OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A dispute over mandatory dues the Nebraska state bar association charges has ended with the settlement of a federal lawsuit that questioned whether those dues were constitutional.

State Sen. Scott Lautenbaugh of Omaha had sued the association in 2012 because he believed the $335 annual dues were improper because some of the money was used for political activities such as lobbying.

The association said Monday that the issue was resolved by a Nebraska Supreme Court ruling last year. That decision restricted mandatory dues to only those activities needed to regulate the legal profession. Dues that support lobbying and other programs are now voluntary.

The association’s mandatory fees dropped to $98 for most lawyers.

The settlement says Lautenbaugh’s 2013 dues and his legal expenses of less than $5,000 will be paid.