Budget & Taxes

signed · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 803: Adopt the First-Time Home Buyer Savings Account Act and change provisions relating to the Sports Arena Facility Financing Assistance Act, the Property Tax Growth Limitation Act, the Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Service Providers Tax Credit Act, property tax valuation and levy procedures, homestead exemptions, and income taxes

This bill changes Nebraska's rules for listing taxable tangible personal property, such as business equipment or vehicles. It requires property owners to file annual forms with county assessors by May 1, using forms provided by the Tax Commissioner. The bill also clarifies that those seeking exemptions under the Nebraska Advantage Act or ImagiNE Nebraska Act must submit required documentation by the same deadline, or lose the exemption. Failure to file on time results in forfeiture of exemptions, even if taxable property is still listed under standard rules.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEnforces timely exemption documentation, closing potential tax avoidance loopholes and ensuring consistent tax revenue collection per fiscal management standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Credits

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1008: Change provisions relating to the amount of relief granted under the School District Property Tax Relief Act

LB 1008 amends Nebraska's School District Property Tax Relief Act to revise the minimum annual funding levels for property tax relief. It sets specific minimum relief amounts for tax years 2024 through 2030 (e.g., $750 million for 2024, $902 million for 2030) and establishes a formula for future years: prior year's minimum plus the percentage increase in statewide property values (as determined by the Department of Revenue) plus $75 million. The bill also adds a provision requiring funds transferred to the relief fund under Section 77-4602 to be included in the annual relief calculation. This amendment replaces the original funding structure in Section 77-7305 of the Revised Statutes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates increased minimum annual funding for property tax relief (e.g., $750M in 2024), directly strengthening tax relief funding under Budget & Taxes.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates increased minimum annual funding for school property tax relief ($750M in 2024, rising to $902M by 2030) with annual $75M additions, directly strengthening school district funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

Track

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 776: Provide a duty for each state agency to examine fees charged

LB 776 requires Nebraska state agencies to annually review all fees they charge starting January 1, 2027. Each agency must determine if fees cover their actual costs without exceeding what's necessary. This applies to all state departments, boards, bureaus, and commissions that charge fees for services or permits. The bill aims to ensure fees are cost-reflective but not overly burdensome, without changing specific fee amounts.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill promotes fiscal responsibility by requiring agencies to ensure fees cover actual costs, aligning with 'promotes fiscal responsibility' indicator for Budget & Taxes.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing

Track

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 930: Provide an income tax deduction to retired firefighters and law enforcement officers for annual retirement benefits

LB 930 would amend Nebraska's tax code to allow retired firefighters and law enforcement officers to deduct their annual retirement benefits from their state taxable income. This change would directly reduce the state income tax burden for eligible retired public safety officers. The bill creates a specific tax deduction for retirement benefits received by these groups, adjusting how their income is calculated for state tax purposes. The policy change is a concrete modification to Nebraska's tax code for this targeted group of retirees.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax deduction for retired public safety officers, reducing state tax burden - direct tax relief aligning with SUPPORT indicators.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProvides tax deduction for retired public safety officers' retirement benefits, reducing tax burden and enhancing post-employment financial security for workers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax

Track

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 814: Change provisions relating to the valuation of agricultural land and horticultural land

LB 814 changes Nebraska's property tax valuation for agricultural and horticultural land, reducing the assessed value from 75% to 50% of market value starting January 1, 2027. This adjustment lowers the taxable value of such land, directly reducing property tax bills for farmers, gardeners, and landowners using property for agricultural or horticultural purposes. The bill also updates the acceptable valuation range for these lands to 44-50% of market value after 2027, replacing the previous 69-75% range. The change affects all Nebraska landowners with qualifying agricultural or horticultural land, as it modifies how their property is assessed for tax purposes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesReduces property tax burden for agricultural landowners by lowering assessed value from 75% to 50% of market value, providing direct tax relief.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

Track

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 856: Adopt the Community Reinvestment and Equity Act, establish an excise tax, and create a fund and a grant program

LB 856 imposes a 5% excise tax on gas stations, convenience stores, and liquor stores selling alcohol, tobacco, or cigarettes for off-premises consumption operating in designated low-income census tracts (qualified census tracts). The tax, collected like sales tax starting January 2027, funds a Community Reinvestment Fund directing money to federally qualified health centers, homeless services, healthy food access, childcare, and community development programs. Covered businesses must annually report community investments (like local hiring or health center partnerships) and will receive public ratings based on their contributions, with "Outstanding" or "Satisfactory" ratings unlocking website recognition and grant eligibility. The bill targets businesses in areas facing health disparities and disinvestment, using revenue to support local services.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes 5% excise tax on businesses in low-income areas to fund health centers, homeless services, and community programs, directly allocating tax revenue to public services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax

Track

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 968: Appropriate funds to the Military Department for grants for equipment for emergency events

LB 968 appropriates $4 million from Nebraska's General Fund to the Military Department for emergency rescue equipment grants. Political subdivisions (like cities or counties) must prove they can assist in statewide rescue events to qualify for these grants. The funds must be used exclusively to purchase specific equipment, including water rescue gear, wide-area search tools for tornado/floods, structural collapse equipment, and hazardous materials response tools. This bill directly affects local emergency response entities eligible for these equipment grants.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $4M from General Fund for emergency rescue equipment grants, funding essential public safety programs through targeted budget allocation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget

Track

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 849: Provide a sales and use tax exemption for over-the-counter drugs

Nebraska's LB 849 exempts over-the-counter (OTC) drugs from state sales and use taxes, effective October 1, 2026. The bill amends tax code section 77-2704.09 to explicitly include OTC drugs in the list of tax-exempt items, alongside insulin, prescription drugs, and medical equipment. This directly affects Nebraska residents purchasing OTC medications, as they will no longer pay state sales tax on these products. The exemption applies to drugs meeting FDA labeling requirements for OTC status as defined in the bill.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts OTC drugs from sales tax, providing tax relief for essential health products and reducing consumer tax burden per amended tax code section 77-2704.09.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExempts OTC drugs from sales tax, reducing costs for consumers and improving access to essential health products like medications.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement Sales Tax Tax Incentives

Track

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 990: Rename the School District Property Tax Relief Act as the Live Here Thrive Here Act and the School District Property Tax Relief Credit Fund as the Live Here Thrive Here Credit Fund and change the distribution of property tax credits under the act

Nebraska's LB 990 renames the "School District Property Tax Relief Act" to the "Live Here Thrive Here Act" and changes the "School District Property Tax Relief Credit Fund" to the "Live Here Thrive Here Credit Fund." The bill modifies how property tax credits are distributed by adjusting the state's fiscal transfer process under Section 77-4602. Specifically, it directs funds to the new credit fund based on comparisons between actual and estimated state revenue, with the State Treasurer making transfers according to these calculations. This policy change directly affects property owners in Nebraska school districts who receive tax credits for real property taxes paid.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill maintains property tax credits via renamed fund and adjusted distribution, providing direct tax relief for residents per fiscal management indicators.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill modifies property tax credit distribution for school districts, ensuring funds are directed to support school funding through revised fiscal transfer process. Directly addresses education funding mechanism.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Revenue

Track

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1189: Create a pilot program to raise awareness of the earned income tax credit

LB 1189 creates a pilot program to help low-income Nebraskans access the existing Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) by increasing awareness and assistance. The Nebraska Department of Revenue will distribute $250,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations (like tax preparation services, legal aid, and health agencies) that serve low-income residents, funding outreach, education, and application help. Grants must be awarded by October 1, 2026, and the program requires an evaluation report by December 2027 detailing outreach efforts, participants served, and recommendations for future use. This directly affects eligible low-income Nebraskans who qualify for the EITC but may not claim it due to lack of awareness. The bill does not change the EITC itself but aims to improve access to the existing benefit.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $250k to nonprofits for EITC outreach, helping low-income residents access existing tax credit, providing tax relief and funding essential assistance.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill funds outreach to help low-income workers access existing Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), strengthening financial support for workers through improved access to employment-related benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits

Track