Voter approval for certain school bonds approved

A bill intended to ensure that voters must approve certain bonds issued to pay for the construction of school buildings passed Feb. 8.

LB299, introduced by Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, prohibits any joint entity that includes a Nebraska school district or educational service unit from issuing bonds without approval from a majority of their qualified voters in a special election. The restriction applies to joint public entities created on or after the bill’s effective date.

If the bond question fails, it cannot be submitted to voters again for at least six months.

LB299 passed 45-0 and takes effect immediately.