(1) It is the intent of the Legislature to ensure that the unpaid residuals in class action litigation are distributed, to the extent possible, in a manner designed to promote justice for all citizens of this state. The Legislature finds that the use of funds collected by state courts pursuant to this section for these purposes is in the public interest, is a proper use of the funds, and is consistent with essential public and governmental purposes.

Terms Used In Nebraska Statutes 25-319.01

  • Action: shall include any proceeding in any court of this state. See Nebraska Statutes 49-801
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Litigation: A case, controversy, or lawsuit. Participants (plaintiffs and defendants) in lawsuits are called litigants.
  • Settlement: Parties to a lawsuit resolve their difference without having a trial. Settlements often involve the payment of compensation by one party in satisfaction of the other party's claims.
  • State: when applied to different states of the United States shall be construed to extend to and include the District of Columbia and the several territories organized by Congress. See Nebraska Statutes 49-801

(2) Prior to the entry of any judgment or order approving settlement in a class action described in section 25-319, the court shall determine the total amount that will be payable to all class members if all class members are paid the amount to which they are entitled pursuant to the judgment or settlement. The court shall also set a date when the parties shall report to the court the total amount that was actually paid to the class members. After the report is received, the court, unless it orders otherwise to further the purposes of the underlying cause of action, shall direct the defendant to pay the sum of the unpaid residue to the Legal Aid and Services Fund.