Lawmakers ponder CDL, DUI changes

McCOOK, Nebraska -- State legislators aim to tighten up penalties against interlock mandated drivers while easing CDL requirements on farmers this session. Sen. Mark Christensen visited with McCook Area Chamber of Commerce representatives on both topics this morning, saying requests from law enforcement officers were behind one bill while the other was driven by new federal regulations.

LB 998, introduced by Sen. Russ Karpisek, intends to make it a Class I misdemeanor offense for individuals ordered to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle, to operate another vehicle without the device. Sen. Christensen said law enforcement officers described scenarios where convicted drunk drivers would install the interlock on their own vehicle, only to be pulled over while driving someone else's vehicle without the device.

If their blood alcohol content was not over the legal limit they were not breaking any laws, said Sen. Christensen, adding the bill would make it a crime and he did vote for it.

LB 249 intends to allow Nebraska farmers to take advantage of new Commercial Drivers License exemptions put in place by the recently adopted federal highway bill, MAP-21. The exemptions would exclude covered farm vehicles, within 150 mile radius of their farm, from CDL requirements, as well as exempt hours of service requirements.

The hours of service exemption is targeted for transport of agricultural commodities or farm supplies within 150 miles of their source, wholesale or retail distribution point, during planting and harvesting season.

Sen. Christensen said Sen. Annette Dubas bill would simply harmonize state law with the new federal requirements.

The covered farm vehicle definition does not apply to farm vehicles operated by individuals under the age of 18 or which are used to transport hazardous materials.

Sen. Christensen was asked whether medicaid expansion would have any serious debate this session and he indicated that Sen. Campbell's priority bill had a better chance than previous attempts. The bill, LB 887, intends to adopt the Wellness in Nebraska Act.

Sen. Christensen said he believed it may have already made it out of committee, and either way, he expected it to make it out of committee and get a debate on the floor. The bill was written better and addressed some of the issues legislators had with previous versions, according to Sen. Christensen.

Sen. Christensen said three tax bills advanced Wednesday. LB 986 increases the allowable annual income for those qualifying for the homestead property tax exemption from $22,500 to $31,600, as well as adjusting the step-down percentage of relief for higher income levels. The homestead exemption primarily applies to disabled veterans, individuals and their spouses.

LB 850 proposes to allow individuals with developmental disabilities to qualify for the homestead exemption.

LB 1087 intends to provide a homestead exemption to 100% disabled service connected veterans and widows or widowers.

Sen. Christensen also said today would be the last day for bills to receive committee or legislator priority.