South Dakota offers some of the best ATV and UTV tourism in the United States, thanks in part to their legal framework to balance safety and freedom of use. Nebraska could soon follow suit if my bill, LB 1110, passes. On February 14th at 1:30 p.m., LB 1110 will have its public hearing in front of the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee. This bill would clarify our laws on ATVs and UTVs with a regulatory framework like South Dakota’s.

The idea for LB 1110 came from you, District 1. ATVs and UTVs are critical to Nebraskans in our rural areas. They are used for checking fields, plowing snow, recreational activities, and taking quick trips into town. Current laws make ATVs and UTVs street-legal for some ag-related tasks and in some towns, but it is a confusing and inconsistent legal patchwork. LB 1110 would keep well-intentioned Nebraskans from being labeled as criminals for driving their preferred vehicles.

Allowing ATVs and UTVs on the streets would also increase our state’s tourism. Currently, Nebraskans leave our state to go to South Dakota or other states with looser restrictions on these vehicles for vacations. By opening our roads to ATVs and UTVs with reasonable safety measures, we would also be opening our doors for any tourists that are wanting to get outdoors in their ATV or UTV.

Safety is at the heart of this bill. Under LB 1110, there would be requirements in place to make sure that Nebraskans are driving their vehicles safely, including mandating headlights, tail lights, and helmets. Also, ATVs and UTVs would not be permissible on the interstate, freeways, or expressways. Finally, counties and municipalities would be able to pass resolutions to forbid the street use of these vehicles in their jurisdictions.

If you, or anyone you know, would be interested in testifying in support of LB 1110 at the public hearing on February 14th, please contact my office with the contact information below. We would love to have you share your opinion either in-person or online.

As always, I welcome your input on issues important to you. Follow along on my Facebook and Twitter pages, both entitled “Senator Julie Slama” for more updates, or contact me directly at Senator Julie Slama, District 1 State Capitol, PO Box 94604, Lincoln NE 68509-4604; telephone: 402-471-2733; email: jslama@leg.ne.gov.