Bill > LB355

This bill updates several Nebraska state statutes to replace references to federal decennial census data with the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimate, a more frequently updated and potentially more accurate source of demographic information. The bill modifies provisions related to various economic development, tax incentive, and community development programs, including definitions for economic redevelopment areas, job training grants, innovation hubs, and development districts. Specifically, the changes allow state agencies and local governments to use the American Community Survey data instead of waiting for the once-per-decade federal census to calculate population, unemployment rates, and poverty levels for determining eligibility for various programs and incentives. The bill will become operative on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause to take effect immediately upon passage. By updating census data sources, the bill aims to provide more current and flexible demographic information for economic development and government planning purposes, potentially allowing for more responsive and accurate program implementation across multiple state statutes.

Budget and Finance

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59331