Nebraska residents will have another chance to sign a petition aimed at overhauling the state’s tax system through a constitutional amendment.
Dubbed “EPIC Option 2.0,” the ballot initiative would eliminate property taxes, personal and corporate income taxes, and inheritance taxes by January 1, 2028. This comes as a similar petition failed to collect enough signatures to land on the 2024 general election ballot.
Steve Jessen, president of the board behind the campaign, said the goal is to bypass the Legislature and allow voters to decide the future of the state’s tax code. “The people have had enough,” Jessen told KLIN News. “We’ve tried legislative solutions, and they’ve gone nowhere. It’s time for Nebraskans to take control.”
Unlike previous versions, EPIC Option 2.0 does not include a specific replacement tax structure. Jessen said that responsibility would fall to the Legislature, which could consider options such as consumption, sales, or excise taxes. He acknowledged past efforts were met with resistance from lobbyists and special interest groups.
Jessen said EPIC 2.0’s simplified message—focused solely on tax elimination—is designed to resonate more clearly with voters and avoid legislative scrutiny before heading to the ballot.
To qualify for the 2026 general election ballot, the initiative will need valid signatures from 10% of Nebraska voters, including 5% of voters from at least 38 counties, by July 2026.
More information on the petition can be found at epicoption.info.