LINCOLN — A bill that would require Nebraska law enforcement agencies and hospitals to approve emergency protective custody agreements in tribal courts passed by a narrow margin last week.
Legislative Bill 1288The bill, introduced by state Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln, would require law enforcement agencies and hospitals to abide by such agreements, which many county mental health boards already do.Countermeasures have progressed 25-10get the minimum number of votes required.
There could be two more rounds of debate on LB 1288.
“A bill that saves lives”
In a statement, Raybould thanked his colleagues for their support and thanked Chief Justice Mike Heavikan, Chief Justice Corey Steele and the Nebraska Supreme Court Tribal Coalition for working together to find a solution. expressed.
“Passing this bill will ensure that individuals at risk of harming themselves or others receive the timely care they need,” Raybould said. “This is a bill that will save lives.”
On Thursday, state Sen. Jen Day of Omaha, chair of the Legislature’s State Tribal Relations Committee, led the debate in Raybould’s absence. Mr Day said the bill would allow for mental health and dangerous sex offender commitment orders, allowing people in crisis to be transported to a medical facility and offered reimbursement.
“This bill is very simple and clear, and it’s about bridging the gap that exists for our people in a mental health crisis,” Day said during floor debate.
Day and other supporters pointed out that the bill would not change the jurisdiction of tribal courts and would only require orders for individuals “residing” within India.
Expansion of hospital support
State Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston, whose district includes the Winnebago and Omaha tribes of Nebraska, said she has heard from residents who said they “didn’t know” the bill would be introduced and that it He said that’s why they didn’t consider it sooner.
Members of both tribes testified in support of the bill at a Feb. 1 Judiciary Committee hearing.
Albrecht said he opposed the bill because Thurston County has fewer sheriff’s deputies than other parts of the state. This can complicate transportation needs, she said.
Instead, she suggested the Winnebago Tribe’s hospital could be expanded and a specialized mental health unit established.
“I think it’s easier to transport a doctor than to transport a doctor,” Albrecht said. “I support the answer, but I don’t think this is the answer for us.”
system needs to change
State Sen. Tom Brewer, a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, said Congress probably needs a “Native American 101 class.”
He described a conversation he had with his brother, who is the sheriff of Sheridan County. The county says those who receive an emergency order may now have the option of being held in jail or sent home without any care for their safety or the safety of others. .
“If we put them back in solitary confinement, I think the medical situation is destined to get even worse,” Brewer said.
Sen. Carolyn Voss of Lincoln shared a copy of neutral testimony from Tony Greene of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and outlined several caveats about the bill. These include funding and logistics to implement the measures.
Day said DHHS’ concerns were addressed in an amendment that DHHS helped write.Lawmakers adopted those changes 29-6.
Bosun is a member of the Judiciary Committee. Advance to LB 1288 with a record of 8-0..
“A better solution”
State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair said LB 1288 “muddies the waters quite a bit,” and worried that the bill’s definition of who resides in India may be too vague.
Brewer said if he had his way, he would define Indian Country as “from the East Coast to the West Coast,” but that probably won’t happen.He instead pointed to “a very simple thing” US code definition.
“This is not a perfect answer,” Brewer says. “But it’s a much better solution than leaving things as they are.”
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