All Roll Calls
Yes: 594 • No: 5
NebraskaLB972109th Legislature 1st and 2nd SessionslegislatureWALLET
Adopt the Recreational Vehicle Industry Regulation Act and change provisions relating to parking spaces for handicapped or disabled persons, certain license revocations, the Motor Vehicle Industry Regulation Act, the Motor Vehicle Operator’s License Act, the Motor Vehicle Registration Act, the Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act, the Nebraska Rules of the Road, and the State Boat Act
Sponsored By: John Fredrickson
Signed by Governor
Transportation and Telecommunications Committee
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
30 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 4 costs, 19 mixed.
Stronger RV dealer termination and buybacks
The law protects RV dealers when a relationship ends. For a covered termination, makers must buy back new, untitled RVs from the last 18 months at 100% of the net invoice (minus rebates and any repair costs). They must also buy back undamaged accessories and proprietary parts from the last 12 months at 105% of the invoice, and tools/signs bought at their request within five years at the dealer’s net cost plus shipping and sales tax. Makers must pay in full before removing repurchased units, and dealers may sell any models not repurchased. Makers must give 120 days’ written notice to terminate (30 days for certain serious reasons), and dealers can send intent to fix and get 90 days to cure. A dealer can end an agreement with 30 days’ written notice. Dealers must give 30 days’ notice before signing a same line‑make agreement and 10 business days’ notice before an ownership change; makers have short windows to ask for documents or object for specific reasons.
Grants for disability service providers
The state creates a fund for capital and equipment for developmental‑disabilities providers. Providers under contract with DHHS can apply for grants to upgrade vehicles, buildings, safety features, or technology and remote supports (like sensors and broadband). DHHS sets the application form by January 1, 2027. The fund can receive gifts, grants, and other money, and earnings stay in the fund. Money cannot be used for general program administration.
Fair pay and timelines for RV warranty work
Warrantors must put dealer duties and pay terms in writing and keep dealers updated. Pay for warranty work must be reasonable and at least the dealer’s lowest retail labor rate for similar nonwarranty jobs. For parts replaced under warranty, the dealer gets the wholesale cost plus a handling charge (the lesser of 30% of cost or $300), and freight if the part must be shipped back. Dealers must submit claims within 45 days; if the warrantor does not deny in 45 days, the claim is approved and must be paid within 60 days. Audits are limited to once every three months. Dealers and warrantors must indemnify each other for losses they cause, and dealers must tell the warrantor if they cannot perform major or repeated warranty service. Dealers may return extra factory‑campaign parts for credit after the campaign.
Written RV dealer agreements and fair distribution
Beginning January 1, 2028, a maker or distributor may not sell new RVs through a dealer unless a signed, written dealer agreement is in place. Agreements must name the dealer’s sales area, list the term, and give the dealer at least two business days after delivery to inspect and refuse units. Makers must distribute new RVs fairly. When a dealer asks in writing, makers must send distribution information within 30 business days.
ATVs on highways must have insurance
If you ride an ATV or UTV on a highway, you must have liability insurance for that vehicle while on the highway. If asked, you must show proof within five days.
In Transit rules and insurance required
An In Transit placard lets a buyer or dealer legally move an unregistered vehicle for up to 30 days. Before January 1, 2029, show it on the front and rear; on or after that date, show it on the rear or a rear-side window. Owners may not allow any In Transit vehicle on a public highway without current liability insurance. A violation is a Class II misdemeanor, and on conviction your license, registration, and plates are suspended until you comply and for three years after. Dealers must record each In Transit number, and dealer plates and In Transit use remain allowed.
Tougher registration checks and late fees
The state can decide you owe motor vehicle taxes or fees if your vehicle is kept in Nebraska. You get a notice and have 30 days to pay or appeal. If you do not pay, a late fee equal to 50% of the unpaid taxes and fees is added. Driving an unregistered vehicle can bring penalties, but there is a 30-day grace period after a Nebraska registration expires.
Stronger RV dealer contract protections
The law protects RV dealers from surprise contract changes. A maker must prove good cause before ending a dealer agreement. Renewals cannot raise inventory or sales targets beyond local market growth. Warrantors must honor warranty duties, include parts dates in campaign notices, and pay dealers for approved work and transit damage when they chose the carrier. Dealers must do predelivery checks, perform timely warranty work for same line‑make travelers, track actual time when required, and not misstate warranty terms. Agreements signed before the law took effect keep their original terms.
New RV oversight and board seats
The state creates the Recreational Vehicle Industry Regulation Act. The Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board can license and revoke, make rules, hire a hearing officer, and inspect dealer facilities and records. The board has 12 members led by the DMV Director, including RV dealer and RV manufacturer seats to be filled by January 1, 2027. Appointed members (not the Director) receive $50 per day plus travel and follow conflict‑of‑interest limits.
RV makers now under standard rules
Dealer‑protection and buyout rules now cover RV dealers when a line‑make ends, including payments for inventory, parts, goodwill, and facilities help. Warranty, recall, and claim‑handling rules now apply to RVs, giving RV buyers the same protections as other vehicle buyers. RV makers must follow the same ownership and dealer‑protection limits as other manufacturers and cannot force unneeded purchases or charge banned fees. Some RV businesses that make, distribute, or sell new RVs are exempt from sections 60‑1420 to 60‑1440. The law also clarifies who counts as a dealer and confirms the Act’s scope.
Show insurance in 10 days to dismiss
If an officer asks for proof of insurance and you cannot show it, you have 10 days to give proof to the prosecutor. If coverage existed at the time, the ticket is dismissed at no cost and you are not prosecuted. If you were convicted, the DMV must reinstate your license, registration, and plates at no cost if you prove coverage existed when cited. SR‑22 proof must show the effective date and list covered vehicles (or state fleet coverage).
State grants for needy service members
The state creates the Military Department Aid Fund. Starting January 1, 2027, members of the Military Department may apply for non‑repayable grants. The Adjutant General sets rules and limits awards to needy uniformed service members and will provide the application form by January 1, 2027.
RV board conflict-of-interest safeguard
If many RV board members are active in the market affected by an action, the chairperson must review it. The chair can change, approve, or reject that action after review.
New Blackout and color license plates
Starting January 1, 2027, you can buy new specialty plates. Blackout plates cost $100 per issuance or renewal. Choice Color plates cost $70 (alphanumeric) or $100 (personalized). Scarlet and Cream plates cost $70 (alphanumeric) or $100 (personalized).
Higher license fees for vehicle dealers
Industry license fees increase. Examples: motor vehicle dealer $1,000; manufacturer or distributor $1,500; motorcycle, trailer, auction, or motor vehicle dealer $1,000; some others $500. A dealer location change costs $100 and a name‑only change costs $50.
Transporter plates available for $10
A transporter registered to do business in Nebraska can get a transporter certificate and one plate for $10. Each extra pair of plates costs $10. You must prove transporter status, keep transport records for three years, and show them to the department when asked.
Back the Blue plates and grants
You can apply for a Back the Blue plate starting January 1, 2027. Fees go to the Back the Blue Cash Fund. Law enforcement associations can apply for grants to help injured officers, their spouses, or children under 19, and for other charitable support. Grants do not have to be repaid, and the Patrol sets the application form by January 1, 2027.
Bonded boat titles can clear old liens
If you apply for a bonded boat title, you must send certified mail to each lienholder warning the lien will be discharged if they do not respond in 30 days. If a lienholder does not respond in 30 days, issuing the bonded title extinguishes that lien. If a lienholder responds, you must show the response and mail receipt to the DMV to preserve the lien.
Clearer trailer and registration paperwork rules
Registration forms must list each owner’s full legal name, driver’s license or state ID number, and addresses. Business, trust, or estate owners must list a tax ID. For untitled trailers, you can register with a title (if it exists), recent registration and bill of sale, a bill of sale, or other listed documents. Trailers with no ID number get one assigned. You must also say if your vehicle uses alternative fuel, and DMV notices will warn bulk fuel buyers about possible federal excise tax.
Easier renewals, in-person every 16 years
The DMV can issue licenses and IDs online to qualified holders. Many Class O or M drivers age 21+ with a saved photo and signature, a clear record, and within one year of expiration can renew online without tests. Every 16 years, you must renew in person for a new photo and signature. The DMV may waive driving tests for some ignition interlock permit holders and can use driver safety instructors as examiners.
Mailed plates fee and 30-day window
The DMV may mail your plates or registration and charge only the actual postage and handling cost. You may drive a registered vehicle or tow a registered trailer for 30 days without the mailed plate if you show proof of registration.
Military plates: more choices and clear rules
The DMV offers more Military Honor Plate designs for service branches and several campaign medals, plus “veteran” and “veteran” with the wheelchair symbol. The DMV verifies most applicants with the Veterans’ Affairs registry. The wheelchair‑design plate needs proof of a permanent disability. Vehicles owned by a trust can qualify if a named beneficiary is eligible. You pay $5 for an alphanumeric plate or $40 for a personalized plate each time you get or renew it. Starting January 1, 2027, fees from personalized plates go to the Military Department Aid Fund (before then, to the Veteran Cemetery Fund). Designs must keep manufacturing cost at or below the standard plate charge; if costs run higher, fee money first covers the extra cost in the Highway Trust Fund. Personalized and certain military plates are limited to five characters and no county mark, and the DMV must stop issuing a design if fewer than 100 vehicles per year got it in any two‑year period after the 2023 cycle.
New rules for ATVs, snowmobiles, and vehicle size
Buses, fifth‑wheel trailers, travel trailers, and motor homes may be up to 46 feet long. Inside a city or village, you may run ATVs/UTVs at night for snow removal. Other night use inside those limits is allowed if your headlight meets the beam rules and your taillight is visible from 500 feet. Kids under 16 may operate a snowmobile only with a parent, guardian, or another adult over 18. A motor‑vehicle operator’s license is not required to operate a snowmobile. A vehicle left on public property more than 6 hours without plates or a valid In Transit credential can be treated as abandoned.
One rear plate by 2029; old plates end
Starting January 1, 2029, most vehicles and trailers use one plate on the rear. Some apportionable vehicles and truck‑tractors keep a front plate. Special interest plates stop: applications are accepted only through December 31, 2028, and renewals end after that. The prior start date for Arbor Day plate applications is removed.
SR-22 proof goes electronic in 2027
Starting July 1, 2027, insurers must send SR‑22 proof of financial responsibility to the state electronically. Before that date, paper or electronic proof was allowed. After July 1, 2027, only an electronic filing by a Nebraska‑authorized insurer is accepted.
University museum plates and fund
Starting January 1, 2027, you can apply for up to three University of Nebraska State Museum plate designs. Fees go to a new museum license plate fund to support museum research, education, and outreach.
Women Veterans plates and events fund
Starting January 1, 2027, you can get an Honoring Women Veterans plate. Fees go to the Women Veterans Cash Fund. The fund supports events that focus on women veterans.
Limit on private RV resales
You count as a bona fide consumer if you title and register an RV and sell eight or fewer in 12 months. If you sell more than eight in 12 months, you lose bona fide consumer status.
When changes start and old laws end
Many listed sections of this act take effect on October 1, 2026. Other parts use their own effective dates in the law. The act also repeals several named statutes, including section 60‑6,341 and other listed sections, which no longer apply.
Updated RV definitions and safety standards
The law updates what counts as a recreational vehicle. It lists travel trailers, park models, camping trailers, truck campers, and motor homes, and removes van conversions. Park model RVs must meet the 2025 ANSI A119.5 standard. This keeps designs aligned with current safety and build rules.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
John Fredrickson
Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
legislature vote • 4/10/2026
Final Reading
Yes: 48 • No: 1
legislature vote • 3/31/2026
Vote
Yes: 38 • No: 0 • Other: 11
legislature vote • 3/31/2026
Vote
Yes: 38 • No: 0 • Other: 11
legislature vote • 3/31/2026
Vote
Yes: 31 • No: 1 • Other: 17
legislature vote • 3/5/2026
Vote
Yes: 35 • No: 1 • Other: 13
legislature vote • 3/5/2026
Vote
Yes: 38 • No: 0 • Other: 11
legislature vote • 3/5/2026
Vote
Yes: 35 • No: 0 • Other: 14
legislature vote • 3/5/2026
Vote
Yes: 38 • No: 0 • Other: 11
legislature vote • 3/5/2026
Vote
Yes: 39 • No: 0 • Other: 10
legislature vote • Unknown
Vote
Yes: 39 • No: 0 • Other: 10
legislature vote • Unknown
Vote
Yes: 35 • No: 1 • Other: 13
legislature vote • Unknown
Vote
Yes: 35 • No: 0 • Other: 14
legislature vote • Unknown
Vote
Yes: 31 • No: 1 • Other: 17
legislature vote • Unknown
Vote
Yes: 38 • No: 0 • Other: 11
legislature vote • Unknown
Vote
Yes: 38 • No: 0 • Other: 11
legislature vote • Unknown
Vote
Yes: 38 • No: 0 • Other: 11
Actions Timeline
Provisions/portions of LB1121 amended into LB972 by AM2260
4/17/2026legislatureProvisions/portions of LB1104 amended into LB972 by AM2260
4/17/2026legislatureProvisions/portions of LB1099 amended into LB972 by AM2844
4/17/2026legislatureProvisions/portions of LB1099 amended into LB972 by AM2258
4/17/2026legislatureProvisions/portions of LB1092 amended into LB972 by AM2844
4/17/2026legislatureProvisions/portions of LB1005 amended into LB972 by AM2999
4/17/2026legislatureProvisions/portions of LB922 amended into LB972 by AM2260
4/17/2026legislatureProvisions/portions of LB786 amended into LB972 by AM2288
4/17/2026legislatureProvisions/portions of LB769 amended into LB972 by AM2844
4/17/2026legislatureProvisions/portions of LB769 amended into LB972 by AM2260
4/17/2026legislatureProvisions/portions of LB738 amended into LB972 by AM2844
4/17/2026legislatureProvisions/portions of LB738 amended into LB972 by AM2260
4/17/2026legislaturePresented to Governor on April 10, 2026
4/17/2026legislatureApproved by Governor on April 14, 2026
4/14/2026legislaturePresident/Speaker signed
4/10/2026legislaturePassed on Final Reading 48-1*-0
4/10/2026legislatureDispensing of reading at large approved
4/10/2026legislatureEnrollment and Review ST80 recorded
4/7/2026legislatureEnrollment and Review ST80 filed
4/7/2026legislaturePlaced on Final Reading with ST80
4/7/2026legislatureAdvanced to Enrollment and Review for Engrossment
3/31/2026legislatureClouse AM2999 adopted
3/31/2026legislatureClouse AM2999 filed
3/31/2026legislatureMoser AM2844 adopted
3/31/2026legislatureBallard AM2720 adopted
3/31/2026legislature
Bill Text
Introduced
1/12/2026
Enrolled / Slip Law
Final / Enacted
Related Bills
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LB979, Change provisions of the Game Law and the State Boat Act
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LB962, Adopt the Youth Reentry and Transitional Support Act
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