Health and Human Services Committee
March 14, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Senator John Fredrickson (Vice Chair) | Bills Heard: 3 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB67: Sexual Assault Emergency Care Act
Introduced by: Sen. Jane Raybould | Testimony: 5 proponents, 1 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nebraska would require hospitals to offer emergency contraception to sexual assault survivors under LB67. The bill mandates that emergency rooms provide medically accurate information about emergency contraception and dispense it unless declined, with training requirements for hospital staff and procedures for handling moral or religious objections.
Why it matters: Sexual assault survivors currently face inconsistent access to emergency contraception across Nebraska, with rural survivors sometimes needing to travel two hours to find a pharmacy. The bill aims to ensure trauma-informed, consistent care statewide and prevent unintended pregnancies resulting from assault.
What they're saying: - Proponents: Emergency contraception is a safe, evidence-based best practice recommended by the World Health Organization. "When you couple this with survivors attempting to uphold regular responsibilities such as caring for children and working, we are forcing victims of sexual assault into pregnancies with a rapist," testified Christon MacTaggart of the Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. Forensic nurse Julie Tyler emphasized that rural hospitals lack resources and knowledge, making statewide standards critical. - Opponents: The Nebraska Catholic Conference supports emergency contraception but raised concerns about ambiguous language regarding whether the bill could permit drugs with abortifacient effects. Marion Miner argued the bill should clarify that pregnancy begins at fertilization to protect unborn life while allowing emergency contraception before conception.
By the numbers: 27 online proponents, 1 opponent, 1 neutral. More than 50,000 Nebraskans have experienced unintended pregnancy from rape or sexual assault. Methodist Hospital performs over 400 forensic exams annually.
What's next: No vote was taken. The committee heard testimony but did not advance the bill.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. John Fredrickson Skeptical: Sen. Merv Riepe Unclear: Sen. Glen Meyer
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB153: Postpartum Coverage Expansion for CHIP Mothers
Introduced by: Sen. Dunixi Guereca | Testimony: 6 proponents, 1 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
LB153 would extend postpartum health coverage for low-income and undocumented mothers in Nebraska. The bill expands coverage for mothers under the CHIP unborn child option (CHIP 599) from ending the month of birth to extended postpartum care, using federal CHIP health services initiative funds with a 71% federal match.
Why it matters: Mothers currently lose coverage immediately after giving birth, leaving them vulnerable to untreated postpartum complications including infection, hemorrhage, depression, and mental health crises. The postpartum period is critical for both maternal and infant health; 84% of deaths in the first year are preventable with proper care.
What they're saying: - Proponents: "A baby lost his mother. A husband lost his wife," testified nurse Mary McKeighan, recounting a community member's death by suicide from untreated postpartum depression. Advocates emphasized that extended coverage reduces emergency room visits, improves long-term health outcomes, and is consistent with Nebraska's post-Initiative 434 commitment to supporting mothers and children. Eight states already use similar federal mechanisms. - Opponents: DHHS testified the bill conflicts with state law restricting public benefits to citizens and may not be lawfully present. The department argued the HSI would exceed federal caps and that recent federal policy shifts suggest reduced support for such programs.
By the numbers: 39 online proponents, 1 opponent. Estimated under 200 CHIP mothers annually. Fiscal note: approximately $2 million in general funds and $4 million in federal funds.
What's next: No vote was taken. The committee heard testimony but did not advance the bill.
Committee sentiment: Skeptical: Sen. Merv Riepe, Sen. Matt Hansen Unclear: Sen. Glen Meyer, Sen. Wendy Ballard
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB442: Child Care Subsidy Program
Introduced by: Sen. Ashlei Spivey | Testimony: 1 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
LB442 would create a state-funded child care subsidy program for working families earning 130-400% of federal poverty level. The bill, modeled after Vermont's successful program, funds subsidies through a payroll tax (0.52% total) and includes a sliding-scale cost-sharing model, apprentice worker eligibility, and grants for child care providers.
Why it matters: Nebraska faces a child care crisis that forces parents—particularly women—out of the workforce and prevents apprentices from completing trade programs. High child care costs reduce economic productivity and household income. The bill aims to increase workforce participation, particularly in skilled trades, and improve child outcomes.
What they're saying: - Proponents: "Apprentices we have, we've had them decline offers to become apprentices because they can't find child care," testified Jon Nebel of the Nebraska State Council of Electrical Workers. He noted that for a family earning $100,000, the payroll tax would be $500 annually. Senator Spivey emphasized that Vermont achieved 80% coverage of working families and that the program positions Nebraska to compete for federal infrastructure funding. - Skeptics: Sen. Riepe questioned whether small employers (fewer than 5 employees) should be exempt and noted that retirees would not contribute. Sen. Meyer clarified that the payroll tax would be deposited in the General Fund, making it a tax increase despite the bill's framing.
By the numbers: 20 online proponents, 7 opponents. Fiscal note: $287 million. Estimated 250,000 Nebraska families could benefit. Vermont's program passed in 2023 and is operating successfully.
What's next: No vote was taken. Senator Spivey indicated she will send technical amendments to the committee and will be available to close on the bill.
Committee sentiment: Skeptical: Sen. Merv Riepe, Sen. Glen Meyer
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
The committee heard three bills on March 14, 2025. Vice Chair John Fredrickson presided. Committee members present included Sen. Merv Riepe (District 12), Sen. Glen Meyer (District 17), and Sen. Dan Quick (District 35). Research analyst Bryson Bartels and committee clerk Barb Dorn assisted. Pages were Ellie Locke and Tate Smith, both UNL students. The committee used a three-minute light system for all testifiers. Written position comments submitted via nebraskalegislature.gov by 8 a.m. the day of the hearing were included in the record. No votes were taken on any bills during this hearing.
Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.