Session Review: Transportation and Telecommunications
Lawmakers approved several measures this session that embrace emerging technology, increase driver safety and expand broadband access throughout the state.
Read moreSen. Curt Friesen
Study of rural broadband availability due in 2019
A proposal to study expanding high-speed internet access to rural areas of the state was passed by the Legislature April 11.
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Senators at impasse on proposal to fund school aid, property tax relief with sales tax increase
Lawmakers debated a proposal April 6 to provide a minimum amount of state aid to each public school district. A pending amendment would replace the bill and raise the state sales tax rate in order to fund additional school aid and property tax credits.
Read moreCommunity grant program expanded
Grant limitations under the state’s Civic and Community Center Financing Act are expanded under a bill passed April 6.
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Collocation regulations for small wireless facilities debated
Lawmakers debated a bill April 4 that would give wireless communications providers the right to collocate small cell wireless technology in public rights of way.
Read moreCreation of 911 service committee approved
The Legislature passed a bill March 29 that improves access to 911 services throughout the state.
Read moreWireless surcharge remittance changed
A bill that moves the responsibility to collect and remit a surcharge on prepaid wireless phones from service providers to retailers received final approval from lawmakers March 29.
Read moreStudy of rural broadband availability advanced
A proposal to study expanding high-speed internet access to rural areas of the state was advanced from general file March 27.
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Creation of 911 service committee advanced
The Legislature advanced a bill March 9 that would improve access to 911 services throughout the state.
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NRD levy extension stalls
A bill that would extend a levy authority for certain natural resources districts in central and western Nebraska failed to advance from the first round of debate March 7.
Read moreBridge weight limit signage change approved
Lawmakers passed a bill Feb. 23 requiring that the weight limitations of county bridges be posted only in certain situations.
Read moreBill would make excavators responsible for locate costs
Breaking ground on new construction projects could become costlier for excavators under a bill discussed by the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee Feb. 13.
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Bill calls for 911 service committee
The Transportation and Telecommunications Committee heard testimony Feb. 5 on a bill that would improve access to 911 services throughout the state.
Read moreStudy of rural broadband availability proposed
Expanding high-speed internet access to rural areas of the state was the focus of a hearing of the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee Feb. 5.
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Change to wireless surcharge remittance advanced
Lawmakers gave first-round approval Jan. 31 to a bill that would move the responsibility to collect and remit a surcharge on prepaid wireless phones from service providers to retailers.
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