Nebraska Legislature Bill LB369

Nebraska 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/25
• Refer: 1/21/25

Caption

Allow persons eighteen years of age to make health care decisions and persons under nineteen years of age in correctional facilities to consent to medical and mental health care

Impact

The implications of LB369 are significant in terms of healthcare access and rights for minors, particularly those in correctional settings. By allowing young individuals to make health care decisions, supporters argue that the bill will lead to better health outcomes, as it facilitates quicker access to necessary medical care without requiring parental or guardian consent. This change is expected to empower youth, enabling them to take charge of their health, particularly in vulnerable situations within the correctional system.

Summary

LB369 aims to reform healthcare decision-making for young individuals, specifically targeting those who are eighteen years of age and younger individuals in correctional facilities under nineteen. The bill proposes to grant these individuals the legal authority to consent to their own medical and mental health care, recognizing their capacity to make informed decisions regarding their health. This legislative move seeks to address the growing need for autonomy among youth in health-related matters, especially in situations where timely interventions are critical.

Contention

However, LB369 is not without controversy. Critics argue that allowing minors to make their own health care decisions, especially in correctional facilities, raises concerns about the appropriateness of such autonomy. There may be beliefs that not all youths have the maturity or understanding to make informed decisions regarding complex health issues. This aspect of the bill has sparked debates among legislators, advocacy groups, and the broader community regarding the balance between granting autonomy and ensuring adequate protections for young individuals in vulnerable situations.