Motor carrier updates, ignition interlock changes pass

Senators passed a bill April 2 that brings state motor carrier statutes up-to-date and changes ignition interlock provisions.

LB751, introduced by Valentine Sen. Deb Fischer, adopted:
• handicapped parking permit physical standards;
• the International Registration Plan for apportioned vehicles in interstate commerce;
• federal rules and regulations pertaining to commercial motor vehicles and commercial driver licenses;
• federal rules and regulations pertaining to hazardous materials, agricultural operations and exceptions for nonspecification packagings used in intrastate transportation; and
• more specific language on what federal provisions the State Patrol is authorized to enforce.

The bill was amended to include provisions of five other bills, all introduced by Fischer.

LB718 authorizes the handling of certificates of title in any county or the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and changes the distribution of title fees.

LB724 makes corrections to the medical certification program for commercial motor vehicle drivers and prohibits texting while driving a commercial motor vehicle.

LB726 eliminates the requirement that the DMV send out certain notices by certified or registered mail.

LB748 repeals two sections of statute requiring the courts to remit a list of outstanding arrest warrants to the department each month.

LB769 removes county treasurers’ authority to issue duplicate or replacement driver’s licenses.

The bill also requires department employees who verify or produce driver’s licenses or state identification cards to submit their fingerprints to the FBI for a criminal history background check and prohibits juveniles who violate the Motor Vehicle Operator’s License Act from being eligible for an ignition interlock permit.

The bill passed on a 45-0 vote.