Governor Pillen announced that the IRS is postponing tax filing and payment deadlines for individuals and businesses affected by the wildfires and storms beginning March 12, 2026. Those impacted by the five state disaster declarations now have until February 1, 2027, to file returns and pay taxes that were originally due during the affected periods. As we continue to respond to the challenges facing our communities, I remain focused on understanding the needs of those directly impacted and identifying ways we can provide meaningful support. Recently, I met with the Nebraska Association of School Boards to discuss the challenges facing school districts impacted by the wildfires.
As we progress through the interim, interim studies play a vital role in developing thoughtful, effective state policy. They provide legislators with the time and opportunity to conduct thorough research, engage with subject matter experts and stakeholders, evaluate the effectiveness of existing laws, and examine emerging issues outside the time constraints of a legislative session. This deliberate process promotes informed decision-making, encourages meaningful collaboration, and helps ensure that legislation introduced in the following session is well-considered, practical, and responsive to the needs of the state and its citizens.
The interim study process begins when a senator introduces a resolution during the legislative session. The resolution is then referred to a committee that oversees the topic. If approved, the committee conducts the study during the interim months, often holding public hearings, reviewing data, and consulting with experts and agencies. Once the study is complete, the committee compiles its findings and may recommend legislation or policy changes for the upcoming session. The hearings will begin in September with the first interim study to be heard on September 11 before the Business and Labor Committee.
