April 11, 2025

109th Legislature, 1st Session

Floor Debate Continues

Today is day 60 of the 90-day session. The Legislature adjourned earlier this afternoon following a vote on LB 650, introduced by Senator Brad von Gillern (Omaha) at the request of Governor Jim Pillen. As amended, LB 650 would: (a) create the Community Development Assistance Act (initially filed as LB 458), which provides a tax credit to a community betterment organization that provides community assistance or community services in a community development area; (b) expand the motor vehicle tax exemption for disabled veterans to a larger class of disabled veterans; (c) reduce the cap for tax credits available under the Nebraska Advantage Rural Development Act from $2 million to $1 million for certain businesses and from $10 million to $1 million for livestock-related businesses beginning in calendar year 2026; (d) terminate tax credits available to grocers, restaurants and agricultural producers who donate to food banks; (e) terminate a tax credit available to employers for relocation expenses when hiring out-of-state employees to relocate to Nebraska; (f) terminate a tax credit available under the Nebraska Shortline Rail Modernization Act; (g) limit tax credits available under the Nebraska Biodiesel Tax Credit Act; and (h) put limitations of other tax credits and other clean-up language based on recent changes to property tax levies. 

The week started off with contentious debate on Tuesday over LB 3, introduced by senator Loren Lippincott (Central City) at the request of Governor Pillen. LB 3 would reinstate the "winner-take-all" system for awarding electoral votes in presidential races. Following a motion to invoke cloture, the measure failed on a partisan vote, with no registered Democrats voting for cloture, and two registered Republicans, Senator Merv Riepe (Ralston) and Senator Dave Wordekemper (Fremont), voting against cloture. Following this, the Legislature got back to work and advanced a number of priority bills.

The Legislature also advanced LB 474, introduced by Senator Mike Jacobson (North Platte), which, as amended, includes the key provisions of LB 232 introduced by Senator Bob Hallstrom (Syracuse), on behalf of the NBA. These provisions require any life insurance policy issued in Nebraska, on or after January 1, 2026, to provide notice of lapse or termination to any assignee of record, and that such assignee has the same legal standing as an owner of the policy. This will protect financial institutions when accepting a life insurance policy as collateral for a loan.

Biennial Budget Underway

The Appropriations Committee continued its work, with only 10 working days remaining until the Committee is required to advance the budget to the floor. The most notable change to date is with the University of Nebraska budget. Governor Pillen recommended a 2% cut to the University of Nebraska's budget, which was preliminarily accepted by the Committee. However, on Tuesday the Committee reversed course and voted to increase the budget by 1.25% for the next fiscal year. The University of Nebraska had requested a 3.5% increase.

The Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board, which forecasts revenue projections for the state, is scheduled to meet again on April 25. This will provide the final numbers needed for completing the budget.

Date of Importance

June 9: Day 90 of the legislative session

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