Committee hears two reappointments to Motor Vehicle Licensing Board

The Transportation and Telecommunications Committee heard two gubernatorial reappointments to the Motor Vehicle Licensing Board Tuesday, where both nominees emphasized dealer experience as a qualification for board service.

Matthew O'Daniel, a third‑generation dealer and owner of O'Daniel Honda in Omaha, described the board's duties as regulating dealer licensing, franchise agreements and enforcement of infractions. "We have to be bonded" and meet licensing requirements, O'Daniel said, outlining steps a prospective dealer must meet, including location, bonding and service capacity. He told senators the board handles advertising and title infractions and can investigate complaints, issue waivers and, for repeated violations, pursue suspension or revocation of dealer licenses.

Chad Tesman, owner of Velocity Auto Sales in York and president of the Independent Auto Dealers Association, said the board benefits from industry knowledge when addressing infractions and noted that continuing‑education requirements for independent dealers help reduce violations. He told the committee the board levies waivers for infractions, hears disputes and uses investigators when needed.

Committee members questioned both nominees about term dates, enforcement outcomes and how consumers should report dealer problems. Senators were told that the board generally consists of about 10 members and that license suspension or revocation follows repeated or serious violations.

Chairman Mike Moser closed the hearings after the two nominees answered committee questions. No committee vote was recorded during the hearing.