Tax exemption proposed for disabled veterans

Disabled veterans would be exempt from paying motor vehicle taxes under a bill heard by the Revenue Committee Feb. 27.

Under LB428, introduced by Bellevue Sen. Tommy Garrett, veterans with a 100 percent service-connected disability would be eligible for the motor vehicle tax exemption for one vehicle owned and used for their personal transportation.

Garrett said that paying taxes on vehicle registration can be one more obstacle for disabled veterans living on fixed incomes.

“There are 100 percent service-connected disabled veterans with significant medical costs that cannot pay for the licensing and registration of motor vehicles, yet they have medical appointments they must attend, which is difficult without that vehicle,” he said.

An unremarried surviving spouse of a qualified veteran also would be eligible for the exemption under LB428.

Edward Sewell, representing Operation Veterans Encouraging Recovery, spoke in favor of the bill. He said that many veterans must deal with lifelong mental and physical injuries.

“If it’s wartime, then we’re visible and people recognize that, but normally we’re overlooked,” he said. “There are few opportunities to do something for the men and women who have risked their lives for their country. You’d be surprised at the little things that make a difference in their lives.”

No one testified in opposition to the bill and the committee took no immediate action on it.