Transportation and Telecommunications Committee
February 24, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Mike Moser | Bills Heard: 3 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB323: Department of Transportation cleanup bill modernizing contracting and building practices
Introduced by: Sen. Mike Moser | Testimony: 1 proponents, 0 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
NDOT seeks to modernize project advertising and building approval thresholds to reduce delays. LB323 would allow the Nebraska Department of Transportation to advertise contract lettings on its website instead of relying solely on local newspapers with varying publication schedules, and would update a 70-year-old $100,000 building approval threshold to roughly $900,000.
Why it matters: Delays in advertising timelines add both time and inflation-driven costs to road projects. The bill would harmonize NDOT's practices with other state agencies and reflect current construction costs.
What they're saying: - Proponents: "Highway construction contractors have confirmed they currently use the NDOT website when looking for project lettings and not the newspaper advertisements," Director Vicki Kramer said. The Press Association worked out language ensuring newspapers still notify the public while the website serves as the official contractor notice. - No opposition was registered.
What's next: The bill received no opposition and one neutral testimony. No vote was taken during the hearing.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Tanya Storer Unclear: Sen. Tom Brandt
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB594: Hands-free driving law prohibiting handheld electronic device use while operating a motor vehicle
Introduced by: Sen. Jason Prokop | Testimony: 13 proponents, 1 opponents, 2 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nebraska would join 45 other states in banning handheld phone use while driving under LB594, making it a primary offense. The bill would prohibit drivers from physically holding wireless communication devices while operating a motor vehicle, allowing voice-activated and hands-free features. Nebraska is one of only five states without such a law.
Why it matters: Distracted driving contributes to roughly 10% of all crashes nationally and was a factor in 28% of crash deaths in 2021. States implementing hands-free laws have seen 6-15% reductions in distracted driving crashes. Nebraska saw a 17-year high in roadway fatalities in 2024.
What they're saying: - Proponents: "Distracted driving is impaired driving," said Tiffany Yant, whose father, Officer Ross Bartlett, was killed by a texting driver in April 2024. The trucking industry noted 80% of truck accidents involve driver distraction. A 2024 study showed Ohio's hands-free law prevented 3,000 crashes and 14 fatalities in six months. - Opponents: The Nebraska Criminal Defense Attorneys Association warned the bill creates a crime for simply holding a phone—even if it's off—and makes it a primary offense that could enable pretextual stops. Existing laws already address distracted driving through failure-to-maintain-lane and speeding violations.
By the numbers: 13 proponents, 1 opponent, 2 neutral testifiers. Over 80% of Nebraskans support allowing law enforcement to stop drivers solely for texting.
What's next: No vote was taken. Senators raised concerns about enforcement practicality, rural impacts, and whether the secondary offense status should be preserved.
Committee sentiment: Skeptical: Sen. Tanya Storer, Sen. Tom Brandt, Sen. Mike Moser Unclear: Sen. John Fredrickson
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB542: Utility facility relocation cost reimbursement for state and federally funded projects
Introduced by: Sen. Mike Dover (presented by Jon Winkelman, legislative aide) | Testimony: 4 proponents, 4 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
LB542 would shift utility relocation costs from private companies to Nebraska taxpayers, with NDOT estimating a $28.5-29 million annual fiscal impact. The bill would require the state to reimburse utility companies for relocating their facilities when state or federally funded transportation projects necessitate moves. Currently, utilities bear these costs under existing permit agreements.
Why it matters: Utilities argue unpredictable relocation costs—ranging from thousands to over $250,000 per project—impact consumer rates and infrastructure expansion. But NDOT warns the $28.5-45 million annual cost would delay critical highway safety projects given an existing $150 million annual funding deficit.
What they're saying: - Proponents: "Every unreimbursed dollar paid to relocate unserved Nebraskans or could result in higher prices," Cox Communications testified. Charter Communications noted one relocation exceeded $250,000 due to project changes. Federal law allows federal reimbursement if the state pays first. - Opponents: "This shift in fiscal responsibility would come at a significant cost to the state," NDOT Deputy Director Khalil Jaber said. Utilities voluntarily choose to locate in public rights-of-way and permits explicitly require them to pay relocation costs. Local governments also warned they could bear costs on locally-funded projects with state matching funds.
By the numbers: NDOT estimates $28.5-29 million annual cost, growing to $45 million over 6 years. Charter spent over $250,000 on one relocation; Black Hills Energy spent $1.6-1.87 million annually.
What's next: No vote was taken. Sen. Dover waived closing remarks.
Committee sentiment: Skeptical: Sen. Tom Brandt, Sen. Tanya Storer Opposed: Sen. Gail DeBoer Unclear: Sen. John Fredrickson
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
The committee heard three bills. LB323 received no opposition and one neutral testimony. LB594 received 13 proponent letters, no opponents, and 2 neutral testifiers; no vote was taken. LB542 received 4 proponents and 4 opponents; no vote was taken and Sen. Dover waived closing remarks. The hearing concluded with no additional business.
Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.