Appropriations Committee
March 4, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Rob Clements | Bills Heard: 2 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB25: Volunteer Firefighter Radio Equipment and Training Funding
Introduced by: Sen. Beau Ballard | Testimony: 7 proponents, 0 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nebraska seeks to equip volunteer firefighters with modern radios through $5 million matching grant program. LB25 would establish a one-to-one matching grant structure capping individual awards at $3.5 million to help rural fire districts replace aging radio systems that have compromised emergency response coordination.
Why it matters: Volunteer firefighters—who provide critical protection for rural Nebraska communities—currently operate on incompatible radio frequencies that prevent communication during mutual aid responses. The October 2022 Lancaster County wildfires exposed dangerous gaps when departments couldn't talk to each other during a crisis affecting nearly 300 responders.
What they're saying: - Proponents: "Outdated radio systems risk the safety of firefighters and make it even more difficult to do an already dangerous and challenging job," said Sen. Ballard. Fire Chief Joel Cerny described a 2022 grass fire requiring mutual aid from six departments across four counties—all unable to communicate on compatible frequencies. Lancaster County Board member Chelsea Johnson noted the county already invested $500,000 in ARPA funds and commissioned a study showing implementation costs between $1.48-$9.15 million. - Neutral: Brad Wells, Central City Volunteer Fire Department, testified that statewide radios don't work in coverage dead zones and suggested cell-phone-based alternatives might be more cost-effective.
By the numbers: Individual statewide radio kits cost approximately $25,000 (including portable radio, mobile radio, and vehicular repeater). Portable radios alone cost $8,000-$9,000. Lancaster County's study identified 17 rural fire districts using aging infrastructure installed over 15 years ago.
What's next: No vote was taken. The hearing concluded with closing remarks from Sen. Ballard emphasizing that volunteer firefighters save the state hundreds of millions in economic costs.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Spivey, Sen. Dover, Sen. Clements
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB62: Statewide Radio System Funding for Volunteer Fire Departments
Introduced by: Sen. Tom Brandt | Testimony: 7 proponents, 0 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nebraska proposes $19 million to expand statewide radio access for volunteer fire departments. LB62 would fund portable and mobile radios compatible with the Statewide Radio System (SRS) for volunteer fire departments across the state, continuing a program that has equipped 175+ departments since initial funding.
Why it matters: Nebraska's 400-plus volunteer fire departments lack reliable interoperable communication, creating safety risks during mutual aid responses and large incidents. The SRS, mandated after 9/11 for Project 25 standards-based interoperability, enables departments to communicate across county lines—critical when fires spread rapidly or require multi-county response.
What they're saying: - Proponents: "The need is real," said Sen. Brandt, noting that grass fires move so fast "you literally cannot get in front of them" without coordinated communication. Fire Chief Joel Cerny described a 2022 incident requiring six departments from four counties to respond with incompatible radios. Jerry Stilmock of the Nebraska Fire Chiefs Association reported no complaints from the 175+ departments that received radios in the first round. - Skeptics: Sen. Lippincott questioned whether $19 million is well-spent, noting Merrick County's statewide radios don't work in coverage dead zones and cost $46,200 annually without solving communication problems. Brad Wells of Central City suggested cell-phone-based Wave radios ($300 with $10,000 annual subscription) might be more practical. Sen. Dover worried about investing heavily in technology that could become obsolete within 10 years as Starlink and private LTE systems emerge.
By the numbers: Each radio costs $8,000-$9,000; complete kits cost $25,000. Previous appropriations ($7 million total) equipped 175+ departments. Overall cost to equip all fire districts exceeds $200 million.
What's next: No vote was taken. The hearing concluded with closing remarks from Sen. Brandt emphasizing volunteer firefighters' critical role and the need for reliable communication infrastructure.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Brandt Skeptical: Sen. Lippincott, Sen. Dover Unclear: Sen. Prokop
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
The Appropriations Committee heard LB25 and LB62 together on March 4, 2025, as the bills address closely related subjects and testifiers overlapped. Committee Chair Rob Clements presided. The hearing included testimony from bill introducers (Sens. Ballard and Brandt), volunteer firefighters, county officials, fire chiefs associations, the Statewide Radio System manager, and neutral testifiers. Online position comments were submitted: LB25 had 7 proponents and 0 opponents; LB62 had 7 proponents and 0 opponents. No votes were taken during the hearing. The session concluded after closing remarks from both introducing senators.
Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.