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LB 150

Adopt the Regional Mental Health Expansion Pilot Program Act, provide for a pilot program related to mental health, prohibit discrimination based on military or veteran status, and change and eliminate provisions relating to garnishment, liens, post-release supervision, sexual abuse by school workers, criminal mischief, discovery in criminal cases, habitual sentencing enhancements, veterans justice programs, paternity proceedings, handgun purchase requirements, correctional system overcrowding emergencies, the Division of Parole Services, the Nebraska Mental Health Commitment Act, and the Sex Offender Commitment Act

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Carolyn Bosn

LB 150 enhances Nebraska's mental health services, prohibits discrimination against veterans, and modifies criminal laws to improve care and support for those in need.

Approved by Governor on June 4, 2025
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LB 150

Summary of Legislative Bill LB 150

Overview

Bill Number: LB 150
Title: Adopt the Regional Mental Health Expansion Pilot Program Act and related provisions
Status: Approved by Governor on June 4, 2025
Introduced: January 13, 2025

LB 150 aims to address significant issues in Nebraska's mental health system, particularly the shortage of mental health care professionals and the accessibility of services, especially in rural areas. The bill also includes provisions to prohibit discrimination based on military or veteran status and makes various changes to criminal law.

Main Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of LB 150 is to:
- Establish a Regional Mental Health Expansion Pilot Program to enhance mental health services in collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
- Prohibit discrimination against individuals based on their military or veteran status.
- Modify various legal provisions related to garnishment, liens, criminal sentencing, and mental health commitments.

Key Provisions

1. Regional Mental Health Expansion Pilot Program

  • Creation of a Pilot Program: The Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice will create a pilot program to provide funding to a selected county law enforcement agency to expand mental health services.
  • Goals: The program aims to alleviate the burden on law enforcement when responding to mental health crises and to improve access to mental health care.
  • Selection Criteria: The selected agency must demonstrate the capacity to add mental health beds and have a history of cooperation with other agencies.

2. Prohibition of Discrimination

  • The bill prohibits discrimination based on military or veteran status in employment, public accommodations, and housing.
  • Local governments are empowered to enact ordinances that provide additional protections against such discrimination.

3. Changes to Criminal Law

  • Habitual Criminal Sentencing: The bill modifies the habitual criminal sentencing enhancement, removing exceptions that previously allowed for reduced penalties under certain conditions.
  • Garnishment and Liens: Changes are made to the service of garnishment summons and the liability of garnishees.
  • Sexual Abuse Definitions: The definition of sexual abuse by school employees is expanded to include "school contract workers."

4. Mental Health Commitments

  • The bill provides for videoconferencing during mental health evaluations and hearings under the Nebraska Mental Health Commitment Act and the Sex Offender Commitment Act.
  • It aims to improve the efficiency of mental health evaluations and reduce delays in treatment.

Impact

  • Affected Parties: The bill will impact law enforcement agencies, mental health professionals, individuals experiencing mental health crises, and military veterans.
  • Expected Outcomes: The pilot program is designed to demonstrate effective regional cooperation in mental health service delivery, which could be replicated statewide. The prohibition of discrimination is expected to enhance protections for veterans and military personnel.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on January 13, 2025, and underwent several amendments before being approved by the Governor on June 4, 2025.
  • It includes an emergency clause, allowing it to take effect immediately upon approval.

Conclusion

LB 150 represents a significant step towards improving mental health services in Nebraska, particularly in rural areas, while also enhancing protections for military and veteran populations. The comprehensive changes to criminal law and mental health commitments aim to create a more effective and equitable system for all Nebraskans.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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