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 and permits, specifying that the applicant must demonstrate their fitness and ability to provide the proposed service, as well as the responsiveness of that service to public demand. Additionally, it places the burden on any protestant to show that existing carriers can meet the proposed need without compromising public interest.

The bill also modifies the authorization process for transportation network companies and participating drivers, requiring specific authorization from the commission. The commission is now mandated to grant this authorization unless a protestant can prove that existing carriers are adequately meeting the proposed service needs and that the new service would negatively impact those existing operations. Furthermore, the bill deletes several obsolete provisions and harmonizes existing laws to streamline the regulatory framework for transportation services in Nebraska.

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