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Neb. Natural Resources Committee hears bill to allow transferable hang-tag park permits (LB1127)
Summary
The Natural Resources Committee heard LB1127 to authorize an optional transferable hang-tag state park permit as an alternative to windshield stickers. Supporters called it a convenience and modest revenue source; senators pressed on anti‑abuse features, fees, and implementation timing.
Senator Robert Dover, sponsor of LB1127, told the Natural Resources Committee on Nov. 27 that the bill would create an annual, transferable hang-tag park permit as an optional alternative to the current adhesive windshield sticker for Nebraska state parks. The bill preserves existing permits and maintains the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s authority to set fees, designs and rules.
Supporters, including Jim Swenson, deputy director of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, said the hang tag would ease transfer between vehicles, solve windshield-removal hassles, and make entry easier for fleet users such as day-care and assisted-living providers. Swenson said the tag would be produced with an identifying number and security features; the commission expects the convenience fee to cover production costs and to generate modest revenue for the park system.
Committee members pressed sponsors on how the tag could be shared among drivers and whether it would reduce revenue. Dover and Swenson said the hang tag would generally cost the same as an annual sticker ($35) plus a duplicate fee ($17.50) and a convenience surcharge that the commission would set, not to exceed $15. Swenson estimated the commission could see roughly $40,000 in additional annual revenue if the $15 convenience fee is approved; he cited South Dakota’s tag option as a comparable model.
Senators also raised other questions: whether seniors would receive discounts (Swenson said there is not a general senior discount for park entrance permits, though other discounts exist for veterans and specific licenses), how renewals would be verified (annual reissuance with color or image changes), and anti‑abuse measures (numbering and a holographic image). The committee discussed implementation logistics; supporters said the commission could begin issuing hang tags for a January 2027 effective date. A transcription of the hearing included a likely typographical error listing the date as "01/01/1927," but earlier remarks consistently referenced January ’27.
The hearing concluded with no formal vote. Chair Tom Brandt said there were no proponents or neutral testifiers remaining and closed the public hearing on LB1127. The bill will move according to the committee’s scheduling and the commission would set the final fee and design details if the Legislature enacts the measure.
