Legislature News

Microenterprise Tax Credit Changes Approved

Published by Nikki Palmer on Fri, 05/28/2021 - 12:00am

Senators passed a bill May 20 intended to modernize the state’s small business tax credit.

Under the Nebraska Advantage Microenterprise Tax Credit Act, a business with five or fewer full-time employees can apply to receive a refundable tax credit designed to help decrease the cost of startup and expansion.

Joint Hearing for Property Tax Request Increases Approved

Published by Nikki Palmer on Fri, 05/28/2021 - 12:00am

Certain political subdivisions must hold a joint public hearing before increasing their property tax requests under a bill passed by lawmakers May 19.

Fall Redistricting Guidelines OK’d by Senators

Published by Nikki Palmer on Fri, 05/28/2021 - 12:00am

Nebraska lawmakers approved formal guidelines Wednesday for the redrawing of political boundaries, a process that will shape the state’s legislative and congressional districts for the next decade.

The 30-16 vote was largely on party lines, with Republicans supporting the guidelines, even though Nebraska’s Legislature is ostensibly nonpartisan.

Lawmakers Pass $26 Million Corporate Income Tax Cut

Published by Nikki Palmer on Fri, 05/28/2021 - 12:00am

Nebraska lawmakers approved a corporate income tax cut designed to bring the rate closer to the one paid by small business owners, despite objections that the lost revenue could be used for other purposes.

Senators voted Legislative Bill 432 through its third and final vote, 42-1, and sent it last Friday to Gov. Pete Ricketts, who’s expected to sign it.

Tax Collections in Nebraska Fall Below Projections For April

Published by Nikki Palmer on Wed, 05/19/2021 - 12:00am

Nebraska state government collected slightly less tax revenue than expected in April, according to state officials.

The Nebraska Department of Revenue reported April net tax collections of $525 million, less than 1% below the certified forecast of $528 million.

Senators OK Sports Betting; Husker Home Games Excluded

Published by Nikki Palmer on Tue, 05/18/2021 - 5:00am

Sports fans in Nebraska may soon be able to bet legally on nearly all collegiate and professional events, but not on the Huskers when they play at home.

Medical Marijuana Bill Dies, Setting Up New Ballot Drive

Published by Nikki Palmer on Mon, 05/17/2021 - 5:00am

A bill to legalize and tightly regulate medical marijuana died in the Nebraska Legislature last Wednesday, setting the stage for a much less restrictive ballot measure with a good chance of passing.

Unicameral Bill Would Reduce Ag Land Property Taxes

Published by Nikki Palmer on Sun, 05/16/2021 - 3:00am

Property tax continues to be a heated topic in the Legislature. Senators took nearly the entire day on April 21 to debate and vote on Legislative Bill 2, a bill that would reduce the amount of taxes agriculture landowners pay to school district bonds. 

Nebraska Could Let Banks Offer Cryptocurrency Services

Published by Nikki Palmer on Fri, 05/14/2021 - 4:00am

Banks that want to cash in on the cryptocurrency tech craze could start offering services to customers who own Bitcoin and other digital assets under a bill backed by Monday state lawmakers.

Senators voted 39-1 to advance Legislative Bill 649 through the first of three required votes in the Legislature.

Paid Family Medical Leave Proposal Fails to Advance

Published by Nikki Palmer on Fri, 05/14/2021 - 12:00am

Lawmakers debated a proposal Monday that would guarantee paid leave to Nebraskans.

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