(KLZA)-- First District Nebraska State Senator Julie Slama has reintroduced a bill outlining provisions for registering all-terrain vehicles and utility-terrain vehicles for street use.

Last year, LB 1110, which outlined these provisions got stuck in committee and never made it to the floor. This year, Senator Slama has introduced LB 66, which has the same intent as last year- bill.

Senator Slama calls ATVs and UTVs are a vital part of life in rural communities. They are used for a variety of purposes, including checking fields, plowing snow, recreational activities, and taking quick trips into town. However, current laws regarding the use of these vehicles are often confusing and inconsistent.

The existing law in Nebraska, for instance, allows communities to pass an ordinance allowing people to drive ATVs and UTVs on city streets, but only inside their respective boundaries. Numerous communities across the state, including many in District 1, have passed such regulations. However, the problem starts when Nebraskans who live outside of city limits wish to drive an ATV or UTV into the city. These people would theoretically be breaking the law while traveling their route unless they stayed within the legal gray area that permits the use of ATVs and UTVs for agricultural purposes. Just by crossing the city limits, they would fall into a bubble where their use, if accepted by the municipality, would be legal again.

LB 66 would provide a clear legal framework for the use of ATVs and UTVs on county roads, similar to the regulatory framework in other states. This bill would keep well intentioned Nebraskans from being labeled as criminals for driving their preferred vehicles on county roads.

Senator Slama also predicts this bill would increase tourism in Nebraska. Currently, many Nebraskans leave the state to go to other states with looser restrictions on these vehicles for vacations.

Slama encourages you or anyone else that may be interested, to visit LB 66- webpage found on the legislature- website to submit a comment, or email members of the Transportation and Telecommunications committee to encourage their support of LB 66.