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LR 187

Interim study to examine the ability of the State of Nebraska to draw down Title IV-E funds for purposes of pre-petition legal services for parent and child legal representation as permitted under federal law

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Victor Rountree

Initiates an interim study to determine if Nebraska can use Title IV-E funds for pre-petition legal services for parents and children, and whether DHHS can serve as the conduit.

Referred to Judiciary Committee
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Bill Summary · LR 187

LR 187 — Interim Study: Title IV-E Funds for Pre-Petition Legal Services in Nebraska

Overview

LR 187 is a Nebraska Legislative Resolution introducing an interim study to evaluate whether Nebraska can draw down Title IV-E funds to provide pre-petition legal services for parent and child representation, as allowed under federal law. The study would assess benefits, organizational needs, and potential statutory changes to enable the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to serve as the conduit for such funding.

Purpose and Scope

The resolution directs an interim study with the following aims:
- Identify and examine Nebraska’s ability to access Title IV-E funds for pre-petition legal services.
- Assess the potential benefits to Nebraska families if such access were possible.
- Determine the organizational structure needed within state government to coordinate receipt and disbursement of pre-petition legal services funded by Title IV-E.
- Evaluate whether statutory changes are necessary or useful to allow DHHS to act as a conduit for Title IV-E funding dedicated to pre-petition legal services.

Key Provisions and Focus Areas

  • The study shall consider, but is not limited to: 1) The benefits to Nebraska families if Title IV-E funds could be used for pre-petition legal services. 2) The organizational framework required to manage and disburse these funds within state government. 3) Any statutory changes needed to permit DHHS to serve as the conduit for Title IV-E funding for pre-petition legal services.

Process, Committee, and Timeline

  • Designated Committee: Judiciary Committee is tasked with conducting the interim study.
  • Deliverable: A report of findings and recommendations to the Legislative Council or Legislature at the conclusion of the study.
  • Status and Actions:
    • Introduced: May 14, 2025.
    • Referred to Executive Board: May 14, 2025.
    • Referred to Judiciary Committee: May 19, 2025 (subsequent action).

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Primary focus: State government entities, particularly the Nebraska DHHS, and other agencies involved in child welfare funding and administration.
  • Potential beneficiaries: Nebraska families and children who could benefit from improved access to pre-petition legal representation if Title IV-E funds could be accessed for such services.
  • Nature of impact: The resolution does not authorize funding or new programs; it initiates a study to assess feasibility, benefits, and required changes to policy and administration.

Status Summary

  • LR 187 is a resolution referred to the Judiciary Committee for interim study, with an accompanying inquiry into whether statutory changes are needed to enable DHHS to act as a Title IV-E funds conduit for pre-petition legal services.

Sponsor

  • Primary sponsor: Senator Rountree.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to how other states handle pre-petition legal services or summarize federal Title IV-E guidelines relevant to pre-petition representations.

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

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