Transportation and Telecommunications Committee
March 3, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Mike Moser | Bills Heard: 4 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB227: Modifies the public convenience and necessity process for transportation carriers applying to the Public Service Commission
Introduced by: Sen. Wendy DeBoer | Testimony: 1 proponents, 1 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
DeBoer shifts burden of proof in transportation carrier licensing to level the playing field against incumbent carriers. The bill modifies how the Public Service Commission evaluates applications from new common carriers—primarily taxi and medical transport services—by requiring protesting incumbent carriers to prove market harm rather than forcing applicants to prove public need. Why it matters: The change could lower barriers for small startups and niche providers (like immigrant-focused taxi services) while maintaining all safety standards. But it risks market saturation in essential services like nonemergency medical transport for vulnerable populations. What they're saying: The PSC supports the shift as more efficient and fair. "The free market should decide the market, not the regulators," DeBoer argued. But incumbent carrier Camelot Transportation warned that 23 of 24 protested applications it settled in the past two years might have faced full hearings under this system, and questioned whether the PSC can regulate additional providers. By the numbers: In the last 24 months, Camelot protested 24 applicants; 23 settled, one went to hearing and was denied. What's next: No vote was taken. The bill remains in committee.
Committee sentiment: Skeptical: Sen. Tom Brandt, Sen. Tanya Storer Unclear: Sen. Mike Moser
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB444: Raises minimum uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance coverage for rail crew carriers
Introduced by: Sen. George Dungan | Testimony: 1 proponents, 3 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Dungan proposes first-in-nation $1 million uninsured motorist coverage for rail crew carriers, but insurers say the product doesn't exist. The bill would increase minimum UI/UIM coverage from $25,000 per person (unchanged since 1996) to $1 million per occupant for carriers transporting railroad employees. A 2020 PSC investigation recommended the increase, but the Attorney General said the PSC lacked authority to implement it without legislation. Why it matters: Rail workers travel through multiple states with high rates of uninsured/underinsured drivers. But the insurance industry says it cannot write policies at this level, and opponents argue rail workers already have comprehensive protection through FELA, employer benefits, and existing $100,000/$300,000 UI/UIM coverage. What they're saying: Proponents cite inflation since 1996 and note one ICU day can exceed current minimums. SMART-TD testified that neighboring states have 16%+ uninsured rates. But BNSF and RailCrew Xpress testified they've had zero FELA claims in recent years and already carry $5 million liability insurance. Insurance industry representatives said the $1 million per occupant requirement is uninsurable—potentially $5-7 million per vehicle with multiple occupants. By the numbers: 9.3% of Nebraska drivers uninsured/underinsured; BNSF had 77 FELA claims in 2023-2024, with 58 already settled. What's next: No vote taken. Dungan indicated willingness to negotiate on the amount.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Dunixi Guereca Skeptical: Sen. John Fredrickson, Sen. Tanya Storer, Sen. Tom Brandt
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB465: Allows PSC to reduce transportation network company annual fees and repeals vehicle inspection requirement
Introduced by: Sen. Carolyn Bosn | Testimony: 1 proponents, 1 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Bosn seeks to lower TNC fees and eliminate vehicle inspections, citing data that inspections don't improve safety. LB465 would allow the PSC to reduce the $25,000 annual fee for Uber and Lyft and repeal the requirement that drivers obtain annual vehicle inspections. Bosn argues the inspection is a recruitment barrier with no safety benefit—96% of crashes are driver error, not vehicle defects—and that rider feedback provides real-time safety monitoring. Why it matters: Removing the inspection could accelerate driver recruitment for ride-sharing services, potentially reducing drunk driving. But it creates a regulatory gap: other carriers must maintain vehicles to PSC standards while TNCs would not. What they're saying: Uber presented data showing accident rates identical in states with and without inspections. PSC Commissioner Stocker countered that inspections catch brake and tire issues before they cause accidents and are a minimal burden at $20-75. Sen. Brandt raised the concern: "If you can't afford a $35 inspection on your car, maybe you shouldn't be driving for Uber." By the numbers: PSC TNC regulatory fund has ~$100,000 in reserves; annual fee is $25,000. Inspection costs $20-75 and takes under 30 minutes. 25 states don't require TNC inspections; only Colorado among Nebraska's neighbors does. What's next: No vote taken. Bosn waived closing remarks.
Committee sentiment: Skeptical: Sen. Tom Brandt Unclear: Sen. John Fredrickson, Sen. Dunixi Guereca
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB176: Requires broadband grant applicants to obtain local political subdivision support before applying for state funding
Introduced by: Sen. Jana Hughes | Testimony: 5 proponents, 2 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Hughes requires broadband grant applicants to get local approval before applying for state money, aiming to prevent strong-arm tactics. LB176 mandates that providers seeking PSC Broadband Bridge grants obtain a resolution of support from each affected county, city, or village before submitting applications. The resolution must include project maps, permit acknowledgment, and timelines. Amendment AM147 extends this to all state broadband programs. Why it matters: Providers have been obtaining grants, then approaching local governments with ultimatums—approve our project or face a lawsuit—even when projects conflict with zoning or duplicate existing infrastructure. The requirement could prevent wasteful overbuilds and litigation that ties up federal BEAD funds. But it may burden good-faith providers and create timing conflicts with monthly county board meetings. What they're saying: Seward County Commissioner Ahmic testified a PSC-funded tower violated zoning; the provider sued claiming PSC funding supersedes local law. Gage County's Emily Haxby showed a funded project cost $25,500 per home vs. her county's $4,210 per home. But telecom industry witnesses said the requirement penalizes good actors already collaborating with locals and creates timing conflicts with 21-day application windows. By the numbers: 43 of approved Broadband Bridge projects in first three rounds defaulted or required extensions; 17 cited zoning/permitting delays. What's next: No vote taken. Hughes indicated willingness to provide more details on lawsuits and litigation threats in her district.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Tom Brandt Skeptical: Sen. Tanya Storer Unclear: Sen. John Fredrickson, Sen. Beau Ballard
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
Committee hearing held March 3, 2025. Committee clerk: Connie Thomas. Legal counsel: Gus Shoemaker. Pages: Logan and Alberto. Senators present: Mike Moser (Chair, District 22), Tanya Storer (District 43), Caroline Bosn (District 25), Wendy DeBoer (District 10), Beau Ballard (District 21), Tom Brandt (District 32), John Fredrickson (District 20), Dunixi Guereca (District 7). Three-minute testimony timer used. No demonstrations of opposition or support allowed. Online testimony received for LB227 (one opponent letter from Platte Institute), LB444 (two proponent letters, one opponent letter), and LB176 (three opponent letters). No online testimony received for LB465.
Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.