Debate Delayed Constitutional Amendment for Owner Occupied Housing Valuations

LINCOLN–(KFOR Aug. 19)–Not every Nebraska lawmaker was working Saturday at the State Capitol, about 17 of them were not in attendance, but the rest were, as the special session on property tax relief continues.

The meeting was spent on Legislative Resolution 2CA, which is a constitutional amendment that would allow the Legislature, if voters approve, to set a different valuation process for owner-occupied housing. Most Nebraska property is valued at or near 100% of actual market value, with the exception of agricultural land, which is currently valued at 75%. Voters in 1984 authorized the Legislature to value ag land differently.

Lawmakers left without advancing the measure Saturday until Tuesday, with about one hour of debate remaining.