Revenue Committee
January 30, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Brad von Gillern | Bills Heard: 3 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB458: Permitting Approval Timeliness Act, By-Right Housing Development Act, and tax certificate/land bank provisions
Introduced by: Sen. Eliot Bostar | Testimony: 10 proponents, 7 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Senator Bostar's comprehensive housing bill faces skepticism from local officials over state mandates on zoning and permitting. LB458 would require municipalities to approve or deny permits within 60 days or face automatic approval, allow duplexes and accessory dwelling units by-right in certain zones, and expedite land bank acquisition of tax-delinquent properties. Why it matters: Nebraska faces a critical housing shortage with 45,000+ affordable rental units needed, and regulatory costs account for nearly 24% of new home prices. But cities and counties argue the bill removes local control, imposes unrealistic timelines, and circumvents established approval processes that already move quickly in many communities. What they're saying: Proponents: "Regulatory relief in targeted areas can help increase supply and offer more options" (Bostar). "By-right housing allows two units on same building envelope, doubling density without changing footprint" (Hoppe, builder). Opponents: "Most permits are done in two weeks; delays are usually applicant response times, not government" (Crawford, city administrator). "Bill lacks clarity on which permits apply and conflicts with existing state statutes" (Nabity, Grand Island). "Municipalities already working on housing solutions; this disregards careful planning and community engagement" (Rex, League of Municipalities). By the numbers: Nebraska added 180,000 people and 180,000 housing units from 1980-2005; 2005-2020 added same population but only 80,000 units. Omaha processes single-family permits in 2-3 weeks; Grand Island in 2-3 weeks. What's next: No vote taken. Committee members indicated willingness to work with Bostar on clarifications and revisions, particularly around the 60-day timeline and which permits apply.
Committee sentiment: Skeptical: Sen. Kathleen Kauth, Sen. Tony Sorrentino, Sen. Dave Murman, Sen. George Dungan, Sen. Brad von Gillern Opposed: Sen. Mike Jacobson Unclear: Sen. Teresa Ibach
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB391: Give to Enable Scholarship Act
Introduced by: Sen. Dave Murman | Testimony: 2 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Senator Murman's bill would create a fund to help low-income Nebraskans with disabilities open tax-advantaged savings accounts. LB391 establishes a cash fund administered by the Treasurer's Office to provide initial deposits for Enable Savings Plan accounts, allowing participants to use a crowdfunding platform to raise money for disability-related expenses like service dogs, accessible vehicles, and medical equipment. Why it matters: Over 20% of Nebraskans with disabilities live in poverty, and it costs 28% more to live with a disability. The Enable program has grown to 4,393 accounts holding $49 million since 2015, but many individuals lack the means to open an account. What they're saying: Proponents: "Enable has been life-changing for many Nebraskans with disabilities, allowing them to save without jeopardizing Medicaid and SSI benefits" (Murman). "This is not a backdoor school voucher attempt; it helps people achieve self-sufficiency" (McDonald, Arc of Nebraska). By the numbers: Enable program holds $49 million in assets across 4,393 accounts; 68% are Nebraska residents. Program grows approximately $10 million annually. What's next: No vote taken. Program director noted technical amendments needed: renaming 'trust fund' to 'cash fund,' removing 'scholarship' language, and removing investment provisions to keep funds available for immediate use.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Eliot Bostar Unclear: Sen. Tony Sorrentino, Sen. Mike Jacobson
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB305: Preceptorship Tax Credit Act
Introduced by: Sen. Teresa Ibach | Testimony: 4 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Senator Ibach's bill would offer physicians a $1,000 tax credit for each unpaid medical student rotation they supervise, capped at $5,000 annually. LB305 aims to increase the pipeline of preceptors—volunteer physician mentors—in rural Nebraska, particularly ahead of the University of Nebraska College of Medicine's new Kearney campus opening in August 2026, which will require 480 months of preceptorship over two years. Why it matters: Rural physician shortages are critical; preceptorships are unpaid volunteer roles requiring 80-100 hours per rotation. A regional study found 50% of potential preceptors requested direct monetary incentives and 20% cited tax credits as meaningful. Medical students who train in rural areas often stay within 100 miles of their training location. What they're saying: Proponents: "Precepting takes time, but mentors get as much from relationships as students do. This may help physicians on the fence commit" (Dr. Fruehling, 50-year preceptor). "My rural rotation changed my trajectory from surgery to rural family medicine. Tax credit conveys that teaching is valued" (Dr. Dalrymple). "This is an investment in Nebraska's future; consider expanding to nurse practitioners, PAs, and nurses" (Hansen, Rural Health Association). Skeptics: "$1,000 doesn't move the needle for well-paid physicians; EMTs and volunteer firefighters may be higher priority" (Sen. Jacobson). By the numbers: Preceptorships require 80-100 hours per rotation. Kearney campus will train 15-18 students initially, advancing to 20 per class. What's next: No vote taken. Senator Ibach indicated openness to working with other medical practitioners seeking inclusion and to considering non-monetary incentives like continuing education credits.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Dave Murman, Sen. Tony Sorrentino Skeptical: Sen. Mike Jacobson
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
Committee Chair von Gillern noted that four committee members needed to come and go during the hearing due to other committee obligations. The hearing lasted approximately 5.5 hours covering three bills. Written position statements: LB458 had 4 proponent letters and 5 opponent letters with 0 neutral comments and no ADA comments. LB391 had 1 proponent letter and 2 opponent letters with 0 neutral and no ADA comments. LB305 had 2 proponent letters with 0 opponent, 0 neutral, and no ADA comments. No votes were taken on any bills during this hearing.
Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.