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LR 176

Interim study to examine the establishment and recognition of tribal customary adoptions for Native American children in Nebraska

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Wendy DeBoer

LR 176 directs an interim study to assess recognizing tribal customary adoptions for Native American children in Nebraska, including permanency options and needed legal changes.

Referred to Judiciary Committee
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Bill Summary · LR 176

Summary of Nebraska Legislative Resolution LR 176 (2025)

Title and Purpose

  • Bill Number: LR 176
  • Title: Interim study to examine the establishment and recognition of tribal customs adoptions for Native American children in Nebraska
  • Type: Legislative Resolution (interim study request)
  • Introduced: May 12, 2025
  • Status: Referred to Judiciary Committee (also previously referred to Executive Board on May 12, 2025)

Primary Objective

LR 176 authorizes an interim study by the Nebraska Legislature to examine how tribal customary adoptions for Native American children could be established and recognized in Nebraska. The study aims to determine whether such adoptions could be recognized as a permanency option in Nebraska state courts and to identify how best to implement and support this approach.

Key Provisions and Study Topics

The study should, at a minimum, address the following areas:
- Data on the number of children who have been, or may be, eligible for tribal customary adoptions in Nebraska.
- Opportunities for public support and benefits for families who pursue tribal customary adoptions.
- Best practices and statutory language used by other states to recognize tribal customary adoptions.
- Evaluation of whether statutory changes are necessary or useful to establish and recognize tribal customary adoptions for Native American children in Nebraska.
- Exploration of establishing and recognizing tribal customary adoptions as a permanency option within Nebraska state court proceedings.

Scope and Methodology

  • The Judiciary Committee is designated to conduct the interim study.
  • The study is to gather data, compare practices in other jurisdictions, assess legislative improvements, and consider how such adoptions could operate as a permanency option in state courts.
  • The Committee is to produce a final report detailing findings and recommendations.

Timeline and Reporting

  • Upon completion of the study, the Judiciary Committee must prepare and deliver a report of its findings and recommendations to the Legislative Council or the Legislature.

Affected Parties

  • Native American children in Nebraska who could be eligible for tribal customary adoptions.
  • Tribal communities and families pursuing tribal customary adoptions.
  • Nebraska state courts and legal practitioners involved in child welfare and guardianship cases.
  • State agencies that administer child welfare, adoption support, or public benefits (subject to study findings).

Legislative Process and Sponsors

  • Sponsors: Primary – DeBoer; Co-sponsors – Raybould and Rountree (as listed in LR 176).
  • Procedural Path: LR 176 was introduced and referred to the Executive Board and Judiciary Committee. It remains in committee with the intent to study and report findings.

Potential Impact

  • LR 176 is a planning instrument, not a change to Nebraska law by itself. If the interim study identifies viable approaches, it could lay the groundwork for future legislation to establish and recognize tribal customary adoptions as a formal permanency option in Nebraska.
  • The study could influence policy discussions on Native American child welfare, tribal sovereignty, and cross-jurisdictional recognition of adoption rights and benefits.

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

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