NORFOLK, Neb. -- A new legislative bill in the Nebraska Legislature does not have the support of the natural resource districts.

Legislative Bill 1415, better known as the Property Tax Relief Act, was introduced by State Sen. Robert Dover at the request of Gov. Jim Pillen.

The bill would have the state government directly fund school districts, counties, cities, municipalities, and villages in exchange for direct property tax relief. 

If enacted aid would be distributed based on the ratio of real property valuation in the municipalities to the real property valuation of all municipalities.

Lower Elkhorn Natural Resource District General Manager Brian Bruckner said the bill is part of Pillen's goal to reduce property taxes in the state, something he agrees needs fixing.

However, Bruckner said the LENRD alongside the Nebraska Association of Resource Districts is not in favor of this bill due to what they say are restrictions to local government.

"Obviously, property taxes are an issue in our state and it's an honest conversation to have," Bruckner said. "This particular piece of legislation the NARD has voted to oppose it."

In a  policy statement shared Thursday the NARD opposed the bill due to its "restrictions on local budgets that harm the ability of the local governments:

  1. To implement programs and projects to meet federal programs;
  2. Make local annual adjustments to meet the needs of local citizens;
  3. Adequately find both rural and urban needs; and
  4. Provide local funding for efficient natural resource programs that protect water quality, water quantity, social, property and the economy."

Still, Bruckner said they will continue to speak with legislatures about property taxes and work towards a possible solution.