Nebraska Open Meetings Act Update: New Meeting Room Requirements

Nebraska public bodies, including County Hospital Boards and Hospital District Boards, should be aware of a recent change to the Nebraska Open Meetings Act. Legislative Bill 596 (“LB 596”), signed into law on April 14, 2026, took effect on July 18, 2026, and modifies how public bodies must make the Open Meetings Act available during meetings.

What Has Changed?

Previously, public bodies were required to post a copy of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act in the meeting room. Under LB 596, that requirement has been removed.  Instead, public bodies must:

• Keep one current copy of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act in the meeting room;
• Place the copy in a location that is accessible to members of the public; and
• At the beginning of each meeting, inform attendees where the Act is located.

This change provides greater flexibility while continuing to ensure public access to the law governing open meetings.

What Does This Mean for Public Entity Hospital Boards?

County Hospital Boards, Hospital District Boards, and other public bodies should review their meeting procedures to ensure compliance with the new requirements. While a wall poster is no longer required, boards must continue to make the current version of the Open Meetings Act available during meetings and announce its location at the start of each meeting.  Boards should confirm they have an up-to-date copy of the Act readily available at all meetings and update any meeting scripts or agendas to include the required announcement regarding its location.

Erin E. Busch
Jackson R. Langin, Summer Associate