Transportation omnibus bill amended, advanced

A bill that would make numerous changes to existing motor vehicle titling and registration laws was amended and advanced from select file March 28.

LB909, introduced by Brainard Sen. Bruce Bostelman, would require that certificates of title for assembled and kit vehicles include the year, make and model the vehicle resembles. The title also would indicate that the vehicle is reconstructed.

A vehicle owner could apply for a title by presenting a certificate of title for one major component part, a notarized bill of sale for all other major component parts that have been replaced, a statement that an inspection has been conducted on the vehicle and a vehicle identification number.

The certificate would include the year application for the title was made and the make of the vehicle as assembled. The base registration fee for assembled, reconstructed and replica vehicles would be the same as automobiles with a new value of less than $20,000, which currently is $5.

Henderson Sen. Curt Friesen introduced an amendment during select file debate that would incorporate provisions of three additional bills, including:
• LB900, introduced by Bostelman, which would update references to federal transportation laws and increase fines for certain motor carrier statute violations;
• LB860, introduced by Friesen, which would provide compensation for motor vehicle dealers affected by recalls and stop-sale orders; and
• LB980, introduced by Syracuse Sen. Dan Watermeier, which would allow for the transportation of divisible loads of hay bales on the interstate.

The Friesen amendment was adopted 41-0.

Omaha Sen. Burke Harr also filed an amendment on select file, adopted 36-0, that incorporated provisions of his LB1011, which would require a driver approaching a tow truck, maintenance vehicle or garbage or recycling service vehicle to proceed with caution and move over if possible.

Provisions of six other bills previously were amended into LB909 on general file, including:
• LB1092, introduced by Papillion Sen. Jim Smith, which would create separate procedures for operators of autocycles that are not completely enclosed;
• LB740, introduced by Omaha Sen. Brett Lindstrom, which would allow the Metropolitan Utilities District to register vehicles in the same manner as public power districts beginning Jan. 1, 2023;
• LB895, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Suzanne Geist, which would make a series of technical updates to current DMV statutes;
• LB896, also introduced by Geist, which would clarify that the operative date for certain sections relating to electronic certificates of title would be no later than Jan. 1, 2021;
• LB1049, introduced by Harr, which would amend the definition of low-speed vehicles to include certain three-wheeled motor vehicles; and
• LB1136, introduced by Elmwood Sen. Robert Clements, which would provide a mechanism for online auto auctions to obtain titles for vehicles purchased as salvage vehicles.

LB909 was advanced to final reading by voice vote.