PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT 1: Is to expand term limits for Nebraska state senators from two consecutive, four-year terms to three consecutive, four-year terms.
FOR – Limiting legislators to two, four-year terms (or eight years) isn’t enough time for representatives to fully understand, and act on, complex issues. Term limits also shift power from elected officials to lobbyists, staffers and political parties.
AGAINST – Limiting representatives to two, four-year terms – which was adopted by voters in 2000 – gives others a chance to serve and limits the fundraising advantages of long-time incumbents. Term limits also bring in more fresh ideas.
INITIATIVE 440:
This would amend the Nebraska Constitution to allow betting on sporting events via Internet sites operated by state-licensed racetracks.
FOR – Legalizing online sports betting would generate an estimated $166 million a year extra for property tax relief. The state is losing money to other Internet sites because more than 100,000 online betting accounts already exist in Nebraska.
AGAINST – Online wagering is one of the most addictive forms of gambling, and legalizing it would increase problem gambling and bankruptcies. Such gaming hurts young men and low-income families the most.
INITIATIVE 441:
This sets up the regulatory framework to govern online sports betting.
FOR – This initiative directs the State Legislature to establish rules to regulate online sports betting via Internet sites operated at licensed racetracks in Nebraska.
AGAINST – Online sports betting is addictive and will increase problem gambling and associated bad outcomes. Nebraska doesn’t need it.
INITIATIVE 442:
Amends the State Constitution to block biological males from participating in sports designated for females, women or girls by all public, private and postsecondary schools in Nebraska FOR – This would enshrine, in the Nebraska Constitution, restrictions on transgender athletic participation that were passed by the State Legislature in the 2025 “Stand with Women Act.” Clauses in the Constitution are harder to overturn.
AGAINST – The initiative is unnecessary because Nebraska law already blocks biological males from participating in sports for women and girls. Such restrictions intrude on private family decisions and impact very, very few cases.
A full detailed version of all four of these ballot issues appear this week on page 5B this week.
