“Closing Time” Nebraska’s Legislative Session Adjourned on June 2

I couldn’t help but think of a popular song from the 1990s as the Nebraska Legislative Session was drawing to a close.

The chorus of Closing Time, by Semisonic, states, “You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.”

That’s where I think most Senators, staff and citizens are with regards to the Nebraska Legislature at this time of year. Members of the Legislature have adjourned their 90-day session and left the State Capitol where they passed a two-year budget without raising taxes on equipment or parts – largely by using cash funds from agencies and the state’s cash reserve. They also took up a number of other bills, through a process that has become a gauntlet to get to the Governor’s desk.

Before I outline just a few bills that are of interest to INEDA and our members, I want to thank Tim Keigher of Keigher and Associates who is an amazing advocacy partner keeping us in regular conversation with State Senators and the Governor’s office to help protect and promote your interests.

• LB 98 – Titling of UTVs (Side by Sides). Working with Chairman Moser, he introduced and passed legislation to address the issue with the inability to title UTVs that are 2000 pounds or more. The bill was passed by the Legislature unanimously and became law on March 11 by Governor Pillen.

• LB 415 – Modifies the paid sick leave policy overwhelmingly passed by voters in November 2024. The original initiative mandated paid sick leave for all employees. LB 415 as passed, exempts businesses with 10 or fewer employees, excludes workers under age 16 and temporary or seasonal agricultural workers, and removes the ability for employees to sue employers for retaliation related to sick leave usage. The bill passed with exactly the 33 votes needed, including support from Democratic Senator Jane Raybould of Lincoln. More information will be made available to dealers to ensure compliance including a presentation by Woods Aitken Law Firm at our Legislative Meeting in York on June 17.

• LB 525 – Protection of Ag Data. As introduced, it prevents any data (sales, location, financial, etc.) that was generated in the production of livestock or crops from being shared, stored, or used by anyone without the express written consent of the farmer. This would have an impact on everything from loan applications to tenant/landlord agreements to irrigation and telematics. If someone refused to share information, they could not be treated differently than those who did. This bill is going to be part of an interim study by the Banking Commerce and Insurance Committee under Legislative Resolution 123.

• LB 650 – As introduced would have taxed net wrap and twine as well as leases of agricultural GPS/RTK towers. Senator von Gillern has introduced this bill on behalf of Governor Pillen. Taxing Net wrap and twine was removed from the bill with the committee amendment and Senator Bob Hallstrom was able to remove the tax on RTK tower leases with a floor amendment.

Now that Senators have left the State Capitol, it is a great time to connect with them in the interim. Thank them for their service and continue to build a meaningful relationship with them and help them understand your issues before they return to Lincoln for their next session. 

Custom Wealth Advice Driven By Your Needs

At Tax Favored Benefits, we serve as a partner in helping individuals, families and business owners achieve financial success.

Our experienced professionals are supported by world-class resources in providing a full suite of wealth, investment and retirement planning services to clients across the country. We focus, first and foremost, on helping you achieve your personal financial goals. As financial professionals, we put your best interests first, at all times and in all situations. We succeed when you succeed.

Interested in learning more about how we can help you achieve your financial goals? Contact us to get started.

We look forward to getting to know you. David B. Wentz, J.D.,