NDOT staff summarized ongoing statewide initiatives and several bills before the Nebraska Legislature, and described how federal developments may affect the department’s program and lettings.

Staff said the LB558 task force has completed three meetings reviewing transportation revenue foundations and infrastructure needs; the fourth meeting, scheduled for November, will focus on a report and next steps. The task force sessions included presentations on revenue projections, NDOT’s needs calculations and national speakers on the economics of transportation, according to staff.

On specific bills, staff said LB594 — described as a hands‑free driving measure — remains active and has the governor’s support. Staff characterized LB600 as a proposal to increase enforcement in work zones, including exploration of technology that could issue civil penalties for drivers exceeding posted limits in work zones; NDOT said the legal distinction between civil and criminal enforcement remains under discussion.

Staff also described ongoing work on innovative finance, including conversation with state and federal partners about an infrastructure bank or revolving loan fund to support transportation projects.

On federal matters, staff said the current partial federal shutdown creates uncertainty for projects because many NDOT projects rely on federal obligation authority and close coordination with federal partners. Staff explained the department must be careful not to program obligations it cannot fund if federal support is interrupted; lettings scheduled in December and early 2026 were singled out as particularly sensitive to federal funding timing.

Finally, staff addressed a recent federal decision affecting Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goals. NDOT said it had removed DBE goals from future projects and will continue to administer existing contracts while coordinating with Federal Highway Administration and stakeholders to comply with interim rules.