Nebraska lawmakers voted Thursday to fast-track proceedings for a public hearing on the possible expulsion of Sen. Dan McKeon, who is accused of touching a staffer inappropriately at a post-session party in 2025.
According to an investigative report released Wednesday, McKeon allegedly made lewd comments and touched the backside of a legislative staffer on May 29, 2025, at the Country Club of Lincoln. While the investigation found his actions did not constitute an actionable violation under nondiscrimination law, it encouraged the Unicameral to consider consequences for the District 41 representative—including, but not limited to, expulsion.
Senator Ben Hansen of Blair – District 16 (Photo: Nebraska Unicameral Information Office)
The report was released on the first day of the Legislature’s 2026 session. Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, who chairs the Executive Board that requested the report, introduced a resolution—LR282—the same day seeking to expel Sen. McKeon from the body over his conduct. To schedule a hearing on the resolution for Monday, Jan. 12, Hansen introduced a motion Thursday to suspend the rule requiring seven days’ public notice.
The resolution states that McKeon has “brought the Legislature into disrespect and disrepute” and is unlikely to refrain in the future from “activity that is contrary to senatorial traditions of decorum and from actions that are in violation of the Nebraska Legislature’s established policies.”
The motion passed 43-0. Four lawmakers did not cast a vote: Sens. Machaela Cavanaugh, Danielle Conrad, Wendy DeBoer, and McKeon. Sens. Jane Raybould and Jana Hughes of Seward were excused for the day. The motion needed 30 to be successful.
“This requirement serves an important purpose,” said Hansen, prior to the vote. “It ensures that Nebraskans have sufficient time to learn about proposed legislation that may affect them directly, to prepare testimony, and to participate as a second house in our unique unicameral process. However, LR282 is not a typical legislative measure that would impact policy for all Nebraskans or invite broad public input on matters of general law.”
The hearing before the executive board will be limited to testimony from McKeon, or his legal counsel, and outside counsel involved in the investigation.
Senator Wendy DeBoer of Bennington – District 10 (Photo: Nebraska Unicameral Information Office
DeBoer explained her no vote as a matter of principle, however admitting she understands the circumstances and the “very fact specific case.” She called on future lawmakers to be weary of similar rule suspensions and not treat the suspension as precedent.
After the hearing, if board members vote to advance the measure to the full body, lawmakers will hold a single round of debate after the public hearing. Speaker of the Legislature John Arch will be tasked with scheduling.
The final resolution would require 33 votes to pass and expel McKeon from the Nebraska Legislature. He would become the first senator in Nebraska history to be expelled from the Unicameral.
McKeon was originally charged with misdemeanor public indecency in October following an investigation by the Nebraska State Patrol. His charges were later reduced to misdemeanor disturbing the peace, punishable by up to three months in jail, a $500 fine, or both.
The Amherst lawmaker initially intended to enter a no-contest plea, but later pleaded not guilty, vowing to fight the charge. McKeon’s next court date is set for Jan. 26.
If expelled, Gov. Jim Pillen would appoint a successor to fill the vacant District 41 seat. A special election to fulfill the two-year remainder of McKeon’s term would be held in November 2026 on the general election ballot.