Healthcare (Substance Abuse)

in committee · Nebraska · Legislature Mar 30, 2026

LR 482: Interim study relating to insurance coverage practices and policies and reimbursement structures for access to nonopioid treatment options to address opioid use, overdose outcomes, and access to care across Nebraska

This legislative resolution directs the Nebraska Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee to conduct an interim study on insurance coverage, Medicaid policies, and reimbursement structures related to nonopioid treatment options for opioid use and pain management. The study will examine barriers to accessing nonopioid therapies, analyze disparities in opioid-related outcomes across different populations, and explore ways to expand access to nonopioid pain treatments and substance use disorder services. The committee will submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature, which may inform future policy changes to improve equitable access to care and reduce reliance on opioid medications in Nebraska.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill directs study to improve access to nonopioid treatments and reduce opioid-related outcomes, indicating support for healthcare improvements.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicaid Substance Abuse

Track

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 866: Change distribution of the Nebraska Opioid Recovery Trust Fund, create a fund, and provide for drug detection activities

Nebraska's LB 866 amends the state's opioid recovery fund to redirect specific annual transfers to address the opioid crisis. It allocates $1.125 million to first responder behavioral health training, $400,000 to overdose review teams, and $3 million to opioid prevention and treatment programs. The bill also creates a new Drug Detection and Prevention Cash Fund (administered by the Attorney General) to support law enforcement efforts targeting fentanyl, including detection technology, task forces, and public education. Funds must be used strictly for these purposes, with 25% going to prevention/treatment and 75% to infrastructure. The bill directly affects first responders, health services, law enforcement, and public safety initiatives across Nebraska.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects existing opioid fund allocations to fund opioid prevention/treatment ($3M), first responder training ($1.125M), and overdose teams ($400K), strengthening public health program funding within state budget.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds opioid prevention/treatment programs and behavioral health training, aligning with criminal justice reform by reducing substance abuse through health-focused solutions rather than punitive measures.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates $1.125M for behavioral health training, $400K for overdose teams, and $3M for opioid treatment/prevention programs - directly advancing public health and mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Law Enforcement Mental Health Substance Abuse

Track

signed · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1240: Change provisions relating to state recovery under the achieving a better life experience program

LB 1240 modifies Nebraska's ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) program by preventing the state from seeking recovery of funds from an ABLE account after the account holder's death. Specifically, it states that Nebraska cannot recover amounts from the account or distributions made upon death for medical assistance received under the Medical Assistance Act after the account was established. This directly affects Nebraska residents using ABLE accounts who receive state medical assistance, ensuring their beneficiaries won't face repayment claims for prior medical costs. The change amends Section 77-1403(5) of Nebraska law to align with federal ABLE program rules.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePrevents state recovery of ABLE funds used for medical assistance, protecting beneficiaries' financial security tied to healthcare benefits under Medical Assistance Act.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

signed · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 722: Provide for use of the Behavioral Health Services Fund for individuals with substance use disorder

Nebraska Legislative Bill LB 722 amends the Behavioral Health Services Fund to explicitly include services for individuals with substance use disorder. The bill clarifies that funds can now be used for behavioral health services specifically for people with substance use disorder, aligning with existing provisions for serious mental illness. This change, which references the definition in Section 71-430, ensures the fund’s resources directly support treatment and housing-related assistance for this population without creating new funding. The bill affects Nebraskans seeking behavioral health services, particularly those with substance use disorder who qualify under the fund’s existing eligibility criteria.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareClarifies Behavioral Health Fund can fund substance use disorder services, expanding access to treatment and aligning with mental health provisions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 860: Require the Department of Health and Human Services to create a program to provide behavioral health care services to individuals under twenty-one years of age

LB 860 requires Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services to create a program by January 1, 2027, providing behavioral health services to individuals under 21 with complex needs. The program must include services like mobile response, intensive home-based treatment, inpatient care, substance use disorder treatment, and developmental disability care. It aims to support families in community settings and prevent institutionalization or out-of-home placements. Care coordination will occur through behavioral health regions or a statewide managed care plan to ensure access to a full continuum of services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates new behavioral health program for youth under 21, expanding mental health services access and preventing institutionalization per bill's explicit requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Mental Health Substance Abuse

Track

signed · Nebraska · Legislature May 21, 2025

LB 641: Change provisions relating to medicaid estate recovery

Nebraska's LB 641 amends Medicaid estate recovery rules to protect certain family members' homes from being seized to repay medical assistance costs after a recipient's death. The bill specifically exempts homes from recovery if a sibling lived there continuously for one year before the recipient's institutionalization or if an adult child provided care while living in the home for two years prior to institutionalization. To qualify for these exemptions, a physician's written attestation must verify the care provided that delayed institutionalization. The changes clarify which family members retain home ownership protections and require specific documentation to avoid estate recovery claims.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExempts homes from Medicaid estate recovery, protecting beneficiaries' assets and supporting access to healthcare services by preventing financial hardship post-death.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 583: Change provisions relating to the rate and disbursement of the documentary stamp tax, the Child Care Grant Fund, child care grants, the Military Installation Development and Support Fund, the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, the Innovation Hub Cash Fund, the Economic Recovery Contingency Fund, and the Health Care Homes for the Medically Underserved Fund

LB 583 adjusts how Nebraska's documentary stamp tax revenue funds seven existing programs, including the Child Care Grant Fund, Military Installation Development Fund, and Affordable Housing Trust Fund. It harmonizes rules across these funds, such as setting a $15,000 maximum for child care grants (no more than once every three years) and requiring matching funds for military installation projects. The bill specifies that tax revenue must be distributed to designated programs, like $100,000 annually for veterans' mental health services under the Military Fund. These changes streamline administration and clarify funding allocations without creating new programs or altering eligibility criteria.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesDirects documentary stamp tax revenue to designated funds (child care, housing, military) ensuring dedicated funding for public services without tax increases or defunding.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill allocates documentary stamp tax revenue to the Health Care Homes for the Medically Underserved Fund, explicitly funding healthcare access for underserved populations.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly directs documentary stamp tax revenue to Affordable Housing Trust Fund, mandating annual funding allocation for housing programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Substance Abuse Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Development

Track

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 165: Authorize syringe services programs in municipalities and counties and provide exceptions to penalties related to drug paraphernalia under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act

Nebraska's LB 165 authorizes municipalities and counties to establish syringe services programs (SSPs) through local ordinances, allowing them to provide sterile syringes, safe disposal, overdose prevention resources, and referrals to health services for individuals aged 18+ who inject drugs. The bill requires SSPs to avoid locations within 500 feet of schools, childcare facilities, or public recreation centers and mandates specific services like naloxone access and substance use disorder referrals. It amends state law to exempt SSP staff and participants from drug paraphernalia penalties when handling syringes or needles as part of the program, while repealing prior sections of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. This legislation directly affects public health programs, participants, and law enforcement by creating a legal framework for harm reduction services.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAuthorizes syringe services programs with exceptions to drug paraphernalia penalties, reducing criminalization of drug use and promoting public health over punishment.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAuthorizes syringe services programs providing sterile syringes, overdose prevention, and health referrals - directly advancing public health access for people who inject drugs.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Substance Abuse

Track

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 330: Change provisions relating to the sales tax rate and create the Alcohol Addiction Prevention and Treatment Fund

LB 330 adjusts Nebraska's sales tax rate to 5% starting October 1, 2025 (down from 5.5%), with reduced rates for certain transactions in designated "good life districts." It creates the Alcohol Addiction Prevention and Treatment Fund, directing 50% of sales tax revenue from alcohol sales (at a 15.5% rate) to this new fund, while the other 50% goes to the Education Future Fund. The bill modifies how sales tax revenue is distributed across state funds, effective October 1, 2025, and repeals previous tax rate provisions. It directly affects all consumers purchasing taxable goods and alters state budget allocations for alcohol-related revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesReduces sales tax rate and allocates 50% of alcohol tax revenue to new public health fund, advancing fiscal policy for essential services.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates Alcohol Addiction Prevention and Treatment Fund, allocating 50% of alcohol sales tax revenue to directly fund addiction treatment services under public health programs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Procurement Sales Tax Substance Abuse

Track

signed · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 8, 2025

LB 195: Provide immunity for administration of naloxone, nalmefene, or other federally approved opioid overdose reversal medications

This bill, LB 195, grants legal immunity to individuals who administer opioid overdose reversal medications (like naloxone or nalmefene) in good faith during an overdose emergency. It directly protects health professionals (doctors, nurses, pharmacists), family members, friends, school staff, emergency responders, and police officers who obtain and use these medications appropriately. Key provisions shield them from criminal prosecution, administrative action, or civil liability when acting reasonably to assist someone experiencing or likely to experience an opioid overdose. The law specifically covers medications approved by the FDA for reversing overdoses, whether obtained via prescription, from a health professional, or over the counter.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill removes legal barriers for administering life-saving opioid overdose reversal meds, directly expanding access to emergency healthcare services and protecting public health initiatives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Substance Abuse