All Roll Calls
Yes: 361 • No: 0
NebraskaLB1212109th Legislature 1st and 2nd SessionslegislatureWALLET
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: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.
Small projects can skip architects
Some small buildings do not need an architect’s or engineer’s sealed plans. Detached homes up to four units with less than 5,000 square feet above grade are exempt. One‑story commercial or industrial buildings under 5,000 square feet and under 30 feet tall are exempt, with limits for larger occupancies. Farm buildings housing up to 20 people and public works projects under $100,000 are also exempt. The board adjusts the $100,000 limit every five years by the Consumer Price Index and rounds up to the next $1,000. The board may raise some size limits by rule, but not past state building‑code caps.
New path for internationally trained doctors
Beginning August 1, 2027, internationally trained physicians can get a provisional Nebraska license for up to three years. You need a non‑U.S. medical degree, valid ECFMG, passing USMLE Step 1 and Step 2, a full‑time supervised job, and legal work authorization as of January 1, 2026. The board cannot require residency. A provisional license can be renewed once, but no one may hold it more than six years total. After three years of supervised practice, a physician with a satisfactory assessment and USMLE Step 3 may get a transitional license for up to three years, with one renewal. After at least three years provisional plus three years transitional, you may apply for an unrestricted license; the board reviews your assessment data. The department and board set rules for employers, supervisors, and assessments.
Rights and reporting for provisional doctors
Starting August 1, 2027, employers must give provisional and transitional physicians the same policies on work hours, discrimination and harassment, and wellness, and provide these in writing at hire. These physicians must report to the department and board every six months with employment status and any assessment results, and must report job changes. The department can suspend or revoke a license for misconduct, rule violations, or bad evaluations, and can temporarily suspend practice if a patient’s safety is at risk while it reviews the case. Affected physicians can appeal actions under the Administrative Procedure Act.
New engineer licensing, exams, and seals
To enroll as an engineer‑intern or become a professional engineer, you must meet education standards (ABET or the NCEES standard), pass the FE and PE exams, have four or more years of progressive experience, pay required fees, and provide references. The board may use national NCEES exams, and exam materials are not public. Licensees must get and use a Nebraska seal with their name and license number, sign and date technical submissions, and stop using the seal if the certificate expires. Temporary permit holders use their home‑state seal and must list the Nebraska temporary permit on their work. Out‑of‑state engineers can get one temporary permit for a specific Nebraska project for a set time by written application and a board fee. Licenses take effect when issued.
Employers must supervise and assess doctors
If you employ a provisional physician, you must have a Nebraska‑licensed supervisor in good standing with needed privileges. Your malpractice insurance must cover the provisional physician. Within six months of the doctor’s start, you must assess their needs and file a learning and supervision plan with the state and the board. Your assessment program must include knowledge tests, direct observation, multi‑source feedback (with patients when possible), periodic chart audits, and enough case volume and variety. These rules take effect August 1, 2027.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Merv Riepe
legislature
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
legislature vote • 4/24/2026
Vote
Yes: 35 • No: 0 • Other: 14
legislature vote • 4/24/2026
Vote
Yes: 40 • No: 0 • Other: 9
legislature vote • 4/24/2026
Vote
Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 6
legislature vote • 4/10/2026
Final Reading
Yes: 49 • No: 0
legislature vote • 4/1/2026
Vote
Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 6
legislature vote • 4/1/2026
Vote
Yes: 38 • No: 0 • Other: 11
legislature vote • 4/1/2026
Vote
Yes: 40 • No: 0 • Other: 9
legislature vote • 3/24/2026
Vote
Yes: 38 • No: 0 • Other: 11
legislature vote • 3/24/2026
Vote
Yes: 35 • No: 0 • Other: 14
Actions Timeline
Presented to Governor on April 10, 2026
4/17/2026legislatureApproved by Governor on April 14, 2026
4/17/2026legislatureDispensing of reading at large approved
4/10/2026legislaturePassed on Final Reading 49-0-0
4/10/2026legislaturePresident/Speaker signed
4/10/2026legislaturePlaced on Final Reading with ST85
4/7/2026legislatureEnrollment and Review ST85 filed
4/7/2026legislatureEnrollment and Review ST85 recorded
4/7/2026legislatureEnrollment and Review ER167 adopted
4/1/2026legislatureKauth FA872 withdrawn
4/1/2026legislatureLonowski AM2998 adopted
4/1/2026legislatureRiepe AM3028 to AM2937 filed
4/1/2026legislatureRiepe AM3028 adopted
4/1/2026legislatureRiepe AM2937 adopted
4/1/2026legislatureAdvanced to Enrollment and Review for Engrossment
4/1/2026legislatureLonowski AM2998 filed
3/31/2026legislatureRiepe AM2937 filed
3/31/2026legislaturePlaced on Select File with ER167
3/30/2026legislatureEnrollment and Review ER167 filed
3/30/2026legislatureHealth and Human Services AM2477 adopted
3/24/2026legislatureAdvanced to Enrollment and Review Initial
3/24/2026legislaturePlaced on General File with AM2477
3/10/2026legislatureHealth and Human Services AM2477 filed
3/10/2026legislatureRiepe priority bill
2/18/2026legislatureNotice of hearing for February 11, 2026
1/30/2026legislature
Bill Text
Introduced
4/17/2026
Enrolled / Slip Law
Final / Enacted