Short-term rental bill approved

The Legislature passed a bill March 1 that prevents a municipality from banning Airbnb or other short-term rental companies from operating in the state.

LB57, introduced by Sen. Adam Morfeld of Lincoln, prevents bans on short-term rentals, defined as 30 or fewer days. Municipalities still may regulate short-term rental properties for health and safety reasons and the bill does not affect regulation of homeowners’ associations.

The bill also authorizes an online hosting platform to enter into an agreement with the state tax commissioner to collect and pay applicable sales taxes imposed under Nebraska law on behalf of short-term renters.

Senators approved LB57 on a vote of 46-0.