An Omaha state lawmaker and attorney is suing the Nebraska State Bar Association, challenging the constitutionality of forcing Nebraska lawyers to pay annual dues to the association.
Senator Scott Lautenbaugh filed his lawsuit in federal court on Wednesday and is seeking class action status to represent an estimated 1,100 lawyers.
The lawsuit seeks to prevent the bar association from collecting mandatory dues from members who object to their dues being used for political, ideological and other non-germane activities. The lawsuit asks for that protection until the association adopts procedures that properly safeguard its members' civil rights.
Bar Association President Warren Whitted Jr. has previously told the newspaper that the bar is operating within the law.
