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, the Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL) and the Metro Omaha Builders Association (MOBA) 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.
AT A GLANCE
 SUPPORTEDHousing affordability, workforce housing, permitting reform, by-right development, efficient eviction proceedings, redevelopment, and workforce development. |
 OPPOSEDCostly code mandates, expanded landlord regulations, increased housing-related transaction costs, and proposals that could add unnecessary burdens to residential construction. |
 MONITOREDElectrical code and licensing issues, documentary stamp tax proposals, housing funding, apprenticeships, and redevelopment initiatives. |
Key Legislative Priorities
Housing Affordability &
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HBAL and MOBA 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. |
Permitting Reform &
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Reducing delays in the housing approval process remained one of the coalition’s top priorities.
HBAL and MOBA 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. |
Building Codes &
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HBAL and MOBA 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. |
Electrical Code &
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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. |
Landlord-Tenant &
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HBAL and MOBA 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. |
Efficient Eviction Proceedings
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The coalition supported measures designed to improve court efficiency and reduce delays in possession actions. |
Taxation &
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HBAL and MOBA 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 |
Additional Coalition Priorities
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HBAL and MOBA also monitored and supported legislation related to apprenticeships, skilled workforce development, redevelopment, and affordable housing initiatives. |
Advocacy in Action
Throughout the session, HBAL and MOBA 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.
Looking Ahead
Housing affordability, permitting reform, workforce development, and building code regulations will continue to be major issues in future legislative sessions. HBAL and MOBA 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 to contact Michaela Schwarten.
