The proposed Recreational Trail Easement Property Tax Exemption Act aims to enhance public health, economic development, environmental conservation, and community connectivity in Nebraska by establishing recreational trail easements. The bill defines "eligible holders" of these easements, which include municipalities, counties, land trusts, and nonprofit organizations focused on public access and land conservation. Taxpayers who encumber their property with a perpetual recreational trail easement can receive an annual property tax exemption of ten cents per square foot of the encumbered area, contingent upon meeting specific criteria such as ensuring public access and connectivity to existing trails or local attractions. The bill also amends existing statutes to streamline the filing process for these easements and tax exemptions, requiring recorded easements to be submitted to the Department of Revenue along with proof of compliance.

In addition, the bill introduces an exemption from personal property tax for broadband equipment deployed in designated areas, particularly those funded by the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program or in qualified census tracts within metropolitan cities. This exemption applies to equipment providing internet access at speeds of at least 100 megabits per second for both downloading and uploading. Owners must apply for the exemption to the county assessor by December 31 of the year prior to the exemption taking effect, with a requirement for the assessor to approve applications within thirty days if criteria are met. The bill also defines "data center" and outlines necessary infrastructure for broadband equipment, while providing tax relief measures for personal property for tax years prior to 2020. The act is set to become operative on January 1, 2026, and it repeals original sections 76-214 and 77-202 from the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 76-214, 77-202