Tax code adjustments advanced

Senators gave first-round approval March 4 to several technical changes to the state tax code regarding auto museums, sports arenas, bullion and postage.

Currently, only a municipal employee is authorized to access sales and use tax information of permit holders within city limits. LB867, introduced by Kearney Sen. Galen Hadley, would broaden the statute to include any person certified by the municipality seeking the information. Confidentiality provisions already in statute still would bind the certified person, who could include a financial or accounting contractor.

Hadley said the bill is a response to public feedback received during hearings of the Legislature’s Tax Modernization Committee.

“These are things we heard that we’re trying to get corrected,” he said. “It might not be earth-shaking, but they are important to the people of Nebraska.”

Columbus Sen. Paul Schumacher supported the bill, saying it would prevent people from leaving the state to conduct business in more tax-friendly states.

“These are common sense adjustments to our laws that are modern,” he said. “[This bill will ensure] that our folks are competitive and eliminate border bleed.”

A Revenue Committee amendment, adopted 35-0, incorporated the provisions of several bills, including:
• LB809, originally introduced by Lincoln Sen. Colby Coash, which would exempt from sales and use taxes purchases made by historic automobile museums;
• LB783, originally introduced by Omaha Sen. Steve Lathrop, which would change the annual determination and certification of sales tax revenue under the Sports Arena Financing Act to a quarterly determination and certification;
• LB159, originally introduced by Columbus Sen. Paul Schumacher, which would exempt the sale, lease or rental of currency or bullion from sales and use taxes; and
• LB829, also introduced by Schumacher, which would exempt separately stated postage charges from sales and use taxes.

Following the adoption of a technical amendment 31-0, the committee amendment was adopted on a 33-0 vote.

Senators voted to advance the bill on a 37-0 vote.