Health and Human Services Committee
February 12, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Brian Hardin | Bills Heard: 5 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB481: Foster Child Scholarship Act (HOPE Scholarship Program)
Introduced by: Sen. Beau Ballard | Testimony: 13 proponents, 15 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Sen. Ballard seeks $200,000 annual scholarship program for Nebraska foster children to attend private schools, citing educational disruption from frequent placements. The Foster Child Scholarship Act would provide scholarships to foster youth and their biological siblings to attend approved nonprofit private schools through age 21, regardless of placement changes. Ballard framed it as a targeted intervention for one of the state's most vulnerable populations, not a broad school choice initiative.
Why it matters: Foster children graduate high school at significantly lower rates (65% vs. 84% for peers) and experience repeated educational disruption. Proponents argued that school stability in smaller, more individualized settings demonstrably improves outcomes. However, the bill arrives amid voter rejection of broader school choice programs, raising questions about legislative intent.
What they're saying: - Proponents: Foster youth testified that private school transfers improved their academic performance and emotional well-being. A 9-year-old foster child said other kids "can't probably go because the money's expensive." School counselors noted that consistency prevents additional trauma for children with adverse childhood experiences. - Opponents: Stand For Schools acknowledged good intentions but raised technical concerns: insufficient reporting requirements to evaluate effectiveness, unclear DHHS capacity to administer vouchers, and potential for program expansion. They urged limiting scholarships to accredited schools only.
By the numbers: Currently 15 foster children enrolled in private schools; $200,000 may exceed actual need but covers potential growth. DHHS fiscal note projects $240,000-$241,000 cost across the biennium.
What's next: No vote taken. Committee will consider testimony and potential amendments addressing accountability and program scope.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Merv Riepe, Sen. Glen Meyer Skeptical: Sen. John Fredrickson Unclear: Sen. Dan Quick
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB95: Childcare Workforce Development Pilot Program
Introduced by: Sen. John Fredrickson | Testimony: 57 proponents, 1 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Sen. Fredrickson proposes three-year pilot making childcare workers eligible for subsidies to cover their own children's care, addressing Nebraska's acute workforce shortage. LB95 would allow childcare employees earning up to 85% of state median income ($22.33/hour) and working minimum 20 hours weekly to access childcare subsidies. The bill is modeled on Kentucky's program, which enrolled 3,200+ parents in its first year and prompted Iowa and other states to adopt similar initiatives.
Why it matters: Childcare workforce shortages are crippling Nebraska's economy. Workers earning $14/hour cannot afford childcare costs, forcing them to leave the field when they have children. Every childcare provider retained opens 6-8 additional slots for other families, multiplying the economic impact.
What they're saying: - Proponents: Childcare providers testified they currently absorb $2,000-$8,000 annually in staff childcare costs. Rural communities emphasized acute shortages affecting economic development. Agricultural leaders noted childcare access is a top recruitment factor for rural employers. First Five Nebraska documented that Kentucky, Iowa, and Rhode Island all extended or expanded similar programs after initial success. - Opponents: One opponent raised concerns about fiscal note range ($6-14 million), creating budget uncertainty.
By the numbers: First Five estimates 30% utilization rate, projecting $6-14 million cost. Kentucky's first-year enrollment: 3,200+ parents. Childcare workers earn mean wage of $14/hour vs. $27.92 across all occupations.
What's next: No vote taken. Committee heard 57 proponents, 1 opponent, 0 neutral testifiers. Sen. Fredrickson indicated willingness to close and answer additional questions.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Merv Riepe, Sen. Glen Meyer Skeptical: Sen. John Hansen
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB181: Bridge to Independence Program Expansion for Immigrant Youth
Introduced by: Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh | Testimony: 41 proponents, 5 opponents, 2 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Sen. Cavanaugh seeks to expand Bridge to Independence Program to immigrant youth aging out of foster care, clarifying that federal law permits the expansion. LB181 would make immigrant youth—including those with Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), DACA, and pending asylum claims—eligible for B2I services including monthly stipends, healthcare, and case management through age 21. The bill requires Nebraska to fully opt into CHIPRA to provide Medicaid to eligible immigrant youth.
Why it matters: Immigrant youth in foster care face unique vulnerabilities. Many need continued court support to pursue SIJS, which provides path to citizenship. Abrupt service termination at 19 leaves them homeless and unable to complete immigration relief applications. B2I has proven effectiveness: 2019 evaluation showed participants more likely to have stable housing, employment, and education.
What they're saying: - Proponents: Nebraska Supreme Court confirmed states can opt out of federal restrictions on immigrant benefits by explicitly stating intent. Most other states already provide B2I to immigrant youth. Advocates emphasized that youth in foster care "became system-involved" through no fault of their own; state already invested resources in them. Catholic Conference invoked human dignity; immigration advocates described clients losing contact when aging out, preventing SIJS applications. - Opponents: DHHS CEO Corsi argued public benefits should be for citizens only, citing state statute 4-108 and federal law 8 U.S.C. 1611. Taxpayers for Freedom claimed bill would incentivize unlawful presence. Raised concern about potential statutory conflict.
By the numbers: Fiscal note estimates 15 newly eligible youth annually, 6 already enrolled who would gain Medicaid coverage. Cost: $350,000-$500,000 annually.
What's next: No vote taken. Sen. Cavanaugh delivered passionate closing statement criticizing DHHS CEO's characterization of immigrant youth as unworthy of resources, calling language "unacceptable" and urging reflection on human dignity.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. John Fredrickson, Sen. Dan Quick Skeptical: Sen. John Hansen Unclear: Sen. Merv Riepe
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB217: Suicide Awareness and Prevention Training for Child Welfare Staff
Introduced by: Sen. John Fredrickson | Testimony: 20 proponents, 1 opponents, 3 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Inspector General recommends mandatory suicide prevention training for child welfare staff after investigating three youth suicides in Nebraska foster care system. LB217 requires gatekeeper training (minimum 90 minutes) for DHHS employees, child-placing agency staff, and foster care providers with direct child contact. Bill implements recommendations from Nebraska Office of Inspector General's 2023 report, which found gaps in policy, training consistency, and booster requirements—though no fault with DHHS personnel.
Why it matters: Youth in child welfare system face disproportionate suicide risk. Research shows 27% have suicidal thoughts, plans, or means; youth in out-of-home care are 3x more likely to attempt suicide than other at-risk youth. Gatekeeper training increases staff comfort discussing suicide directly and extends time between urge and action, reducing impulsivity.
What they're saying: - Proponents: Inspector General testified that investigation of three suicides identified systemic gaps: no clear policy, inconsistent training across service areas, insufficient booster trainings. Suicide survivor testified about impulsiveness of attempts; firefighter/EMT emphasized importance of early intervention and noted EMS lacks mental health training. Advocates noted 988 hotline success in Nebraska. - Opponents/Neutral: Child welfare providers agreed training is important but testified DHHS does not reimburse staff time costs. Estimated $2,000-$8,000 annually per organization. Noted DHHS has added 3 mandatory trainings in 10 years without funding. Requested that if training becomes state law, it also be funded.
By the numbers: 2023 report examined three child suicides in Nebraska foster care system. 27% of child welfare youth at imminent suicide risk. Youth in out-of-home care 3x more likely to attempt suicide.
What's next: No vote taken. Committee heard 20 proponents, 1 opponent, 3 neutral testifiers. Sen. Fredrickson clarified that 3 suicides (not 6) were examined in OIG report and noted that sometimes treatment fails despite best efforts.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Merv Riepe, Sen. Glen Meyer, Sen. Dan Quick
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB668: Central Registry Appeal Process and Prevention Case Management
Introduced by: Sen. Tanya Storer | Testimony: 5 proponents, 1 opponents, 2 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Sen. Storer proposes due process protections for registry placement and prevention pathway for families not meeting abuse/neglect threshold. LB668 has two components: (1) establishes 14-day pre-notification and appeal process before names added to child protection or adult protective services registries; (2) allows DHHS to contract with community providers to offer prevention services to families not meeting abuse/neglect definition but showing signs of need.
Why it matters: Currently, individuals are notified after registry placement, making appeals difficult. Meanwhile, 70% of 40,000 annual hotline calls don't meet abuse/neglect threshold but indicate families need support. Prevention services could connect families with community resources before crises occur, reducing unnecessary foster placements and aligning with federal Family First Prevention Services Act.
What they're saying: - Proponents: DHHS testified that prevention services would be delivered by community partners (not state) to reduce families' fear of child removal. Dr. Bish gave example: single mom with child in dirty clothes—not a safety concern, but community could provide clothing support. Supporters noted 70% of calls represent significant unmet need. - Opponents/Neutral: NAPE union opposed Section 5 privatization language, citing Nebraska's history: 2009 statewide privatization failure and 2019 St. Francis Ministries scandal. Nebraska Appleseed supported registry provisions but warned Section 5 language is too broad, potentially including situations beyond prevention cases. Requested better contractor vetting.
By the numbers: 40,000 annual hotline calls; 70% don't meet abuse/neglect threshold. Registry background check fee: $2.50 (increasing to $4.50 with online convenience fee).
What's next: No vote taken. Committee heard 5 proponents, 1 opponent, 2 neutral testifiers. Sen. Storer indicated openness to amending Section 5 language to clarify intent and address privatization concerns. Sen. Fredrickson suggested amendment to clarify distinction between service providers and case managers.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. John Fredrickson, Sen. Merv Riepe, Sen. Dan Quick
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
Committee hearing held February 12, 2025, during significant snowfall. Chair Hardin opened with procedural instructions regarding testifier sheets, time limits (3-minute green light system), and written position submission deadlines. Committee members present: Sen. Merv Riepe, Sen. John Fredrickson, Sen. Glen Meyer, Sen. Dan Quick, Sen. Beau Ballard. Legal counsel John Duggar and clerk Barb Dorn assisted. UNL student interns Demet Gedik, Sydney, and Tate also present. Online testimony received for all bills. Hearing concluded with reminder to drive carefully due to weather conditions.
Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.