Pillen will call ‘as many sessions as it takes’ to pass property tax relief

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A proposed property tax relief bill in Nebraska died Thursday on the final day of this year’s legislative session.

Lawmakers debated Legislative Bill 388, introduced by State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, for about two hours.

Many lawmakers, including State Sens. Julie Slama and Megan Hunt, suggested more work needs to be done during a special session.

“Come back this summer with the attitude that we can do something transformational with our tax code, believe that we can do more than this for the taxpayers of Nebraska,” Slama said.

The bill aimed to reduce property taxes by 22% by increasing taxes on other items, like cigarettes, and removing tax exemptions from pop, candy and lottery tickets.

The proposal also put a 7.5% tax on digital ads, which would only apply to companies with a combined gross advertising revenue of at least $1 billion.

Before a vote to end the debate, Linehan requested to pass over LB 388, killing the proposal.

Linehan said she’s open to returning for a special session but hopes her colleagues bring ideas to the table.

“I hope we have a lot of conversations between now and then about all your perfect answers to this problem,” she said.

At the end of Friday’s session, Gov. Jim Pillen said he will call “as many sessions as it takes” to solve the property tax crisis.

“Enjoy halftime, we’ll see you here again soon,” he said.