Repeal of motorcycle safety course reimbursement advances

A state subsidy for motorcycle education providers would be discontinued under a bill receiving general file approval Jan. 25.

LB170, introduced by Valentine Sen. Deb Fischer, would eliminate the Motorcycle Safety Education Fund on Jan. 1, 2012, and instead allocate its balance — expected to be approximately $790,000 — to roads projects.

As amended during previous general file debate, 25 percent of the Motorcycle Safety Education Fund’s balance would be distributed to the Department of Motor Vehicles Cash Fund and 75 percent to the Highway Trust Fund, instead of the complete transfer to the Roads Operations Fund originally proposed in the bill.

The Motorcycle Safety Education Fund currently receives $3 from the Highway Trust Fund for every motorcycle registered in the state and $3.50 from the Department of Motor Vehicles Cash Fund for each motorcycle operator’s license issued during the previous year. The fund is used to reimburse motorcycle safety course providers up to $75 for each student who successfully completes a course.

Other driver education programs do not receive a state subsidy, Fischer said, and motorcycle safety courses should be no exception.

“I think it is fairly clear that if government does not require a program, we shouldn’t be subsidizing it,” Fischer said.

Omaha Sen. Steve Lathrop said he was concerned about using fees motorcyclists have paid into the Motorcycle Safety Education Fund for a different purpose without issuing refunds or reducing the fees.

The bill also would broaden the DMV’s regulatory authority over motorcycle safety courses and reduce from 48 months to 12 months the duration of the driving test waiver granted to those who complete courses.

Schuyler Sen. Chris Langemeier offered an amendment, adopted 38-0, that would increase the duration of the testing waiver to 24 months.

LB170 advanced from general file on a 33-0 vote.