Transportation and Telecommunications Committee
March 4, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Mike Moser | Bills Heard: 4 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB619: East Beltway funding appropriation
Introduced by: Sen. Beau Ballard | Testimony: 3 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Lincoln pushes $15 million East Beltway funding as 30-year planning effort nears construction phase. The bill would appropriate state grants to advance a long-planned expressway loop on Lincoln's east side, a project that has consumed three decades of environmental studies and corridor protection but remains unfunded. Why it matters: The East Beltway is positioned as a regional economic catalyst and safety improvement—148th Street, which currently serves as the de facto beltway, has logged 50 crashes since 2013 and would require $40 million in upgrades by 2040 without the project. Supporters argue similar beltways in comparable cities have driven substantial growth. What they're saying: County Engineer Pam Dingman presented a 30-year timeline of planning and noted the 2023 project cost estimate at $5.51 billion. Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and business groups framed it as essential infrastructure for competing regionally. Sen. DeBoer signaled the bill likely clears constitutional hurdles by targeting "cities of primary class." By the numbers: $15 million appropriation; 50 documented crashes on 148th Street 2013-2018; $40 million estimated cost to upgrade 148th Street by 2040; $1.2 million already spent on studies. What's next: No vote was taken. The bill received three proponent testimonies and no opposition.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Wendy DeBoer, Sen. John Fredrickson Skeptical: Sen. Mike Moser Unclear: Sen. Tom Brandt, Sen. Carolyn Bosn
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB714: Motor vehicle tax restructuring and inheritance tax offset
Introduced by: Sen. Rob Clements | Testimony: 1 proponents, 3 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Motor vehicle tax overhaul would cut vehicle taxes 20% while shifting $101 million burden from schools to general fund. Sen. Clements' bill restructures Nebraska's vehicle tax to reduce personal property taxes and fund county inheritance tax offsets, but schools testified the plan creates a fiscal cliff without a replacement funding mechanism. Why it matters: Nebraska ranks fifth nationally in vehicle tax burden. The bill aims to make the state more competitive while funding county revenue losses from planned inheritance tax cuts. But the school funding shift exposes a fundamental problem: non-equalized districts have no safety net, and even equalized districts face a 2-year lag before TEEOSA compensation arrives. What they're saying: Clements acknowledged schools would oppose the bill and said he hasn't yet worked out how to replace school funding—that's why he's proposing an interim study. Schools testified the 2-year TEEOSA lag would force property tax increases. Sen. DeBoer calculated the bill requires at least $50 million in general fund appropriations to hold schools harmless. By the numbers: 20% vehicle tax reduction; $101 million school funding cut; $37 million new county revenue; $57 million total replacement revenue for counties; 1 million cars currently untaxed. What's next: No vote taken. Clements stated he doesn't expect the bill to move this year due to insufficient state funds for school backfill. An interim study is planned to refine the proposal.
Committee sentiment: Skeptical: Sen. Wendy DeBoer, Sen. Storer Opposed: Sen. Mike Moser
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB576: Wireless 911 surcharge equalization
Introduced by: Sen. Myron Dorn | Testimony: 17 proponents, 0 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nebraska would equalize 911 surcharges statewide at $1/month, raising Omaha's rate 100% to match rest of state. Sen. Dorn's bill authorizes the Public Service Commission to increase wireless 911 surcharges uniformly across all counties, addressing a funding crisis as landline revenue has collapsed 80% and PSAPs increasingly rely on property taxes. Why it matters: 67 public safety answering points serve the entire state, including tourists at Lake McConaughy and Calamus Reservoir. Current disparities—92 counties at $0.70, Douglas County at $0.50—create inequitable funding. PSAPs face rising costs for technology, staffing, and new emergency medical dispatch requirements, yet landline fees continue declining. What they're saying: NACO testified 911 is a statewide concern and current property tax burden is unfair. Hamilton County Sheriff documented costs rising 10-42% since 2021 while his PSAP receives less than 20% of its $500,000 budget from 911 fees. Wireless industry opposed the increase, citing Nebraska's already fifth-highest wireless tax burden nationally and the regressive impact on low-income families. By the numbers: 941,000 911 calls answered last year; $1.2 million projected new revenue; 67 PSAPs ranging from 1,300 calls/day to fewer than 10/day; landline revenue down 80% over time. What's next: No vote taken. Bill received 17 proponent testimonies, zero opposition, and one neutral (PSC) testimony.
Committee sentiment: Skeptical: Sen. Wendy DeBoer, Sen. Carolyn Bosn Unclear: Sen. John Fredrickson, Sen. Mike Moser, Sen. Storer
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB690: ATV and UTV registration and street use authorization
Introduced by: Sen. Dan Lonowski | Testimony: 26 proponents, 1 opponents, 2 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
ATV and UTV registration bill advances amid safety concerns, with 26 online supporters but questions about highway suitability. Sen. Lonowski's bill would allow Nebraskans to register all-terrain and utility vehicles for county road use, addressing a legal patchwork where residents unknowingly violate law by crossing city limits. The bill projects $1.2-$1.86 million in registration revenue plus tourism spending. Why it matters: Current law creates confusion—farmers can drive ATVs on their property but cannot legally drive to town without trailering. Inconsistent municipal rules (some towns allow them, others don't) confuse law enforcement. Lonowski argues registration brings accountability and keeps revenue in Nebraska rather than South Dakota, where ATV clubs currently buy temporary permits. What they're saying: Proponents highlighted modern safety features: roll cages, seatbelts with speed limiters, lights, and child seat capacity. Dealership testimony noted farmers' frustration with trailering requirements. Safety skeptics—including Sen. DeBoer—raised concerns about lack of airbags, walls, and crash test certification. Manufacturers previously testified vehicles aren't designed for highway use. Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board requested clarifying amendment to prevent ATVs/UTVs from triggering dealer licensing requirements. By the numbers: 26 proponent testimonies online; 1 opponent; 2 neutral; $1.2 million projected 2025-2026 revenue; $1.86 million projected 2026-2027. What's next: No vote taken. Lonowski committed to working with Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board and NACO on amendments and asked for committee support to advance with AM442.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Storer Skeptical: Sen. John Fredrickson, Sen. Wendy DeBoer, Sen. Mike Moser Unclear: Sen. Dunixi Guereca, Sen. Tom Brandt
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
Committee Chair Mike Moser noted that senators may come and go during hearings as they present bills in other committees. Testimony followed standard format: introducer opening statement, proponents, opponents, neutral testifiers, then introducer closing remarks. Three-minute timer light system used. Green testifier sheets completed by those testifying; yellow sign-in sheet for those recording presence without testifying. Handouts submitted by testifiers included as exhibits in record. No votes were taken on any bills during this hearing.
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