Legislative session produces mixed bag of victories and defeats for older Nebraskans

By Andy Bradley

Contributing Writer

Nebraska state senators in Lincoln passed several bills during the recently-concluded legislative session that would benefit older Nebraskans, although several other measures died in committee. One of the survivors, Legislative Bill (LB) 683, would continue efforts to expand broadband access in unserved or underserved neighborhoods and commu- nities. The bill created the Nebraska Broadband Office and builds on the progress lawmakers made in 2022 in providing $20 million over two years for expanded broadband coverage. Public hearings are scheduled throughout the state this summer to secure input regarding the best way to deploy new federal broadband funds. A hearing is scheduled July 12 in Omaha. The 5:30 p.m. session will be held at the Nebraska

Department of Transportation, 4425 S. 108th St.

The second victory was the passage of LB 727, which protects homeowners from losing all equity in their home if they fall too far behind in property taxes. Previously, Nebraska was one of 11 states where homeowners were at risk of losing their nest egg if property bills went unpaid, according to AARP Nebraska, which supported the bill. Local governments have been legally able to seize their entire land and home as payment – no matter the size of the debt or the value of the property. LB 727, which was sponsored by Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, is in alignment with a recent ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court restricting governments from collecting more than what is owed when it forecloses on a property.

In addition to homeowner protections, senators also