Adopt updates to federal law relating to motor vehicles and motor carriers, provide for Arbor Day license plates and certain trailer license plates, change fees and fee distribution provisions for license plates and records requests related to motor vehicles and motor vehicle operators, change provisions relating to commercial driver’s licenses and CLP-commercial learner’s permits, and provide duties for successors in interest of certain railroad property

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Moser

LB 398 - Omnibus Motor Vehicle and Railroad Bill OverviewBill Number: LB 398 Title: Adopt updates to federal law relating to motor vehicles and motor carriers, provide for Arbor D

Approved by Governor on June 4, 2025

Overview

Bill Number: LB 398
Title: Adopt updates to federal law relating to motor vehicles and motor carriers, provide for Arbor Day license plates and certain trailer license plates, change fees and fee distribution provisions for license plates and records requests related to motor vehicles and motor vehicle operators, change provisions relating to commercial driver's licenses and CLP-commercial learner's permits, and provide duties for successors in interest of certain railroad property
Status: Approved by Governor on June 4, 2025
Introduced: January 17, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of LB 398 is to update Nebraska's motor vehicle and motor carrier laws to align with recent changes in federal regulations. The bill also introduces new license plate options, adjusts various fees and fee distributions, and modifies provisions related to commercial driver's licenses and railroad property.

Key Provisions

Adopts updates to federal regulations on motor vehicles and motor carriers to maintain compliance

Creates a new Arbor Day license plate design and allows for certain trailer license plates

Increases various fees for license plates, records requests, and commercial driver's licenses

Redistributes portions of motor vehicle-related fee revenue to different state and local funds

Modifies requirements and processes for commercial driver's licenses and learner's permits

Imposes new duties on successors in interest when taking ownership of certain railroad property

Affected Parties and Impacts

Drivers and vehicle owners in Nebraska will be impacted by the new license plate options and fee changes

Commercial drivers and motor carriers will need to comply with the updated licensing and regulatory requirements

State and local government agencies will see changes to the distribution of motor vehicle-related fee revenue

Parties acquiring railroad property will face new obligations regarding the property's prior owners

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

LB 398 was approved by the Nebraska Governor on June 4, 2025, after passing through the state legislature. The bill's provisions will generally take effect 90 days after the legislative session, with some sections having different implementation timelines. The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles and Department of Transportation will be responsible for administering and enforcing the law's requirements.