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106th Legislature, 1st Session

Legislative Updates Archive

Legislative Bill 1262, introduced by State Sen. Jen Day of Omaha, would have the commission contract with a consultant with expertise in tribal issues to study and determine any barriers to voting and equal representation for Indian tribes in Nebraska.

A bill that would direct millions in federal ARPA funds toward tackling the state’s affordable housing shortage was considered by the Appropriations Committee Feb. 20.

The next session of the Nebraska legislature is fast approaching!  The Second Session of the 108th Nebraska Legislature is scheduled to start on January 3rd, 2024 and end on April 18th, 2024.

While the First Session of the 108th Legislature is complete, there’s still a lot of activity, especially around Interim Studies. Public Policy Director Brad Meurrens provides a short summary of what happened with a few of the bills on our priority list and what happens next.

Jenny was matched with Disability Rights Nebraska because of her interest in advocacy and worked with Public Policy Director Brad Meurrens at our office. She speaks of her experience testifying on LB 424.

Welcome to chronicle. This is world autism awareness day. We also just wrapped up national disability awareness month, so we are exploring the challenges still facing some of our most vulnerable children and adults with special needs and disabilities. You know, nearly 250,000 Nebraskans have some sort of developed mental, intellectual, or physical disability. That is almost 13% of the state’s population. Many need an advocate who will step in and fight for them. Some have no voice at all. But what happens when the people who vow to protect and care for them betray that trust? This morning we are talking with Disability Rights Nebraska about safe, inclusive classroom. We will get their take on seclusion and restraints.

RTBS Nebraska Audio Companion (Podcast) - Community Conversations - Brad Meurrens (Disability Rights Nebraska) 03-31-23

Join Cami Carleigh as she talks with Brad Meurrens, Public Policy Director, on current legislative bills.

Brad Meurrens, public policy director at Disability Rights Nebraska, testified in support of the bill. The overlap between disability and homelessness is significant, he said, and nearly one quarter of individuals experiencing homelessness have a physical, intellectual, developmental or mental disability.

Testifying in opposition to the bill was Brad Meurrens of Disability Rights Nebraska. He said the proposed reasonableness standard is too subjective and could lead to increased use of physical restraint, which is used disproportionately against students with disabilities.

“The language has not changed much, if at all, from previous years, despite the consistent and persistent language recommendations posed by us and others,” said Brad Meurrens, public policy director for Disability Rights Nebraska.

Brad Meurrens, public policy director of Disability Rights of Nebraska, said the bill’s ambiguity puts students with disabilities at risk. Nationally, he said, about 80% of students who get restrained at school have disabilities, although they make up just 13% of the student population.

LB 1053 would allow for a Nebraska judge to authorize the use of video, electronic or telephonic technology for certain hearings. Disability Rights Nebraska testified in support of this legislation.

LB376, which was one of our high priority bills during last year's session, advanced from select file on February 1st. The bill would require Nebraska DHHS to apply for a 3-year Medicaid waiver to start a family support program for developmental disability services. Additionally, an amendment would add provisions of one of our medium priority bills from this session, LB1004, which would require DHHS to engage an independent consultant to evaluate our state's developmental disabilities system.

On April 21st, AM 990 to LB 529 was proposed in the Nebraska Legislature. Like similar bills and amendments proposed in the past, AM 990 would enact legislation to authorize the use of restraint on students. In response, Disability Rights Nebraska submitted comments to legislators to voice our concern with the proposed amendment.

On April 6, 2021, LB 527 cleared the first round of debate among Nebraska legislators. This bill would require public schools in Nebraska to provide transition students to students with developmental disabilities two years sooner. Disability Rights Nebraska supports LB 527.

Disability Rights Nebraska submitted comments on Nebraska's Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers. 

On March 29, LB 247 cleared the first-round of debate among Nebraska legislators. The bill would develop a task force to study the implementation of the 988 crisis hotline established by the federal government last year. Disability Rights Nebraska provided testimony supporting LB 247 at its initial hearing.

On March 29, LB 154, a bill that would require statewide implementation of a system that tracks student discipline, advanced to select file. Disability Rights Nebraska testified in support of this bill in early February.

Sen. Walz's LB529 received first-round approval yesterday. The bill would allocate about $100 million in lottery funds to education-related programs over five years. Sen. Murman pulled his proposed AM719, which would authorize physical intervention against students. In early February, Disability Rights Nebraska testified in support of LB529. On May 23, we sent comments to legislators relaying our concerns about the proposed AM719. We are pleased to see LB529 move forward without AM719.

On March 23, AM719 to LB529 was filed. While Disability Rights Nebraska testified in support of LB 529, which would enact the Behavioral Intervention Training and Teacher Support Act and the mental health training grant program, we have submitted comments to senators voicing our concerns with the proposed AM719, which would greenlight the use of physical intervention on students.

On March 15, LB83 advanced from general file. The bill would allow city councils, boards, and other political subdivisions to hold virtual meetings during a declared emergency. Disability Rights Nebraska holds a neutral position on this bill, and it is designated as Medium Priority on our Legislative Priorities Chart.

From the article: "A contentious legislative bill in the Nebraska Legislature looks to shield teachers from liability when using force to stop disorderly students. Opponents say the bill, LB 673, targets minority students and children with disabilities and similar proposed legislation in the past has failed." Disability Rights Nebraska testified in opposition to LB 673.

On Feb. 25, the Executive Board heard testimony on LR25, which would reauthorize an oversight committee for Nebraska's youth rehabilitation and treatment centers. Disability Rights Nebraska supports LR25 and has designated it on our list of Medium Priority bills this session.

The hearing for LB 493 before the Appropriations Committee occurred on February 25, 2021. LB 493 would provide funding to the Department of Health and Human Services to alleviate the state's developmental disability services wait list. Disability Rights Nebraska testified in support of this bill.

On Feb. 17, the Government, Military and Veteran Affairs Committee considered LR3CA. This bill would place a proposed amendment on 2022 general election ballot asking voters whether ID should be required to vote. Disability Rights Nebraska opposes LB3CA. LB3CA is listed as one of our Medium Priority bills this session.

On Feb. 9, the Legislature's Education Committee heard testimony on LB 673. LB 673 would authorize teachers and other school personnel to use physical intervention. Disability Rights Nebraska testified in opposition to LB 673.

Nebraska's 107th Legislature is in full-swing! We'll be releasing our bill chart in the coming weeks. In the meantime, watch this video to catch up on some of our highlights from the 106th Legislature (2019-2020).

On Feb. 4, the Judiciary Committee heard testimony on LB394. This legislation would allow certain departments to enact a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures during public health emergencies. Disability Rights Nebraska supports LB394, and identified it as a Medium Priority bill this session.

On February 4, the Judiciary Committee heard testimony on LB309. The bill's intent is to require specific documentation from tenants who have service or support animals. Disability Rights Nebraska testified in opposition to LB309.

Testimony on LB428 was heard by the Health and Human Services Committee on Feb. 3, 2021. LB 428 would require education programs in Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Centers to be equivalent to those offered in Nebraska's public schools. Disability Rights Nebraska supports this bill and identified it as Medium Priority.

On February 3, 2021, the Judiciary Committee heard testimony on LB 663, which would require DHHS to collect and transfer personal identification data of people placed into DHHS custody for court-ordered mental health treatment to the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. Disability Rights Nebraska testified in opposition to LB 663.

On Feb. 2, the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee heard testimony on legislation that would repeal Nebraska's motorcycle helmet requirement. Disability Rights Nebraska opposes this bill, and has included it under our Medium Priority legislation this session.

The Education Committee heard testimony for LB529 on February 2, 2021. This bill would allocate funding to the Behavioral Intervention Training and Teacher Support Act and the mental health training grant program. Disability Rights Nebraska testified in support of this bill.

The Nebraska Legislature has provided additional options for the public to provide their input on legislation. Now, citizens looking to share their thoughts with senators on legislation can do so through an online form on the Nebraska Legislature website.

The hearing for LB 45, proposed by Sen. Hansen, occurred before the Judiciary Committee on Jan. 27. This bill would repeal a current state law that prohibits judges from granting a continuance in eviction proceedings unless extraordinary cause is shown and back rent is paid. Disability Rights Nebraska supports LB 45. This bill is designated as Medium Priority on our Legislative Priorities Chart.

On February 6, LB230, a bill that restricts the use of room confinement for juveniles, passed. Disability Rights Nebraska wrote a letter in support of the bill.

LB 933, a bill that would change provisions related to the discontinuation of utility service, was amended into an omnibus natural resources bill that passed on August 13. Disability Rights Nebraska wrote a letter in support of LB 933.

On August 12, the Nebraska Legislature voted unanimously to make changes to a program that will help employed people with disabilities retain services and supports. Disability Rights Nebraska listed this as a high priority bill and worked with Sen. Crawford, Easterseals NE, and The Arc of Nebraska to bring LB323 to the legislature. We also wrote a letter to senators in support of the bill when it was on General File.

On Aug. 11, LB 918, a bill that creates a state Commission on African American Affairs, passed. Disability Rights Nebraska wrote a letter to senators in support of this bill.

On July 31, senators passed LB 944, a bill with several transportation measures. LB 976, a bill that Disability Rights Nebraska testified in support of, was amended into LB 944. LB 976 adds neurological impairment to the list of criteria eligible for handicap parking passes.

On July 31, the Legislature passed LB 44, which will create a bill of rights for victims of sexual assault. Disability Rights Nebraska submitted a letter to senators in support of LB44.

LB1188, a bill overhauling management and educational programming at Nebraska’s youth rehabilitation and training centers passed July 31. Disability Rights Nebraska wrote a letter supporting LB1149, which was amended into LB1188.

A bill that provides greater legislative oversight for the state’s youth rehabilitation centers passed July 31. Disability Rights Nebraska wrote a letter to senators in support of LB1144.

LB1140, introduced by the Health and Human Services Committee, outlines a series of requirements for the state’s YRTCs. The bill passed final reading on July 31, 2020. Disability Rights Nebraska wrote a letter in support of LB1140.

LB 147, a bill that would allow school staff to physically restrain students, failed a vote for cloture and is stalled this legislative session. Disability Rights Nebraska opposed LB 147.

LB 853 would provide greater protections against financial fraud for seniors and vulnerable adults. LB 853 was amended into an omnibus banking bill, LB909, which passed on July 21.

Disability Rights Nebraska wrote a letter in support of LB955, which proposed to change provisions related to eligibility for medical assistance. LB955 was amended into LB 956, which was adopted on August 4, 2020.

LB 976, a bill that would "Redefine handicapped or disabled person for purposes of handicapped or disabled parking permits," was amended into an omnibus transportation bill on March 6th. On February 26th, Disability Rights Nebraska testified in support of LB 976. On March 6th, the omnibus bill, LB 944, advanced to Enrollment and Review for Engrossment.

Read more about the omnibus transportation bill and the provisions it includes in the Unicameral Update Article.

On Feb. 27, the Government, Military, and Veteran Affairs Committee discussed LR292CA - a bill that would require voters to present a photo of themselves at the polls on Election Day. Read the Unicameral Update article for more information.

Disability Rights Nebraska opposes LR292CA and will submit a letter of opposition to Nebraska senators.

Yesterday, the Urban Affairs Committee discussed a bill that would expand parking permits to individuals with neurological disorders. At the hearing, nobody testified against LB 976 and the committee took no immediate action on the bill.

Disability Rights Nebraska supports LB 976, and Public Policy Director, Brad Meurrens, testified in support of the bill at the hearing.


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