LINCOLN, Neb.—Recalling their vows to tackle problems exposed by use of the safe-haven law last year, Nebraska lawmakers struck a deal on Tuesday that could produce a coordinated plan to help troubled children.
The agreement was reached after some voiced concerns that lawmakers were taking a piecemeal approach to the problems by considering bills separately instead of molding a comprehensive strategy. Under the deal, lawmakers behind five separate bills will craft a single package for the full Legislature to consider, likely next month.
“It is entirely possible … to find a common ground to help families and youth,” said Sen. Gwen Howard of Omaha, a former social worker.
Speaker of the Legislature Mike Flood of Norfolk brokered the deal when it appeared that a feud over a bill (LB356) from Sen. Annette Dubas of Fullerton might threaten other safe-haven-related measures. Dubas’ bill would increase state funding for children’s mental and behavioral health by a total of $30 million over the next two years, with the money spread among the state’s six behavioral health regions.
As part of the deal, lawmakers gave that measure first-round approval on Tuesday. But the bill could change significantly as talks continue.
Under the deal, other safe-haven-related bills will also be given first-round approval so lawmakers can use them to mold a package for second-round consideration.
Among the other measures:
— a bill (LB136) that would make more children eligible for a state health insurance plan;
— one (LB601) that could make more federal Medicaid dollars for mental health services flow to the state;
— and another (LB603) that attempts to increase the number of behavioral health professionals in the state.
Another part of the safe-haven stew is a bill (LB346) backed by Gov. Dave Heineman that received first-round approval last week. It would create a statewide hotline desperate families could call to find help for their children.
More counseling, therapy and other services for families after they adopted foster kids also would be available should the bill pass, supporters say. And it could also link families in crisis with other families that have experienced similar problems.
It has a two-year price tag of nearly $8 million.
The drop-off of 36 children at Nebraska hospitals last fall prompted the bills. Passed by lawmakers in 2008 without an age limit, the safe-haven law was designed to prevent infants from being dumped in trash bins or worse, but most of the children left at hospitals were adolescents.
Heineman called an emergency legislative session in the midst of the drop-offs, and lawmakers added an age limit of 30 days to the law. No children have been dropped off since.
Lawmakers who introduced the safe-haven bills have a strong incentive to agree on a final package. Without a compromise, Flood said, each bill will be considered separately, after the state budget is considered by the Legislature.
Because the bills carry significant costs, taking them up after the budget was decided would significantly decrease chances they would pass.
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