Housing

LB 566 removes an expiration date for Nebraska's refundable income tax credit for qualifying homebuyers. The bill specifically targets Section 77-2715.07(2)(b), which provides a credit equal to 100% of the federal credit for individuals with federal adjusted gross income under $29,000. This change makes the credit permanent for eligible low-to-moderate income residents purchasing residential property in Nebraska. The bill does not alter the credit amount, eligibility requirements, or other provisions of the tax credit.

Nebraska's LB 694 adds "military or veteran status" as a protected class under existing anti-discrimination laws. It amends multiple statutes to prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations - including places like restaurants and clubs - based on this status. The bill explicitly allows businesses to offer voluntary discounts or benefits to veterans (e.g., veterans-only services) but bans denying services or opportunities due to military/veteran status. It aligns with Nebraska's broader civil rights framework without creating new enforcement mechanisms.

LB 622 establishes Nebraska's Statewide Housing Assistance Program, using the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to provide direct financial aid like downpayment assistance to low- and very low-income homebuyers. It expands eligible uses of the Trust Fund to include weatherization, energy improvements, and housing education programs, while requiring nonprofits and local groups to receive priority for funding. The bill mandates that at least 30% of annual Trust Fund dollars be allocated to each congressional district and prioritizes projects serving the lowest-income residents in blighted areas or enterprise zones. This program directly affects low-income households seeking homeownership and community organizations administering housing assistance across Nebraska.

LB 182 amends Nebraska's Affordable Housing Tax Credit Act and Child Care Tax Credit Act to clarify how tax credits can be used. It allows developers of affordable housing projects to transfer or sell their allocated tax credits to other taxpayers (like investors), and expands permitted uses of child care tax credits beyond their original scope. The bill specifically updates rules for allocating credits to pass-through entities (like partnerships or LLCs) and ensures credits only apply to projects completed after 2018. These changes directly affect affordable housing developers and childcare providers seeking tax credit benefits.

This bill appropriates specific funds to support the implementation of Legislative Bill 288. It allocates $97,030 from the Middle Income Workforce Housing Investment Fund and $103,200 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund for fiscal year 2025-26, and $118,110 and $126,410 respectively for 2026-27, to the Department of Economic Development’s Program 601. The funds are designated to carry out provisions of LB 288, with a cap on salary expenditures at $103,520 for 2025-26 and $138,030 for 2026-27. As a funding bill, it directly affects the Department of Economic Development’s budget execution for Program 601.