LINCOLN — Starting this summer, Nebraska teenagers might risk losing their wheels if they drink.
Nebraska lawmakers passed a bill Thursday that, if signed into law by the governor, would stiffen potential penalties for underage drinking.
Legislative Bill 258, introduced by State Sen. John Harms of Scottsbluff, was approved on a 40-3 vote.
The bill would allow judges to take driver's licenses or learning permits away from teens convicted of possessing, selling, distributing or consuming alcohol.
Judges also could order the teens to attend alcohol education classes and, for repeat offenses, do community service.
The penalties would be at the discretion of the judge.
They would not apply to minors ages 18 through 20. Senators said the older youths are more likely to be living on their own and to need their driver's licenses for work or college.
Gov. Dave Heineman has not indicated whether he will sign the bill, according to his spokeswoman, Jen Rae Hein. He has five days to review the bill.
Among other legislation passed Thursday:
--Children would have to be slightly older before entering kindergarten under Legislative Bill 1006, passed on a 47-0 vote. The bill would move the kindergarten eligibility date from Oct. 15 to July 31, starting with the 2012-13 school year. That means most children who turn 5 in August, September and early October would have to wait a year to start kindergarten in public schools. However, local school boards could grant exceptions to those children. The bill seeks to narrow the 18-month age gap that can occur among kindergarten pupils.
--Cell phone companies would have to release records when requested by law enforcement in emergencies or life-threatening situations under LB 735, passed 46-0. Dubbed the Kelsey Smith Act, the bill was prompted by the 2007 abduction and murder of 18-year-old Kelsey Smith in Kansas. Her parents and law enforcement officials had to fight with her cell phone company to get “ping” records for her phone. The records show a location through the “ping,” or signal, that travels between cell phones and nearby cell towers.
--Signs promoting amusement, historical, cultural or leisure activity attractions could start popping up along Nebraska highways under LB 926, passed 47-0. The signs would be similar to those that currently alert drivers to food, fuel, lodging and camping services. The proposal started as a bill to promote Nebraska wineries with highway signs but was broadened to include a wider variety of tourist attractions.
--Corn and grain sorghum farmers would not have to pay three-fifths of a cent per bushel into the state's Water Resources Cash Fund under LB 689, passed 41-1. State officials had planned to use $7.5 million from the fund annually for seven years to help bring Nebraska into compliance with a multistate agreement about use of Platte River water. State Sen. Chris Langemeier of Schuyler said the change would encourage affected parties to negotiate a fairer source of funding.
Contact the writer:
402-473-9583, martha.stoddard@owh.com
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