County ag societies could levy for equipment

County agricultural societies would see increased levy authority under a bill advanced from general file Jan. 23.

Introduced by O’Neill Sen. Tyson Larson, LB597 would expand the use of an agricultural society levy to include purchase of equipment. Larson said it would benefit counties throughout the state.

“This bill brings statutes in line with practices that have been ongoing with county agricultural societies for some time,” he said.

An Agricultural Committee amendment, adopted 32-0, also would allow county agricultural societies to exchange real estate and improvements.

Senators voted to advance the bill to select file on a 31-0 vote.