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LB 447

Provide certain requirements for redevelopment contracts under the Community Development Law

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Cavanaugh and 1 co-sponsor

LB 447 tightens Community Development Law to require wage floors and apprentices on redevelopment contracts, boosting local jobs and workforce training.

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Bill Summary · LB 447

Summary: Nebraska LB 447 (2025)

Overview and Intent

  • LB 447 is a bill introduced in the One Hundred Ninth Legislature, First Session, Nebraska.
  • Primary purpose: to strengthen the Community Development Law by creating incentives to expand apprenticeship programs and to impose/or clarify wage and apprenticeship requirements on redevelopment contracts.
  • Introduced by Senator John Cavanaugh and assigned to the Urban Affairs Committee. A hearing is scheduled for February 18, 2025.

What the bill does (Key Provisions)

  • Amends sections of the Community Development Law (specifically sections 18-2103 and 18-2119, with related repeals) to redefine terms and add wage and apprenticeship requirements for certain redevelopment contracts.
  • Purpose of amendments: to promote workforce development, particularly through apprenticeships, in redevelopment projects funded or facilitated under the Community Development Law.
  • The bill updates numerous definitions used in the law to better reflect current programs and project structures. Examples of defined concepts include:
    • Area of operation, Authority, Blighted area, Bonds, Employee, Employer-provided health benefits, and Real property, among others.
    • Enhanced acres employment area, New investment, Equivalent employees, and Redeveloper (as part of project and workforce calculations).
  • While the exact wage thresholds, apprenticeship participation rates, or enforcement mechanisms are not fully enumerated in the excerpt, the intent is to require or encourage employers and developers involved in redevelopment projects to wage-at least certain levels and to utilize apprentices for eligible contracts.
  • The bill also maintains/clarifies the framework for redevelopment authorities, community redevelopment areas, and related project finance (bonds, obligees, etc.) within the Community Development Law.

Who Is Affected

  • Redevelopment authorities and community development agencies (as defined in the bill) directing or approving redevelopment projects.
  • Developers and private businesses operating in enhanced employment areas or community redevelopment areas.
  • Employers participating in redevelopment projects, including their wage practices and apprenticeship utilization.
  • Labor forces and apprentices, who stand to benefit from expanded apprenticeship opportunities and potentially improved wage standards on redevelopment contracts.
  • Bondholders, trustees, and other financiers involved in redevelopment projects (obligees).
  • Local government bodies (city councils, village boards) administering redevelopment efforts.

Procedural Details and Timeline

  • Bill number and status: LB 447, with a Notice of Hearing scheduled for February 18, 2025.
  • Introduced: January 21, 2025.
  • Committee: Urban Affairs (Chair: Senator Terrell McKinney).
  • The bill would amend existing statutes (18-2103 and 18-2119, as supplemented by 2024 Cumulative Supplement) and repeal the original sections, subject to legislative approval.
  • As with most bills in this context, if enacted, the changes would apply prospectively to redevelopment contracts and ongoing or future redevelopment projects under the Community Development Law.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Positive workforce development impact through expanded apprenticeship opportunities tied to redevelopment projects.
  • Possible effects on project costs and contractor bidding, given wage requirements and apprenticeship obligations.
  • Clarity and consistency in definitions may streamline administration for redevelopment authorities and project developers.
  • Stakeholders will need to review the specific wage thresholds, apprenticeship targets, and enforcement provisions once the bill’s full text and committee amendments are available.

Next Steps for Readers

  • Monitor the February 18, 2025 hearing for committee analysis, possible amendments, and votes.
  • Review the full text of LB 447 once available to understand the exact wage requirements, apprenticeship ratios, reporting, and enforcement mechanisms.
  • Assess how the bill would intersect with existing projects in enhanced employment areas and any Good Life Transformational Projects Act provisions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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