State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Nebraska
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Nebraska under the Nebraska Public Records Statutes (est. 1961).
Overview of Public Records in Nebraska
Nebraska's public records framework is established through a series of statutes that provide citizens with the right to access records maintained by state and local government agencies. The law declares that all citizens have the right to examine and copy public records. Nebraska's unique unicameral legislature means that legislative records follow a simpler structure than in other states. The state's county-based record system provides consistent access to property, court, and vital records across its 93 counties.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Nebraska
Response Time
Agencies must respond within 4 business days. They may request an extension if the records are in storage, require extensive redaction, or need to be retrieved from a remote location.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may charge a reasonable fee for actual costs of reproduction. Standard fees are typically $0.25 per page. The agency may charge for search time if the request requires more than 4 hours of staff time.
How to Submit a Request
Requests may be made orally or in writing. Agencies must provide access to records during normal business hours. No reason for the request needs to be stated or identification provided.
Appeal Process
Requesters may file a petition in district court for an order compelling disclosure. The attorney general can also issue opinions on records disputes. Courts can award attorney fees to prevailing requesters.
Types of Public Records Available in Nebraska
Property Records
Property records in Nebraska include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in Nebraska contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Nebraska election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Nebraska court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in Nebraska include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
Nebraska vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in Nebraska document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access Nebraska Public Records
To request public records in Nebraska, submit a written or oral request to the custodian of records at the relevant government agency. While there is no specific statutory response deadline, agencies are expected to act promptly. Nebraska law limits fees to the actual cost of providing copies. Nebraska counties maintain property records through their register of deeds offices, and the Nebraska Judicial Branch provides the JUSTICE system for online court record searches. The Secretary of State provides business entity searches online.
Online Access
Nebraska Judicial Branch provides online access to case records through the JUSTICE system. County assessor and register of deeds offices offer varying levels of online access to property records.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Nebraska
While the Nebraska Public Records Statutes establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in Nebraska.
- Records relating to litigation strategy in pending cases
- Personnel records of government employees beyond basic employment data
- Trade secrets and proprietary data submitted to agencies
- Tax return information of individuals
- Medical records and personal health information
- Criminal investigation files before charges are formally filed
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Nebraska provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
Nebraska Public Records Statutes
Enacted: 1961
Nebraska's public records provisions are found in Nebraska Revised Statutes Sections 84-712 through 84-712.09. The statutes establish that all citizens have a right to examine and take copies of public records. The law was updated in 2018 to address electronic records and clarify provisions about record formats. Nebraska also has separate open meetings provisions in Sections 84-1407 through 84-1414.
Key Features of Nebraska's Records Law:
- Nebraska has the only unicameral state legislature, creating a unique legislative records structure
- The state limits records fees to the actual cost of providing copies
- Nebraska's JUSTICE system provides comprehensive online court records access
Nebraska Public Records Facts
Nebraska has 93 counties maintaining local government records
The Nebraska Secretary of State maintains records for over 200,000 business entities
The state has approximately 1.3 million registered voters
Douglas County (Omaha) is the largest record-keeping jurisdiction in the state
Search Nebraska Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Nebraska. Enter a name below to search public records in NE.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nebraska Public Records
How do I access Nebraska court records?
Are Nebraska property records available online?
Does Nebraska have a deadline for records requests?
How do I get Nebraska vital records?
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FOIA Request Guide
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the Nebraska Public Records Statutes. Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Nebraska or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.