Airbnb bill fails to advance, but may still have life

McCOOK, Neb. — State lawmakers are mulling a proposal to add protections for Airbnb style lodging. The online marketplace has become popular in recent years for its ability to monetize extra space, sometimes as simple as a bed or air mattress, by connecting residents to travelers looking for unique accommodations.

The bill, LB 628, received Speaker priority in March and was up for general file debate recently. It would prohibit municipalities from creating ordinances and resolutions that prevent short-term rentals.

Opponents voiced concerns stemming from lost lodging taxes and whether accommodations were up to code, according to District 44 State Sen. Dan Hughes. During this morning’s legislative conference call, he said some of the debate centered around whether lodging taxes were needed or warranted with short-term lodging scenarios. He said he supported the bill.

The bill failed to advance out of general file but the bill’s introducer, Sen. Tyson Larson, indicated he had enough votes to bring it back for debate again, according to Sen. Hughes.