A Nebraska resident, Kevin Fair, is set to regain ownership of his home after enduring a lengthy legal battle stemming from a $588 tax debt. This development marks a significant turn of events for Fair, who lost the title to his property in Scottsbluff in 2018 due to overdue property taxes.
Fair had owned his home for nearly 30 years before the Scotts Bluff County seized the title after selling the lien to a private investor, as was permissible under Nebraska law at the time. Despite the loss of title, Fair was allowed to continue living in the home while the case progressed.
In 2022, the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled against Fair, but a pivotal shift occurred in 2023 when the U.S. Supreme Court instructed the state court to reassess the case. Subsequently, in August, the Nebraska Supreme Court determined that Fair should retain title to his home.
The dispute was amicably resolved between Fair and the private investor, concluding a protracted legal struggle. Legal experts have noted that this case underscores the constitutional protection of home equity.
Fair’s situation is particularly poignant as he dealt with personal adversity; his wife, Terry, passed away in 2019 after a battle with multiple sclerosis, and he recently suffered a stroke. To assist with his recovery and necessary home modifications, a fundraising effort has generated nearly $10,000.
In a landmark legislative move, Nebraska enacted a law in 2023 to prevent homeowners from losing their equity over unpaid property taxes, ensuring greater protections for property owners statewide.
