Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Museum Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Panel considers specialty plates to support University of Nebraska State Museum (LB769)
Summary
LB769 would create up to three specialty license plates recognizing Morrill Hall, Ashfall Fossil Beds and the Trailside Museum; fees would support museum promotion and education, with most proceeds remitted to a museum cash fund administered by the University Board of Regents.
Senator Barry DeKay presented LB769, a bill to create up to three specialty license plates recognizing the University of Nebraska State Museum system — Morrill Hall, Ashfall Fossil Beds and the Trailside Museum — with proceeds dedicated to a museum cash fund administered by the University Board of Regents.
DeKay said the plates would be produced in three designs and that a $5 issuance fee would accompany the standard plate, with a $40 fee for personalized plates; under the bill, 75% of personalized‑plate fees would be remitted to the university and 25% to the DMV cash fund. He said he worked with the Department of Motor Vehicles to set an implementation effective date of Jan. 1, 2027, to allow the DMV time to implement the program.
Supporters from the Friends of the State Museum and the museum system highlighted the museums’ educational reach and tourism value. "Annually, the museum welcomes over 110,000 visitors at its 3 sites," Susan Weller, director of the University of Nebraska State Museum, told the committee, noting the system serves K‑12 classrooms and draws tourism to rural communities.
Committee members asked how the University would allocate revenue among the three sites; Weller said the funds would be administered centrally by the museum and distributed to ensure resources for all three locations. The sponsor asked for favorable consideration; the hearing record did not show a committee vote.
