Travel surcharge for brand inspections advances

The Nebraska Brand Committee would be able to implement a surcharge to cover traveling costs associated with brand inspections under a bill advanced from general file Feb. 10.

LB181, introduced by North Platte Sen. Tom Hansen, would direct the committee to add up to a $20 surcharge to the brand inspection fee.

Hansen said committee employees inspected 3.4 million head of cattle in 2010. The surcharge would recoup some of the fuel reimbursement provided to inspectors, he said.

“With gas prices spiking, … something has to give,” Hansen said.

An Agriculture Committee amendment, adopted 38-0, would enable the committee to add the surcharge at its discretion.

LB181 was advanced from general file on a 40-0 vote.