Young athletes who sign up for youth sports programs will not have to pay sales taxes on any fees they're charged, under a new Nebraska law taking effect Sunday.

The law sailed through the Legislature and was signed by Gov. Dave Heineman in April. That approval came after hundreds of soccer moms and baseball dads complained about a state Revenue Department proposal to tax participation in youth sports.

Department officials say they were trying to fix an inconsistency in how Nebraska's sales tax law is enforced. The state has been taxing admissions to swimming pools, bowling tournaments and other events since the state adopted its sales tax in 1967.

Department officials argued the law should also apply to youths who pay "admission" fees to participate in sports leagues and tournaments.