Housing agency bed bug requirements vetoed, override motion filed

Gov. Jim Pillen vetoed a bill May 20 requiring the Omaha Housing Authority to address bed bug infestations.

Under LB287, introduced by the Urban Affairs Committee, a housing agency in a metropolitan class city must inspect a dwelling unit within 10 days of receiving a bed bug complaint and provide remedial pest control services within 21 days, among other requirements. Omaha is the state’s only metropolitan class city.

Included in the bill are the amended provisions of LB514, sponsored by the committee. They would allow a metropolitan class city to require a housing authority to comply with any city rental inspection and registration ordinance, code enforcement and inspection of residential rental properties.

Also included are the amended provisions of LB321, introduced by Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue. They would allow sanitary and improvement districts to pay for improvements by collecting special assessments on property located outside the boundaries of the district to the extent the improvements benefit that property.

LB287 passed on a vote of 34-15 on May 14.

In his veto letter, Pillen said local governments already have the authority to enforce “basic sanitation and anti-infestation standards” within their communities and that OHA is subject to “rigorous” federal oversight, including regular inspections.

By allowing an SID to impose taxes on property owners outside its jurisdiction, Pillen added, the bill would violate the principle of no taxation without representation.

Omaha Sen. Terrell McKinney, chairperson of the committee, filed a motion May 21 to attempt to override the governor’s veto. Thirty votes will be required. Consideration of the override motion is scheduled for debate May 27.