley, Sherman, Howard, Buffalo and Hall Counties. McKeon resigned from the Legislature on January 13, 2026, minutes before a scheduled expulsion vote following allegations that he made a sexually suggestive comment and touched a legislative staffer at an end-of-session party in May 2025. Pillen's appointment will fill the vacancy created by McKeon's resignation, which took effect when the Legislature adjourned that afternoon.

Pillen plans to propose a reduction in spending estimated to save Nebraska approximately $1 billion during the 2026 legislative session. The governor will outline details of this spending reduction plan during a State of the State address scheduled for the following Thursday. The proposal comes as Nebraska faces a $471 million budget shortfall, the state's second consecutive year experiencing a deficit.

Governor Pillen directed state agency heads to identify budget reductions of approximately 10% from their departments as Nebraska faces a $470 million budget shortfall requiring mid-biennium adjustments. Pillen's office indicated the reduction strategy would include eliminating vacant positions, withdrawing funds from agency cash reserves, and replacing contract workers with public employees. The Nebraska Association of Public Employees expressed concern that the proposed cuts would result in elimination of positions such as environmental specialists and forensic scientists, potentially impacting state services.

Governor Pillen announced plans to propose a budget to the Nebraska Legislature that includes $500 million in spending reductions to address projected budget shortfalls of $471.5 million for the current two-year budget period and $690 million for the following two years. The reductions are intended to help the state maintain its required 3% budget reserve while also preparing for future fiscal challenges. Pillen indicated in a mid-December interview that he was still developing the details of his spending reduction proposal at the time.

Governor Pillen announced that the Nebraska Capitol is displaying historical material created by PragerU as part of the nation's 250th anniversary celebration, following a White House initiative that encouraged states to place the Founders Museum exhibit "The Road to Liberty" in state capitols and schools. The exhibit includes portraits of historic battles, signers of the Declaration of Independence, prominent female figures, and immigrant founders, with QR codes directing viewers to online videos created by artificial intelligence. Pillen stated that the display represents an opportunity to celebrate American history and unity.

Pillen presented the annual threat assessment from Nebraska's Committee on Pacific Conflict, which was established through the passage of LB 1300 in 2024. The assessment identified China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, Cuba, and the Maduro regime in Venezuela as adversaries and focused on agricultural security as strategic infrastructure, with particular attention to foreign ownership of Nebraska's 44 million acres of agricultural land. Pillen also discussed the Foreign-Owned Real Estate National Security Act and called for Nebraska to reduce economic dependence on adversarial nations.

Gov. Pillen received an annual report from a state committee established two years prior to prepare Nebraska for potential Pacific conflict. The report detailed progress in reviewing state contracts to prohibit procurement from adversarial nations including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela. Pillen stated that Nebraska processes soybeans and corn within the state rather than selling commodities to China, and called on Nebraskans to cease purchasing goods from China.

Nebraska's personal and corporate income tax rates decreased on January 1, 2026, continuing a multi-year reduction plan enacted in 2023, with the rate dropping from 5.2% to 4.55% and scheduled to reach 3.99% within one year. Governor Pillen stated the tax cuts ensure Nebraskans retain more earnings and cited economic growth as justification for the reductions. The state simultaneously faces a $471 million budget deficit, down from a $1.3 billion surplus in 2023, prompting Pillen to propose operational budget cuts of up to 10% and the use of cash reserves to address the shortfall.

Governor Pillen stated support for a proposed transaction in which the University of Nebraska would purchase Clarkson Regional Health Services' half of the Nebraska Medicine partnership for $500 million, with an additional $300 million for related Clarkson-area properties near UNMC. The NU Board of Regents scheduled a vote on the transactions for January 9, 2026. Pillen characterized the change as beneficial to citizens of Nebraska by improving healthcare access and strengthening the University of Nebraska system.

Governor Pillen requested legislation that became the Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act, also known as LB504, which took effect on January 1, 2026. The law requires online services to set minor users' accounts to the highest privacy settings, limit data collection, restrict features designed to extend user engagement such as autoplay and infinite scrolling, prohibit advertising of drugs, gambling, and alcohol to minors, and disable push notifications during school hours and overnight on school nights. Enforcement of the law begins July 1, 2026, under the state attorney general's office, making Nebraska the third state to enact such legislation.

Governor Pillen reaffirmed his commitment to income tax rate reductions as Nebraska's income tax fell from 5.2% to 4.55% in January 2026, continuing reductions from his 2023 tax reform package that will lower rates to 3.99% by 2027. Pillen stated his administration would address the state's $470 million budget shortfall through spending reductions rather than tax increases and announced plans to present a budget proposal on January 15 seeking $500 million in budget cuts. The governor previously directed state agencies in July to reduce their 2026 budgets by 10% as part of the deficit response strategy.

Governor Pillen announced an increase in funding for the Business Innovation Act programs by $3 million in response to the Greater Omaha Chamber's "Omaha Competes" economic development plan. The Business Innovation Act programs, which have been in operation since 2011, had been paused for several months for efficiency review before the funding increase was approved. The announcement was made as part of efforts to address employment growth challenges in the Omaha metropolitan area.

Governor Jim Pillen announced that Nebraska will become the first state to implement Medicaid work requirements authorized under H.R. 1, legislation passed in July 2025. The requirements mandate that able-bodied adults aged 19-64 receiving Medicaid benefits complete 80 hours per month of employment, education, work programming, or community service. The policy includes exemptions for pregnant individuals, those with severe illness, and caregivers of disabled individuals, with approximately 180,000 able-bodied adults in Nebraska's Medicaid population subject to the new requirements.

Pillen stated that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in McCook is critical to keeping Nebraskans safe and characterized the facility's operation as successful. The governor's office announced that construction would begin to expand the facility's capacity from 50 to 60 detainees to up to 300 detainees, with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services to receive approximately $14.25 million annually for providing services to ICE. Pillen indicated that the facility tour by state senators provided an opportunity to observe the operational aspects of the detention center firsthand.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen visited the village of Mead to provide an update on cleanup efforts at the AltEn ethanol production site, which had operated for six years using pesticide-treated seed corn before being shut down by the state in 2021. Pillen announced that the Facility Response Group, formed by six seed companies, completed removal of approximately 107,000 tons of wet cake byproduct from the site in August and treated contaminated lagoon water by the end of the previous year. Pillen stated that accountability in government response to environmental problems should have resulted in earlier action and that ongoing work includes soil testing and restoration of fields affected by the hazardous waste.

Pillen issued a formal letter designating former Nebraska state senator Tom Brewer as an unofficial ambassador to Ukraine for Brewer's eighth trip to the country since 2022. The mission was designed to strengthen relationships with Ukrainian leaders in the military, industrial, and agricultural sectors to support post-war recovery efforts. Pillen also called on the federal government to establish permanent legal status for Ukrainian refugees in Nebraska whose temporary designations had expired.

Governor Pillen appointed Joey Spellerberg to serve as Nebraska State Treasurer following the resignation of Tom Briese. Spellerberg, the former mayor of Fremont, assumed the position approximately one month prior to this article and serves as the state's chief financial officer responsible for managing Nebraska's public funds and handling all state money. Among his stated priorities are expanding financial literacy initiatives throughout Nebraska and addressing the state's $471 million budget deficit.

In late 2023, Pillen issued an executive order requiring state employees to return to in-person office work, ending remote work arrangements that had been in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Nebraska Association of Public Employees challenged the order, arguing the state was obligated to negotiate the substantial change in employment terms, but the Commission on Industrial Relations sided with the state. The Nebraska Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the dispute in December 2025, with a decision expected within months.

Governor Pillen issued a return-to-office mandate requiring Nebraska public employees to work on-site rather than remotely. The Nebraska Association of Public Employees appealed the mandate to the Nebraska Supreme Court on December 2, 2025, with the union's legal arguments receiving limited engagement from justices, who focused questioning on whether the union should pay the state's attorney fees from a previous failed challenge. The Commission of Industrial Relations had previously dismissed the union's case, finding it frivolous and filed in bad faith, and ordered NAPE to pay attorney fees exceeding $24,000.

Governor Pillen floated a proposal during the summer to cut $500 million from the state budget in response to Nebraska's projected $471 million budget deficit. Lawmakers indicated they would consider multiple approaches to address the shortfall during the upcoming 60-day legislative session, including adjustments to appropriations, revenue changes, and utilization of cash funds. The mid-biennium adjustments from state agencies were reported to reduce the deficit figure to approximately $311 million.

Governor Pillen stated that the Tax Equity and Education Opportunities Support Act, or TEEOSA, the formula used to fund Nebraska schools, continues to fail Nebraskans following a $30.5 million miscalculation by the Department of Education that resulted in Omaha Public Schools receiving excess state aid for 2025-2026. Pillen previously pushed during a special legislative session for the state to fund all schools directly rather than through the existing formula. The School Financing Review Commission presented findings on potential modifications to the funding mechanism following months of review.

Gov. Pillen appointed Maureen Larsen to the permanent position of director of the Department of Economic Development on November 7, 2025, removing her interim designation. Larsen had served in the interim role since July 21, 2025, following the resignation of K.C. Belitz. Pillen stated that Larsen demonstrated strong leadership and a commitment to supporting the state's economic development efforts during her time in the interim position.

Governor Pillen announced during a news conference that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in McCook, Nebraska is officially operational with 50 to 60 detainees currently in custody. Pillen stated he expects the facility to reach 200 detainees by Thanksgiving as part of the first phase, with a second phase adding 100 additional beds expected to be completed in early 2026. The state contracted with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to operate the facility, which was formerly a prison, generating approximately 14 million dollars annually in revenue for Nebraska.

Pillen announced that Nebraska's "Cornhusker Clink" detention facility in McCook would begin accepting detainees during the week of November 3, 2025. The facility operates under a two-year contract between Nebraska and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to house Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees. Pillen made the announcement to reporters on Monday, November 3, 2025.

A Red Willow County judge denied a motion to dismiss a lawsuit challenging Governor Pillen's plan to convert the Work Ethic Camp in McCook into an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility. The judge also rejected a request for a temporary injunction to block the facility's operation while the lawsuit proceeds. Pillen stated that the ruling affirms the state's authority to enter into a contract with the Department of Homeland Security to operate the detention center, which he characterized as generating $14 million annually for Nebraska.

Pillen announced that Nebraska entered into a two-year contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to convert the Work Ethic Camp prison facility in McCook into a federal detention center designated as the "Cornhusker Clink." The contract establishes the McCook facility as a federal detention center operated under the agreement between the state and the Department of Homeland Security. The facility underwent modifications to accommodate its new role as a federal detention center under the terms of the agreement.

Governor Pillen announced plans to convert the McCook Work Ethic Camp into a facility for detaining migrants through a contract between the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services and the federal Department of Homeland Security. The 183-page contract, signed more than two weeks before being made public, outlines parameters for the state-run facility to begin operations by the beginning of the following month. Some state lawmakers have called for a public hearing in the Judiciary Committee to review the agreement, while the committee chair has indicated no hearing is necessary based on the contract's contents.

Pillen announced that Nebraska's ICE detention facility, to be located at the McCook Work Ethic Camp, is expected to become operational by November 1, 2025. The facility will be federally funded and state-run, with plans to expand capacity to hold up to 300 migrants. Pillen stated during a press conference in Norfolk that while some contractual details with the federal government remain unfinalized, the project is progressing toward the anticipated launch date.

Governor Pillen announced plans to convert the Work Ethic Camp, a state prison facility in McCook, Nebraska, into an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center. As of October 2025, the state prison had nearly completed the removal of its inmate population to facilitate the transition, with construction ongoing on facility modifications including an exterior fence. Several state lawmakers called for increased legislative involvement in the conversion process and requested a public hearing on the plans.

Pillen announced in August 2025 a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security to establish an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in McCook, Nebraska, designated as the "Cornhusker Clink," with an initial timeline of 45 days to operational status. The facility would convert the existing McCook Work Ethic Camp correctional facility to house approximately 300 low-level ICE detainees. As of October 2025, the project remained under development with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services indicating a 45 to 60 day timeline for readiness, with the inmate population at the existing Work Ethic Camp reduced from approximately 180 to just over 60 to accommodate the conversion.

Nebraska Governor Pillen named Doug Hohbein, who had served as interim state fire marshal since the resignation of Scott Cordes in March, to the position permanently, effective immediately. Hohbein has worked with the state fire marshal's office since 1984 and holds a degree in fire protection technology from Southeast Community College. According to a statement from Pillen's office, Hohbein has demonstrated commitment to public safety through his work on fire prevention, inspection, investigation, education, training, code enforcement, and related matters.

Governor Pillen announced on Monday that Nebraska will opt into a federal scholarship tax credit program that provides dollar-for-dollar tax credits for donations supporting private school tuition. The program allows families to receive what Pillen described as "extraordinary" and "transformative" tax credits for their donations. Pillen signed a proclamation at St. Teresa Catholic School in the presence of Representatives Adrian Smith and Mike Flood to formalize the state's participation in the federal school choice initiative.

Governor Pillen requested the resignation of two Nebraska Liquor Control commissioners, Kim Lowe and Bruce Bailey, on Monday following a tumultuous period for the state agency. The commission's former executive director, Hobert "Hobie" Rupe, had been suspended in May 2025 after federal law enforcement agents served a search warrant on the commission office. Pillen's office announced it would accept applications for appointments to the commission until October 16.

Governor Pillen rejected a rule change that former Nebraska Liquor Control Commission Director Hobert Rupe had proposed, which would have lifted a ban on touching employees in establishments with liquor licenses. Pillen characterized the proposal as having been "quietly pushed" by Rupe, who was suspended from his position in May and subsequently resigned in June. Rupe is currently facing federal corruption charges related to alleged actions at two Lincoln strip clubs.

Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services announced plans to replace state-contracted providers of foster care support services with state employees in a cost-cutting measure. The change would affect services currently provided to relative and kinship placements, which represent 55 percent of the state's foster care homes. Foster care providers expressed concern that the transition could disrupt services to children in state custody, particularly in Southeast Nebraska where more than half of out-of-home placements are served by contracted organizations.

Governor Pillen announced Nebraska would convert the Work Ethic Camp in McCook into an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility, referred to as the "Cornhusker Clink." One month after the announcement, the contract between the state and the Department of Homeland Security remained unsigned and ongoing, involving multiple state entities including the Attorney General's office and the Department of Corrections. According to Pillen's office, details would be released to the public once the contract is formalized, though no timeline for completion was provided.

Governor Pillen signed Executive Order 25-13 directing Nebraska's Property Tax Administrator to certify and distribute surplus funds from the Property Tax Credit Cash Fund and the School District Property Tax Credit Fund to taxpayers. The executive order was prompted by higher than expected casino gambling revenues and unused appropriations that caused these funds to grow beyond the amounts originally allocated by the Nebraska Legislature. The action made available an additional $20 million in property tax relief to Nebraska residents.

Governor Pillen announced $20 million in property tax relief for Nebraska property owners on Tuesday, funded through increased gambling revenue and unused cash in the state's Property Tax Credit Cash Fund and School District Property Tax Credit Fund. The announcement came as Pillen stated his continued commitment to addressing what he characterized as the property tax situation facing the state. The relief represents a distribution of funds from existing state revenue sources rather than new legislative action or policy changes.

Governor Pillen's administration reversed a decision to discontinue state funding for Nebraska's Everyday Drug Take Back Program following engagement with stakeholders and policy makers. The program, which allows Nebraskans to safely dispose of expired and unused medications at pharmacies, will now receive continued funding through June 30, 2026. The reversal restores $290,000 in annual state appropriations and enables the program to maintain operations while the legislature considers longer-term funding sources.

Governor Pillen's office declined an invitation to testify before the Nebraska Legislature's Urban Affairs Committee during a hearing on a proposed plan to convert the Work Ethic Camp in McCook into an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility, instead sending a letter characterizing the hearing as partisan. Pillen's administration argued that the committee lacked legal jurisdiction and oversight authority to examine the issues, stating that oversight responsibilities belonged to the Judiciary Committee through the Jail Standards Board. The hearing proceeded on September 12, 2025, with over 200 members of the public providing testimony while the governor's office and state agencies remained absent.

Governor Pillen approved emergency regulations from the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission on Thursday that limit cannabis cultivators in the state to four entities and cap flowering plants at 1,250 per cultivator, for a total of 5,000 plants statewide. Pillen had previously declined to sign an initial set of regulations and requested the commission implement plant cultivation limits to prevent excess production that could create an unregulated black market. The regulations take effect following Pillen's signature, though medical cannabis advocates contend the limits will severely constrain the supply chain for the estimated 20,000 eligible patients in Nebraska.

Governor Pillen approved emergency regulations drafted by the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission on Tuesday, September 10, 2025. The regulations established a limit of 1,250 flowering marijuana plants that licensed cultivators may grow, with four licensed cultivators permitted to grow a total of 10,000 plants annually. The plant limit represents a lower threshold than medical cannabis programs in other states.

On September 9, 2025, Governor Pillen signed revised emergency regulations for Nebraska's medical cannabis program established by the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission. The regulations impose a limit of 1,250 plants per cultivation facility with a maximum of four cultivators in the state, resulting in a total of 5,000 plants allowed to be grown. Pillen stated his requirement that plant limitations be included in any regulations he would sign to prevent excess cannabis production in the state.

Governor Pillen approved revised medical cannabis regulations from the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission in September 2025 after initially rejecting an earlier version. Pillen directed the commission to include a cap on the number of plants that cultivators could grow to prevent unregulated black-market supply. The regulations limit the state to four cultivator licenses and establish the regulatory framework for medical cannabis in Nebraska.

Governor Pillen issued a public statement characterizing the shooting death of political activist Charlie Kirk as devastating for free expression and liberty. Pillen stated that Kirk had demonstrated fearless engagement in debate and activism, including on Nebraska campuses, and that Kirk was engaged in such dialogue at the time of his death. Pillen called for all Nebraskans to pray for Kirk's family and condemned political violence in America.

The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission proposed a limit of 1,250 cannabis plants that up to four licensed cultivators in the state could grow at a time and submitted this proposal to Governor Pillen for approval. Pillen rejected the commission's proposed emergency regulations because they did not establish a limit for the number of plants, according to discussion at an emergency meeting on Monday. The commission subsequently adopted a second set of emergency regulations in advance of its original rules expiring at the end of the month.

Governor Pillen declined to sign the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission's drafted emergency regulations in a September 4th letter, requesting that the commission add limitations on the number of plants cultivators could grow. Pillen stated that without plant limits, an overabundance of cannabis could flood the market, while commission members expressed concern that restrictions would insufficient to serve an estimated 16,000 to 20,000 potential patients. The commission subsequently held an emergency meeting and voted to restrict facilities to 1,250 plants at a time in response to Pillen's conditions.

Governor Pillen announced the state would allow the Trump administration to use a state prison in McCook as an immigration detention center, a facility that would require the transfer of more than 180 inmates from the state's 200-bed Work Ethic Camp. The move addresses overcrowding in the state's prison system, which experienced a significant incident the previous month when a storm damaged housing units and forced corrections officials to relocate hundreds of inmates.

Governor Pillen requested a federal disaster declaration for twelve Nebraska counties affected by high winds and flash flooding during an August 9 thunderstorm. The declaration would enable the state to access federal funds to cover repair costs from the event, which caused an estimated 84 million dollars in damage. The twelve counties included in the request were Burt, Douglas, Fillmore, Lancaster, Nemaha, Nuckolls, Saline, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, Washington, and Webster.

Pillen announced plans to convert the McCook Work Ethic Camp into an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility, referred to as the Cornhusker Clink, with an expected opening in early October. The facility is designed to hold between 280 and 300 individuals undergoing immigration legal proceedings. Pillen stated he hoped to have the facility operational within 45 days of mid-August, though the conversion faced scrutiny from State Senator Terrell McKinney, who scheduled a hearing to examine building code compliance and capacity concerns.

Pillen signed LB530, a public safety bill, in August 2025, which increased speeding fines in Nebraska effective September 3, 2025. The bill raised fines for various speeding violations, ranging from $30 for driving 1-5 mph over the speed limit to $500 for driving 26 mph or more over the limit. The legislation also introduced new traffic rules requiring drivers to slow down and move over for all stopped vehicles and vulnerable road users on highway shoulders.

Pillen signed legislation designated LB 430 into law on June 4 that increased speeding fines in Nebraska effective September 3. The new penalty structure raises fines from $10 to $40 for speeds 1 to 5 miles per hour over the limit, $45 to $75 for 5 to 9 miles per hour over, $75 to $125 for 10 to 14 miles per hour over, $125 to $200 for 15 to 19 miles per hour over, $200 to $300 for 20 to 24 miles per hour over, and $300 to $500 for 25 miles per hour or more over the limit. The legislation also authorizes the Department of Transportation to reduce speed limits in certain conditions and doubles fines for violations occurring in maintenance, repair, or construction zones and school crossing zones.

In 2023, Pillen signed LB 243, which established a 3% annual cap on how much school districts in Nebraska could increase property tax requests. The Papillion La Vista Community School Board of Education voted unanimously to override this revenue cap, approving an increase beyond the 3% limit to fund new bus routes, a young adult transition program, and a new elementary school opening in fall 2025. The board stated it was attempting to reduce the overall tax levy while exceeding the cap to cover increased labor costs and federal funding losses.

Governor Pillen signed LB 530, an expansive public safety bill that includes reforms to the juvenile justice system, on Monday at the Douglas County Justice Center. The legislation, introduced by State Senator Kathleen Kauth, makes changes to provisions for motor vehicle homicide, controlled substance violations, GPS ankle monitor tampering, and speed limits during weather events, with a significant portion addressing the juvenile justice system. The bill grants judges the authority to detain juvenile offenders pending determination of appropriate interventions and outcomes.

Governor Pillen announced that Nebraska will permit the Trump administration to use a state prison facility in McCook as an immigration detention center. The announcement was made earlier in the week preceding a demonstration at the Governor's Mansion on Friday where protesters gathered to express concerns regarding the planned detention center. The facility would be operated in conjunction with federal immigration enforcement authorities.

Governor Pillen announced that McCook, Nebraska would serve as the location for a new immigration detention facility to be operated at a state correctional facility. The facility is designed to hold up to 300 individuals who entered the country illegally while they are processed through the federal court system, with existing state employees remaining in their positions. Sheriff Kevin Darling indicated that the minimum security facility would strengthen its perimeter with potential wall construction in the coming months.

Governor Pillen announced that Nebraska's Work Ethic Camp prison in McCook would be converted into a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility for migrants awaiting deportation. Pillen stated the facility would house detainees deemed threats to the community rather than individuals detained solely for entering the country illegally, and noted it would accommodate migrants who have entered over the past four years. Pillen characterized the conversion as necessary for community safety while distinguishing the facility's purpose from murder charges or drug-related offenses.

On Tuesday, Pillen's office announced that Nebraska will permit the Trump administration to use a state prison facility in McCook as an immigration detention center. The facility, which the Department of Homeland Security has designated for this purpose, will operate under a cooperative agreement between state and federal authorities. This decision makes Nebraska's correctional infrastructure available for federal immigration enforcement operations.

Pillen announced an agreement for a new U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility to be located at the McCook Work Ethic Camp in Nebraska. The facility was named the "Cornhusker Clink" by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln stated it had no role in the planning or naming of the facility and learned of it only through the federal announcement.

On Tuesday, Nebraska Gov. Pillen confirmed that the Trump administration will use the state prison in McCook, known as the Work Ethic Camp, as an immigration detention center. Pillen ordered 20 soldiers from the Nebraska National Guard to provide administrative and logistical support to Immigration and Customs Enforcement efforts in Nebraska. The state will allow up to six state troopers to assist ICE in arrest and deportation operations across Nebraska, with state employees continuing to staff the facility while receiving compensation through federal channels.

Pillen announced an agreement to establish a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility at the Work Ethic Camp in McCook, Nebraska, designated to hold individuals awaiting deportation and other immigration proceedings. The announcement prompted reactions from state and federal officials, with some expressing support for the facility's economic and security implications and others raising concerns about its implementation and effects on immigrant communities. Pillen's office characterized the facility as part of broader efforts to manage immigration enforcement in the state.

Governor Pillen announced an agreement on Tuesday to repurpose a Work Ethic Camp facility in McCook, Nebraska as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security. The facility will house up to 280 immigration detainees awaiting deportation and other immigration proceedings, with potential capacity expansion to 300 beds. The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services will operate the facility, which is expected to serve as a regional hub for ICE operations throughout the Midwest.

Pillen announced an agreement to convert the Work Ethic Camp in McCook, Nebraska into an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility with 280 additional detention beds for individuals awaiting deportation and immigration proceedings. Pillen issued an order directing the Nebraska National Guard to provide administrative and logistical support to ICE officials in enforcing immigration laws in coordination with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Nebraska State Patrol also announced its intent to sign an agreement authorizing state troopers to assist ICE in arrests related to immigration enforcement.

Governor Jim Pillen announced that Nebraska will allow the Trump administration to use the Work Ethic Camp, a state prison in McCook, as an immigration detention center. The state will transfer more than 180 inmates from the facility to accommodate U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations for detained immigrants awaiting deportation. Pillen also ordered 20 Nebraska National Guard soldiers to provide administrative and logistical support to ICE at multiple sites in the state.

Governor Pillen and state lawmakers created a commission tasked with recommending school funding reform and property tax relief, which convened for the first time in August 2025. Commission members discussed the need to diversify Nebraska's education funding sources and modify the state's 35-year-old funding formula that determines state education funding levels. The commission also examined the history of school funding policy, particularly the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act, as members sought to address concerns about property tax burdens and local control of school districts.

Governor Pillen spoke at the first meeting of the School Financing Review Commission, which was established through State Senator Jana Hughes' LB 303 to reform Nebraska's school funding formula known as TEEOSA. Pillen stated that the commission's work is important for developing a funding mechanism that would enable transformative tax policy change in the state. The commission, consisting of 18 members including state leaders and educators, held its inaugural meeting in Lincoln to discuss property tax burden and school funding reform ahead of the January legislative session.

Governor Pillen issued a statement indicating that Nebraska is in communication with federal officials regarding potential assistance with immigration enforcement efforts, specifically in response to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's consideration of opening a state-run immigration detention facility in Nebraska modeled after the Alligator Alcatraz facility in Florida. Pillen stated that it was premature to comment on potential detention operations at that time. Pillen indicated he would release additional details at an appropriate future time.

Governor Pillen stated that property taxpayers in Nebraska will be making property tax payments that are on average 25 percent lower than the previous year as of August 1, 2025. Pillen has prioritized property tax relief as a focus of his administration, calling for transformative change and reduced spending at all levels of government to address what he characterized as a crisis. The statement came as a deadline approached for property tax payments in Douglas, Sarpy, and Lancaster counties, with farmers and homeowners reporting concerns about the relationship between land valuations and tax obligations.

Nebraska human services officials announced on Friday that Medicaid payment rates for applied behavior analysis therapy for children with autism will be reduced effective August 1, 2025. State officials stated the reductions are necessary to maintain sustainability and align Nebraska's rates with those in other states. The rate cuts have prompted objections from parent advocacy groups.

Pillen announced a goal to reduce the state budget by $500 million by 2026 and signed multiple bills on Wednesday intended to improve government efficiency. The bills signed included LB 346, which eliminates boards and commissions that no longer serve their intended purposes such as the Potato Board, and LB 376, which removes outdated reporting requirements from the Department of Health and Human Services. The $500 million reduction represents approximately 10 percent of Nebraska's annual budget.

Nebraska Governor Pillen announced a lawsuit filed in the U.S. Supreme Court against Colorado regarding water rights disputes centered on the South Platte River and the planned Perkins County Canal project. Pillen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers stated that Colorado has obstructed the canal project and prevented Nebraska's access to water in violation of a 1923 interstate water compact between the two states. The state has allocated approximately $700 million for the Perkins County Canal project, which Pillen stated would provide water for agricultural irrigation in western Nebraska and supplemental water supply for Lincoln.

Nebraska Gov. Pillen announced plans to seek a 10 percent reduction to the state's general fund budget for 2026, representing the largest budget cut since at least 1982. Pillen requested that leaders of Nebraska's code agencies identify savings opportunities equivalent to 10 percent reductions ahead of the legislative session. Cabinet members acknowledged that the proposed cuts could result in job losses among state employees and reductions to state services.

Pillen announced plans to seek approximately $500 million in state budget cuts for 2026, representing the largest reduction to Nebraska's budget since at least 1982. The proposed cuts could result in job losses among state employees. Pillen will present these budget reduction proposals to the state legislature in the coming year.

Nebraska filed a lawsuit against Colorado in the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday, accusing Colorado of violating the 1923 South Platte River Compact by diverting approximately 540.6 billion gallons of water that should flow to Nebraska and blocking Nebraska's construction of a canal authorized under the compact. The complaint, filed by Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, alleged that Colorado's actions threaten to drastically curtail Nebraska's access to water from the river system that runs from the Rocky Mountains into and through Nebraska. Under the compact, Colorado agreed to allow 120 cubic feet per second of water to pass into Nebraska during irrigation season, and the compact authorized the construction of a canal to capture at least 500 cubic feet per second during non-irrigation months.

Pillen joined federal officials in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday at the Department of Agriculture to announce the National Farm Security Action Plan, which aims to ban sales of farmland to Chinese nationals and other foreign adversaries. The plan includes steps to strengthen enforcement and penalties under federal laws requiring disclosure of farmland ownership while classifying agricultural infrastructure as key to national security. The initiative also calls for reevaluation of USDA funding and programs through an "America First" lens to address foreign threats to American agriculture.

Governor Pillen directed Nebraska's urban search-and-rescue task force, a 34-member team including two canine units, to San Antonio, Texas to assist with flood recovery efforts following severe flooding in central Texas that killed at least 80 people over the Fourth of July weekend. The team was scheduled to arrive in San Antonio on Tuesday morning and planned to spend 14 days conducting search-and-rescue operations in flooded areas using boats, vehicles, and specialized equipment. Pillen stated that Nebraska was prepared to assist given the seriousness of the situation and that the deployed team possessed training necessary for disaster response operations.

Governor Pillen approved Legislative Bill 1640 in May 2024, requiring Nebraska school boards to adopt policies banning the use of cellphones and other personal electronic devices in classrooms during school instruction by the start of the 2024-2025 school year. The law received bipartisan support in the Legislature and aligns with cellphone restriction policies already in place at several local school districts including Lincoln Public Schools, Waverly District 145, Norris Public Schools, and Raymond Central Public Schools. School officials in the Lincoln area indicated the new requirement would have minimal impact on their existing practices regarding personal device use during instructional time.

Pillen signed an emergency proclamation on Friday authorizing the Nebraska National Guard and state law enforcement resources to respond to planned protests scheduled across Nebraska cities on Saturday. The activation was issued in anticipation of demonstrations occurring on the same day as a military parade in Washington, D.C., marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. The proclamation specified that Guard and law enforcement personnel could mobilize should any demonstrations escalate, threaten people, or endanger property.

Governor Pillen issued an emergency proclamation on June 16, 2025, authorizing activation of the Nebraska National Guard and deployment of additional state law enforcement resources in response to planned protests occurring across the country that weekend. The proclamation shortened the typical 12- to 24-hour activation window to enable faster deployment of troops and state troopers to standby status, particularly in the area surrounding the Men's College World Series in Omaha. Pillen stated the measure was precautionary in reaction to civil unrest occurring in other cities and aimed to protect life, health, and property while allowing free speech.

During protests at the College World Series in response to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid in the Omaha metropolitan area, Governor Pillen issued an emergency proclamation. The proclamation authorized the deployment of the Nebraska National Guard and other state law enforcement resources for additional protests scheduled for the following weekend. The measure was issued to provide law enforcement capacity in the event that subsequent protests became violent or disorderly.

Governor Pillen signed an emergency proclamation on Friday authorizing the Nebraska National Guard and state law enforcement to respond to planned protests scheduled across Nebraska over the weekend, including demonstrations in Lincoln and other cities. The proclamation allows the Guard to activate quickly should any demonstrations escalate, threaten people, or damage property. Pillen's office stated that National Guard and State Patrol troops would be prepared to assist in civil disturbance situations and would work to secure the College World Series, which began Friday.

Governor Pillen announced he would not issue additional vetoes during the 2025 legislative session, allowing remaining bills to become law without objection. Pillen praised lawmakers for passing a balanced budget package that invested in education, property tax relief, and state safety while maintaining approximately $4 million in reserves and a $675 million rainy day fund. The governor also highlighted passage of Legislative Bill 383 addressing child safety on social media, Legislative Bill 140 restricting cell phone use in schools, and measures addressing school sports participation, laboratory-created meat, and water quality.

Nebraska lawmakers advanced Legislative Bill 707 in second-round approval, which modifies the state's Good Life District law enacted in 2023. The bill includes amendments that prevent eminent domain use within districts, define new-to-market businesses as those not located within 40 miles of a project, limit tax incentives to retail and entertainment businesses, and restrict future eligibility to private developers, though existing city-owned projects like Bellevue's water park remain eligible. The changes address provisions in the original law that Senator Brad von Gillern identified as potential loopholes that could be exploited in ways detrimental to the state.

In May 2025, Pillen announced that he was withdrawing four line-item vetoes he had issued against the state's biennial budget after the Nebraska Legislature rejected those vetoes the previous week. Pillen stated that while he continued to disagree with the Legislature's rejection, he was backing down from further pursuit of the veto fight. The governor's decision followed consultation with the Nebraska Attorney General's office regarding the constitutional implications of the dispute.

Governor Pillen withdrew line-item vetoes on four items in Nebraska's $11.1 billion state budget following a dispute with the Legislature over whether his office properly filed the vetoes. The Governor had signed the budget bills on May 21 and submitted his objections to the Legislature on May 22. Pillen, Speaker John Arch, and Secretary of State Bob Evnen jointly agreed to withdraw the vetoes and resolve the constitutional disagreement between the executive and legislative branches.

Governor Pillen nominated Lorelle Mueting to the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission, a position the General Affairs Committee advanced to the full Legislature on a 5-3 vote on Tuesday. Mueting, a drug prevention specialist with Heartland Family Services, joins Dr. Monica Oldenburg, an anesthesiologist from Lincoln whose appointment was advanced by the committee the previous week. If approved by the full Legislature with 25 votes, both appointees will join three members of the Liquor Control Commission as regulators of Nebraska's medical cannabis system for six-year terms.

Governor Pillen made two appointments to the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission, and a panel of Nebraska lawmakers voted to recommend the Legislature approve one of the two nominees at a Thursday executive session. The General Affairs Committee voted five to two in favor of recommending anesthesiologist Monica Oldenburg, with one member abstaining and one member not voting, while splitting three to three on drug prevention specialist Lorelle Mueting, resulting in no committee recommendation for that appointment. Lawmakers will vote on the two appointments during the following week.

Governor Jim Pillen vetoed Legislative Bill 1066 on Tuesday, which had passed the Nebraska Legislature the previous week with a 45-4 vote and was prioritized by the Urban Affairs Committee. The bill would have granted the City of Omaha ordinance power to regulate any housing authority and required the Omaha Housing Authority to conduct inspections, disclose infestations to prospective tenants, and promptly address reported bed bugs. Pillen stated in his veto letter that the bill created redundant government mandates and argued that local governments already possess the authority to enforce basic sanitation and anti-infestation standards for dwellings within their jurisdictions.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen vetoed Legislative Bill 287, which had passed the state legislature with 34 votes and was designed to require housing authorities to follow state law regarding bed bug inspections, prevention, and treatment. In his veto letter, Pillen stated that the bill would create redundant oversight of the Omaha Housing Authority, which he indicated is already subject to extensive inspections. State Senator Terrell McKinney, who introduced the bill in response to documented bed bug infestations at Omaha Housing Authority facilities, subsequently filed a motion to override the veto.

Governor Pillen vetoed Legislative Bill 967 on May 21, 2025, which had passed the Nebraska Legislature with a 35-14 vote and would have granted the City of Omaha the power to regulate the Omaha Housing Authority through ordinance. The bill would have required the Omaha Housing Authority to conduct inspections, disclose infestations to prospective tenants, and promptly address reported bedbugs. Pillen stated in his veto message that the bill created unnecessary duplicative government mandates where none were needed.

Governor Pillen vetoed Legislative Bill 319, which would have expanded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program eligibility for certain individuals with drug-related felony convictions. The Nebraska Legislature's attempt to override Pillen's veto failed on May 19, 2025, when the motion received 24 votes in a 24-24 tie, falling six votes short of the 30 required to succeed.

Governor Pillen sought a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in April 2025 to restrict Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients in Nebraska from purchasing sugar-sweetened beverages and energy drinks. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins signed the waiver on Monday at an event near Valparaiso, making Nebraska the first state to implement such a restriction under the federal food assistance program. The exemption is set to begin as a two-year pilot program on January 1, and affects approximately 136,000 Nebraskans across 54,000 low-income households.

Governor Pillen appointed Lorelle Mueting, an employee of Heartland Family Services, and Dr. Monica Oldenburg, an anesthesiologist, to the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission. The appointments were announced as the legislature prepared to debate LB 677, a revised medical cannabis regulations bill. Both appointees have previously testified against medical marijuana legalization measures in legislative hearings.

Governor Pillen vetoed Legislative Bill 1019, which would have eliminated a state ban prohibiting individuals convicted of certain felony drug crimes from receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. The bill would have allowed such individuals to regain SNAP eligibility immediately upon release from prison or jail. Nebraska lawmakers scheduled a veto override vote for Monday, marking a rare challenge to Pillen's gubernatorial authority.

Nebraska lawmakers passed a two-year budget totaling $11.1 billion in general fund spending on the 80th day of the legislative session and sent it to Governor Pillen for consideration. The budget represents a less than one percent increase from the previous budget and includes $214 million transferred from agency cash funds and $147 million from the state's rainy day fund to balance spending amid federal Medicaid cuts and revenue shortfalls. Pillen has five days to decide whether to sign or veto the budget.

The Nebraska Legislature passed a balanced budget totaling approximately $11.1 billion in general fund spending for the next two fiscal years on Thursday, sending the measure to Governor Jim Pillen's desk for signature. The approved plan proposes a 0.8 percent increase to state expenses over the next biennium, which begins July 1, 2025, and addresses a projected deficit that at one point reached $342 million while leaving approximately $2.5 million in carryover by the end of the budget cycle. Pillen stated in a news release that the budget puts money toward education, property tax relief, elimination of the developmental disability waitlist, and strengthening national nuclear security.

Pillen vetoed Legislative Bill 309, which would have removed an exemption preventing individuals formerly incarcerated for drug distribution or drug possession felonies from receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds. The bill had received approval from 24 lawmakers on Wednesday and would have required 30 votes to override the veto. The veto was issued on Wednesday night as the Legislature prepared to conclude its session.

Pillen vetoed LB 319, legislation passed by the Nebraska Legislature that would have expanded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program eligibility to individuals convicted of drug-related felonies who had completed their sentences or were on parole or probation. According to Pillen's veto letter, the bill would have removed substance abuse treatment requirements for individuals with one or two felony convictions and contained loopholes allowing those with three or more convictions to avoid treatment requirements. The bill, which received 32 votes when passed, returns to the Legislature for possible override consideration.

On May 14, 2025, Governor Pillen vetoed Legislative Bill 1019, which would have eliminated Nebraska's prohibition on individuals convicted of felony drug offenses from receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. The bill, introduced by Senator Victor Rountree of Bellevue, would have restored SNAP eligibility to an estimated 1,000 households currently ineligible under a 2008 state law. Pillen returned the unsigned bill to the Legislature on Wednesday evening.

A Nebraska bill that would have limited minimum wage increases failed to advance through the Legislature when Senator Tony Sorrentino missed a decisive vote on May 14, 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jane Raybould, would have replaced automatic cost-of-living increases to Nebraska's minimum wage with a fixed annual increase of 1.5 percent beginning in 2026, and would have allowed businesses to pay workers under 16 a wage below the minimum. Governor Jim Pillen had supported the legislation.

Legislative Bill 1314 advanced through the Nebraska Legislature on a 22-14 vote in the second round of floor debate, with the measure designed to modify provisions of Initiative 435 that Nebraska voters approved in November 2024. Initiative 435 requires employers with fewer than 20 workers to provide at least five days of paid sick leave annually, or one hour per 30 hours worked, while employers with 20 or more workers must offer at least seven days per year. The bill proceeded toward Governor Pillen's desk following the conclusion of debate, despite a compromise amendment being withdrawn in the final moments before the vote.

Nebraska Gov. Pillen announced nearly a year prior that the state would construct a new $350 million prison facility north of Lincoln, and state officials formally broke ground at the site on Wednesday. The new prison complex, designed by Omaha-based engineering firm DLR Group at a cost of $220.2 million, will replace the 1884-year-old Nebraska State Penitentiary in south Lincoln and include two compounds for maximum and medium-security inmates and another for minimum-security housing. The facility is designed to emphasize natural light and acoustics throughout the structure.

Nebraska state lawmakers advanced Legislative Bill 264, which passed 34-6 on Wednesday and transfers $142 million from 49 cash funds and $132 million from the state's rainy day fund. Governor Pillen stated that the measure represents progress in balancing the state's two-year budget, characterizing state government as being in good financial shape and noting the legislature's willingness to exercise fiscal discipline. The bill comprises one of two major budget components that received first-round approval as part of the state's broader effort to achieve a balanced budget.

The Nebraska Legislature approved the state's two-year budget on first reading, which included a marginal increase in state support to the University of Nebraska system. University of Nebraska President Jeffrey Gold stated in a letter to lawmakers that for every dollar reduced from state appropriations, the university would need to raise tuition by at least two dollars to compensate for the loss of funding. Gold indicated the funding level approved by the Legislature, combined with federal budget cuts, could result in a "stark" reality for the university's continued operations.

Gov. Pillen signed Legislative Bill 1015 on Wednesday, which merged the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environment and Energy into a new Department of Water, Energy and Environment. Pillen stated the merger was designed to streamline government operations and improve collaboration between government planning and investments in water infrastructure. Pillen pledged to advocate for a $600 million canal project, characterizing water resources as critical to the state's future.

Nebraska's chief operating officer Lee Will announced that the state is reviewing all commercial real estate leases following an audit by State Auditor Mike Foley that identified a $6 million increase in state spending on privately owned office space over five years. Will stated the review would examine whether current lease costs are justified and whether the state could reduce expenses on some of its higher-dollar leases in coming years. The review was initiated in response to Foley's findings regarding the spike in office space rental expenditures under the current administration.

A bill to provide tax incentives for military defense industry employers to relocate to Nebraska advanced in the Legislature and requires one additional round of approval for adoption. The legislation would offer up to 15 wage credits for military defense employers with at least 10 employees earning 1.5 times the state average hourly wage, with credits capped at $4 million annually and $40 million over a decade. Governor Pillen supported the bill proposed on his behalf by State Senator Brad von Gillern of the Omaha area and prioritized by State Senator Rita Sanders of Bellevue.

Nebraska lawmakers voted 43-12 on Thursday to approve Governor Pillen's proposal to merge the Department of Environment and Energy with the Department of Natural Resources into a single agency. The bill, introduced by Senator Tom Brandt of Plymouth and designated LB 341, includes an emergency clause that makes it effective the day after the governor signs it. Pillen stated the merger would create efficiencies and assist the state in safeguarding water quality and quantity for future generations.

Governor Pillen petitioned the U.S. Small Business Administration to designate six Nebraska counties as HUBZone counties for 2025, which the SBA subsequently approved. The designated counties are Box Butte, Dodge, Frontier, Howard, Knox, and Sherman. The HUBZone program designates historically underutilized business zones in rural regions with populations of 50,000 or less and unemployment rates at least 120 percent of the national or state average, whichever is lower.

Governor Pillen released a statement responding to State Auditor Mike Foley's letter to lawmakers regarding $1.5 billion in corporate tax breaks that will be claimed over the next four years as the state faces a $289 million budget shortfall. Pillen stated that he believes Nebraska's tax incentive strategy should be refocused to be more people-focused and less company-focused, and indicated he was not supportive of the incentives when they were originally enacted. Pillen said he appreciates Foley's highlighting of the issue, which coincides with planned reductions in the state's top income and corporate tax rates to below 4 percent by 2027.

Governor Pillen announced the Nebraska Rural Veterinary Grant Program on Monday, which will provide $140,000 in state funds to recent veterinary school graduates who choose to live and work in clinics across the Cornhusker State. The program is open to both Nebraska-born veterinarians and those from outside the state and addresses a shortage of food animal practitioners capable of treating meat and dairy cattle, swine, and other livestock. Pillen stated the initiative will distribute $2 million total to up to 15 recent graduates of veterinary programs to help address extended wait times for food animal medical services throughout Nebraska.

On Friday, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents unanimously approved a collective bargaining agreement with the American Association of University Professors at the University of Nebraska at Omaha for the 2024-2026 biennium. Eligible UNO faculty members will receive salary increases of 5.8 percent for the 2024-2025 academic year and 5.7 percent for 2025-2026, representing the largest pay increase at the university's metropolitan campus in nearly a quarter century. Faculty at the University of Nebraska at Kearney will also see their pay increase by 5 percent in the coming year and 3 percent in the following year.

Pillen appointed Patricia A. Freeman of Papillion to the Nebraska Court of Appeals for the 4th Judicial District, which covers portions of Douglas and Sarpy Counties. Freeman had served as a county court judge for seven years and previously held roles in the Sarpy County Attorney's Office, including as chief deputy, while also serving as adjunct faculty at Creighton University School of Law. Freeman will fill the position vacated by Judge David Arterburn, who is retiring at the end of June.

Nebraska Governor Pillen positioned legislation known as the Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act, introduced by State Senator Carolyn Bosn on his behalf, as a legislative priority for the 2025 session. The bill advanced in the Legislature and includes provisions to limit data tracking of children, restrict manipulative advertising, prevent compulsive usage features, and grant parents monitoring and management capabilities over their children's accounts. Pillen framed the legislation as demonstrating political will to protect Nebraska children's online safety.

Nebraska lawmakers voted 24-5 on first reading in April 2025 to advance Senator Victor Rountree's bill eliminating the state's ban on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for individuals convicted of drug felonies. Under current Nebraska law since 2008, residents convicted of selling drugs or possessing them with intent to sell are barred from receiving federal food assistance. The proposal would restore SNAP eligibility for individuals released from prison or jail, though those convicted of drug possession multiple times would remain eligible only if participating in an accredited drug treatment program.

Nebraska Governor Pillen included Legislative Bill 504, the Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act, as part of his top legislative priorities for the 2025 session. The bill, introduced by State Senator Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln on behalf of the Governor, advanced in the Legislature and includes provisions to limit data tracking of children, restrict manipulative advertising, prevent compulsive use features, and allow parents to monitor and manage their child's account settings. The measure requires social media platforms to remove features such as infinite scroll and push notifications during school hours and sleeping hours for minor users.

Governor Pillen backed legislation to restore Nebraska's winner-take-all electoral vote allocation system, which would award all five of the state's electoral votes to the statewide popular vote winner rather than the current system that allocates two votes by congressional district. In a statement, Pillen specifically referenced State Senator Merv Riepe's previous support for similar measures and his pledge to restore winner-take-all in a special session before the 2024 election, calling on Riepe to maintain that position. Riepe announced he would vote against the winner-take-all bill, citing changed circumstances and stating that his previous concerns about the 2024 presidential election no longer applied.

Governor Pillen, along with other Nebraska state officials, requested federal authorization to exclude sugar-sweetened beverages and energy drinks from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in Nebraska. The request was submitted in a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture and announced at a news conference where Pillen stated the change was intended to direct families toward healthier purchases and protect Nebraska's children. State health officials cited connections between sugary and caffeinated drinks and diabetes, tooth decay, obesity, and behavioral issues in children.

Governor Pillen requested on Monday that the federal government allow Nebraska to bar Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients from purchasing soda and energy drinks using SNAP benefits. The request was made during a news conference alongside medical professionals and state officials as part of what Pillen characterized as a health initiative. Nebraska would become the second state in the United States to seek such an exemption, following a similar request made by the federal government's health secretary.

Governor Pillen advanced legislation to merge the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environment and Energy into a new Department of Water, Energy and Environment, with the bill introduced by Senator Tom Brandt on the governor's behalf. The measure advanced through its first round of legislative floor debates on April 4, 2025, despite some senators expressing skepticism about the proposed benefits. According to Brandt, the merger was intended to streamline processes, improve coordination on water planning and infrastructure projects, and unify various administrative functions across the two departments.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen backed legislation titled the "Parental Rights in Social Media Act" that would require children to obtain parental permission before using social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Tanya Storer of Whitman and advanced by the Judiciary Committee in April 2025, would also require social media platforms to provide parents with tools to monitor and manage their children's account activity. The measure addresses concerns about youth addiction to social media and mental health issues associated with online platform use.

Pillen signed legislation expanding Nebraska's Safe Haven Law, which took effect on July 19, 2024, allowing infants up to 90 days old to be surrendered anonymously to employees at hospitals, fire stations, law enforcement agencies, or emergency care providers without legal prosecution. The expansion protects individuals from prosecution based solely on the act of surrendering a baby under the law. The first baby was surrendered under the expanded law in northeastern Nebraska, and the Department of Health and Human Services took the healthy infant into state care.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen backed Legislative Bill 1074, titled the "Parental Rights in Social Media Act," which was introduced in the 2025 legislative session by State Senator Tanya Storer of Whitman. The bill would require parental permission for children to use social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, and would mandate that platforms provide parents with monitoring and account management tools. The measure advanced through the Judiciary Committee and was scheduled for debate in the Legislature.

Governor Pillen advanced legislation to merge the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environment and Energy into a new Department of Water, Energy and Environment. The bill, introduced by State Senator Tom Brandt on behalf of Pillen, passed its first round of legislative floor debates on Wednesday. According to Pillen, the merger would enhance water quantity and quality management, improve educational efforts, streamline permitting processes, and increase collaboration between water planning and state investments in water infrastructure projects.

The Nebraska Legislature's Appropriations Committee delayed a vote on state funding for the University of Nebraska system for the third consecutive day, as disagreement persisted between Governor Jim Pillen and university officials over the amount of state aid to allocate in the upcoming biennial budget. Pillen's original budget proposal recommended a 2.05 percent cut to general fund dollars for the university, equivalent to approximately $16.8 million, while University of Nebraska President Jeffrey Gold requested a 3.4 percent increase in state funding for each of the next two years. The committee's repeated postponement reflected the unresolved dispute between the governor's office and university leadership regarding the appropriate level of state appropriations.

Governor Pillen recommended a $14.3 million cut to the University of Nebraska's budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The Legislature's Appropriations Committee reversed course on this recommendation after the university reported approximately $178 million in lost federal funding. Instead of implementing cuts, the committee voted to increase NU's state appropriations by 1.25% for the upcoming fiscal year.

Governor Pillen introduced LB 246, a bill that prohibits the manufacturing, distribution, and sales of cultivated-protein food products in Nebraska under the Nebraska Pure Food Act. The Nebraska State Senate advanced the measure on a 33 to 4 vote in first-round consideration. Pillen stated that the legislation protects the state's livestock industry and agricultural producers from what he characterized as a competing product category.

Governor Pillen attended the White House as President Donald Trump signed an executive order to eliminate the Federal Department of Education and stated that Nebraska would continue receiving approximately $290 million annually in federal education funding without federal mandates under the new arrangement. Pillen characterized the executive order as beneficial for students and teachers, asserting that funds would be utilized more effectively when controlled at the state level rather than through federal requirements. Nebraska State Education Association President Tim Royers expressed concern that the elimination of the department would result in reduced protections for students requiring additional support and the loss of federal funding for teacher scholarship programs.

Governor Pillen attended the signing of President Trump's executive order in Washington, D.C., which directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin minimizing the Department of Education. Pillen stated that increasing local influence and restoring decision-making to schools and families nearest students represents the best approach to supporting education. The executive order initiates a process toward dismantling the department, though completely eliminating it would require an act of Congress, and the White House clarified that student loan services and funding for students with disabilities and low-income districts would remain unaffected.

State Senator Teresa Ibach of Sumner placed a hold on Legislative Bill 301, which would have authorized legal immigrants and other individuals to receive law enforcement training and certification from the federal government. Ibach's decision followed a Trump executive order that raised questions about federal funding to Nebraska if the bill became law. The measure had been scheduled for a public hearing before the Judiciary Committee.

Governor Pillen attended the White House signing ceremony on Thursday when President Trump signed an executive order calling for the shutdown of the U.S. Department of Education. Pillen stated that the department's dismantling represents the best outcome for schools and families, characterizing the action as beneficial to educational entities in Nebraska. The executive order would require congressional action to fully dismantle the department, which has operated for approximately 44 years.

The Nebraska Legislature passed Legislative Bill 244 on March 10, 2025, which defines drivers for app-based ride-share and food delivery platforms including Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash as independent contractors rather than employees. The bill was sent to Governor Jim Pillen for consideration after lawmakers voted to overcome a Democratic filibuster. The legislation codifies into state law the independent contractor status that ride-share drivers already hold in Nebraska under current practice.

Nebraska lawmakers passed a bill on March 10, 2025, that would define app-based ride-share and food delivery drivers for companies including Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash as independent contractors under state law. The legislation, introduced at the request of ride-share company representatives by Senator Bob Hallstrom of Syracuse, advanced with support from 24 Republican lawmakers and one Democrat, Senator Jane Raybould, while 14 Democrats and one nonpartisan senator voted against it. The bill was sent to Governor Pillen's desk on March 10, 2025.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen announced plans to eliminate the state's waiting list for individuals seeking intellectual and developmental disability services, and state officials reported reducing the list by nearly two-thirds to approximately 860 individuals as of mid-January, down from just over 2,400 at the time of the announcement. The state implemented a new approach to reimagine how services are offered to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Nebraska while reducing taxpayer costs. State officials expected to eliminate the remaining waiting list by July, three months ahead of schedule.

Nebraska lawmakers unanimously advanced a bill introduced at Governor Jim Pillen's request that would require every school board in the state to ban the use of cellphones and other electronic devices in classrooms. The Legislature voted 44-3 to send the bill to the second of three rounds of debate. The legislation was presented as part of Pillen's broader policy agenda addressing the effects of social media on adolescents.

Nebraska lawmakers advanced a social media regulation proposal sponsored by Governor Pillen as part of his policy agenda to reduce online harm to youth. The bill, which received first-round approval with a 38-0 vote on Tuesday, would require social media companies to consider harm prevention and mitigation when designing platform features such as push notifications and infinite scroll functionality. Lawmakers debated the proposal across two days, with some raising constitutional concerns while committing to work with the bill's sponsor to address potential issues.

Governor Pillen introduced LB504 through Senator Carolyn Bosn, legislation designed to regulate technology companies' use of algorithms and design features that target children. The bill would prohibit companies from using algorithms to track children's data for targeted advertising and ban design features such as infinite scrolling that research suggests can lead to compulsive use. During legislative debate on February 26, 2025, lawmakers raised concerns about the bill's constitutional implications and the extent of authority granted to the state Attorney General in implementing and enforcing the regulations.

Governor Pillen proposed a 2% budget cut to the University of Nebraska totaling approximately $14 million, in contrast to the university's request for a 3.5% increase in state funding. Pillen additionally proposed eliminating approximately $11 million in tobacco settlement funds designated for biomedical research. University leadership testified before the Legislature's Appropriations Committee that these reductions, combined with potential federal funding cuts, could total around $100 million and would necessitate significant institutional adjustments.

Governor Pillen introduced LB504 in the Nebraska Legislature, a bill designed to restrict social media design features targeting children, including infinite scrolling, push notifications, and targeted advertising to users under age 18. The legislation aims to prevent compulsive use and associated psychological harms such as anxiety and depression by prohibiting these features. Senators raised concerns during the bill's discussion, with some questioning whether the proposal's enforcement mechanism granting the attorney general authority to determine harm could create First Amendment complications.

Governor Pillen introduced LB664 in the Nebraska Legislature, a bill requiring individuals working as agents for foreign countries, including public relations representatives, to register with the state Attorney General. The proposal aims to expose and control the influence of China and other foreign nations on Nebraska through enhanced registration and penalty provisions. A public hearing on the measure was held before the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee on Wednesday.

Governor Pillen ordered all state agencies to comply with the federal immigration enforcement crackdown implemented by the Trump administration shortly after its initiation. The directive followed Trump's order to the Department of Justice declaring that Immigration and Customs Enforcement would no longer respect the tradition of treating churches as sanctuary spaces. Faith leaders in Nebraska, including Pastor Juan Carlos Huertas, subsequently organized educational events and advocacy efforts in response to the increased immigration enforcement activities.

Governor Pillen requested that Senator Barry DeKay introduce LB246, legislation to ban the manufacturing, sale, and distribution of cultured protein products in Nebraska. The bill was presented to the Nebraska Legislature's Agriculture Committee in February 2025 and would prohibit lab-grown meat sales while allowing plant-based protein alternatives. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director testified in support of the measure, citing concerns about environmental impacts and the need to protect Nebraska's beef production industry.

Governor Pillen testified in favor of LB317, legislation that would combine the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy into a single agency called the Department of Water, Energy and Environment. The bill was introduced by Natural Resources Committee chair Senator Tom Brandt and would take effect upon Pillen's signature if passed by the Legislature. According to state budget officials, the merger would incur a one-time cost of $100,000 with potential spending reductions expected in the 2028-2029 budget biennium.

Gov. Pillen requested legislation designated LB526, which was introduced to the Nebraska Legislature's Revenue Committee by Sen. Mike Jacobson on February 12, 2025. The bill would impose an excise tax of one cent per kilowatt hour on electricity consumed by cryptocurrency mining operations in Nebraska. The Revenue Committee considered the measure, which proponents stated would preserve electrical power for other industries while opponents argued it could cause tech companies to relocate from the state.

Governor Pillen named Jesse Bradley as interim director of the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy on Wednesday. Bradley, who currently serves as interim director for the Department of Natural Resources, will continue in that role as Pillen pursues a plan to merge the two state agencies during the current year. The Legislature's Natural Resources Committee is scheduled to hear a bill introduced by Senator Tom Brandt on Thursday afternoon to create the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen announced the appointment of Jesse Bradley as interim director of the Department of Environment and Energy, effective immediately, while Bradley continues his concurrent role as interim director of the Department of Natural Resources. Bradley, a professional geologist with experience in water management and nitrogen reduction incentive implementation, was initially appointed as interim DNR director in 2020 and reappointed in August 2024. Pillen stated that Bradley will oversee both departments during the potential consolidation outlined in LB317, which would combine DNR and DEE into the Department of Water, Energy and Environment if passed by the legislature.

Governor Pillen backed legislation introduced by Senator Jana Hughes of Seward designated as LB303, which would modify the long-standing formula for allocating state aid to public schools in Nebraska. The proposal would increase per-student state funding from $1,400 to $1,480 and would inject an additional $112.8 million in state dollars into public schools over two years. The bill would also reduce the maximum property tax rate that local school districts could levy by 3 cents per $100 of taxable property valuation.

Governor Pillen introduced LB303 through Senator Jana Hughes, which would lower the top property tax rate schools can charge from $1.05 to $1.02.5 cents per hundred dollars of valuation and increase per pupil foundation aid from $1,500 to $1,590 annually. The bill would provide approximately $62 million in additional state aid to schools to offset property tax increases resulting from rising property valuations. The proposal was presented to the Legislature's Education Committee as a modest adjustment while a new commission would study and recommend larger school funding changes for future legislative sessions.

Governor Pillen announced a bill to ban the production and sale of cultivated-protein food products during the current legislative session, stating the measure was necessary to protect Nebraska's farmers and ranchers as a critical component of the state's economy. The bill was introduced by Senator Barry DeKay of Niobrara and designated as a priority by Pillen. Some agricultural organizations, including the Nebraska Farm Bureau and Nebraska Cattlemen, stated they supported clear labeling requirements instead of a production and sales ban, and the measure's passage remained uncertain.

Nebraska's former environmental director was appointed by President Donald Trump to head the Environmental Protection Agency's Region 7 office, which covers Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri, the agency announced on Thursday. Macy had served as director of the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy for nine years after being appointed by Governor Pete Ricketts in 2014, and also served as interim director of the Nebraska Department of Energy before leading the merger of the two state agencies in 2018. EPA officials stated that Macy would lead the implementation of the president's environmental agenda in the four-state region.

The Nebraska Legislature advanced legislation during first-round voting to reinstate the state's Prescription Drug Donation Act following a federal rule change that had suspended the program. The bill, introduced by State Senator Jana Hughes and designated LB10, would exempt Nebraska's donation program from a 2015 federal Drug Supply Chain and Security Act requirement that manufacturers track prescription medications. The program allows unopened medications to be stored at a warehouse in Des Moines, Iowa, rather than destroyed, making them available for donation to patients in need.

Governor Pillen proposed legislation, introduced at his request by Senator Rita Sanders of Bellevue as bill LB1640, that would require every school board in Nebraska to ban the use of cellphones in schools. The measure received bipartisan support during a public hearing before the Legislature's Education Committee, with testimony from teachers, parents, and students in favor of the proposal. Senator Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, a Democrat and frequent critic of Pillen, stated her support for the cellphone ban during the committee hearing.

Governor Pillen testified before the Legislature's Education Committee in support of LB 140, a bill introduced by state Senator Rita Sanders on behalf of Pillen and Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers that would require all public school districts to establish policies restricting or banning student cell phone use during school hours. Pillen stated that electronic devices adversely affect student grades and mental health, and characterized removing phones from students during the school day as an important policy measure. The bill includes exceptions for educational purposes authorized by teachers, emergencies, and health care management, and would standardize enforcement across school districts rather than placing the burden solely on individual teachers.

Governor Jim Pillen requested the introduction of LB504, the Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act, which was presented to the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee by Senator Carolyn Bosn in February 2025. The legislation would grant the Nebraska Attorney General authority to hold social media companies accountable for designing addictive features and causing harm to minors through phone addiction and identity theft. The bill underwent committee consideration with testimony from both supporters and opponents regarding its potential effects and constitutional implications.

Gov. Pillen requested the introduction of LB645, a bill that would decrease the state's contribution to the school employees retirement fund. The bill, introduced by Sen. Beau Ballard of Lincoln, would allow the state to determine its pension fund contribution based on the health of the fund rather than maintaining a fixed percentage. Currently, the state contributes 2% of educators' salaries to the teacher pension fund while teachers and districts contribute additional amounts.

Pillen stated that President Trump was fulfilling his commitment to reduce federal spending following Trump's issuance of a freeze on federal grants and loans. The freeze, ordered by the White House Office of Management and Budget on Monday night, was designed to allow federal agencies to conduct an ideological review of programs to ensure compliance with executive orders issued by the president. A federal judge in Washington, D.C. blocked the freeze on Tuesday afternoon, moments before it was scheduled to take effect, with the pause remaining in place until the following Monday.

On January 24, 2025, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed an executive order affirming the state's support for federal immigration policies enacted by President Donald Trump through executive orders issued on January 20. The order directs the Nebraska State Patrol and Department of Corrections to fully cooperate with federal offices in administrative and criminal investigations to enforce current immigration laws. State agencies were given until May 31 to ensure compliance with the requirements outlined in the executive order.

Governor Jim Pillen issued an executive order on January 24, 2025, directing Nebraska state agencies to support federal immigration enforcement efforts and comply with federal immigration directives issued under President Donald Trump's administration. The executive order specifically instructed the Nebraska State Patrol and Department of Correctional Services to cooperate fully with the administrative and criminal investigative efforts of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Justice, and other federal agencies enforcing immigration laws. The order also directed state agencies to contact federal authorities if they arrest or detain individuals in connection with federal immigration enforcement.

Governor Pillen unveiled legislation in January 2025 that would lower the age at which a child can be detained from 13 to 11 and the age at which a child can be charged as an adult from 14 to 12, sponsored by State Senator Merv Rippey. Pillen stated the bills respond to an increase in youth violence and ensure that detention decisions are made by judges with input from probation officers. Youth advocates and some state senators expressed opposition, citing concerns about disproportionate impacts on juveniles and arguing that investments in programming should be prioritized over detention.

Governor Jim Pillen requested the introduction of LB556, a bill lowering the age at which juveniles can be detained and charged as adults for serious felonies in Nebraska. The bill, introduced by Ralston Senator Merv Riepe, would reduce the minimum detention age from 13 to 11 years old and the minimum age for adult charges from 14 to 12 years old, with judges making sentencing determinations in consultation with probation officers. The proposal followed recommendations from Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson regarding juvenile crime trends in the state.

The Nebraska Legislature adopted a permanent rule limiting senators to introducing 20 bills each legislative session on January 24, 2025, after voting 23-5 to reject an attempt to remove the cap. The 20-bill limit was initially imposed during the 2024 rules debate by Senator Ben Hansen of Blair and had previously been applied on a temporary basis. The permanent adoption of this rule constrains the number of legislative proposals individual senators may advance in future sessions.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen backed Legislative Bill 556, introduced in the Nebraska Legislature in January 2025, which would allow children as young as 12 years old to be charged as adults for certain felony crimes. The bill, introduced at Pillen's request by State Sen. Merv Riepe, would lower the current minimum age of 14 for adult criminal charges and 16 for secure juvenile detention placement. Pillen held a press conference with law enforcement officials including Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine and Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson to support the legislation.

Pillen released a budget proposal on Wednesday that calls for a 2% cut in operating funds to the University of Nebraska, amounting to approximately $14.5 million annually, along with a reallocation of $11 million in tobacco settlement money previously used by the university for faculty recruitment and biomedical research. The budget proposal addresses a $432 million state shortfall and redirects the tobacco settlement funds to other state needs including the Department of Health and Human Services. University of Nebraska President Jeffrey Gould stated the combined reductions total approximately $30 million in cuts to the institution.

Governor Pillen signed into law Legislative Bill 84, championed by former Senator Lou Ann Linehan during a special legislative session, which established new property tax controls designed to limit increases across the state. According to a Tax Foundation report commissioned by the Nebraska Chamber Foundation, the law has demonstrated effectiveness in restraining property tax growth, though the analysis indicated amendments are needed to ensure local officials can adequately fund their communities while maintaining the law's intended constraints. The report recommended modifications to strengthen Nebraska's cash reserves in preparation for potential economic downturns.

During his State of the State address in January 2025, Governor Pillen outlined a budget plan calling for a 0.5 percent reduction in state spending over two years, designed to address a projected $242 million budget shortfall while leaving Nebraska with approximately $64 million in reserves. The plan notably did not include new property tax relief initiatives, representing a shift in emphasis from Pillen's prior budget proposals. The biennial budget is scheduled to begin July 1, 2025, and extend through June 30, 2027.

Governor Pillen backed legislation introduced by Senator Barry DeKay that would ban the manufacture, sale, and distribution of lab-grown meat in Nebraska. Pillen stated the measure was necessary to protect the state's agricultural industry and prevent lab-grown meat from appearing in Nebraska grocery stores. Pillen also supported a separate data protection bill to be introduced by Senator Mike Jacobson designed to ensure farmers maintain control of agricultural data generated by their equipment rather than having it controlled by corporations.

Governor Pillen proposed a state budget for the next two years that cuts spending by half a percent to close a projected $433 million budget shortfall. The budget proposal would scale back many programs that had been expanded in recent years with federal funds, returning some to previous funding levels. Pillen presented the budget proposal during his State of the State speech on Wednesday, describing the spending reductions as necessary restraint.

Governor Pillen and Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers introduced a legislative package in January 2025 designed to restrict children's access to cell phones and social media, including bills sponsored by state senators Rita Sanders, Tanya Storer, Carol Boden, and Brian Harlan Shelby. Sanders' LB 140 would require the Nebraska Department of Education to develop policy guidelines for school districts to implement cellphone-free zones from bell to bell, while Storer's bill would require social media companies to obtain parental consent before minors open accounts. Additional bills in the package would limit algorithmic content recommendations to minors and establish criminal penalties for generating artificial intelligence-created child sexual abuse material.

Governor Pillen ordered United States flags at the Nebraska Capitol and other state-owned buildings to be raised to full-staff on Monday for the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. The flags had been flying at half-staff through the end of January following the death of former President Jimmy Carter and were scheduled to remain at that position through January 31. Pillen stated that the official installation of a president is a historic day in the nation's calendar and should be recognized, with the flag at full-staff symbolizing respect to that office and the nation's newly elected leader.

Governor Pillen unveiled a set of proposed policies on January 13, 2025, designed to restrict minors' access to social media platforms. The proposals include four bills that would bar Nebraskans younger than 16 from joining social media apps without parental consent, require schools to prohibit student cellphone use, mandate social media companies to build child protections into their platforms, and outlaw the creation or possession of computer-generated child sexual abuse material. Pillen stated these measures were intended to address potential harms that social media exposure could present to adolescents.

Governor Pillen and Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers introduced a legislative plan in January 2025 designed to restrict children's access to cell phones and social media, which includes four bills sponsored by state senators. The bills would require the Nebraska Department of Education to establish cell phone policies for schools, mandate parental consent for minors to create social media accounts, limit algorithmic content recommendations to minors, and establish criminal penalties for artificially generated child sexual abuse material. Pillen stated that the measures were necessary to address mental health concerns and academic performance issues related to technology use among students.

Governor Pillen proclaimed January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Nebraska and hosted a press conference at the State Capitol on Friday with state and federal law enforcement officials to address trafficking and exploitation occurring across all 93 counties in the state. Pillen was joined by Attorney General Mike Hilgers, the head of Nebraska's State Patrol, and the special agent in charge of the FBI's field office in Omaha at the gathering. The governor stated that human trafficking represents a significant problem in Nebraska that requires continued attention and awareness from law enforcement and state officials.

Governor Pillen included legislation to change Nebraska's electoral vote allocation system as one of his four legislative priorities for the 2025 session. Senator Loren Lippincott introduced LB3 on Pillen's behalf, which would replace Nebraska's current practice of allocating electoral votes by congressional district with a winner-take-all system. Pillen stated his full support for the bill and indicated he looks forward to signing it into law during the legislative session.

Governor Pillen requested that state Senator Loren Lippincott introduce Legislative Bill 3 during the 2025 legislative session, which would change Nebraska's electoral vote allocation from a district-based system to a winner-take-all method in presidential elections. The bill would require Nebraska to award all five of its electoral votes to a single presidential candidate rather than splitting votes by congressional district as the state currently does. In a press release, Pillen's office stated that the current system has "divided Nebraska and diminished our voice" in presidential elections.

Governor Pillen announced the appointment of Jewel Rodgers of Omaha as Nebraska State Poet on January 6, 2025, at a Capitol news conference alongside first lady Suzanne Pillen. Rodgers, the daughter of Heisman winner Johnny Rodgers, became the fifth state poet in Nebraska history. In her role, Rodgers stated her intention to make poetry accessible and relevant to all Nebraskans through various artistic mediums and a forthcoming poetry collection titled "Wax Over Water."

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen appointed Platte County District Judge Jason Bergevin to the Nebraska Supreme Court on January 2, 2025, filling the vacancy created when Justice Jeff Funke was elevated to chief justice in November 2024. Bergevin, a former prosecutor and U.S. Air Force attorney, was one of three nominees submitted to Pillen by a state commission established to identify candidates for the position. Bergevin has served as a judge in Nebraska's Fifth Judicial District since his appointment in 2022.