Budget & Taxes (Property Tax)

This bill updates Nebraska's definitions for "disabled veteran" and "blind veteran" to align with federal standards under 5 U.S.C. 2108 (as of January 1, 2025). It changes eligibility for two existing tax exemptions: motor vehicle tax breaks (under section 60-3,185) and mobile home property tax exemptions (under section 77-202.24) for veterans whose disability or blindness is service-connected and recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. To qualify, veterans must now meet specific federal criteria, such as having lost the use of or undergone amputation of two or more limbs, or one limb plus loss of use in another. The changes take effect January 1, 2026, and repeal the previous definitions.

This Nebraska bill restricts property tax increases for community colleges. It prevents community colleges from raising taxes above last year's level if rising property valuations would cause higher taxes. To exceed this limit, colleges must hold public hearings with detailed notices about tax impacts and submit formal resolutions showing how proposed increases affect budgets. These changes apply specifically to community colleges under the state's Property Tax Request Act.