Transportation and Telecommunications Committee
February 25, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Mike Moser | Bills Heard: 3 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB120: Allow DMV to release digital images to Nebraska State Patrol for missing person cases
Introduced by: Sen. Brian Hardin | Testimony: 1 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nebraska State Patrol gains clear authority to use driver's license photos in missing person cases. LB120 formalizes a practice the State Patrol has been using informally, providing statutory backing for releasing DMV digital images to aid in locating missing persons. Why it matters: The first 72 hours are critical in missing person cases, and driver's license photos—taken with professional lighting and equipment—are often the best available images. Formalizing this authority removes legal ambiguity and could speed recovery efforts. What they're saying: Lt. Monty Lovelace of the State Patrol noted that driver's license photos are frequently superior to family-provided images and are especially valuable when missing persons are disjointed from their families. Iowa passed similar legislation in 2002, and the FBI already uses driver's license photos from multiple states on its missing persons webpage. By the numbers: Two proponent letters submitted; no opposition or neutral testimony. What's next: No vote was taken during the hearing. Sen. Hardin waived closing remarks.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Tom Brandt
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB106: Align front window tint limits with rear window limits
Introduced by: Sen. Jana Hughes | Testimony: 1 proponents, 1 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Sen. Hughes seeks to align Nebraska's front window tint rules with factory standards and neighboring states. LB106 would allow 20% visible light transmission on front windows, matching the 20% already permitted on rear windows and the tint that comes standard on most new vehicles. Why it matters: The current law creates an inconsistency that window tinters say costs them business and confuses consumers. Vehicles leave the factory with 20% rear privacy glass, yet owners cannot legally match that on front windows. Law enforcement in rural districts told Hughes they have bigger priorities than tint enforcement. What they're saying: Edward Mundt, a York window tinter, said customers consistently request matching tint and that the 1989 law predates modern film technology. Sen. Bosn acknowledged officer safety concerns—law enforcement needs to see into vehicles during traffic stops—but disclosed she has personally tinted her own windows to the proposed standard. Hughes noted that Iowa allows 70% tint on front windows, suggesting Nebraska's 35% limit is restrictive. By the numbers: Two proponent letters, one opponent letter, and one neutral comment submitted online. What's next: No vote was taken. Hughes committed to providing sample glass to committee members and research on neighboring states' tint laws.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. John Fredrickson, Sen. Tanya Storer Skeptical: Sen. Carolyn Bosn Unclear: Sen. Beau Ballard
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB496: Provide protections for persons leading or herding livestock on roadways
Introduced by: Sen. Dave Murman | Testimony: 2 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Sen. Murman introduces bill to protect livestock herders after constituent faces assault charges for moving cattle. LB496 requires drivers to use caution, stop on signal, and yield the right-of-way when approaching livestock being led or herded on roadways. The bill is modeled on Oregon law. Why it matters: Kelly Johnson, a rancher who was moving cattle on a gravel road, was charged with assault after an irate motorist drove through his herd and threatened him. Johnson had to defend his right to move livestock on the road in district court—a defense that would have been stronger with statutory protection. Nebraska currently has no statute explicitly granting livestock the right-of-way, despite the practice being common for decades. What they're saying: Johnson testified that the lack of statutory protection forced him to defend his actions in court. Matthew Melchor of Nebraska Cattlemen noted that as urbanization increases, fewer residents understand livestock movement and that safety of animals and people should be paramount. Sen. Storer, who has driven cattle herself, suggested the bill should presume drivers must stop and yield unless signaled otherwise—rather than requiring herders to signal first. By the numbers: Two proponents testified; no opponents. What's next: No vote was taken. Sen. Murman indicated openness to amendments, including adding penalties and revising the hand signal language. Sens. Brandt and Storer requested research on current Nebraska liability law and penalties in other states.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Tom Brandt, Sen. John Fredrickson, Sen. Tanya Storer Unclear: Sen. Mike Moser
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
Committee Chair Mike Moser opened the hearing with procedural announcements. Committee members present: Sens. Carolyn Bosn (LD25), Beau Ballard (LD21), Tom Brandt (LD32), John Fredrickson (LD20), Tanya Storer (LD43), Dunixi Guereca (LD7), and Wendy DeBoer (LD10, late arrival). Committee clerk: Connie Thomas. Legal counsel: Gus Shoemaker. Pages: Alberto and Ellie. Moser noted that senators may come and go during hearings due to other committee obligations. Testimony was limited to five minutes per speaker. No demonstrations or opposition displays were permitted. The committee heard three bills: LB120 (DMV images for missing persons), LB106 (window tint), and LB496 (livestock on roadways). No votes were taken on any bills during the hearing.
Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.