Housing

Nebraska's LB 1114 amends eligibility rules for expedited review of redevelopment plans under the Community Development Law. It requires projects to be located in blighted areas within cities of under 100,000 population, involve repair/rehabilitation of existing structures (at least 25 or 60 years old) or vacant lots (at least 25 or 60 years platted), and meet specific property value limits ($350,000 for single-family, $1.5M for multi-family/commercial, $10M for historic properties). The bill streamlines the process by mandating a standardized application form, requiring city approval within 30 days, and allowing a single fund for multiple projects. This primarily affects small-city redevelopment projects in designated blighted areas seeking faster permitting without full environmental or zoning reviews.

LB 839 amends Nebraska's Municipal Density and Missing Middle Housing Act to update reporting requirements for cities. It requires cities to submit biennial reports to the Urban Affairs Committee detailing efforts related to affordable housing, including whether they have adopted or implemented an affordable housing action plan (new requirement added at subsection (m)). This directly affects all Nebraska cities with residential zoning, as they must now report on their progress toward housing affordability goals. The bill streamlines reporting by modifying Section 19-5504, repealing the original section while adding specific new data points for transparency.

LB 1067 adjusts how documentary stamp tax revenue is distributed to fund housing programs in Nebraska. It specifies that for every $2.82 collected on property transfers (deeds), 95 cents goes to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, 75 cents each to the Rural Workforce and Middle Income Workforce Housing Investment Funds, and smaller portions to other housing-related funds. The bill harmonizes existing tax allocation rules across these funds and ensures collected revenue is used solely for designated housing purposes. This directly affects property sellers and buyers paying the transfer tax, with funds supporting affordable housing initiatives. The changes take effect upon enactment, modifying current tax distribution formulas.

LB 266 prohibits local governments in Nebraska (cities, counties, and their agencies) from passing any ordinances that would impose rent controls on private rental properties. The bill defines "ordinance" broadly to include local laws, rules, or regulations, and states such restrictions are null and void if enacted. Exceptions allow local governments to adopt ordinances aimed at increasing affordable housing supply through land-use rules or voluntary private programs where property owners contractually agree to rent restrictions. This law overrides local home rule charters and became effective upon the governor's approval on April 7, 2025.