The 109th legislative session is in full swing! State senators have introduced nearly 730 bills and constitutional amendments. Although the Governor has the authority to introduce legislation at any point during a session, with the hundreds of pieces of legislation introduced so far, it is safe to say that state senators and their staff will be kept very busy during this long session. First Five Nebraska was fortunate to work with several state senators on issues impacting children and families. First Five Nebraska’s policy priorities include, but are not limited to the following:
LB22, introduced by Senator Dungan (Dist. 26), would allow providers of evidence-based nurse home visiting to bill Medicaid for their services using targeted case management as the billing code.
LB41, introduced by Senator Merv Riepe (Dist. 12), updates Nebraska’s existing statute for prenatal screens for syphilis from one screening in the first trimester, to the best practice of two additional screenings (at the third trimester and at delivery) to address Nebraska’s 1,100% increase in rates of congenital syphilis, or babies being born with syphilis.
LB71, introduced by Senator Wendy DeBoer (Dist. 10), would change the starting level at which tiered reimbursement for child care subsidy in Step Up to Quality begins from Step 3 to Step 2.
LB95, introduced by Senator John Fredrickson (Dist. 20), creates a three-year pilot program making the child care workforce eligible for the federal child care subsidy program if their income is at or below 85% of the state median income. This pilot program is set to commence on October 1, 2025, and conclude on September 30, 2028. Eligible households must include a member employed in the child care industry for at least 20 hours per week. Nebraska DHHS is tasked with submitting annual reports to the Legislature from December 1, 2026, to December 1, 2028, detailing program participation and expenditures.
LB104, introduced by Senator Jane Raybould (Dist. 28), defines evidence-based home visiting services in statute and calls on Nebraska DHHS to offer annual reports from 2026 to 2028 on the use and impact of state funds for home visitation programs. These programs are designed to support families with children age 5 or younger and pregnant individuals through voluntary home visits. The primary objective is to enhance the health, well-being and self-sufficiency of parents and their children.
LB153, introduced by Senator Dunixi Guereca (Dist. 7), calls on Nebraska DHHS to submit a state plan amendment to CMS for a Health Services Initiative to offer at least six months postpartum coverage for mothers who receive their prenatal care through the “unborn child” option in the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
LB182, introduced by Senator Eliot Bostar (Dist. 29), makes insurance companies and banks eligible for the Nebraska Child Care Tax Credit when they make qualifying financial contributions to support our state’s child care infrastructure. The legislation clarifies language in the Child Care Tax Credit Act passed in 2023.
LB304, introduced by Senator Wendy DeBoer (Dist. 10), maintains child care subsidy income eligibility levels enacted into law in 2021. Initial income eligibility up to 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and transitional eligibility up to 200% FPL would be maintained. If no change is made, on Oct. 1, 2026, eligibility for the federal child care assistance program will revert to pre-income eligibility expansion levels of 130% FPL for initial eligibility.
LB339, introduced by Senator Bob Hallstrom (Dist. 1), requires the Nebraska DHHS to provide a summary report of claims reimbursed for each licensed child care provider in the previous calendar year. The report is due by February 1 each year.
LB446, introduced by Senator Dunixi Guereca (Dist. 7), relates to vital statistics and changes requirements regarding standard forms and release of health and research data.
Bill hearings started January 21 and morning floor debate began January 29. In just that short period alone, issues impacting families and children have been a topic of conversation. First Five Nebraska is excited to see such a strong interest from our state senators and we look forward to working with them to pass legislation that will positively impact the lives of our Nebraska families.
To keep current on policy updates, please tune into our policy calls every other Tuesday. See additional information on FFN’s policy calls, dates of the calls and registration links.
See FFN’s Legislative Watchlist web page for the status of these bills.