Bill would permit use of amber lights

The Transportation and Telecommunications Committee heard testimony Feb. 12 on a bill that would allow the display of rotating or flashing amber lights on vehicles operated by public safety volunteers and crime prevention organizations.

Under LB399, introduced by Omaha Sen. Scott Lautenbaugh, the use of such lights must be approved by a sheriff, police department or other law enforcement agency and used only within a designated area.

Lautenbaugh said Omaha has over 30 citizen patrols that use flashing amber lights to make residents aware of their presence and to deter people from committing crimes. However, he said, they currently are prohibited by law from using such devices.

Chris Costantakos, vice president of the Omaha Coalition Of Citizen Patrols, testified in support of the bill, saying that amber lights make public safety volunteers more identifiable to citizens. Citizen patrols must be easily identified so neighbors can distinguish them from someone who may be acting suspiciously, she said.

No one testified in opposition and the committee took no immediate action on the bill.