Nebraska Lawmakers Advance Bill to Add Living Honorees to State Hall of Fame

Compromise legislation would allow for the induction of living Nebraskans with 'records of achievement', including former Huskers coach Tom Osborne.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:54pm

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Nebraska lawmakers have advanced a compromise bill that would allow the state's Hall of Fame to induct living Nebraskans with significant achievements, a change from the current 35-year posthumous requirement. The bill was initially written to specifically honor former University of Nebraska football coach and athletic director Tom Osborne, but was expanded to include other living Nebraskans who meet certain criteria.

Why it matters

The Nebraska Hall of Fame has traditionally only inducted individuals who have been deceased for at least 35 years, limiting the ability to recognize living Nebraskans who have made significant contributions. This change would allow the state to honor influential figures like Tom Osborne while they are still alive to celebrate the recognition.

The details

The original bill, LB 1159, was written specifically to induct Tom Osborne, the legendary former Huskers football coach and athletic director, into the Nebraska Hall of Fame. However, there were concerns that this would represent 'special legislation' that only benefited one individual. As a result, lawmakers amended the bill, now part of LB 596, to expand eligibility to any living Nebraskan with a 'record of achievement' in areas like public service, the arts, business, or athletics. The changes would also eliminate the current 35-year posthumous waiting period and allow the Hall of Fame Commission to induct one living member outside of the normal five-year cycle.

  • On April 1, 2026, Nebraska lawmakers voted 29-1 to advance the compromise bill.
  • The new requirements would take effect immediately, allowing for the next induction cycle starting in 2025.

The players

Tom Osborne

A legendary former head football coach and athletic director at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, who is being considered for induction into the Nebraska Hall of Fame.

Jim Pillen

The current Governor of Nebraska, who is a former Huskers football player and has advocated for Osborne's induction.

Dan Lonowski

The state senator from Hastings who sponsored the original bill, LB 1159, and the compromise amendment that is now part of LB 596.

Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission

The governor-appointed commission that is responsible for selecting inductees to the Nebraska Hall of Fame.

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What they’re saying

“For all the joy and celebration Coach Osborne has brought us over his 89 years of life, he deserves to enjoy the celebration of his induction into our great state's Hall of Fame.”

— Dan Lonowski, State Senator

“While previously offered as AM 2405 … there were constitutional concerns expressed, so I withdrew it. That was because we all take an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution of Nebraska.”

— Dan Lonowski, State Senator

What’s next

The amended bill, LB 596, must still face at least one more round of debate in the Nebraska Legislature before it can be sent to Governor Pillen for his signature.

The takeaway

This compromise legislation represents a significant shift in how the Nebraska Hall of Fame recognizes the state's most influential figures, allowing for the induction of living Nebraskans who have made lasting impacts in their fields. The inclusion of Tom Osborne, a beloved Huskers icon, would be a symbolic moment, but the broader changes could open the door for other deserving living honorees to be celebrated during their lifetimes.