Flexible rental car fees advanced

Rental car companies could adjust certain fees under a bill advanced from general file March 12.

LB251, introduced by North Platte Sen. Tom Hansen, would allow rental car companies to charge a fee of up to 5.75 percent to cover licensing costs for the cars in their fleets.

Currently, car rental companies are required to charge a 4.5 percent fee and remit excess funds to their county treasurers. Under LB251, companies could vary the fee to recover licensing costs but would not be forced to collect the fee if it is not needed.

Hansen said the bill would encourage rental companies to license their cars in Nebraska because it likely would reduce overall fees charged to customers.

Senators advanced the bill to select file on a 30-0 vote.