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One Hundred Ninth Legislature - First Session - 2025
Introducer€s Statement of Intent
LB386
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Chairperson: Senator Carolyn Bosn
Committee: Judiciary
Date of Hearing: March 28, 2025
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The following constitutes the reasons for this bill and the purposes which are sought to be
accomplished thereby:
LB386 establishes the Mental Health Pilot Program Act to address the shortage of mental health resources and
the long travel distances for individuals in mental health crises, particularly in rural Nebraska. This bill enables
a selected county law enforcement agency to add mental health beds to its existing jail or another local facility,
improving access to care and alleviating the strain on law enforcement who are often required to transport
individuals in Emergency Protective Custody (EPC) long distances to appropriate mental health services.
The program will provide a safe, non-incarcerated environment for individuals in EPC to receive timely mental
health care, easing the burden on law enforcement and offering a regional solution to the shortage of mental
health services. This is a short-stay facility, not intended to serve as a long-term treatment center. It will house
and care for individuals until a permanent placement becomes available. By improving access to care for
individuals in crisis, this initiative will serve as a model for expanding mental health resources statewide.
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Principal Introducer:________________________________
Senator Tanya Storer
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