LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A bill that would encourage some Nebraska school districts to lower their property tax levies has won first-round approval in the Legislature.
The measure introduced on Governor Pete Ricketts' behalf advanced Wednesday on a 38-0 vote.
The legislation would effectively remove an excuse school boards use not to lower their levy rates and tighten budget restrictions on bonding for projects such as mold abatement and environmental hazards.
Senator Kate Sullivan says the bill represents an improvement in how schools are funded and increases local government accountability.
The proposal represents the first half of Ricketts' tax package, which has changed substantially since it was introduced in January. Lawmakers are set to debate the second half on Thursday.
The bill is LB959.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.