Nearly two-thirds of Nebraska state senators will have two years of experience or less in the upcoming 109th Legislature, with significant turnover due to term limits and other factors. Outgoing lawmakers will take with them 127 years of experience, while the remaining senators will have a combined 131 years. Leadership will also see changes, with the loss of committee chairpersons and other leaders. To help ease the transition for new senators, an expanded and deepened orientation process was implemented before the start of the session in January. The incoming senators participated in seminars, hands-on practice, and mock committee hearings to better understand the legislative process. Former lawmakers provided insights and advice to the newcomers, emphasizing the importance of negotiation, building relationships, and following legislative rules. The expanded orientation was viewed as crucial in helping new senators move away from campaign mode to governance mode and enact policies beneficial to all Nebraskans. Former lawmakers believe setting aside partisanship and focusing on doing the right thing for the state will help build consensus and confidence in the Legislature’s work.
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