Legislature enacts mental health, substance abuse services bill | National News
Gov. Jim Pillen on Friday hailed passage of legislation that he said “will help transform mental health and substance abuse services” in the state.
The bill (LB276), introduced by Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln, would clear a path for certification of community behavioral health clinics that would provide increased access to medication-assisted treatment while expanding community partnerships with law enforcement, the justice system and schools.
Wishart
“We must come together to solve tough problems, and mental health and substance abuse are tough problems,” Pillen said.
“The clinics created by this bill will integrate comprehensive physical and behavioral health services in a community-based setting while operating under a cost-based payment system,” the governor said.
“LB276 is a no-brainer,” he said.
The bill would launch the new program in 2025-26 with up to $4.5 million of state general fund support.
It would allow qualifying providers to seek daily or monthly reimbursements for certain treatments, which would allow them to hire more staff and increase access to timely care.
Wishart and other senators had earlier said the measure will help fill gaps in communities where access to care is lacking, and will provide more holistic treatments for those who need them.
The bill was enacted on a 46-0 vote.
Photos and video: Scene at Nebraska Capitol as lawmakers debate LB574 for final time
Brenna Thompson of Lincoln protests against LB574 in the Rotunda Friday at the Nebraska Capitol.
Juju Tyner protests against LB574 Friday at Nebraska Capitol.
Maghie Miller-Jenkins (left) and Brenna Thompson, both of Lincoln, protest against LB574 Friday at Nebraska Capitol.
Sen. Jen Day of Omaha is seen speaking on a TV screen in the Rotunda leading up to the final reading of LB574 Friday at the Nebraska Capitol.
Protesters outside the glass door entrance to the Chamber protest LB574 Friday at the Nebraska Capitol.
People watch the floor debate in the Rotunda leading up to the final reading of LB574 Friday at the Nebraska Capitol.
Police arrest a protester during debate of LB574 Friday at the Nebraska Capitol. Both of the Chamber’s balconies were cleared after a few opponents of the bill began throwing objects onto the floor.
Police arrest a protester during debate of LB574 Friday at the Capitol. Both of the Chamber’s balconies were cleared after a few opponents of the bill began throwing objects onto the floor.
A few opponents of LB574 throw objects from the Chamber’s balcony onto the senate floor Friday during debate at the Capitol. The balconies were cleared after the outburst.
A few opponents of LB574 throw objects from the Chamber’s balcony onto the floor Friday during debate at the Capitol. The balconies were cleared after the outburst.
State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha speaks during the final reading of LB574 on Friday at the Capitol.
State Sen. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln speaks during the final reading of LB574, Friday at the Capitol.
D Mack and Billie Douglass of Lincoln console each other after senators passed a bill limiting gender-affirming care and abortion in Nebraska. Hundreds of protesters again gathered in the Rotunda on Friday for votes on the bill.
Fenyx Wright of Lincoln reacts after the Nebraska Legislature passed LB574, which limits gender-affirming care for trans youth, on Friday at the Capitol.
Khalisha Casey of Lincoln protests LB574 on Friday at the Capitol.
The scene in the Rotunda Friday as Nebraska lawmakers debate LB574.
Madison Tewes of Lincoln protests against LB574 Friday at the Capitol.
Protesters of LB574, including Eliza Cline (center) and Madison Tewes (right), both of Lincoln, gather outside the legislative chamber on Friday at the Capitol.
Juju Tyner of Lincoln (right) leads the singing of Over the Rainbow during a protest in the Capitol of LB574 on Friday.
People watch the final reading of LB574 in the Rotunda on a TV screen on Friday at the Capitol.
State Sens. Machaela Cavanaugh (from left), Megan Hunt, Kathleen Kauth, John Fredrickson, Wendy DeBoer, Mike Jacobson and Lou Ann Linehan watch the board during the final votes on LB574 on Friday at the Capitol. The bill limits gender-affirming care for transgender youth and bans abortion after 12 weeks.
State Sens. Machaela Cavanaugh (from left), Megan Hunt, John Fredrickson, Wendy DeBoer, Kathleen Kauth and Lou Ann Linehan watch during the final votes on LB574 Friday at the Capitol. The bill limits gender-affirming care for transgender youth and bans abortion after 12 weeks.
A Pride flag is seen at the rotunda during the final reading of LB574 on Friday at Nebraska state Capitol.
Sen. Merv Riepe (center) listens as Sen. Mike McDonnell speaks during the final reading of LB574 on Friday at the Nebraska Capitol.
The final vote of LB574 on Friday at the Nebraska Capitol.
State Sen. Julie Slama is escorted out after voting for LB574 on Friday at the Nebraska Capitol.
Victory Klafter of Lincoln reacts after the passage of LB574 on Friday at the Nebraska Capitol.
Protesters of LB574 are seen outside the legislative chamber Friday at the Nebraska Capitol.
State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh (center) embraces a supporter next to Sen. Megan Hunt after the passage of LB 574 on Friday at the Nebraska Capitol.
You May Also Like
Star-Studded Short ‘Bug Therapy’ Sets Online Release for Mental Health Month
Easy ways to have a more ‘mindful’ wardrobe
