Motorcycle safety course reimbursement ends

A $75 state subsidy for motorcycle education providers is discontinued by a bill approved on May 12.

LB170, introduced by Valentine Sen. Deb Fischer, will eliminate the Motorcycle Safety Education Fund on Jan. 1, 2012, and allocate 25 percent of its balance to the Department of Motor Vehicles Cash Fund and 75 percent to the Highway Trust Fund. The fund is currently used to reimburse motorcycle safety course providers up to $75 for each student who successfully completes a course.

The bill also broadens the DMV’s regulatory authority over motorcycle safety courses and reduces from 48 months to 24 months the duration of the driving test waiver granted to those who complete courses.

Senators voted 44-0 to approve LB170.