LB222 – Change provisions relating to certain in lieu of tax payments made by the Game and Parks Commission

This bill was killed by committee! 

The changes proposed in this bill are unnecessary. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission already pays an in lieu of tax payment on wildlife lands that have been acquired since 1977. Taxes are being paid the same as they would be if the land was in private ownership. The existing system is straight forward to apply because the value is determined by the county assessor at the time of acquisition. By adding the language of “highest and best use”, it would add significant complexity, inconsistency, and undue administrative burden annually based on what a potential highest use could be across counties.

Perhaps more important and immediate, the proposed legislation would divert funds needed to manage and restore our natural resources on both public and private land. Restoring and maintaining natural areas and habitat statewide is a public service and beneficial to all Nebraskans.

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