Nebraska commission can finance transportation projects and regulate providers

The State Highway Commission administers a program that can provide financing for transportation projects. Eligible applicants include political subdivisions, contracting agencies, and private partners in public-private partnerships. Projects can include roads, bridges, transit, rail, airports, and bicycle or pedestrian facilities. Applicants must be eligible entities, and projects must provide a public benefit. The commission selects projects and sets financing terms. The fund may receive money from public or private sources, but the text does not specify an initial deposit.

Political subdivisions may use public-private contracts for public projects. These rules cover political subdivisions considering public projects under the Political Subdivisions Construction Alternatives Act. The governing body must approve the contract type by a vote of at least two-thirds. If it finds an unsolicited proposal has enough merit, the governing body must give other private parties a reasonable chance to submit competing proposals. These contracts cannot be used for road, street, or highway construction. The text allows them for water, wastewater, utility, or sewer projects.

Commercial driver training courses must include human trafficking training. The requirement covers commercial motor vehicle training courses and educational programs offered in Nebraska. The Attorney General prescribes the curriculum and training materials. The Attorney General must prescribe the training materials by December 1, 2026. Courses beginning on or after January 1, 2027, must include the training.

The Public Service Commission licenses providers of intrastate Medicaid nonemergency medical transportation. Starting in 2027, the licensing rule covers people or organizations providing these rides under contract with the Department of Health and Human Services, a Medicaid managed care organization, or their agents. Transportation network companies with a permit under section 75-324 and certain operations under sections 75-303.02 and 75-303.03 are excepted. Applicants must show they can properly provide the service and meet rules that apply to their type of provider. The commission may hold a hearing before issuing a license. A license lasts one year and may be renewed annually; the fee cannot exceed $250. The licensing requirement begins January 1, 2027.