reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-232 - County fair; dissolution; sale of property.

2-232.
County fair; dissolution; sale of property.
Any county in this state which has established a county fair board pursuant to sections 2-221 to 2-231, or which has taken any steps or made any expenditures or investments to establish and maintain a county fair under the terms and provisions of such sections, may dissolve such county fair board and may dispose in whole or in part of the property, real and personal, purchased by the county or county fair board for the purpose of such county fair.
Source
Laws 1927, c. 51, § 1, p. 205;
C.S.1929, § 2-222;
R.S.1943, § 2-232;
Laws 1999, LB 437, § 11.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-233 - County fair; dissolution; procedure.

2-233.
County fair; dissolution; procedure.
Whenever it is deemed expedient to dissolve any county fair board established in any county with less than one hundred twenty-five thousand people in this state under sections 2-221 to 2-231 as determined by (1) the county board upon its own motion in counties with appointed county fair boards, (2) the county fair board upon its own motion in counties with elected county fair boards, or (3) petition of not less than twenty-five percent of the registered voters of the county as shown by the list of registered voters of the last general election, the county board shall submit to the people of the county, to be voted upon at a general or special election called by the county board for that purpose, a proposition to dissolve such county fair board. The question of dissolving any such county fair shall not be submitted until the expiration of three years after the vote to establish such fair has been taken.
Source
Laws 1927, c. 51, § 2, p. 205;
C.S.1929, § 2-223;
R.S.1943, § 2-233;
Laws 1997, LB 764, § 1;
Laws 1999, LB 437, § 12.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-234 - County fair; dissolution; submission to voters.

2-234.
County fair; dissolution; submission to voters.
The manner of submitting such proposition shall be governed by the provisions of section 23-126.
Source
Laws 1927, c. 51, § 3, p. 206;
C.S.1929, § 2-224;
R.S.1943, § 2-234.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-235 - County fair; dissolution; duty of county board.

2-235.
County fair; dissolution; duty of county board.
(1) Upon being satisfied that sections 2-232 to 2-234 have been substantially complied with and that sixty percent of all the votes cast on the proposition are in favor of the dissolution, the county board shall cause such proposition and all the proceedings had thereon to be entered upon the records of the county board and shall notify the county fair board of the results of the election.
(2) Upon receiving such notice, an elected county fair board shall transfer by deed all real property and by bill of sale all personal property to the county for disposition pursuant to section 2-236.
Source
Laws 1927, c. 51, § 4, p. 206;
C.S.1929, § 2-225;
R.S.1943, § 2-235;
Laws 1999, LB 437, § 13.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-236 - County fair; dissolution; disposition of property.

2-236.
County fair; dissolution; disposition of property.
Upon the dissolution of such appointed county fair board, all the property, both real and personal, which had been purchased by such county or county fair board or transferred to the county board under subsection (2) of section 2-235 for such county fair purposes may be sold or disposed of by the county board in whole or in part and from time to time in the same manner as other properties of the county may lawfully be sold or disposed of. If any of such property is appropriate for any other lawful use or purpose of such county, such property may be held for or transferred to the county.
Source
Laws 1927, c. 51, § 5, p. 206;
C.S.1929, § 2-226;
R.S.1943, § 2-236;
Laws 1999, LB 437, § 14.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-237 - County fair; dissolution; final report.

2-237.
County fair; dissolution; final report.
Upon the dissolution of any such county fair board in the manner provided in sections 2-232 to 2-236, the county fair board in such county shall cease to exist as an official body of such county, except for the purpose of making its final report and accounting and returning its records. An appointed county fair board shall make its report and accounting and return its records to the county board. An elected county fair board shall publish its final report and accounting one time in a newspaper of general circulation in the county and shall file such report and accounting and its records with the county clerk for inspection by the public.
Source
Laws 1927, c. 51, § 6, p. 206;
C.S.1929, § 2-227;
R.S.1943, § 2-237;
Laws 1999, LB 437, § 15.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-237.01 - Reformation; procedure.

2-237.01.
Reformation; procedure.
(1) An elected county fair board may be dissolved and reformed as either a county agricultural society or an appointed county fair board as provided in this section. An appointed county fair board may be dissolved and reformed as either a county agricultural society or an elected county fair board as provided in this section.
(2) An elected county fair board may by resolution request the county board to place the question of reformation of the county fair board before the registered voters of the county. The county board may on its own resolution place the question of reformation of an appointed county fair board before the registered voters of the county.
(3) Upon the adoption of a resolution under subsection (2) of this section, the county board shall call a general or special election on the question of reformation. If a majority of those voting on the question vote for reformation, the county board or the county fair board shall proceed with the statutory requirements to form the new entity.
(4) Any contract, action, rule, regulation, resolution, or other matter made, done, or performed by and within the scope of the previous board's authority shall remain in force and effect. Any real or personal property, rights, or credits and any duty, debt, or liability of the previous board shall automatically transfer to the new entity on the date of the entity's first meeting. Upon such transfer, the previous board shall automatically be dissolved. The previous board shall file notice of transfers and dissolutions with the register of deeds.
Source
Laws 1999, LB 437, § 19.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-238 - County fair board; compliance with Open Meetings Act and Records Management Act.

2-238.
County fair board; compliance with Open Meetings Act and Records Management Act.
County fair boards established under sections 2-221 to 2-231 shall comply with the Open Meetings Act and the Records Management Act.
Source
Laws 1992, LB 398, § 1;
Laws 1997, LB 469, § 28;
Laws 1999, LB 437, § 16;
Laws 2004, LB 821, § 2.
Cross References
Open Meetings Act, see section 84-1407.
Records Management Act, see section 84-1220.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-239 - County fair board; budget; requirements.

2-239.
County fair board; budget; requirements.
(1) The budget of each appointed county fair board shall be subject to annual review, audit, and approval by the county board of the county in which such fair board is located.
(2) The budget of each elected county fair board shall be subject to the Nebraska Budget Act.
Source
Laws 1992, LB 398, § 2;
Laws 1997, LB 469, § 29;
Laws 1999, LB 437, § 17.
Cross References
Nebraska Budget Act, see section 13-501.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-240 - County fair board; internal election; proxy vote prohibited.

2-240.
County fair board; internal election; proxy vote prohibited.
The vote of a member of a county fair board for any election held within such board shall be cast by the member personally and shall not be cast by a proxy vote.
Source
Laws 1992, LB 398, § 3;
Laws 1997, LB 469, § 30.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-251 - County agricultural societies; compliance with act required.

2-251.
County agricultural societies; compliance with act required.
All county agricultural societies existing, organized, or reinstated on or after January 1, 1998, shall comply with the County Agricultural Society Act and shall annually offer and award premiums and perform such other acts which such society deems will be for the improvement of agriculture, industry, homes, and communities of the state. For purposes of the act, county agricultural society means all county agricultural societies existing, organized, or reinstated on or after January 1, 1998.
Source
Laws 1997, LB 469, § 2.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-252 - Formation; constitution; bylaws.

2-252.
Formation; constitution; bylaws.
A county agricultural society shall adopt a constitution and bylaws and may, upon approval of its board of directors, file articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State pursuant to the Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act. Any agricultural society forming itself as a nonprofit corporation shall incorporate as a public benefit corporation as defined in section 21-1914.
Source
Laws 1997, LB 469, § 3.
Cross References
Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act, see section 21-1901.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-253 - Annual meeting; notice; voting.

2-253.
Annual meeting; notice; voting.
A county agricultural society shall hold an annual meeting open to all registered voters of the county for the purpose of electing a board of directors and conducting any other business of the county agricultural society. Only registered voters of the county are eligible to participate and vote at the annual meeting of the county agricultural society. The board of directors of the county agricultural society shall give notice of the annual meeting in a newspaper of general circulation within the county once at least five days before the scheduled annual meeting. The notice shall state the time and place of the annual meeting and that all registered voters of the county are eligible to participate and vote at the annual meeting. The vote for any election held in connection with the county agricultural society shall be cast personally and not by proxy vote. At the annual meeting of the county agricultural society, all questions upon motions made at the annual meeting shall be determined by a majority of the registered voters voting and the presiding officer shall ascertain and declare the result of the votes upon each question. If the result of a vote is questioned, the presiding officer shall make the vote certain by recount. If any person offering to vote at the annual meeting is challenged as an unqualified voter, the presiding officer shall explain to the person challenged the qualifications of a registered voter. If such person states that he or she is qualified and the challenge is not withdrawn, the person shall take an oath, reduced to writing, in substance as follows: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I am a citizen of the United States, that I am of the constitutionally prescribed age of an elector or upwards, that I am domiciled in this county, and that I am registered to vote in this county, so help me God." Every person taking such oath and signing his or her name to it shall be permitted to vote on all questions proposed at the meeting.
Source
Laws 1997, LB 469, § 4;
Laws 1999, LB 437, § 22.
Cross References
False swearing, see section 32-1508.
Illegal voting, see section 32-1531.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-254 - Organization of county agricultural society; petition.

2-254.
Organization of county agricultural society; petition.
Subject to sections 2-267 to 2-273, the registered voters of a county may petition the county board to organize a county agricultural society in a county where a county agricultural society has not already been organized. The petition shall be signed by registered voters of the county equal in number to fifteen percent of the whole number of registered voters of the county who cast votes for Governor at the statewide general election next preceding the submission of the petition to the county board. The petition shall be in the form required by section 32-628 and the Secretary of State shall provide such forms upon request.
Source
Laws 1997, LB 469, § 5.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-255 - Petition; signature verification; organizational meeting; notice.

2-255.
Petition; signature verification; organizational meeting; notice.
Upon receipt of a petition to create a county agricultural society, the county board shall have the signatures verified by the election commissioner or county clerk pursuant to section 32-631. The election commissioner or county clerk shall return the verified petition within fifteen days after receipt of the petition from the county board. If the number of signatures required under section 2-254 are verified, the county board shall declare the petition approved at the next regularly scheduled meeting following the submission of the petition by the petitioners to the county board. If the petition is approved, the county board shall schedule an organizational meeting for the county agricultural society and shall give notice of the organizational meeting in a newspaper of general circulation within the county once each week for three weeks before the scheduled organizational meeting. The notice shall state the time and place of the organizational meeting and that all registered voters of the county are eligible to participate and vote at the organizational meeting. At the organizational meeting, the registered voters present shall, by majority vote, (1) determine the size of the board of directors for the county agricultural society, an odd number not less than five and not larger than nineteen, and (2) elect the board members.
Source
Laws 1997, LB 469, § 6.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-256 - Board of directors; officers; members.

2-256.
Board of directors; officers; members.
(1) The board of directors shall annually elect from its membership a chairperson and such other officers as may be necessary. The term of office for members of the board shall be for three years, except that the term of the members of the board first taking office shall be for one, two, or three years as determined by lot.
(2) The bylaws adopted by a county agricultural society shall state whether the board of directors of the county agricultural society will nominate candidates for membership on the board from districts or from the county at large. The members of the board shall be elected by the registered voters of the entire county whether the candidates are nominated from districts or from the county at large. If nominating districts are used, the board of directors shall divide the county into districts of substantially equal population. Such districts shall be consecutively numbered. The boundaries and numbering of such districts shall be designated at least three months prior to the annual meeting.
(3) If the county agricultural society replaces an existing county fair board as provided in section 2-237.01, the county fair board shall remain in existence until the county agricultural society has its first annual meeting. After the first annual meeting of the county agricultural society, any existing county fair board shall cease to exist.
Source
Laws 1997, LB 469, § 7;
Laws 1999, LB 437, § 23.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-257 - Tax levy.

2-257.
Tax levy.
(1) The county board may, at the time other levies and assessments for taxation are made and subject to section 77-3443, levy a tax upon all of the taxable property within the county for the operation of the county agricultural society. The tax shall be assessed, levied, and collected as other county taxes. The proceeds of such tax shall be paid by the county treasurer to the treasurer of the board of directors of such county agricultural society on or before the fifteenth day of each month or more frequently as provided in section 77-1759.
(2) The county agricultural society may act to exceed the allocation provided by the county board under section 77-3444, but if the county agricultural society acts to exceed the allocation, the total levy shall not exceed three and one-half cents per one hundred dollars of valuation.
Source
Laws 1921, c. 5, § 1, p. 66;
C.S.1922, § 6;
Laws 1925, c. 10, § 1, p. 77;
Laws 1927, c. 13, § 1, p. 96;
Laws 1929, c. 5, § 1, p. 70;
C.S.1929, § 2-201;
R.S.1943, § 2-203;
Laws 1949, c. 4, § 1(2), p. 60;
Laws 1969, c. 11, § 3, p. 148;
Laws 1975, LB 378, § 2;
Laws 1979, LB 187, § 3;
Laws 1992, LB 719A, § 2;
Laws 1996, LB 1085, § 3;
Laws 1996, LB 1114, § 7;
Laws 1997, LB 269, § 2;
R.S.Supp.,1996, § 2-203.01;
Laws 1997, LB 469, § 8;
Laws 2007, LB334, § 1.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-258 - Use of tax money.

2-258.
Use of tax money.
The money raised by the operational tax levy authorized in section 2-257 shall be used for the purpose of paying premiums and for permanent improvements for such fair, for the purpose of purchasing the necessary fair supplies, advertising, and the paying of necessary labor in connection therewith, and for other necessary expenses for the operation of the fair. In the county in which the Nebraska State Fair is located, the money so raised may be used for permanent improvements on the state and county fairgrounds or for leasing, contracting for, or in any manner acquiring use of fairground facilities for such fairs.
Source
Laws 1921, c. 5, § 1, p. 66;
C.S.1922, § 6;
Laws 1925, c. 10, § 1, p. 77;
Laws 1927, c. 13, § 1, p. 96;
Laws 1929, c. 5, § 1, p. 70;
C.S.1929, § 2-201;
R.S.1943, § 2-202;
Laws 1977, LB 484, § 1;
R.S.1943, (1991), § 2-202;
Laws 1997, LB 469, § 9;
Laws 2008, LB1116, § 7.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-259 - County fairgrounds; equipment purchase; additional tax levy.

2-259.
County fairgrounds; equipment purchase; additional tax levy.
Pursuant to a request by a county agricultural society, the county board of any county may levy an additional levy of three and five-tenths cents on each one hundred dollars of taxable valuation, or any part thereof, for the purpose of acquiring an interest in real property to comprise a portion or all of the county fairgrounds, for the purpose of capital construction on and renovation, repair, improvement, and maintenance of the county fairgrounds, over and above the operational tax levy authorized in section 2-257, or for the purpose of purchasing equipment. Such levy shall not exceed the amount actually required for such acquisition or work and shall be subject to section 77-3443.
Source
Laws 1969, c. 11, § 7, p. 149;
Laws 1977, LB 484, § 2;
Laws 1979, LB 187, § 7;
Laws 1988, LB 977, § 1;
Laws 1992, LB 398, § 4;
Laws 1992, LB 719A, § 4;
R.S.Supp.,1996, § 2-203.06;
Laws 1997, LB 469, § 10;
Laws 1999, LB 437, § 24;
Laws 2000, LB 1190, § 1;
Laws 2014, LB597, § 1.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-260 - Failure to hold fair; effect.

2-260.
Failure to hold fair; effect.
If an existing county agricultural society fails to hold a fair for at least three successive days, no money so levied for that year shall be paid to the use of such levy, but the same shall be paid into the general fund of the county and expended as other funds therein. Such money shall be paid by the county treasurer to the board of directors of such county agricultural society only after a sworn statement has been filed with the county clerk of such county, which statement shall be signed by the chairperson of the county agricultural society and shall set out when and where such county fair is to be held.
Source
Laws 1881, c. 1, § 1, p. 64;
Laws 1889, c. 74, § 1, p. 535;
Laws 1901, c. 2, § 1, p. 44;
Laws 1905, c. 2, § 1, p. 53;
Laws 1913, c. 165, § 1, p. 509;
R.S.1913, § 6;
Laws 1915, c. 7, § 1, p. 56;
Laws 1917, c. 63, § 1, p. 164;
Laws 1921, c. 5, § 1, p. 67;
C.S.1922, § 6;
Laws 1925, c. 10, § 1, p. 78;
Laws 1927, c. 13, § 1, p. 97;
Laws 1929, c. 5, § 1, p. 72;
C.S.1929, § 2-201;
R.S.1943, § 2-204;
R.S.1943, (1991), § 2-204;
Laws 1997, LB 469, § 11.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-261 - County agricultural society; budget; meetings; records.

2-261.
County agricultural society; budget; meetings; records.
(1) County agricultural societies are subject to the Nebraska Budget Act. County agricultural societies shall comply with the Open Meetings Act and the Records Management Act.
(2) The budget of each county agricultural society is subject to annual review, audit, and approval by the county board of the county in which such society is located.
Source
Laws 1879, § 12, p. 400;
R.S.1913, § 8;
C.S.1922, § 8;
C.S.1929, § 2-203;
R.S.1943, § 2-206;
Laws 1996, LB 299, § 8;
R.S.Supp.,1996, § 2-206;
Laws 1997, LB 469, § 12;
Laws 2004, LB 821, § 3.
Cross References
Nebraska Budget Act, see section 13-501.
Open Meetings Act, see section 84-1407.
Records Management Act, see section 84-1220.
Annotations
Nebraska State Board of Agriculture is still authorized to adopt rules and regulations which county agricultural societies must comply with and obey to entitle them to financial support from county board. State ex rel. Otoe County Agr. Assn. v. Wallen, 117 Neb. 397, 220 N.W. 688 (1928).
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-262 - County agricultural society; right of eminent domain; procedure.

2-262.
County agricultural society; right of eminent domain; procedure.
Each county agricultural society may acquire, take, hold, and appropriate so much real estate as may be necessary for the purpose of holding county fairs. No appropriation of private property for the use of such society shall be made until full and just compensation therefor be first made to the owner thereof, and not more than forty acres shall be taken without the consent of the owner. The procedure to condemn property shall be exercised in the manner set forth in sections 76-704 to 76-724.
Source
Laws 1879, § 13, p. 400;
R.S.1913, § 9;
Laws 1915, c. 9, § 1, p. 57;
C.S.1922, § 9;
C.S.1929, § 2-204;
R.S.1943, § 2-207;
Laws 1951, c. 101, § 25, p. 458;
R.S.1943, (1991), § 2-207;
Laws 1997, LB 469, § 13.
Annotations
Section quoted in tracing history of act. Owen v. Main, 92 Neb. 258, 138 N.W. 154 (1912).
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-263 - County agricultural society; neglect of duties; cease to exist; effect.

2-263.
County agricultural society; neglect of duties; cease to exist; effect.
In all cases when county agricultural societies neglect for two years to hold a county fair or cease to exist, in any county where payments have been made for real estate or improvements upon such real estate for the use of a county agricultural society, then all such real estate and improvements shall vest in fee simple in the county, and the district court of the county, upon proof thereof, shall, upon petition of the county board, make a proper decree vesting the title of such property in the county.
Source
Laws 1879, § 15, p. 401;
Laws 1905, c. 1, § 1, p. 51;
R.S.1913, § 11;
C.S.1922, § 11;
C.S.1929, § 2-206;
Laws 1931, c. 2, § 1, p. 58;
C.S.Supp.,1941, § 2-206;
R.S.1943, § 2-209;
R.S.1943, (1991), § 2-209;
Laws 1997, LB 469, § 14.
Annotations
Upon dissolution of society under this section, only the real estate purchased and improvements made by money paid out of county treasury vest in the county. Owen v. Main, 92 Neb. 258, 138 N.W. 154 (1912).
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-264 - County agricultural society; powers relating to real estate.

2-264.
County agricultural society; powers relating to real estate.
With the consent of the county board of the county within which the real estate is located, a county agricultural society may exchange its real estate and improvements for other real estate and improvements or may lease or sell its real estate and improvements and may make, execute, deliver, and accept all proper or necessary conveyances relating to such exchange, lease, sale, or purchase. County board approval is not required for leases having a term of less than ninety days. The right of the county to real estate and improvements as provided in section 2-263 shall extend to real estate, improvements, or proceeds derived from any exchange, sale, or purchase of real estate or improvements acquired with the additional tax levy provided in section 2-259.
A county agricultural society may purchase real estate and improve the same. The payment of the purchase price may be secured by mortgage or deed of trust.
Source
Laws 1879, § 15, p. 401;
Laws 1905, c. 1, § 1, p. 52;
R.S.1913, § 11;
C.S.1922, § 11;
C.S.1929, § 2-206;
Laws 1931, c. 2, § 1, p. 58;
C.S.Supp.,1941, § 2-206;
R.S.1943, § 2-210;
Laws 1967, c. 3, § 1, p. 71;
R.S.1943, (1991), § 2-210;
Laws 1997, LB 469, § 15;
Laws 2014, LB597, § 2.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-265 - County agricultural society; dissolution; procedure.

2-265.
County agricultural society; dissolution; procedure.
(1) To dissolve a county agricultural society established or sought to be established under the County Agricultural Society Act, the county board shall, upon petition of not less than fifteen percent of the registered voters of the county as shown by the poll books of the last previous general election, submit to the people of the county to be voted upon at a general or special election called by the county board for that purpose, a proposition to dissolve such county agricultural society. Such proposition shall be submitted as provided in section 23-126.
(2) If a majority of all the votes cast on the proposition are in favor of the dissolution, the county board shall cause the record of such proposition and all the proceedings thereon to be entered upon the records of the county agricultural society and shall make an order that such county agricultural society is dissolved.
Source
Laws 1997, LB 469, § 16.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-266 - County agricultural society; dissolution; effect.

2-266.
County agricultural society; dissolution; effect.
Upon the dissolution and the abandonment under section 2-265:
(1) All the real and personal property which has been purchased for or by the county agricultural society may be sold or disposed of by the county board in whole or in part and from time to time in the same manner as other properties of the county may lawfully be sold or disposed of. If any of such property is appropriate or available for any other lawful use or purpose of such county, the county board may appropriate, use, and apply any of such property to any such other lawful use or purpose; and
(2) Such county agricultural society shall cease to exist as an official body of such county except for the purpose of making its final report and accounting and returning its records to the county board.
Source
Laws 1997, LB 469, § 17.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-266.01 - County agricultural society; dissolution; reformation; procedure.

2-266.01.
County agricultural society; dissolution; reformation; procedure.
(1) A county agricultural society may be dissolved and reformed as either an elected or appointed county fair board as provided in this section in addition to any other procedure for dissolution provided by law.
(2) A county agricultural society board may by resolution request the county board to place the question of reformation of the society before the registered voters of the county.
(3) Upon the adoption of a resolution under subsection (2) of this section, the county board shall place the question of reformation on the ballot at any primary, general, or special election. If a majority of those voting on the question vote for reformation, the county board shall proceed with the statutory requirements to form the new entity.
(4) Any contract, action, rule, regulation, resolution, or other matter made, done, or performed by and within the scope of the county agricultural society's authority shall remain in force and effect. Any real or personal property, rights, or credits and any duty, debt, or liability of the society shall automatically transfer to the new entity on the date of the entity's first meeting. Upon such transfer, the society shall automatically be dissolved. The county agricultural society shall file the notice of transfers and dissolutions with the register of deeds.
Source
Laws 1999, LB 437, § 21.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-267 - County agricultural society; reinstatement authorized.

2-267.
County agricultural society; reinstatement authorized.
A county agricultural society operating or organized under the County Agricultural Society Act, which has become inoperative because of neglect in the discharge of its duties devolved upon it by law, or for any other reason, may at any time procure an extension, restoration, renewal, or revival of its corporate existence, together with all the rights, franchises, privileges, and immunities and subject to all of its duties, debts, and liabilities which had been secured or imposed by its original articles of incorporation and its amendments, by filing with the Secretary of State a certificate of its last acting president and secretary or treasurer, chairperson and other officers, or officers elected or appointed as provided in section 2-271.
Source
Laws 1995, LB 671, § 1;
R.S.Supp.,1996, § 2-241;
Laws 1997, LB 469, § 18.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-268 - County agricultural society; reinstatement; certificate; contents; filing.

2-268.
County agricultural society; reinstatement; certificate; contents; filing.
The certificate filed pursuant to section 2-267 shall set forth (1) the name of the county agricultural society, which name shall be the existing name of the society or the name it bore when its corporate existence expired, except as otherwise provided in sections 2-267 to 2-271, (2) whether the renewal, restoration, or revival is to be perpetual and if not the time for which the renewal, restoration, or revival is to continue, (3) that the society desiring to be renewed or revived and so renewing or reviving its corporate existence was duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and (4) the date when the society became inoperative and that this certificate for renewal or revival is filed by authority of those who were directors or managers of the society at the time its corporate existence expired or who were elected or appointed directors of the society as provided in section 2-271. A copy of the certificate, certified by the Secretary of State, shall be recorded in the office of the clerk in and for the county in which the original articles of incorporation of the society are recorded. Upon filing and recording the original of the certificate of revival in the office of the Secretary of State, the society shall be renewed and revived with the same force and effect as if its corporate existence had not become inoperative.
Source
Laws 1995, LB 671, § 2;
R.S.Supp.,1996, § 2-242;
Laws 1997, LB 469, § 19.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-269 - County agricultural society; reinstatement; effect.

2-269.
County agricultural society; reinstatement; effect.
The reinstatement of a county agricultural society shall validate all contracts, acts, matters, and things made, done, and performed within the scope of its articles of incorporation, its officers, and its agents during the time when the corporate existence was inoperative with the same force and effect and to all intents and purposes as if the corporate existence had at all times remained in full force and effect. All real and personal property, rights, and credits which were of the county agricultural society at the time its corporate existence became inoperative and which were not disposed of prior to the time of the revival or renewal shall be vested in the society, after the revival and renewal, as fully and completely as they were held by the society at and before the time its corporate existence became inoperative. The corporation, after such renewal and revival, shall be as exclusively liable for all contracts, acts, matters, and things made, done, or performed in its name and on its behalf by its officers and agents prior to the reinstatement as if its corporate existence had at all times remained in full force and effect.
Source
Laws 1995, LB 671, § 3;
R.S.Supp.,1996, § 2-243;
Laws 1997, LB 469, § 20.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-270 - County agricultural society; reinstatement; name change; when.

2-270.
County agricultural society; reinstatement; name change; when.
If, since the corporate existence of a county agricultural society became inoperative, any other county agricultural society organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska adopted the same name as the society sought to be renewed or revived or shall have adopted a name so nearly similar to it as not to distinguish it from the society renewed or revived under the provisions of sections 2-267 to 2-271, then, in such case, the renewed or revived society shall not be renewed under the same name which it bore when its corporate existence became inoperative, but shall adopt and be renewed under a new name which, under existing law, could be adopted by a society formed and organized under the County Agricultural Society Act, and in such case the certificate to be filed under section 2-272 shall set forth the name borne by such society at the time its existence became inoperative and the new name under which the society is to be renewed or revived.
Source
Laws 1995, LB 671, § 4;
R.S.Supp.,1996, § 2-244;
Laws 1997, LB 469, § 21.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-271 - County agricultural society; reinstatement; reformation of board.

2-271.
County agricultural society; reinstatement; reformation of board.
If the last president and secretary or treasurer, chairperson and other officers, or the officers performing the functions of the offices, or any of them, of the county agricultural society renewing or reviving its corporate existence are dead at the time of the renewal or refuse or neglect to act pursuant to section 2-267, the directors of the society or the successors of them, if not less than two, may elect a successor to the officer or officers who are dead or who refuse or neglect to act pursuant to section 2-267. In any case where there are less than two directors of the society living or if any of them refuse or neglect to act for the purpose of renewing or reviving the corporate existence, the county board may appoint as many directors as necessary, together with the surviving director who is ready and willing to act, to constitute a board of five directors to conduct necessary business until, within ninety days, an annual meeting is held and new directors are elected pursuant to the County Agricultural Society Act.
Source
Laws 1995, LB 671, § 5;
R.S.Supp.,1996, § 2-245;
Laws 1997, LB 469, § 22.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-272 - County agricultural society; reinstatement; certificate; recording; requirements; effect.

2-272.
County agricultural society; reinstatement; certificate; recording; requirements; effect.
The certificate for the renewal and continuance of the existence of a county agricultural society shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of State, who shall furnish a certified copy of the certificate under his or her hand and seal of office. The certified copy shall be recorded in the office of the clerk of the county in which the principal office of the society is located in this state in a book kept for the purpose. The certificate or a certified copy of the certificate duly certified under the hand of the Secretary of State and his or her seal of office, accompanied with the certificate of the clerk of the county where it is recorded under the clerk's hand and seal of his or her office, stating that it had been recorded, the record of the same in the office of the clerk, or a copy of such record duly certified by the clerk, or the record of such certified copy, recorded in the county clerk's office, is evidence in all courts of law and equity of this state.
Source
Laws 1995, LB 671, § 8;
R.S.Supp.,1996, § 2-248;
Laws 1997, LB 469, § 23.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-273 - County agricultural society; reinstatement; effect.

2-273.
County agricultural society; reinstatement; effect.
A county agricultural society renewing, extending, and continuing its corporate existence shall, upon complying with sections 2-267 to 2-272, be a corporation and continue its existence for the time stated in its certificate of renewal and shall, in addition to the rights, privileges, and immunities conferred by its original articles of incorporation, possess and enjoy all of the benefits of the laws of this state which are applicable to the nature of its business and shall be subject to the restrictions and liabilities imposed on such societies by the laws of this state.
Source
Laws 1995, LB 671, § 9;
R.S.Supp.,1996, § 2-249;
Laws 1997, LB 469, § 24.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-302 - Legislative findings and declarations; legislative intent; purpose of act.

2-302.
Legislative findings and declarations; legislative intent; purpose of act.
(1) The Legislature finds and declares that:
(a) Community gardens provide significant health, educational, and social benefits to the general public, especially for those who reside in urban and suburban areas of this state;
(b) The community garden movement (i) continues to provide low-cost food that is fresh and nutritious for those who may be unable to readily afford fresh fruits and vegetables for themselves or their families, (ii) promotes public health and healthier individual lifestyles by encouraging better eating habits and increased physical activity by growing food, (iii) fosters the retention and expansion of open spaces, particularly in urban environments, (iv) enhances urban and suburban environmental quality and community beautification, (v) provides inexpensive community building activities, recreation, and physical exercise for all age groups, (vi) establishes a safe place for community involvement and helps to reduce the incidence of crime, (vii) engenders a closer relationship between urban residents, nature, and the local environment, and (viii) fosters green job training and ecological education at all levels; and
(c) It is the public policy of this state to promote and foster growth in the number of community gardens and the acreage of such gardens.
(2) It is the intent of the Legislature and the purpose of the Community Gardens Act to foster growth in the number, size, and scope of community gardens in this state by encouraging state agencies, municipalities, and private parties in their efforts to promote community gardens.
Source
Laws 2015, LB175, § 12.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-303 - Terms, defined.

2-303.
Terms, defined.
For purposes of the Community Gardens Act:
(1) Community garden means public or private land upon which individuals have the opportunity to raise a garden on land which they do not themselves own;
(2) Garden means a piece or parcel of land appropriate for cultivation of herbs, fruits, flowers, nuts, honey, poultry for egg production, maple syrup, ornamental or vegetable plants, nursery products, or vegetables;
(3) Municipality means any county, village, or city or any office or agency of a county, village, or city;
(4) State agency means any department or other agency of the State of Nebraska;
(5) Use means to avail oneself of or to employ without conveyance of title gardens on vacant public land by any individual or organization; and
(6) Vacant public land means any land owned by the state or another governmental subdivision, including a municipality, that is not in use for a public purpose, is otherwise unoccupied, idle, or not being actively utilized for a period of at least six months, and is suitable for garden use.
Source
Laws 2015, LB175, § 13.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-304 - Use of vacant public land; conditions; application; response.

2-304.
Use of vacant public land; conditions; application; response.
(1) A state agency or municipality having title to vacant public land may permit community organizations to use such lands for community garden purposes. Such use of vacant public land may be conditioned on the community organization having liability insurance and accepting liability for injury or damage resulting from use of the vacant public land for community garden purposes. State agencies and municipalities may adopt and promulgate rules, regulations, ordinances, or resolutions to establish an application process for a community garden. The applicant may include a request for access to a fire hydrant or other source of water owned or operated by the state agency or municipality or by a utility district in order to provide water to the community garden. The state agency, municipality, or utility district shall consider whether to supply the water to the applicant at a reduced or fixed rate.
(2) A state agency or municipality which receives an application pursuant to this section shall respond to the applicant within sixty days from the date on which the application is received and shall make a final determination within one hundred eighty days from such date.
Source
Laws 2015, LB175, § 14.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-401 - Legislative findings.

2-401.
Legislative findings.
The Legislature finds that:
(1) Healthy soils are a limited natural resource and fundamental for healthy and sustainable food production. Improving soil health means increasing soil's organic matter and diversifying its microbial activity to enhance agricultural productivity and environmental resilience. A commitment to healthy and productive soils and clean water is critical as world population and food production demands rise;
(2) Nebraska is a powerhouse agricultural state because of its productive soils and abundant water. However, through the years there has been a depletion of organic matter and trace minerals, making the soil less fertile than it was;
(3) There is a significant opportunity for Nebraska farmers and ranchers to capitalize on the economic and production benefits of improved soil health, while simultaneously improving surface and ground water quality;
(4) Improving the health of Nebraska's soil is the most effective way for agricultural producers to increase crop and forage productivity and profitability while also protecting the environment;
(5) Appropriate planning and coordination is needed to speed up and coordinate the adoption of conservation practices that rebuild and protect soil carbon to increase water holding capacity and enhance the vitality of the subsurface microbiome for landowners to capitalize on the economic and production benefits of soil health, while simultaneously enhancing water quality, capturing carbon, building resilience to drought and pests, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding pollinator and other wildlife habitat, and protecting fragile ecosystems for a more sustainable future; and
(6) A number of states have initiated formal soil health programs either through the establishment of new entities or collaborations between existing entities.
Source
Laws 2019, LB243, § 1.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-402 - Healthy Soils Task Force; created; members; meetings.

2-402.
Healthy Soils Task Force; created; members; meetings.
(1) The Healthy Soils Task Force is created.
(2) The task force shall consist of the following voting members:
(a) The Director of Agriculture or his or her designee;
(b) Two representatives of natural resources districts in Nebraska, appointed by the Governor;
(c) Two academic experts in agriculture and natural resources in Nebraska, appointed by the Governor;
(d) Six representatives from production agriculture, including at least two producers that are using healthy soil practices, appointed by the Governor;
(e) Two representatives from agribusiness, appointed by the Governor; and
(f) Two representatives from environmental organizations in Nebraska, appointed by the Governor.
(3) The task force shall consist of the following nonvoting members:
(a) The chairperson of the Natural Resources Committee of the Legislature, or his or her designee; and
(b) The chairperson of the Agriculture Committee of the Legislature, or his or her designee.
(4) In selecting membership for appointment to the task force, the Governor shall seek to appoint members with relevant expertise regarding methods for incorporating healthy soil stewardship practices into working agricultural operations and for optimizing environmental services provided through such practices. Appointments to the task force shall be made within sixty days after April 18, 2019, and appointed members shall begin serving immediately following notice of appointment. Members shall be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in carrying out their duties as members, as provided in sections 81-1174 to 81-1177.
(5) The task force shall hold its first meeting no later than September 1, 2019. At its first meeting, the members shall elect a chairperson. Subsequent to the initial meeting, the task force may meet as necessary at the call of the chairperson.
(6) For administrative and budgetary purposes, the task force shall be housed within the Department of Agriculture. Additional support to facilitate the work of the task force may be requested from appropriate federal and state agencies.
Source
Laws 2019, LB243, § 2.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 2 - Agriculture › 2-403 - Healthy Soils Task Force; duties.

2-403.
Healthy Soils Task Force; duties.
(1) The Healthy Soils Task Force shall:
(a) Develop a comprehensive healthy soils initiative for the State of Nebraska;
(b) Develop a comprehensive action plan to coordinate efforts to carry out such healthy soils initiative using standards for organic matter, biological activity, biological diversity, and soil structure as measures to assess improved soil health. The action plan shall set goals, formulate timelines for task completion, and determine resources required and resource availability. In developing the action plan, the task force shall examine:
(i) Issues related to providing farmers and ranchers with research, education, technical assistance, and demonstration projects;
(ii) Options for financial incentives to improve soil health; and
(iii) The contribution of livestock to soil health;
(c) Identify realistic and achievable goals and timelines for improvement of soil health in Nebraska through voluntary partnerships among agricultural producers and relevant state and local agencies and other public and private entities; and
(d) Review provisions of the federal Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, Public Law 115-334, and any implementing rules, regulations, and guidelines of the United States Department of Agriculture and identify opportunities to leverage state, local, or private funds under the Regional Conservation Partnership Program of the United States Department of Agriculture and other conservation programs for the purposes of the healthy soils initiative. Such information shall be included in the report issued pursuant to section 2-404.
(2) To carry out its duties, the Healthy Soils Task Force may consult other agencies or organizations, including, but not limited to, the University of Nebraska, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Farm Service Agency, and the Agricultural Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture, the Soil Health Institute, the Soil Health Partnership, and other state and federal agencies or public or private organizations with responsibility or expertise in research, demonstration, education, advising, funding, or promotion relating to agronomic and other agricultural land management practices consistent with the purpose of the task force.
Source
Laws 2019, LB243, § 3.