Committee weighs specialty license plate to honor Nebraska women veterans (LB738)

The Transportation and Telecommunications Committee heard testimony on LB738, which would create a specialty license plate recognizing women veterans in Nebraska and direct proceeds to a Women Veterans Cash Fund administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Senator Victor Rountree, who introduced the bill, said the plate was requested by veterans groups including the Disabled American Veterans and AMVETS and would be designed in consultation with the Department of Motor Vehicles. "It is important that we honor the hard work, dedication, and the sacrifices that women veterans in our state have made," Rountree said.

Multiple supporters provided testimony. Melissa Allen described the plate’s origin in Tennessee and said multiple states now offer women veterans plates. Desiree Wineland, serving as the Women’s Military Memorial ambassador for Nebraska, urged the committee to advance LB738 as a permanent, visible acknowledgment of female service members.

Supporters noted the DMV asked for an amended effective date to allow implementation time; the sponsor said he was willing to work with the department on timing and design details. Senator Rountree closed by reading a veteran’s comment: "It is time for women veterans to be recognized," reinforcing supporters’ arguments that a specialized plate helps ensure women veterans are visually acknowledged.

The hearing record includes substantial supportive testimony; the transcript does not record a committee vote during the session.