This bill amends sections 77-1633 and 77-3442 of the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024, to revise the Property Tax Request Act and property tax levy limits in Nebraska. A significant change is the requirement for political subdivisions to hold a joint public hearing between July 14 and July 24 if they wish to increase their property tax requests beyond the allowable growth percentage, replacing the previous September timeframe. Additionally, each political subdivision must notify affected property taxpayers via postcard and post notices on their websites to promote transparency and public engagement regarding proposed tax increases.

The bill also introduces new provisions regarding property tax levies, establishing maximum levy limits for various political subdivisions, including natural resources districts, educational service units, and local governments. It allows natural resources districts in fully appropriated or overappropriated areas to levy taxes for groundwater management activities and sets specific maximum levy rates for cities, villages, and counties. Furthermore, if a political subdivision's total taxable valuation exceeds that of the previous year, its levy can only raise the same amount of property taxes as in the prior year unless a two-thirds majority of its governing body approves a higher levy. Certain tax levies, such as those for judgments and specific bonds, are exempt from these limits. The bill repeals previous sections of the law and is set to take effect immediately upon passage, citing an emergency.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 77-1633, 77-3442