This legislative resolution directs the Nebraska Health and Human Services Committee to conduct an interim study on whether universal mental health screenings should be implemented in public schools. The study will examine the feasibility, effectiveness, and necessary safeguards for such a program, including workforce capacity, parental consent, student privacy, and equitable access to follow-up services. It will also analyze current mental health supports in schools, review evidence-based screening models from other states, and estimate the fiscal costs and potential funding sources. The committee is required to report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature after completing the study.
LB 966, the Hunger-Free Schools Act, requires Nebraska public and nonprofit private schools participating in federal meal programs to provide free breakfasts and lunches to students who qualify for reduced-price meals under federal rules. The State Department of Education will reimburse schools for the difference between federal funding rates for free meals versus reduced-price meals, based on the previous school year's data. This directly affects schools serving qualifying students, ensuring they receive funding support for meals provided at no cost to those students. The bill replaces previous reimbursement rules and repeals outdated sections of law related to school meal programs.
LB 960 requires Nebraska public school boards to include nonvoting student members equal in number to elected board members. These student members must be high school students in grades 10-12, selected through school-approved processes like elections or nominations, and serve one-year terms. They attend all public school board meetings, receive meeting materials, and can advocate for student concerns but cannot vote, access confidential information, or attend closed sessions. School boards must adopt implementation policies by January 1, 2027, to establish these student roles. The bill directly affects all Nebraska school districts with high schools and aims to enhance student voice in educational decision-making.
LB 1207 requires Nebraska school districts to provide full-time school employees with five paid mental health leave days each school fiscal year, at their regular salary. Employees cannot be asked for medical documentation to use this leave, and the days do not reduce other accrued leave (like vacation or sick time). The bill takes immediate effect upon approval due to an emergency declaration, directly impacting school employees across the state.
Nebraska's LB 1194, the Real Food Act, establishes state dietary guidelines prioritizing whole, nutrient-dense foods for public health. It requires state agencies (Health, Agriculture, Education) and programs like school lunches to update educational materials by 2027 to align with specific food recommendations: emphasizing whole proteins (including animal and plant sources), whole-food fats (like nuts and avocados), colorful produce, full-fat dairy without added sugar, and fiber-rich whole grains over refined carbs. The bill directs agencies to launch public awareness campaigns and partner with communities to promote these guidelines, while highlighting Nebraska-produced foods. It directly affects state nutrition programs, schools, and healthcare services that serve residents. The guidelines become effective January 1, 2027.
Nebraska bill LB 1217 allows public, private, denominational, and parochial schools to keep epinephrine (approved by the FDA) on hand for emergency use. The bill authorizes schools to administer epinephrine to students experiencing allergic reactions, directly affecting school staff and students with severe allergies. Schools must obtain authorization from the State Department of Education to maintain epinephrine in emergency first aid situations. This policy change simplifies access to life-saving treatment during allergic emergencies without requiring individual prescriptions for each student.
LB 1146 requires Nebraska school districts to create annual attendance policies developed with county attorneys. These policies must outline how schools address excessive absences (after 20 unexcused days) through documented support services like written communication, family meetings, and referrals to health or community resources. The bill specifies that absences due to illness, special education needs, homelessness, or pregnancy/parenthood are not counted as unexcused. Schools must prove they provided these support services before reporting a student's case to the county attorney for further action.
Nebraska's LB 549 allows school boards to hire chaplains - licensed by their religious organization - to provide student support services like emotional or behavioral health assistance, without requiring a teaching certificate. Chaplains may serve as paid or volunteer staff, but must pass a criminal background check and comply with school policies developed by the board. The bill explicitly states this employment does not endorse any religion and exempts chaplains from standard teacher certification rules under Nebraska law. It affects all Nebraska public school districts and directly impacts students receiving non-academic support services.
LB 567 requires Nebraska's State Board of Education to create a model policy by December 1, 2025, to help schools strengthen connections with students, families, and communities. The model policy includes four key elements: integrated student supports (like coordinated health and academic services), extended learning opportunities (before/after school and during breaks), collaborative leadership (involving parents, teachers, and community members in decisions), and meaningful family engagement. School districts can adopt their own community engagement policies as long as they align with this state model. The bill directly affects all Nebraska public school districts and aims to improve school-community relationships through structured, evidence-based approaches.
LB 14, the Hunger-Free Schools Act, requires all Nebraska public and nonprofit private schools participating in federal meal programs to provide free breakfast and lunch to every student during the school day. It replaces previous reimbursement systems by having the State Department of Education reimburse schools for meals that would otherwise cost students (like reduced-price or full-price meals), based on differences between federal free-meal rates and standard rates. Schools with high poverty rates (62.5% or more students eligible for free meals) must use the federal "community eligibility" program to maximize funding. This directly affects school districts and participating private schools, ensuring all students receive free meals while aligning state funding with federal nutrition program rules.
