Nebraska Lawmakers Propose Repealing Tax Exemptions

Tattoo artists, interior designers and others fight to keep exemptions

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Nebraska lawmakers and the governor have proposed repealing a number of sales and service tax exemptions, drawing concerns from various industries that would be affected. Tattoo artists, interior designers, and others have returned to the Nebraska Capitol to fight against the proposed changes.

Why it matters

The proposed tax exemption repeals are part of the state's efforts to generate more revenue, but businesses and professionals who currently benefit from the exemptions are pushing back, arguing that the changes would negatively impact their industries.

The details

The Nebraska Legislature's Revenue Committee held a hearing on Tuesday to discuss the governor's recommendations to repeal several sales and service tax exemptions. Representatives from industries like tattoo artistry and interior design voiced their opposition to the proposed changes, which they say would increase costs for consumers and hurt their businesses.

  • The hearing in the Nebraska Legislature's Revenue Committee took place on Tuesday, February 5, 2026.

The players

Jim Pillen

The governor of Nebraska who has proposed repealing several sales and service tax exemptions.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

The proposed tax exemption repeals highlight the ongoing tension between state governments' need for revenue and the concerns of businesses and professionals who benefit from those exemptions. The outcome of this debate in Nebraska could set a precedent for similar discussions in other states.