LINCOLN —Nebraska lawmakers are advancing proposals to change how the Sports Arena Facility Financing Assistance Act operates, aiming to reduce the governor’s ability to stall or block applications for sports arena and complex financing incentives. Under current law, Gov. Jim Pillen’s vote on the board that reviews applications has effectively held projects in limbo, with several proposals for new youth and community facilities awaiting decisions. One bill would impose a 30-day deadline for the board to act on applications once a public hearing is held, and another would remove the requirement that the governor’s vote be needed for approval. Supporters say the changes would bring certainty to developers and communities seeking to use state sales tax turnback incentives for economic and recreational development.

Backers argue that stalled approvals are delaying or discouraging investments in sports infrastructure across the state, from large complexes to smaller municipal facilities, and that clearer, more predictable timelines could help Nebraska communities capitalize on growing demand for youth and competitive sports venues. Opponents of the current system say it empowers a single executive decisionmaker too heavily and slows economic development tied to state incentives. The proposed reforms reflect bipartisan legislative efforts to streamline the process and clarify how financing assistance for sports projects should move forward.

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