Last week was the first full week of full-day floor debates, with the addition of various scheduled
late nights, ending the debate at 9:00 PM. Previously, during hearing days, we had floor debates
in the mornings and hearings in the afternoon. This column will give an update on three
important bills that were debated last week.
Senator Brewer’s LB 77, the constitutional carry bill that would allow Nebraskans to carry
concealed handguns without a permit, advanced to final reading last Tuesday. This bill is an
essential step towards protecting our citizens’ Second Amendment rights and enhancing their
ability to defend themselves and their loved ones. Nebraskans should not have to jump through
bureaucratic hoops or pay fees to exercise their constitutional rights. Constitutional carry will
allow Nebraskans to protect themselves and their families without unnecessary government
interference. As always, I promise to always stand up for the Second Amendment rights of
Nebraskans.
Senator Linehan’s LB 754, advanced to select file last Thursday. LB 754, which would gradually
reduce the top-tier tax rate for individuals to 3.99 percent for the tax year beginning January 1,
2027, and each subsequent tax year after. For the tax year beginning January 1, 2027, LB 754
would also gradually reduce the corporate income tax rate for all earnings over $100,000 to 3.99
percent for that year and each tax year after. This bill is about more than just numbers on a
spreadsheet; it’s about the people of Nebraska. It’s about giving them the freedom and flexibility
to make their own decisions about how to spend and invest their hard-earned money. It’s about
creating an environment where businesses can thrive and create good-paying jobs for our citizens
and allow Nebraskans to take home more of their hard-earned money.
Senator Briese’s LB 243, started to be debated on Friday. LB 243 increases the funding for the
Property Tax Credit Fund from $275 million to $700 million and also requires the fund to grow
equal to the increase in the assessed value of real property in the state. An amendment to LB 243
also includes other bills, such as LB 28, LB 242, LB 309, LB 589, and LB 783.
LB 28 proposes that if one disagrees with the valuation they’ve been given by their county
assessor and the Board of Equalization, then their opportunity to appeal goes to the Tax
Equalization Review Committee. LB 28 proposes that if you file with TERC by the deadline,
September 15, and they have not had a hearing and made a decision on your valuation – the
valuation will remain the same until they do have a hearing and set your correct valuation.
LB 242 would remove a cap on the amount of income tax credits provided for property taxes
paid. The credits, which are taken on yearly income tax forms, were capped last year at increases
of no more than 5% a year. With this language, that cap would be lifted and allowed to rise based
on the total increase in statewide property tax valuations.

LB 589 would provide a “soft cap” for the annual increase in a district’s property tax revenue at
3%. This is a “soft cap,” as the spending limit could be exceeded with a 75% majority vote of the
school board or a 60% vote of the people.
I look forward to continuing to discuss these issues in the coming weeks on the legislative floor.
As always, I welcome your input on issues important to you. Follow along on my Facebook and
Twitter pages, both entitled “Senator Julie Slama” for more updates, or contact me directly at
Senator Julie Slama, District 1 State Capitol, PO Box 94604, Lincoln NE 68509-4604;
telephone: 402-471-2733; email: jslama@leg.ne.gov.