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, accredited land trusts, and certain nonprofit organizations. It offers a property tax exemption of ten cents per square foot for taxpayers who encumber their property with a perpetual recreational trail easement, provided they meet specific requirements such as ensuring public access and connectivity to existing trails or local attractions. The bill also amends existing statutes to clarify the filing requirements for recorded easements and property tax exemptions, specifying that qualifying easements must be recorded and held by eligible holders.

In addition to the recreational trail easement provisions, the bill introduces a tax exemption for broadband equipment deployed in areas funded by the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program or in qualified census tracts within metropolitan cities. Owners must apply to the county assessor by December 31 of the year prior to the exemption taking effect, with the assessor required to approve qualifying applications within thirty days. The bill defines "data center" and "broadband equipment," outlines the criteria for the exemption, and includes provisions for tax relief for property owners for tax years prior to 2020. The act is set to become operative on January 1, 2026, and repeals certain sections of the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024.

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