LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska cities would have to issue public reports on how they’re collecting and using occupation taxes under a bill advanced by lawmakers.
Senators gave first-round approval Monday to the bill designed to increase transparency around the taxes.
Occupation taxes are levied on a variety of economic activities, including food and drink sales, hotel stays, tobacco products and cellphone service. Developers in Omaha have increasingly sought them as a way to help pay for development projects in certain parts of the city.
The report would have to be posted on a city’s public website or made available for inspection.
Sen. Mike McDonnell, of Omaha, says he introduced it to promote transparency and accountability for the tax.