This legislative bill amends various sections of the Nebraska Revised Statutes to enhance the powers of the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority and modify provisions related to the Nebraska Affordable Housing Act. Key changes include granting the authority the ability to support and manage nonprofit entities to further its objectives, as well as requiring the authority to provide information on grant or loan programs involving public funds to state agencies. The bill also establishes new reporting requirements for the Department of Economic Development regarding the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, including the obligation to return unspent funds and provide detailed accounting of expenditures. Additionally, it eliminates the housing advisory committee and repeals certain sections of existing law to streamline housing program administration, modifies fund allocation from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and clarifies energy efficiency requirements for new state buildings.

Furthermore, the bill amends the Rural Workforce Housing Investment Act and the Middle Income Workforce Housing Investment Act to enhance workforce housing development in rural and urban communities. It defines "workforce housing" with specific cost limits for owner-occupied and rental units and introduces a matching funds requirement for nonprofit development organizations. The bill establishes a timeline for grant fund allocation, mandates annual reporting by nonprofit organizations, and allows the Director of Water, Energy, and Environment to adopt rules for effective implementation. It also includes provisions for transferring unallocated grant funds to the General Fund and outlines criteria for awarding grants, emphasizing community commitment and management capabilities. Overall, the amendments aim to address housing needs, foster economic growth, and ensure efficient utilization of funds in Nebraska.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 58-712, 58-701, 58-703, 58-708, 58-709, 72-804, 72-805, 81-1232, 81-1241
Final Reading: 58-712, 58-701, 58-703, 58-708, 58-709, 72-804, 72-805, 81-1228, 81-1229, 81-1230, 81-1231, 81-1232, 81-1237, 81-1238, 81-1239, 81-1240, 81-1241
Slip Law: 58-712, 58-701, 58-703, 58-708, 58-709, 72-804, 72-805, 81-1228, 81-1229, 81-1230, 81-1231, 81-1232, 81-1237, 81-1238, 81-1239, 81-1240, 81-1241