Transportation and Telecommunications Committee
February 10, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Mike Moser | Bills Heard: 5 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB191: Broadband and communications infrastructure protection from willful and malicious damage
Introduced by: Sen. Carolyn Bosn | Testimony: 3 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Broadband infrastructure gets same criminal protections as power lines and railroads under LB191. Sen. Bosn's bill adds broadband and communications systems to Nebraska's critical infrastructure protection statute, making willful and malicious damage subject to felony penalties. Why it matters: Nebraska has invested hundreds of millions in broadband expansion. Theft and vandalism disrupt 911 services, business operations, and student internet access. A national study documented nearly 4,000 incidents in three months affecting 325,000 customers. What they're saying: Proponents cited growing copper theft targeting broadband infrastructure and endorsed the approach as aligning with federal recommendations. "These criminal acts can sever connections vital to public safety, healthcare, transportation and emergency response," Cox Communications testified. No opponents appeared. What's next: Sen. Bosn waived closing remarks. The committee received two written proponent comments. A proposed amendment to include wireless infrastructure is pending from the bill drafting office.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Tom Brandt, Sen. Mike Moser
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB449: Highway funding allocation by district
Introduced by: Sen. John Fredrickson | Testimony: 4 proponents, 6 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Sen. Fredrickson's LB449 would guarantee Omaha and Lincoln 70% of highway funds they generate, but faces stiff opposition from rural lawmakers and NDOT. The bill aims to redirect state highway dollars to high-traffic urban areas, where Omaha contributes 40% of revenue but receives only 10-13% of spending. Why it matters: Omaha faces a decade-long backlog of road projects and needs $2.5-3 million annually just to maintain state highways within city limits on a proper cycle. But rural Nebraska depends on state funding for critical agricultural corridors, and NDOT warns the formula would cripple its ability to respond to emergencies and manage the system as a network. What they're saying: Proponents: "District 2 has 43% of the population but receives under 20% of highway spending." Opponents: "This would have drastic impact on 90% of all lane miles not in Districts 1 and 2" and "the vast majority of counties would lose out on funding." NDOT Director Kramer noted the department cannot even track where gas tax is collected by district. By the numbers: Omaha averages 14,000 vehicles per day on state highways versus 3,257 in the next-highest district. The state faces a $120-150 million annual funding shortfall. What's next: No vote was taken. The hearing revealed deep disagreement over whether the solution is redistribution or increased overall funding.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Dunixi Guereca Skeptical: Sen. Tom Brandt, Sen. Tanya Storer, Sen. Beau Ballard, Sen. Mike Moser
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB225: Electronic signatures for duplicate vehicle titles in total loss claims
Introduced by: Sen. Dunixi Guereca | Testimony: 1 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
LB225 streamlines total loss settlements by allowing electronic signatures on duplicate title transfers, eliminating the notary requirement. When a vehicle is totaled and the owner cannot locate the original title, they currently must order a duplicate and have the transfer application notarized—adding days to an already stressful process. Why it matters: Total loss claims are inherently difficult for consumers. Requiring a notary when the vehicle is undrivable creates unnecessary hardship and delays settlement payments. Electronic signatures are already used for other DMV applications and come with built-in security protections. What they're saying: Copart testified the change would allow insurance settlements to be completed in a single phone call. The bill aligns with standards from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. No opponents appeared. What's next: The committee received one written proponent letter. Sen. Guereca waived closing remarks. No vote was taken.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Tanya Storer, Sen. Tom Brandt
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB490: Agricultural equipment title clarification
Introduced by: Sen. Dan McKeon | Testimony: 1 proponents, 0 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
LB490 clarifies that off-road agricultural equipment doesn't trigger sales tax when titled, resolving a gray area that's confused county treasurers and farmers. Self-propelled feed trucks and similar implements used exclusively on-farm are exempt from sales tax under existing law, but recent interpretation changes have forced buyers to pay sales tax at title transfer. Why it matters: Farmers need titles for financing and lien purposes, but shouldn't pay both sales tax and personal property tax on the same equipment. The confusion has created a practical problem occurring "as often as twice a week" for equipment dealers. What they're saying: The Ag Leaders Working Group (representing cattlemen, corn growers, farm bureau, and others) testified the bill simply clarifies existing statute. The Nebraska Bankers Association testified in neutral position, requesting an amendment to protect prior lien positions when equipment transitions from nontitled to titled status. What's next: Sen. McKeon requested an 8-0 vote with the Bankers' amendment and placement on consent calendar. No opponents testified. One proponent letter received.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Tom Brandt, Sen. Mike Moser
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB112: Structurally totaled vehicle salvage title classification
Introduced by: Sen. Dan Quick | Testimony: 2 proponents, 2 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
LB112 would create a new "structurally totaled" salvage title to warn buyers that a vehicle has frame damage making it unsafe to rebuild, but insurers and lawmakers questioned whether it solves the real problem. Body shops testified they regularly see vehicles with hidden structural damage—bent frames, bypassed safety sensors, drywall screws holding components together—being sold to unsuspecting consumers, often teenagers buying used cars. Why it matters: Modern vehicle frames crush like pop cans in accidents and never regain original strength. Safety equipment like seatbelts and airbags must be replaced after collision but are often reused or improperly installed in rebuilds. Consumers have no way to know a vehicle has structural damage when buying it. What they're saying: Proponents: "This vehicle was sold to his daughter...the frame was damaged, not repaired properly, still had kinks, parts didn't line up." Opponents: "Unibody vehicles are designed to be repairable after frame damage" and the bill would prevent affordable repairs for older vehicles. Insurance Federation worried about cost impact on consumers already struggling with expensive used car market. By the numbers: Five proponent letters received; two opponent comments. What's next: Sen. Quick indicated pending amendment to clarify that structurally totaled vehicles are parts-only, not road-drivable. No vote taken. Committee expressed concerns about who determines the 75% threshold and whether the bill actually prevents unsafe vehicles from being rebuilt.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Tom Brandt, Sen. Dunixi Guereca Skeptical: Sen. Tanya Storer, Sen. Carolyn Bosn, Sen. Mike Moser
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
Committee hearing held February 10, 2025. Pages were Logan and Alberto. Committee clerk is Connie Thomas; legal counsel is Gus Shoemaker. Three-minute timer system used for testimony. No demonstrations of opposition or support allowed. All letters for record must be received by 8 a.m. day of hearing. Handouts submitted by testifiers included as exhibits (12 copies requested). Senators may come and go as they present bills in other committees. Testimony order: introducer opening statement, proponents, opponents, neutral testifiers, introducer closing (if desired).
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