OMAHA — A Nebraska law that automatically holds cities liable if a third party is hurt in a police chase may be changed this year.

Sen. Scott Lautenbaugh of Omaha introduced a bill (LB153) Monday to eliminate part of the law that holds cities liable regardless of whether officers were negligent. Nebraska is the only state with such a law.

Similar attempts have been made in the past to change the law. But it was long protected by former Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha.

Chambers believed that police pursuits were irresponsible and dangerous. He argued that the government should be required to financially protect people, regardless of whether police were at fault.

Chambers was term-limited out of office this year.