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NebraskaLB1212109th Legislature 1st and 2nd Sessionslegislature

Provide for licensure of internationally trained physicians under the Uniform Credentialing Act and change provisions of the Engineers and Architects Regulation Act

Sponsored By: Merv Riepe

Signed by Governor

Health and Human Services Committee

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Pathway for internationally trained doctors

The law creates a time‑limited path to a Nebraska medical license for internationally trained doctors. You can get a provisional license for up to three years, renewable once (max six), if you have a foreign medical degree, ECFMG certification, USMLE Step 1 and 2, recent practice (three of the last five years unless waived), good standing, and full‑time supervised work with an approved employer; you must be a U.S. citizen or have federal work authorization as of January 1, 2026. After three supervised years, a satisfactory assessment, and a passing USMLE Step 3, you can get a transitional license for up to three years, renewable once; it can allow independent practice in shortage areas. After at least three years on a provisional license and three years on a transitional license, and board review of your assessments, you can apply for a full, unrestricted license. The board may not require a U.S. residency program.

More small projects exempt from design licenses

More small buildings and projects no longer need a licensed architect or engineer. Detached one‑ to four‑family homes under 5,000 sq. ft. of above‑grade finished space, and one‑story commercial or industrial buildings under 5,000 sq. ft. and under 30 feet tall (with limits), are exempt. Public works with planned costs at or under $100,000 are exempt; this dollar limit adjusts for inflation every five years. The law also exempts certain work by other licensed professionals acting within their scope, banks disbursing construction funds, farm and conservation earthmoving that does not need a state permit, and routine code or utility work by local governments and nonprofit electrical providers.

Easier licensing and permits for engineers

The law sets clear engineer license rules: an accredited or equivalent degree, FE and PE exams, at least four years of progressive experience, references, and a Nebraska statutes and rules exam; the board may use national NCEES exams. Engineers licensed elsewhere can get Nebraska licenses by comity if their credentials align and they pass the state exam, and a 15‑year experience pathway is available with references and the state exam. The board may show your license by engineering discipline. Out‑of‑state engineers can get one project‑specific temporary permit for a set time after paying a fee; permit holders must follow Nebraska rules. A license is effective when issued, and the act repeals and replaces several prior engineer statutes.

Supervision and 2027 start for foreign‑trained doctors

Employers must complete a needs assessment within six months and file a learning and supervision plan. Supervisors must hold Nebraska licenses, malpractice coverage must include the doctor, and supervision can ease only as skills are proven. The Department can suspend or revoke for misconduct or poor evaluations, and employers can seek interim suspension for patient safety. Doctors get the same work‑hour, anti‑harassment, and wellness policies as other physicians and must receive them in writing; they can appeal actions under the Administrative Procedure Act. These sections take effect August 1, 2027, and the law repeals sections 38‑2001 and 38‑2002 on that date.

Clearer seal rules for engineers and architects

Seals on plans must show “State of Nebraska,” the licensee’s name, number, and discipline, with a signature and date across or next to the seal that do not hide this info. The seal, signature, and date must copy clearly on originals and the first page of specs or reports. It is unlawful to use a seal after your certificate expires or to help evade the law. Temporary permit holders must use their home state’s seal and show their Nebraska temporary permit; the board can set seal standards.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Merv Riepe

    Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 361 • No: 0

legislature vote • 4/10/2026

Final Reading

Yes: 49 • No: 0

legislature vote • 4/1/2026

Vote

Yes: 40 • No: 0 • Other: 9

legislature vote • 4/1/2026

Vote

Yes: 38 • No: 0 • Other: 11

legislature vote • 4/1/2026

Vote

Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 6

legislature vote • 3/24/2026

Vote

Yes: 38 • No: 0 • Other: 11

legislature vote • 3/24/2026

Vote

Yes: 35 • No: 0 • Other: 14

legislature vote • Unknown

Vote

Yes: 35 • No: 0 • Other: 14

legislature vote • Unknown

Vote

Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 6

legislature vote • Unknown

Vote

Yes: 40 • No: 0 • Other: 9

Actions Timeline

  1. Provisions/portions of LB899 amended into LB1212 by AM2998

    4/17/2026legislature

  2. Presented to Governor on April 10, 2026

    4/17/2026legislature

  3. Approved by Governor on April 14, 2026

    4/14/2026legislature

  4. President/Speaker signed

    4/10/2026legislature

  5. Passed on Final Reading 49-0-0

    4/10/2026legislature

  6. Dispensing of reading at large approved

    4/10/2026legislature

  7. Enrollment and Review ST85 recorded

    4/7/2026legislature

  8. Enrollment and Review ST85 filed

    4/7/2026legislature

  9. Placed on Final Reading with ST85

    4/7/2026legislature

  10. Advanced to Enrollment and Review for Engrossment

    4/1/2026legislature

  11. Riepe AM2937 adopted

    4/1/2026legislature

  12. Riepe AM3028 adopted

    4/1/2026legislature

  13. Riepe AM3028 to AM2937 filed

    4/1/2026legislature

  14. Lonowski AM2998 adopted

    4/1/2026legislature

  15. Kauth FA872 withdrawn

    4/1/2026legislature

  16. Enrollment and Review ER167 adopted

    4/1/2026legislature

  17. Riepe AM2937 filed

    3/31/2026legislature

  18. Lonowski AM2998 filed

    3/31/2026legislature

  19. Enrollment and Review ER167 filed

    3/30/2026legislature

  20. Placed on Select File with ER167

    3/30/2026legislature

  21. Advanced to Enrollment and Review Initial

    3/24/2026legislature

  22. Health and Human Services AM2477 adopted

    3/24/2026legislature

  23. Health and Human Services AM2477 filed

    3/10/2026legislature

  24. Placed on General File with AM2477

    3/10/2026legislature

  25. Riepe priority bill

    2/18/2026legislature

Bill Text

  • Introduced

    1/21/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled / Slip Law

    PDF

  • Final / Enacted

    PDF

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