BEATRICE – The Nebraska Legislature has voted final approval on a bill that redefines qualifying business projects under the Local Option Municipal Development Act.

LB 289 was passed Thursday, by state lawmakers.  It would add large retail chains to the list of those eligible to receive so-called LB 840 funding support…from local sales tax revenue.

The bill also allows villages to have three village board members if their voters approve…and would allow city councils in first and second-class cities to serve as a board of adjustment.

The bill came out of the Urban Affairs Committee of the Legislature, proposed by Committee Chairman, Senator Terrell McKinney, of Omaha.  The measure was approved with the emergency clause, which means it becomes law immediately, upon signing by Governor Jim Pillen.