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LB 348

Appropriate funds for domestic violence services

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jason Prokop

Reallocates $3M/year from the Health and Human Services Cash Fund to fund Nebraska DV services, improving confidentiality and federal funding eligibility.

Title printed. Carryover bill
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Bill Summary · LB 348

Legislative Summary — LB 348 (2025)

Overview

LB 348, introduced January 16, 2025 by Senator Jason Prokop, seeks to appropriate funds for domestic violence (DV) services in Nebraska and to address funding-source-related confidentiality and federal compliance concerns. The bill’s provisions have since been amended into LB 261 (AM1386) and LB 264 (AM1389). An emergency clause is included, making the act effective upon enactment.

Purpose and Intent

  • Reallocate and stabilize funding for Nebraska’s DV service network, ensuring survivor safety and confidentiality.
  • Move the funding source for DV services from TANF funds to the Health and Human Services Cash Fund (HHSCF) to comply with federal confidentiality regulations and maintain eligibility for federal dollars.
  • Align funding with Nebraska’s Protection from Domestic Abuse Act and Victim Advocate Privilege confidentiality requirements.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1: Appropriates $3,000,000 from the Health and Human Services Cash Fund for FY 2025-26 and $3,000,000 from the HHSCF for FY 2026-27 to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), for Program 354, to support domestic violence services.
  • Section 2: Declares an emergency, taking effect immediately upon enactment.

Funding Details

  • Source: Health and Human Services Cash Fund (not TANF).
  • Amounts: $3 million per fiscal year for two years.
  • Programs: Directed to DHHS, Program 354, for DV services.
  • Fiscal horizon: FY2025-26 and FY2026-27.

Affected Parties and Programs

  • Nebraska DV service providers (approximately 20 programs) and the DV service network statewide.
  • Domestic violence survivors whose confidentiality and safety protections are enhanced by compliant funding and access to services.
  • Department of Health and Human Services, Program 354, which administers DV services.

Procedural History and Timeline

  • Introduced: January 16, 2025; referred to Appropriations.
  • Hearing: March 10, 2025 (Appropriations Committee).
  • Legislative actions: Provisions/amendments to LB 261 (AM1386) and LB 264 (AM1389) enacted on June 6, 2025.
  • Status: Provisions of LB 348 incorporated into other bills; LB348 remains a vehicle for the DV funding change.

Legislative Context

  • Prior related action: 2023 LB 379 (later LB 814) funded DV services with $3 million sourced from TANF funds, which raised confidentiality and federal-regulation concerns.
  • LB 348’s objective is to revert and stabilize funding by using the HHSCF, preserving confidentiality and federal funding eligibility.

Potential Impact

  • Enhanced confidentiality and compliance for DV program funding.
  • Greater predictability and stability of DV services funding for Nebraska’s 20 DV programs.
  • Avoids conflicts between federal confidentiality laws and TANF funding constraints.
  • Immediate effect given the emergency clause, subject to legislative approval and amendments in LB 261 and LB 264.

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

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