This bill amends sections 75-311 and 75-342 of the Nebraska Revised Statutes to update the requirements for common carriers and contract carriers, particularly in relation to Medicaid nonemergency medical transportation services. It introduces new burdens of proof for applicants seeking certificates or permits, specifying that the applicant must demonstrate their fitness to perform the proposed service and that the service will meet public demand. Additionally, any protestant to the application must show that existing carriers can meet the proposed need and that the applicant's service would not impair existing operations. The bill also mandates that the commission consult with the Director of Medicaid and Long-Term Care when determining the public interest for Medicaid-related services.

Furthermore, the bill deletes several obsolete provisions, including restrictions on holding both a certificate as a common carrier and a permit as a contract carrier for the transportation of household goods. It clarifies that transportation network companies and participating drivers must obtain specific authorization from the commission to provide services under contract with the Department of Health and Human Services, with the commission required to grant authorization unless a protestant can demonstrate existing carriers can meet the need without impairing operations. The original sections being amended are repealed as part of this legislative update.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 75-311, 75-342