LB 1134 establishes Nebraska's baseline building, electrical, and energy codes by adopting specific editions of international codes (like the 2018 International Building Code) as the state standard. It limits local governments from creating stricter codes than the state version, prohibiting updates to local codes that exceed the state code's requirements until 2031. The bill requires local governments to provide independent third-party evidence verifying that any code change is necessary for public safety or compliance with state/federal law, rather than for cost reduction. This directly affects counties, cities, and villages that enforce building codes, as well as construction businesses and property owners subject to these regulations.
LB 819 amends Nebraska's Rural and Middle Income Workforce Housing Investment Acts to update key definitions and program rules. It specifically revises the cost limits for qualifying workforce housing: owner-occupied units must cost no more than $375,250 (adjusted annually for inflation), and rental units no more than $325,000. The bill also requires nonprofit developers applying for grants to provide 25% matching funds and caps annual grants at $5 million per organization over two years. These changes directly affect rural communities seeking housing development funding and nonprofit organizations managing workforce housing investment funds.
This bill would allow Nebraska to cover supportive housing services through Medicaid by requiring the Department of Health and Human Services to seek federal approval. It establishes a "Housing First" approach - providing permanent housing without conditions (like sobriety requirements) paired with voluntary support services such as housing transition, tenancy stabilization, and care coordination. The bill creates a dedicated fund to cover both Medicaid-eligible services and non-Medicaid housing costs (e.g., short-term rental assistance). It directly affects Nebraskans experiencing or at risk of homelessness by expanding access to stable housing with integrated support.
LB 1168 amends Nebraska's Community Development Law to explicitly authorize cities and redevelopment authorities to issue "conduit revenue bonds" under specific taxpayer agreements. These bonds allow private entities (like developers) to fund redevelopment projects while cities use tax increment financing, with private parties repaying bond costs through agreed-upon payments. The bill primarily affects cities pursuing redevelopment in designated "extremely blighted areas" under Sections 18-2101.02 and 18-2147, streamlining how they structure financing for projects like housing or commercial development. Key changes include updating bond issuance rules in Section 18-2124 to include conduit bonds and harmonizing related reporting requirements in Sections 18-2101.02 and 18-2117.01.
LB 962 establishes the Youth Reentry and Transitional Support Act to support youth under 21 exiting juvenile detention, group homes, residential treatment programs, or probation supervision. The law requires state agencies to develop individualized transition plans within 60 days of custody, assign aftercare coordinators for up to 12 months post-release, and create individualized employment plans with career pathways. Key provisions include housing stabilization strategies, continuity of behavioral health and Medicaid services, credible messenger mentoring, and joint meetings between probation officers and coordinators. The program integrates existing state resources across the Department of Health and Human Services, Juvenile Services, Probation Administration, and the Department of Education.
This constitutional amendment (LR 312CA) would allow Nebraska cities and villages to borrow money for residential development or redevelopment projects in designated blighted areas. It permits municipalities to issue bonds or loans without being restricted by existing charters and to pledge excess property taxes from the project area (above pre-development values) to repay the debt. The tax pledges would last up to 15 years for residential projects or 20 years for redevelopment (potentially extended under specific high-unemployment/poverty conditions). The amendment requires voter approval at the November 2026 general election and would change existing constitutional provisions governing such projects.
LB 806 creates a specific $2 million grant from Nebraska's Site and Building Development Fund for a city of the first class located in the third congressional district. This grant is only available if the property previously housed a defunct university and is being revitalized to support youth exiting foster care or juvenile court supervision. The funds must be used to improve buildings or infrastructure for housing, employment, and program needs related to these youth. The bill amends existing law to add this targeted grant provision under the Site and Building Development Act.
This bill (LB 850) amends Nebraska's Local Option Municipal Economic Development Act to explicitly allow cities of metropolitan class (over 50,000 residents) and primary class (20,000-50,000 residents) to use existing economic development funds for housing construction or rehabilitation. It specifically authorizes these funds for housing projects targeting low/moderate-income residents, workforce housing plans, or affordable housing action plans (as defined in Section 19-5505). The bill updates definitions to include housing construction/rehabilitation as a qualifying business activity for these cities. This change expands current allowable uses of economic development programs without creating new funding. The bill focuses on streamlining how cities can address housing needs through existing local economic development tools.
LB 1129 updates Nebraska's Community Development Law to modernize how cities address blighted areas. It redefines key terms like "affordable housing" (now including workforce housing and housing for households earning under 150% of county median income) and "area of operation" (expanding to include land outside city limits under specific conditions). The bill changes property acquisition rules, eliminates outdated provisions about land outside city boundaries, and requires expedited review for certain redevelopment plans. These changes directly affect cities, redevelopment authorities, and property owners in designated blighted areas.
Nebraska's LB 1041 requires cities, villages, and counties to allow at least one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on single-family residential lots. The bill sets size limits (max 1,000 sq ft or 50% of the main house), prohibits local restrictions on ADU placement (like stricter height or setback rules), and bans requirements for additional parking or occupancy rules based on income, age, or family relationships. It mandates automatic permit approval for ADUs meeting state standards within the same timeline as main-house permits, without discretionary hearings. The law defines ADUs as secondary residences (attached or detached) on the same lot as a primary home, overriding conflicting local ordinances while allowing more permissive local rules.
