Special session convenes, bill introduction begins

Lawmakers convened July 25 to begin the first special session of the 108th Nebraska Legislature. Gov. Jim Pillen called the special session to consider legislation relating to property tax reform.

Among the 25 measures introduced were:

LB1, introduced by Elkhorn Sen. Lou Ann Linehan at the request of the governor, which would adopt the Property Tax Growth Limitation Act, the School District Property Tax Relief Act and the Advertising Services Tax Act and change revenue and taxation provisions;

LB2, introduced by Sen. Robert Clements of Elmwood at the request of the governor, which would provide, change and eliminate appropriations for operations of state government;

LB8, introduced by Bellevue Sen. Carol Blood, which would provide for a luxury tax on certain purchases;

LB9, introduced by Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward, which would change, add and eliminate certain calculations and provisions under the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act, state intent regarding transfers to the Education Future Fund and change provisions relating to property tax levies for school districts;

LB10, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Jane Raybould, which would change provisions relating to individual and corporate income tax rates;

LB13, introduced by Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, which would allow an authorized gaming operator to conduct sports wagering by means of an online sports wagering platform under the Nebraska Racetrack Gaming Act, change the distribution of taxes collected from sports wagering and change requirements relating to proposals for constitutional amendments submitted by the Legislature;

LB15, introduced by Bayard Sen. Steve Erdman, which would change requirements relating to proposals for constitutional amendments submitted by the Legislature;

LB17, introduced by Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha, which would repeal the Perkins County Canal Project Act and provide for the termination of the Perkins County Canal Project Fund;

LB20, introduced by Omaha Sen. Terrell McKinney, which would provide an income tax credit for renters and change provisions relating to a property tax credit; and

LR2CA, introduced by Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, a proposed constitutional amendment which would authorize the Legislature to provide a different method of taxing owner-occupied housing.

Senators will reconvene July 26 at 10 a.m. to continue bill introduction. A complete list of measures introduced thus far is available at NebraskaLegislature.gov. Proposals may be introduced for the first three days of the special session, or until July 27.

Public hearings on proposed legislation are expected to begin July 29 at 9:30 a.m. Only measures that are referenced to a standing committee will receive a public hearing.