Nebraska Legislation
The first session of the 104th Legislature was completed in May. Any Bills "left on the books" in the first session will carry over into the second session. Disability-related bills included:
LB 16- This is an employment bill that would require the state to purchase from entities who employ people with disabilities. However, it does not allow for competitive, integrative employment. (Carry over)
LB 111- This bill would require individuals to present an intellectual disability to vote. There is a concern that this would limit individuals with disabilities opportunities to vote. (Carry over)
LB125- Creates a fund from Medicaid fraud settlements to support "health homes" for medically underserved. (Carry over)
LB163- Creates an Emergency management registry that would allow individuals to self-report medical condition, primary language and emergency contacts. Information would only be available to emergency management agencies, first responders and public safety agencies. (Carry over)
LB 320- Establishes an Aging and Disability Resource Center between the Centers for Independent Living, the Area Agencies on Aging and the Munroe-Meyer Institute's University Center Program. Options-counselors would be available to assist individuals who are aging or who have disabilities to access community resources. (Passed & Approved by Governor)
LB366- Would increase the personal needs allowance for eligible aged, blind, and disabled individuals eligible for Medicaid from $50 to $75 per month. (Amended to provide a personal needs allowance of $60. Passed & Approved by Governor)
LB591- Allows that 529A plans be established in Nebraska for people with disabilities. Eligible individuals will be allowed to establish ABLE Savings Accounts that will not affect their eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid and other public supports. (Passed & Approved by Governor)
LB518- Amends state Medicaid and offers health savings cards with amounts and co-pays based on earning. It also offers a phone consultation line for screening and calls will be charged to the savings/debit cards. (Carry over)
LB641- Amends Rules of the Roads statutes to include that any person with a disability operating a manual or motorized wheelchair on a sidewalk or crosswalk shall have the same rights and duties as a pedestrian under the same circumstances. (Passed and Approved by Governor)
LR32- Continues the Developmental Disabilities Special Investigative Committee insure compliance with the terms of the Department of Justice decree and implementation of the recommendations of the Committee. (Continued)
LR33- Continues the ACCESS Nebraska Special Investigative Committee and authorizes oversight of the ACCESS Nebraska system. (Continued)