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Bill

LB 1138

Appropriate federal funds to the Department of Health and Human Services for local public health departments

107th Legislature (2021-2022) Introduced by Tony Vargas

Nebraska bill directing federal DHHS funds to local public health departments to strengthen community health infrastructure and disease prevention capacity.

Indefinitely postponed
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LB 1138

Legislative bill overview

LB 1138 would allocate federal funds through Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services to support local public health departments across the state. The bill was introduced in January 2022 but was ultimately indefinitely postponed in April 2022, though portions of its provisions were incorporated into LB 1014 through an amendment.

Why is this important

Local public health departments provide essential services including disease surveillance, vaccination programs, communicable disease control, and emergency preparedness at the community level. Federal funding passed through the state to these departments helps ensure consistent public health infrastructure across urban and rural areas, particularly important for responding to health crises and maintaining preventive health programs.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal versus state funding precedent – Questions about whether federal funds should flow directly to localities or through state departments, and how much state discretion should apply
  • Distribution methodology – Debate over how funds should be allocated among counties (per capita, need-based, geographic equity, or performance metrics)
  • Funding stability and accountability – Concerns about whether federal appropriations provide reliable long-term funding versus year-to-year uncertainty, and what reporting requirements local departments must meet

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

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