New timeline requirements for abandoned vehicles advanced

Nebraska law enforcement would be required to make timely abandoned vehicle reports under a bill advanced from general file April 12.

Currently, when an abandoned vehicle is towed, the towing company must notify any lienholder on the title, as well as the owner, within 15 business days. LB616, sponsored by Venango Sen. Dan Hughes, would require the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction also to follow the notification requirements.

Hughes said that it is not uncommon for a tower to have a vehicle on their lot for an extended period of time while waiting for law enforcement to give notice to the last owner of the vehicle or lienholder.

“In the meantime, the vehicle is taking up space in the tower’s lot and the tower is not being financially compensated or recouping any of the towing charges,” Hughes said.

The bill also would increase the value of an abandoned vehicle from $250 to $500.

Following the 45-0 adoption of a technical Transportation and Telecommunications Committee amendment, senators voted 46-0 to advance LB616 to select file.