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.
This bill reduces funding for the Department of Economic Development's Community and Rural Development program by approximately $10 million in the 2026-27 fiscal year. It decreases General Fund allocations from $7.29 million to $6.29 million and cuts Cash Fund allocations significantly (from $36.58 million to $21.67 million and $36.58 million to $27.67 million), while maintaining Federal Funds at about $54.57 million. The bill eliminates $250,000 for prefabricated housing studies, keeps $700,000 for development districts, and maintains $4.88 million for reading mentorship programs. It directly affects the department's budget execution for rural development initiatives, housing studies, and educational support programs. The changes reflect a reallocation of state funds without introducing new policy requirements.
This bill reduces funding for Nebraska's Department of Economic Development by approximately $16 million for the 2026-27 fiscal year. It eliminates $250,000 in cash funds for a prefabricated housing study (ending after FY2025) and removes $1 million in general funds for a specific grant program. However, it maintains $700,000 for rural development districts and $4.88 million for mentorship programs supporting elementary students' reading and professional growth. The changes redirect funds within the department's budget without altering core program allocations.
Nebraska's LB 809 prohibits cities and counties from passing local laws that would stop landlords from refusing to rent to tenants who receive housing assistance (like Section 8 vouchers) or impose rent control on private properties. The bill specifically bans local ordinances that restrict landlords based on tenants' income sources or set rent limits, except for two exceptions: programs designed to increase affordable housing supply through land-use rules or voluntary landlord agreements that limit rent increases. This law overrides any conflicting local home rule charters and declares any violating local ordinance invalid. It directly affects landlords, tenants using housing assistance, and local governments seeking to regulate rental markets.
Nebraska's LB 443 creates a new criminal offense called "unlawful squatting" for people who enter and occupy another person's property with the intent to claim ownership or use it without permission. It requires law enforcement to issue a warning citation if they have probable cause (e.g., visible personal items or temporary structures on vacant property), giving the person three business days to prove legal right to stay with documents like a deed, lease, or payment records (digital copies accepted). Failure to provide valid proof within that timeframe results in arrest and a Class I misdemeanor charge. The bill directly affects individuals occupying land without the owner's consent, aiming to clarify legal recourse for property owners.
LB 643 prohibits Nebraska income tax deductions for interest, property taxes, or maintenance on single-family rental properties owned by individuals or entities holding more than 30 such properties as of January 1, 2026. It directly affects large-scale residential property investors, excluding primary residences, qualified nonprofit organizations (including community land trusts and affordable housing groups), and owners who sold at least 10% of their properties to residents or 5% to first-time homebuyers. Owners can appeal if they offered properties for sale at fair market value for 90 days without offers and were unable to sell. The bill takes effect for taxable years beginning January 1, 2026.
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.
