DMV cleanup measure, black license plates approved

Fees from a new alternative license plate will help support Nebraskans with developmental disabilities under a state Department of Motor Vehicles cleanup measure passed April 10.

LB972, sponsored by Omaha Sen. John Fredrickson, includes changes requested by the DMV to improve customer service and protect against fraud.

Among other changes, the bill allows qualified licensees to renew their Class O or M license electronically or in person, requires insurance companies to electronically transmit proof of liability coverage to the department and clarifies requirements for the display of In Transit placards or stickers.

Beginning in 2027, the measure also requires the department to issue Choice Color Plates with a solid blue or green background and white characters. Associated fees will be credited to the Department of Motor Vehicles Cash Fund.

LB972 includes provisions of nine other measures considered by the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee this session.

The provisions of LB738, introduced by Sen. Victor Rountree of Bellevue, require the DMV to design and issue Honoring Women Veterans license plates. The state Department of Veterans’ Affairs will use the associated fees to fund events focused on women veterans.

The provisions of LB769, sponsored by Niobrara Sen. Barry DeKay, require the DMV to issue University of Nebraska State Museum License Plates. The measure requires the Board of Regents to use fees generated by the license plates to support research, public education and outreach at state museums.

The provisions of LB786, introduced by Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, direct some of the proceeds from Military Honor Plates to a new Military Department Aid Fund. The adjutant general will use the fund to award need-based grants to Nebraska National Guard and Air National Guard members.

The provisions of LB922, sponsored by Plymouth Sen. Tom Brandt, increase caps on application fees for various licenses issued by the Nebraska Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board.

Under the provisions of LB1005, introduced by Kearney Sen. Stan Clouse, all-terrain vehicles or utility-type vehicles may be operated within city or village limits between the hours of sunset and sunrise as long as their use is authorized by the city, village or county and they meet certain headlight and taillight requirements.

The amended provisions of LB1099, sponsored by Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, require the DMV to design and issue Scarlet and Cream License Plates. Associated fees are directed to the Department of Motor Vehicles Cash Fund.

The provisions of LB1104, introduced by Norfolk Sen. Robert Dover, authorize the DMV and the state Department of Revenue to make a determination that a resident owner of a motor vehicle or trailer is avoiding state motor vehicle taxes and fees, registration fees or sales or use taxes.

The amended provisions of LB1121, sponsored by Sen. Beau Ballard of Lincoln, authorize the Nebraska Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board to issue licenses to dealers, manufacturers and distributors of new recreational vehicles and regulate franchise agreements between manufacturers and dealers.

The amended provisions of LB1092, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Eliot Bostar, require the department to issue two additional types of license plates.

A portion of the fees from new Back the Blue License Plates will be credited to a cash fund administered by the Nebraska State Patrol. The agency will use the fund to provide grants to injured law enforcement personnel or the spouse or child of any injured or deceased law enforcement officer.

Blackout License Plates will have a solid black background and white characters. Seventy percent of the associated fees are directed to the Department of Motor Vehicles Cash Fund, and 30% must be credited to a new cash fund administered by the state Department of Health and Human Services.

The department will use the fund to award grants to developmental disability service providers to improve their transportation fleets and infrastructure, as well as to increase capacity for additional clients.

LB972 passed on a vote of 48-1.