Rep. Julie Slama

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to limit how much local governments, such as cities and counties, can increase their spending each year. Under the new rule, a local government's budget can only grow by the rate of inflation plus any change in its population, unless voters specifically approve a larger increase at a general election. The amendment would apply to all political subdivisions within Nebraska and aims to restrict budget growth without direct voter consent. If passed, this change would require local officials to seek voter approval whenever they plan to raise spending beyond the calculated inflation and population limits.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would require local governments in Nebraska to get voter approval at a November general election before implementing any new taxes. The measure directly affects cities, counties, and other political subdivisions by mandating a public vote prior to tax increases. If passed, the change would alter how local funding is authorized, ensuring residents vote directly on new tax levies rather than allowing officials to set them without a prior election. The bill is currently in the legislative process and has not yet been enacted.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment would cap how much Nebraska state spending can grow each year, restricting increases to the combined rate of inflation and population growth unless voters approve a larger increase at a general election. The measure directly affects the state budget process by requiring public approval for any spending growth that exceeds these specific limits, thereby shifting some fiscal decision-making power from the legislature to the electorate. If passed, this rule would apply to all future state fiscal years, ensuring that significant budget expansions require a direct vote from the public rather than being determined solely by lawmakers.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would require local governments in Nebraska to seek voter approval before implementing any tax changes that result in a net increase in tax revenue. The measure would specifically affect cities, counties, and other political subdivisions by mandating that such tax increases be voted on at a general election in November rather than being enacted by officials alone. If passed, this rule would prevent local leaders from raising taxes without direct public consent at the ballot box, while leaving other tax adjustments unaffected. The bill was introduced in July 2024 but was indefinitely postponed in August, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the legislature or the public.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would require local governments in Nebraska to get voter approval at a November general election before taking on certain debts or financial obligations. The rule specifically applies to debts that span multiple fiscal years and mandates that these entities must have enough cash on hand to cover all future payments without relying on pledged reserves. If passed, the change would directly affect cities, counties, and other political subdivisions by adding a public vote step to their borrowing process. The amendment aims to increase transparency and public oversight over long-term financial commitments made by local entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to require Nebraska political subdivisions, such as cities and counties, to keep a financial reserve equal to at least three percent of their annual spending. The reserve must be used exclusively for declared emergencies and excludes money set aside for paying off bonded debt. If approved by voters, this rule would mandate that local governments maintain this specific fund to ensure resources are available during crisis situations.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow individuals to file lawsuits against local governments if they change tax policies to increase revenue without first getting voter approval at a general election. The measure aims to create a legal mechanism for challenging tax policy changes by political subdivisions, such as cities or counties, that result in a net gain in tax money without a prior vote from the public. If passed, this change would directly affect local governments by potentially subjecting their tax decisions to court challenges whenever they bypass the required voter approval process.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow individuals to sue political subdivisions, such as cities or counties, if they increase their spending beyond a specific limit without voter approval. The spending limit is calculated based on the rate of inflation plus the percentage change in the subdivision's population from the previous year. To prevent such increases, the amendment requires that any spending above this threshold must be approved by voters at a November general election. If the amendment passes, it creates a legal mechanism for citizens to challenge unauthorized spending hikes in court.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new section to the Nebraska Constitution to allow individuals to sue political subdivisions if they increase tax rates without prior voter approval at a November general election. The amendment would enable citizens to challenge such tax hikes in court, following procedures set by the state Legislature. It directly affects local governments and taxpayers by providing a legal mechanism to enforce existing laws regarding voter-approved tax increases. The measure was introduced in 2024 but was indefinitely postponed by the Legislature before it could be submitted to voters.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would require local governments to hold a voter approval vote at a November general election before extending any expiring tax. The measure directly affects cities, counties, and other political subdivisions in Nebraska by mandating that residents vote on tax extensions rather than allowing officials to renew them automatically. If passed, the change would ensure that any decision to continue a tax that is set to expire must be explicitly approved by the public during a scheduled general election. Currently, the bill has been indefinitely postponed and has not been enacted.