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MOBA & HBAL 2026 Legislative Session Recap
Prepared for Members of the Metro Omaha Builders Association
and Home Builders Association of Lincoln
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The 2026 legislative session brought forward several important policy issues impacting housing affordability, residential construction, workforce development, property rights,
landlord-tenant law, zoning, building codes, and economic development.
Throughout the 109th Nebraska Legislature, MOBA and HBAL remained actively engaged on behalf of our members — monitoring legislation, testifying at committee hearings, meeting with senators, tracking amendments, and advocating for policies that support attainable housing and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens.
Below is a recap of the key issues our coalition followed throughout the session.
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MONITORED
Electrical code and licensing issues, documentary stamp tax proposals, housing funding, apprenticeships, and redevelopment initiatives.
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OPPOSED
Costly code mandates, expanded landlord regulations, increased housing-related transaction costs, and proposals that could add unnecessary burdens to residential construction.
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SUPPORTED
Housing affordability, workforce housing, permitting reform,
by-right development, efficient eviction proceedings, redevelopment, and workforce development.
| | Key Legislative Priorities | |
Housing Affordability & Workforce Housing
Position: Supported
MOBA and HBAL supported legislation designed to create more pathways to homeownership and expand workforce and middle-income housing opportunities across Nebraska.
Priorities included first-time homebuyer savings accounts, additional workforce housing funding, expanded grant eligibility, increased home value caps, and the extension of workforce housing programs through 2037.
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Permitting Reform &
By-Right Development
Position: Supported
Reducing delays in the housing approval process remained one of the coalition’s top priorities.
MOBA and HBAL supported proposals that would create clearer permitting timelines, improve consistency among local jurisdictions, and provide more predictability for builders, developers, and contractors.
The coalition also supported by-right housing development proposals aimed at expanding housing flexibility, including duplexes, accessory dwelling units, and reduced discretionary approval processes.
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Building Codes & Regulatory Costs
Position: Opposed
MOBA and HBAL opposed proposals that would adopt newer international energy and building codes likely to increase the cost of housing.
Our coalition continued to emphasize that costly code mandates directly impact housing affordability for Nebraska families and place additional financial pressure on builders, remodelers, contractors, and homebuyers.
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Electrical Code & Licensing Issues
Position: Monitored/Opposed
The coalition closely monitored and opposed several proposals related to electrical licensing, inspections, penalties, and code requirements.
Key concerns included expanded inspection authority, increased penalties, additional contractor burdens, and requirements that could affect project timelines and costs.
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Landlord-Tenant & Property Rights Issues
Position: Opposed
MOBA and HBAL opposed several bills that would significantly increase landlord liability, administrative requirements, and operational costs.
Concerns included additional disclosure mandates, expanded tenant remedies, restrictions on application fees, eviction record sealing, radon disclosure requirements, and source-of-income discrimination mandates.
The coalition emphasized the importance of maintaining fair and balanced landlord-tenant policies while protecting housing availability and affordability.
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Efficient Eviction Proceedings
Position: Supported
The coalition supported measures designed to improve court efficiency and reduce delays in possession actions.
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Taxation & Housing Funding
Position: Monitored/Opposed
MOBA and HBAL monitored and opposed several proposals related to documentary stamp taxes and the redirection of housing-related funds.
Key concerns included increased transaction costs, reduced affordability, and funding shifts away from housing priorities
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Additional Coalition Priorities
Position: Monitored/Supported
MOBA and HBAL also monitored and supported legislation related to apprenticeships, skilled workforce development, redevelopment, and affordable housing initiatives.
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Advocacy in Action
Throughout the session, MOBA and HBAL worked to ensure the voice of Nebraska’s home building and remodeling industry was represented.
Our coalition:
- Testified at committee hearings
- Worked directly with senators and committee staff
- Coordinated with industry partners statewide
- Monitored amendments and bill language changes
- Advocated for housing affordability and regulatory reform
These efforts are part of our ongoing commitment to protecting Nebraska’s residential construction industry while supporting policies that encourage attainable homeownership, workforce housing, and economic growth.
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Looking Ahead
Housing affordability, permitting reform, workforce development, and building code regulations will continue to be major issues in future legislative sessions.
MOBA and HBAL remain committed to:
- Reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens
- Supporting attainable housing solutions
- Protecting the residential construction industry
- Advocating for balanced, practical policy solutions
Thank you to our members who participated in testimony, advocacy outreach, and legislative engagement throughout the session.
Together, we continue to promote and protect Nebraska’s home building and remodeling industry.
| | If you would like more information about specific bills reach out to Jaylene Eilenstine. | | | | |
