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Nebraska panel considers using National Guard honor‑plate revenue to create aid fund for service members

Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee · January 21, 2026

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Summary

Major General Craig Strong told senators LB 786 would let the Adjutant General administer a Military Department Aid Fund, initially seeded with some Army and Air National Guard honor‑plate revenue (estimated about $27,000/year) to provide modest, non‑repayable assistance to service members; a committee amendment would delay implementation to 2027 to allow DMV changes.

Lincoln — The Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee heard testimony on LB 7 86, a bill to create a Military Department Aid Fund administered by the Adjutant General to provide direct financial help to qualifying Nebraska National Guard members.

Sponsor Senator Rita Sanders said the bill would establish a transparent mechanism to support service members facing unexpected financial hardship and that grants would not be required to be repaid. Major General Craig Strong, the Adjutant General, testified that the Nebraska Military Department distributes modest aid today (he estimated approximately $3,000 annually on average and about $7,200 in calendar year 2025 due to a federal shutdown) and that reprogramming a portion of revenue from Army and Air National Guard military honor plates could help more members in need.

Strong described how personalized and alphanumeric honor plates are currently routed through the Department of Motor Vehicles and then transferred to the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery System Operation Fund; LB 7 86 would redirect proceeds from the two Guard plates to the new Military Department Aid Fund. Strong said initial estimates suggest the program could provide modest awards to needy members and that the fund could grow if invested per state investment law.

Senators noted the Department of Motor Vehicles asked for an implementation delay to allow system updates; Senator Sanders said a government committee amendment would set implementation on or before Jan. 1, 2027. Committee members asked clarifying questions; no opposition testimony appeared on the record and the hearing concluded with the committee noting the amendment.