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Arch Re-elected Speaker as Nebraska Legislature Swears In Members and Adopts Temporary Rules
Summary
On Jan. 8, 2025, the Nebraska Legislature convened, administered oaths to newly elected members, appointed temporary officers, adopted temporary rules and elected Senator Arch as Speaker by acclamation. The secretary of state delivered the 2024 canvass and members approved it.
The Nebraska Legislature convened at 10 a.m. on Jan. 8, 2025, in the George W. Norris Legislative Chamber for the first day of the 109th Legislature’s first session, where members were sworn in, temporary officers were appointed and Senator Arch was re-elected Speaker by unanimous acclamation.
After an invocation by Senator Arch and the presentation of colors by the Nebraska State Patrol, the clerk called the roll. Senators approved the appointment of Brandon Messler as temporary clerk and Scott Black as temporary sergeant at arms by voice vote. The body then appointed a five-member committee on credentials to verify the Nov. 2024 election returns and later approved the committee’s certified report as presented by the Secretary of State.
Senator Arch addressed colleagues about his experience and asked for support for another term as Speaker. After a motion to close nominations, the body cast a unanimous voice vote and elected Arch as Speaker by acclamation. Immediately afterward the Chief Justice administered oaths of office to the Speaker and other officers and members.
The clerk announced a legislative resolution recognizing former President Jimmy Carter would be laid over, and the secretary of state, Robert Evnan, delivered the abstracts of the Nov. 2024 general election for the 93 counties; the Legislature approved the report and declared the listed candidates duly elected.
Members adopted temporary rules, not to continue after the 12th legislative day, and the Speaker announced a revised tentative session calendar with key dates to be posted and distributed. The body adjourned to reconvene Jan. 9, 2025.
Quotes from the first-day proceedings included Senator Arch’s request for support: “I would ask that you support my nomination,” and the clerk’s procedural confirmations during the roll call and votes. The session moved by the customary motions and voice votes typical of organizational days, with elections for officers and committee assignments completed before adjournment.
Next steps: the Legislature will meet Jan. 9, 2025, for bill introduction in the morning and inaugural ceremonies for state constitutional officers in the afternoon.
