LB 22 Legislature · 109th Legislature (2025-2026)

Require the Department of Health and Human Services to file a state plan amendment for evidence-based nurse home-visitation services

LB 22 requires Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services to adopt evidence-based nurse home-visitation programs for families with children under five or pregnant individuals. These programs must be delivered by nurses or trained professionals and focus on improving maternal/child health, parenting skills, and school readiness. The bill mandates that only programs meeting strict evidence-based standards - like national certification and culturally competent staff - receive state funding, and requires the department to report annually on program locations, outcomes, and funding use. It specifically excludes one-time visits and ensures families can decline services at any time. The law also directs the department to file a state plan amendment with federal authorities to secure Medicaid coverage for these services.

Issues: ✓ Healthcare

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Feb 2025

Legislature Passage

Apr 2025

Legislature Passage

Feb 2025

Signed into Law

Apr 2025

Introduced Jan 9, 2025 Signed Apr 10, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → Final Reading · 6 edits

MODERATE

This bill was amended to rename it from 'Medical Assistance Act' to 'Family Home Visitation Act' and add a new section establishing standards for home visitation programs. The changes clarify that the bill now focuses on evidence-based home visitation services for families with young children or pregnant persons, rather than just general medical assistance coverage.

Scope change

The bill's scope narrowed from general medical assistance coverage to specifically focus on home visitation programs for early childhood and maternal health.

DEFINITION

Added new definitions for 'Department' and 'Home visitation program' to clarify the bill's focus on voluntary programs for families with children five years or younger or pregnant persons.

REQUIREMENT

Added requirements that home visitation programs must be evidence-based, have comprehensive standards, employ trained staff, and demonstrate strong links to other community services.

Added new reporting requirements mandating the department submit detailed reports on home visitation programs including goals, outcomes, families served, demographics, and funding.

SCOPE

Modified the bill title and purpose to focus on 'public health and welfare' and the 'Family Home Visitation Act' rather than general medical assistance coverage.

EXEMPTIONS

Added explicit exemption stating the act does not apply to programs providing only a single or infrequent home visit.

FISCAL

Added provisions allowing home visitation program funds to be used for workforce purposes and assisting providers in receiving and maintaining certification.

Floor votes · Legislature Feb 10, 2025

How they voted

43–0

Passed · 6 other

Total votes 49

Feb 10, 2025

N Nonpartisan49

43 Yea 6

87% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Jun 6, 2025

Introduced

Provisions/portions of LB104 amended into LB22 by AM348

legislature

Apr 10, 2025

Signed into law

Approved by Governor on April 9, 2025

executive

Apr 3, 2025

Legislature · Passed

President/Speaker signed

legislature

Apr 3, 2025

Legislature · Passed

Passed on Final Reading 47-0-2

legislature

Mar 11, 2025

Legislature · Passed

Raybould AM348 adopted

legislature

Mar 11, 2025

Legislature · Passed

Dungan AM258 adopted

legislature

Feb 10, 2025

Legislature · Passed

Health and Human Services AM102 adopted

legislature

Feb 5, 2025

Legislature · Passed

Placed on General File with AM102

legislature

Jan 13, 2025

Committee

Referred to Health and Human Services Committee

legislature

Jan 9, 2025

Introduced

Date of introduction

legislature

1 primary · 1 co-sponsor