Interim Study Resolutions
Over 300 study resolutions were proposed in the legislative session. Listed below are study resolutions Disability Rights Nebraska will be monitoring and providing input as requested or needed.
| Resolution | Sponsor | Committee | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| LR39 | Seiler | Judiciary | Interim study to examine certain acts to ensure the evaluation procedures regarding potentially mentally ill and dangerous inmates and potentially dangerous sex offenders are clear and consistent |
| LR 159 | Crawford | Urban Affairs | Interim study to examine issues surrounding handicapped parking |
| LR 198 | Krist | Government, Military & Veterans Affairs | Interim study to examine how the state can assist individuals who are blind or who have other disabilities to achieve personal independence through gainful employment |
| LR 239 | Mello | Business & Labor | Interim study to examine issues surrounding the implementation of the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act in Nebraska |
| LR 242 | Coash | Health & Human Services | Interim study to examine the interplay between developmental disability and child welfare services to ensure proper treatment and protection of the rights of state wards |
| LR 249 | Coash | Education | Interim study to examine the use of seclusion in public and private schools for children with behavioral issues or special needs |
| LR 276 | Pansing Brooks | Judiciary | Interim study to examine bullying by and against students and youth |
| LR 292 | Campbell | Health & Human Services | Interim study to examine issues relating to public assistance programs for relative or kinship caregivers |
| LR 295 | Bolz | Judiciary | Interim study to examine how to improve behavioral health and mental health services in Nebraska in order to prevent crime and reduce costs associated with the incarceration of people who have heightened behavioral and mental health needs |
| LR 300 | Campbell | Health & Human Services | Interim study to examine the out-of-state placements of Nebraska children |
| LR 304 | Campbell | Health & Human Services | Interim study to examine and assess the behavioral health needs of children and youth in Nebraska and the resources available to meet those needs |
| LR 312 | Harr | Health & Human Services | Interim study to examine ways to improve and fund child behavioral health programming in Nebraska |
| LR 314* | Kolowski | Education | Interim study to examine issues relating to the use of restraint and seclusion techniques in Nebraska schools |
* Disability Rights Nebraska approached Senator Kolowski about proposing a study resolution on the use of restraint and seclusion in Nebraska schools. Disability Rights Nebraska offered model language for this resolution and Senator Kolowski agreed to introduce a study resolution on this issue—LR 314. Disability Rights Nebraska’s public policy staff have been working with Senators Kolowski and Coash on their respective restraint/seclusion resolutions (see LR 249 for Senator Coash’s resolution). It looks promising (no guarantees) that these resolutions will have a public hearing and possibly further legislative action during the upcoming session in January 2016.
To track interim hearing schedules go to this page of the Nebraska Legislature website.
At Risk Wth Only Guidance for Protection
The use of restraint and seclusion in U.S. schools has garnered much attention in recent years. Allegations of severe injury and death of students resulting from the use of restraints and seclusion in schools have been documented in several national studies, and other media reports are widespread. Disability Rights Nebraska has compiled a report on the issue of restraint and seclusion in schools. Current laws in Nebraska do not provide sufficient protection and oversight, despite the widely recognized risks of restraint and seclusion. It's time that changes. READ OUR REPORT.
