NE LB299

Defines "eligible alien" as an individual authorized for employment under federal regulations (8 C.F.R. 274a.12) as of January 1, 2025, or who held such authorization at the time of employment

Grants eligible aliens employed in Nebraska access to employment-related public benefits including retirement benefits, unemployment benefits, deferred compensation, and education scholarships/financial aid—the same benefits available to other similarly employed persons

Extends employment-related public benefits to family members and dependents of eligible alien employees, regardless of the dependents' lawful presence status

Adds "eligible alien" as a third qualifying category (alongside U.S. citizen and lawfully present) for participation in state and county retirement systems, school employee retirement programs, and deferred compensation plans

Enacted under 8 U.S.C. 1621(d), which allows states to provide public benefits to non-citizens through affirmative state legislation