LB 152 creates a homestead exemption in Nebraska, effective January 1, 2026, that exempts the first $100,000 of a primary residence's actual value from property taxes. It directly affects Nebraska homeowners who occupy their property as their primary residence, as defined by the bill. Key provisions include setting the exemption amount, allowing transfers of the exemption when moving to a new homestead, and requiring state reimbursement for the tax loss. The bill harmonizes existing homestead exemption rules and amends multiple tax statutes to implement this change.
This bill changes Nebraska's eviction process under the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. It requires eviction trials to occur exactly 14 days after the summons is issued (previously a 10-14 day window), and mandates that writs of restitution (ordering tenants to leave) must be executed at least 10 days after issuance, unless a safety threat exists or both parties agree to an earlier date. These changes directly affect landlords initiating evictions and tenants facing removal. The bill also ensures landlords follow specific procedures for handling tenant property during eviction. (Summary based on amended Section 76-1446 text.)
LB 107 creates a new refundable income tax credit for Nebraska renters with lower incomes. It directly affects renters earning $29,000 or less annually, providing a credit equal to 100% of a federal tax credit for those earning under $22,000, with the percentage decreasing by 10% for each $1,000 over $22,000. The credit is refundable, meaning eligible renters would receive the full credit amount even if it exceeds their state tax liability. The bill also modifies existing property tax credit provisions, though specific changes to those are not detailed in the provided text.
LB 439 creates a refundable tax credit for Nebraska residents whose property taxes or rent on their primary residence exceeds 5% of their federal adjusted gross income. It directly affects homeowners and renters who live in their primary residence at least six months annually, with higher caps for seniors (up to $5,000 versus $4,000 for others). The credit equals 50% of the amount over the 5% threshold, calculated using the county’s average home value for property tax limits. Residents must apply to the Department of Revenue with proof of residence, taxes paid, and income to claim the credit on their annual tax return.
LB 643 prohibits Nebraska income tax deductions for interest, property taxes, or maintenance on single-family rental properties owned by individuals or entities holding more than 30 such properties as of January 1, 2026. It directly affects large-scale residential property investors, excluding primary residences, qualified nonprofit organizations (including community land trusts and affordable housing groups), and owners who sold at least 10% of their properties to residents or 5% to first-time homebuyers. Owners can appeal if they offered properties for sale at fair market value for 90 days without offers and were unable to sell. The bill takes effect for taxable years beginning January 1, 2026.
LB 266 prohibits local governments in Nebraska (cities, counties, and their agencies) from passing any ordinances that would impose rent controls on private rental properties. The bill defines "ordinance" broadly to include local laws, rules, or regulations, and states such restrictions are null and void if enacted. Exceptions allow local governments to adopt ordinances aimed at increasing affordable housing supply through land-use rules or voluntary private programs where property owners contractually agree to rent restrictions. This law overrides local home rule charters and became effective upon the governor's approval on April 7, 2025.
This bill appropriates $830,000 for fiscal year 2025-26 and $1,135,000 for fiscal year 2026-27 from the Domestic Violence and Sex Trafficking Survivor Housing Assistance Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services' Program 514. The funds are specifically designated to support housing assistance for domestic violence and sex trafficking survivors, as required by Legislative Bill 78. The appropriations are restricted to state aid for housing services and cannot be used for salaries or employee expenses. The bill was approved by the governor on May 20, 2025.
LB 458 introduces two key acts to streamline development and housing. The Permitting Approval Timeliness Act requires local governments to decide on building permit applications within 60 days, automatically granting permits if they miss the deadline. The By-Right Housing Development Act allows duplexes, single-family homes, multifamily units, and accessory dwelling units to be built without discretionary approval from local zoning boards if they meet existing zoning rules. This directly affects homeowners, developers, and municipalities by reducing approval delays and expanding housing options.
LB 531 exempts certain affordable housing projects from requiring compliance with the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code. Specifically, it prohibits the Department of Economic Development from mandating that new construction or rental conversion projects receiving funding from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund meet the energy efficiency standards in the code. The bill amends existing law to clarify this exception while maintaining the code's requirement for all other state-funded buildings. It does not change energy standards for non-affordable housing projects or other state construction.
LB 626 amends Nebraska's Community Development Law to streamline how cities declare areas as "extremely blighted" for redevelopment projects involving affordable housing. It requires cities to conduct studies, hold public hearings, and get planning commission recommendations before declaring an area blighted - ensuring transparency and community input. The bill also sets a 25-year minimum validity for such designations, linking them to tax benefits and affordable housing incentives under existing laws (like tax credits in §77-2715.07). This procedural change directly affects Nebraska cities planning affordable housing projects, though the bill was amended into LB288 and did not advance further.