Transportation and Telecommunications Committee
January 28, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Mike Moser | Bills Heard: 4 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB23: Bike Share Grant Program
Introduced by: Sen. John Cavanaugh | Testimony: 40 proponents, 0 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nebraska considers $250,000 state investment in bike-share programs. Sen. John Cavanaugh's LB23 would direct the Department of Economic Development to fund nonprofit bike-sharing operations through a grant program, marking the state's first direct participation in an industry currently supported only by local governments and the Environmental Trust.
Why it matters: Bike share has become a transportation lifeline in Omaha, Lincoln, and Valentine, serving low-income residents and supporting economic development. But ROAM Share, the nonprofit operator, generates only 10-20% of operating costs through user fees. Without state support, expansion to communities like Kearney and North Platte—which have trail infrastructure but no bike-share access—remains unlikely.
What they're saying: - Proponents: "Bike share is public transportation," said Benjamin Foltz, ROAM Share CEO. The organization operates 400+ e-bikes across three programs and employs 15 Nebraskans. AARP Nebraska noted that nearly 25% of Heartland Bike Share riders are 55 and older, supporting healthy aging. The City of Omaha has already invested in the program and owns most equipment. - Skeptics: Sen. Tom Brandt questioned whether the Environmental Trust should fund this instead of general revenue. Sen. Beau Ballard worried the $250,000 could be "dumped all into Omaha" and pushed for geographic distribution guarantees.
By the numbers: 40 proponents, zero opponents, one neutral letter. ROAM Share has provided over 500,000 bike trips since 2018, with 4-12% annual growth. An Iowa study found bicycling generates $400 million in economic activity and $87 million in health benefits annually.
What's next: No vote was taken. The bill remains in committee.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Beau Ballard, Sen. Dunixi Guereca Skeptical: Sen. Tom Brandt
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB98: ATV and UTV Weight Limit Removal
Introduced by: Sen. Mike Moser | Testimony: 4 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nebraska moves to eliminate outdated weight limits on ATVs and UTVs. Sen. Mike Moser's LB98 removes the 1,200-pound cap on ATVs and 2,000-pound cap on UTVs from state statute, allowing county treasurers to title vehicles that manufacturers now routinely exceed by adding comfort and safety features.
Why it matters: Modern ATVs and UTVs come equipped with air conditioning, heavier suspensions, and other amenities that push them over Nebraska's weight thresholds. County officials cannot legally title these vehicles, leaving owners with untitled machines that create financing problems, theft risks, and law enforcement complications. The fix is straightforward: remove the weight limits while keeping other definitional requirements intact.
What they're saying: - Dealers: "We've lost deals with customers who go to other states and buy cheaper because they don't have to worry about taxes upfront," said Clayton Novotny of Motoplex. Kayla Walford added that untitled vehicles create "huge" theft concerns for customers and financing issues with lenders. - County officials: Beth Bazyn Ferrell of the Nebraska Association of County Officials said treasurers face "law enforcement issues" and cannot properly note liens when no title exists.
By the numbers: Four online proponents, zero opponents. All major stakeholders—Nebraska Association of County Officials, Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association, Nebraska New Car and Truck Dealers Association, Polaris, and the Department of Motor Vehicles—support the measure.
What's next: No vote was taken. Sen. Moser waived closing remarks to expedite the hearing.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Tanya Storer
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB337: ATV and UTV Registration and Road Operation Framework
Introduced by: Sen. Dave Wordekemper | Testimony: 18 proponents, 0 opponents, 3 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nebraska considers statewide ATV and UTV licensing system amid safety concerns. Sen. Dave Wordekemper's LB337 would create a unified registration framework allowing ATVs and UTVs on county roads (but not state highways) while preserving local control and agricultural exemptions. The bill could generate $1-1.5 million in registration fees but faces pushback from the Department of Transportation over safety risks.
Why it matters: Currently, Nebraska's patchwork of municipal ordinances forces ATV owners to purchase multiple plates to travel between towns legally. South Dakota captures over $1 million annually in ATV registration revenue that Nebraska is losing. But NDOT warns that ATVs and UTVs—designed for off-road use with high centers of gravity and knobby tires—pose serious safety risks on public roads. South Dakota saw injury rates jump 172% after legalizing road use; Iowa fatalities rose from 12 to 20 in one year.
What they're saying: - Proponents: "We have a huge ATV/UTV community here in Nebraska," said Kayla Walford, an ATV dealer who organized a 212-person county cruise. Clayton Novotny noted customers currently need "ten different tags" to ride in ten towns. The bill would streamline licensing while allowing counties to set their own rules. - NDOT: "An ATV crash is 13 times more likely to be fatal than a typical motor vehicle crash," said Director Vicki Kramer. She cited manufacturer warnings against paved-surface driving and noted these vehicles lack airbags, crumple zones, and crash-testing. "We're putting a vehicle that is not considered road-worthy in major traffic situations."
By the numbers: 18 online proponents, zero opponents, three neutral testifiers. Fiscal note projects 30,000 vehicles registering in year one, 50,000 in year two. South Dakota generates $1 million+ annually from ATV registration alone.
What's next: No vote was taken. AM49 amendment carves ATVs and UTVs out of Motor Vehicle Industry Regulation Act to prevent unintended dealer licensing requirements.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Carolyn Bosn Skeptical: Sen. Tom Brandt, Sen. Tanya Storer, Sen. Wendy DeBoer, Sen. John Fredrickson
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB196: ATV and UTV Snow Removal at Night
Introduced by: Sen. Jared Storm | Testimony: 2 proponents, 0 opponents, 2 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Rural Nebraska seeks nighttime snow removal option for ATVs and UTVs. Sen. Jared Storm's LB196 would allow cities and villages to permit ATV and UTV snow removal between sunset and sunrise, a narrow change addressing a practical problem in small communities where winter darkness arrives by 5 p.m.
Why it matters: Under current law, a business owner in Schuyler cannot legally use an ATV with a plow to clear snow after dark, even with headlights and tail lights. If snow falls at night, they must wait until sunrise to begin removal—leaving sidewalks and parking lots impassable for morning customers. The bill is purely permissive; larger cities like Omaha and Lincoln have indicated they will not adopt such ordinances.
What they're saying: - Supporters: "When is the best time to remove snow? When there's less traffic. And it's at night," said Art Lindberg, mayor of Schuyler. He noted that modern ATVs have headlights, tail lights, and brake lights, and that businesses have specifically requested this capability. "If you have a business in a local community, instead of trailering their ATV, they can just go from one place to the other." - Practical concern: Sen. Carolyn Bosn observed that winter sun sets at 4:30-5:00 p.m., making nighttime operation essential for businesses to open on time.
By the numbers: Two proponents, zero opponents, two neutral letters. The League of Nebraska Municipalities supports the bill as a permissive option.
What's next: No vote was taken. The bill remains in committee.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Tom Brandt, Sen. Carolyn Bosn
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
Committee heard four bills. LB23 (bike share), LB98 (ATV/UTV weight limits), LB337 (ATV/UTV registration), and LB196 (nighttime snow removal) all advanced through testimony without votes. Sen. Storm was delayed by Agriculture Committee business and arrived late for his bill. No amendments were voted on during the hearing. The committee received 18 online proponents for LB337, no opponents, and three neutral testifiers. For LB196, there were no proponents or opponents in person, with two neutral letters received.
Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.