reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2402 - Terms, defined.

43-2402.
Terms, defined.
For purposes of the Juvenile Services Act:
(1) Coalition means the Nebraska Coalition for Juvenile Justice established pursuant to section 43-2411;
(2) Commission means the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice;
(3) Commission Grant Program means grants provided to eligible applicants under section 43-2406;
(4) Community-based Juvenile Services Aid Program means aid to counties and federally recognized or state-recognized Indian tribes provided under section 43-2404.02;
(5) Eligible applicant means a community-based agency or organization, political subdivision, school district, federally recognized or state-recognized Indian tribe, or state agency necessary to comply with the federal act;
(6) Federal act means the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, 42 U.S.C. 5601 et seq., as the act existed on January 1, 2013;
(7) Juvenile means a person who is under eighteen years of age; and
(8) Office of Juvenile Services means the Office of Juvenile Services created in section 43-404.
Source
Laws 1990, LB 663, § 2;
Laws 1992, LB 447, § 6;
Laws 2000, LB 1167, § 41;
Laws 2001, LB 640, § 3;
Laws 2013, LB561, § 45.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2403 - Legislative findings; purposes of act.

43-2403.
Legislative findings; purposes of act.
The Legislature hereby finds that the incarceration of juveniles in adult jails, lockups, and correctional facilities is contrary to the best interests and well-being of juveniles and frequently inconsistent with state and federal law requiring intervention by the least restrictive method. The Legislature further finds that the lack of available alternatives within local communities is a significant factor in the incarceration of juveniles in such adult jails, lockups, and correctional facilities.
To address such lack of available alternatives to the incarceration of juveniles, the Legislature declares it to be the policy of the State of Nebraska to aid in the establishment of programs or services for juveniles under the jurisdiction of the juvenile or criminal justice system and to finance such programs or services with appropriations from the General Fund and with funds acquired by participation in the federal act. The purposes of the Juvenile Services Act shall be to (1) assist in the provision of appropriate preventive, diversionary, and dispositional alternatives for juveniles, (2) encourage coordination of the elements of the juvenile services system, and (3) provide an opportunity for local involvement in developing community programs for juveniles so that the following objectives may be obtained:
(a) Preservation of the family unit whenever the best interests of the juvenile are served and such preservation does not place the juvenile at imminent risk;
(b) Limitation on intervention to those actions which are necessary and the utilization of the least restrictive yet most effective and appropriate resources;
(c) Encouragement of active family participation in whatever treatment is afforded a juvenile whenever the best interests of the juvenile require it;
(d) Treatment in the community rather than commitment to a youth rehabilitation and treatment center whenever the best interests of the juvenile require it; and
(e) Assistance in the development of alternatives to secure temporary custody for juveniles who do not require secure detention.
Source
Laws 1990, LB 663, § 3;
Laws 1992, LB 447, § 7;
Laws 1994, LB 988, § 25;
Laws 1995, LB 739, § 2;
Laws 1997, LB 424, § 1;
Laws 2000, LB 1167, § 42;
Laws 2001, LB 640, § 4.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2404 - Grants; use.

43-2404.
Grants; use.
The coalition shall make award recommendations to the commission, at least annually, in accordance with the Juvenile Services Act and the federal act for grants made under the Commission Grant Program. Such grants shall be used to assist in the implementation and operation of programs or services identified in the applicable comprehensive juvenile services plan, to include: Programs for local planning and service coordination; screening, assessment, and evaluation; diversion; alternatives to detention; family support services; treatment services; reentry services; truancy prevention and intervention programs; and other services documented by data that will positively impact juveniles and families in the juvenile justice system.
Source
Laws 1990, LB 663, § 4;
Laws 1992, LB 447, § 8;
Laws 1997, LB 424, § 2;
Laws 2000, LB 1167, § 43;
Laws 2001, LB 640, § 5;
Laws 2013, LB561, § 46.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2405 - Grants under Commission Grant Program; application; requirements.

43-2405.
Grants under Commission Grant Program; application; requirements.
(1) An eligible applicant may apply to the coalition for a grant under the Commission Grant Program in a manner and form prescribed by the commission for funds made available from the Commission Grant Program or the federal act. The application shall include a comprehensive juvenile services plan. Grants shall be awarded to eligible applicants at least annually within the limits of available funds until programs are available statewide.
(2) Eligible applicants may give consideration to contracting with private nonprofit agencies for the provision of programs.
Source
Laws 1990, LB 663, § 5;
Laws 1992, LB 447, § 9;
Laws 1997, LB 424, § 3;
Laws 2000, LB 1167, § 44;
Laws 2001, LB 640, § 8.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2406 - Grants; criteria.

43-2406.
Grants; criteria.
From amounts appropriated to the commission for the Commission Grant Program or funds available through the federal act, the commission shall award grants on a competitive basis to eligible applicants based upon criteria determined by the commission.
Source
Laws 1990, LB 663, § 6;
Laws 1992, LB 447, § 10;
Laws 1994, LB 988, § 26;
Laws 1997, LB 424, § 4;
Laws 2000, LB 1167, § 45;
Laws 2001, LB 640, § 9.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2408 - Grants; use.

43-2408.
Grants; use.
(1) Grants provided under the Commission Grant Program may be used for developing programs under the Juvenile Services Act.
(2) No grants from the Commission Grant Program shall be used to acquire, develop, build, or improve local correctional facilities.
Source
Laws 1990, LB 663, § 8;
Laws 2000, LB 1167, § 46;
Laws 2001, LB 640, § 10.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2409 - Eligible applicants; performance review; commission; powers; use of grants; limitation.

43-2409.
Eligible applicants; performance review; commission; powers; use of grants; limitation.
(1) The coalition shall review periodically the performance of eligible applicants participating under the Commission Grant Program and the federal act to determine if substantial compliance criteria are being met. The commission shall establish criteria for defining substantial compliance.
(2) Grants received by an eligible applicant under the Commission Grant Program shall not be used to replace or supplant any funds currently being used to support existing programs for juveniles.
(3) Grants received under the Commission Grant Program shall not be used for capital construction or the lease or acquisition of facilities except as provided in subdivision (3)(c) of section 43-2404.02.
Source
Laws 1990, LB 663, § 9;
Laws 1992, LB 447, § 11;
Laws 1997, LB 424, § 6;
Laws 2000, LB 1167, § 47;
Laws 2001, LB 640, § 11;
Laws 2018, LB670, § 12.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2412 - Coalition; powers and duties.

43-2412.
Coalition; powers and duties.
(1) Consistent with the purposes and objectives of the Juvenile Services Act and the federal act, the coalition shall:
(a) Make recommendations to the commission on the awarding of grants under the Commission Grant Program to eligible applicants;
(b) Prepare at least one report annually to the Governor, the Legislature, the Office of Probation Administration, and the Office of Juvenile Services. The report submitted to the Legislature shall be submitted electronically;
(c) Ensure widespread citizen involvement in all phases of its work; and
(d) Meet at least two times each year.
(2) Consistent with the purposes and objectives of the acts and within the limits of available time and appropriations, the coalition may:
(a) Assist and advise state and local agencies in the establishment of volunteer training programs and the utilization of volunteers;
(b) Apply for and receive funds from federal and private sources for carrying out its powers and duties;
(c) Provide technical assistance to eligible applicants;
(d) Identify juvenile justice issues, share information, and monitor and evaluate programs in the juvenile justice system; and
(e) Recommend guidelines and supervision procedures to be used to develop or expand local diversion programs for juveniles from the juvenile justice system.
(3) In formulating, adopting, and promulgating the recommendations and guidelines provided for in this section, the coalition shall consider the differences among counties in population, in geography, and in the availability of local resources.
Source
Laws 1990, LB 663, § 12;
Laws 1992, LB 447, § 12;
Laws 1997, LB 424, § 9;
Laws 2000, LB 1167, § 49;
Laws 2001, LB 640, § 12;
Laws 2012, LB782, § 48;
Laws 2013, LB561, § 50;
Laws 2018, LB670, § 14.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2501 - Act, how cited.

43-2501.
Act, how cited.
Sections 43-2501 to 43-2516 shall be known and may be cited as the Early Intervention Act.
Source
Laws 1991, LB 701, § 1;
Laws 1993, LB 520, § 1.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2502 - Legislative intent.

43-2502.
Legislative intent.
It is the intent of the Legislature to assist in securing early intervention services to infants or toddlers with disabilities and their families in accordance with the federal early intervention program and whenever possible in concert with the family policy objectives prescribed in sections 43-532 and 43-533 and federal and state initiatives. Such services are necessary to:
(1) Enhance the development of infants and toddlers with disabilities;
(2) Reduce the costs to our society by minimizing the need for special services, including special education and related services, after such infants or toddlers reach school age;
(3) Minimize the likelihood of institutionalization of persons with disabilities and maximize their potential for independent living in society;
(4) Enhance the capacity of families to meet the needs of their infants or toddlers with disabilities;
(5) Strengthen, promote, and empower families to determine the most appropriate use of resources to address the unique and changing needs of families and their infants or toddlers with disabilities; and
(6) Enhance the capacity of state and local agencies and service providers to identify, evaluate, and meet the needs of historically underrepresented populations, particularly minority, low-income, and rural populations.
Source
Laws 1991, LB 701, § 2;
Laws 1993, LB 520, § 6;
Laws 2016, LB746, § 22.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2502.01 - General findings and declarations.

43-2502.01.
General findings and declarations.
The Legislature hereby finds and declares that: (1) All families have strengths; (2) families strengthen communities; (3) families are the primary decisionmakers for their children; and (4) all families have needs that change over time and require the support of their communities.
Source
Laws 1993, LB 520, § 2.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2502.02 - Legislative findings.

43-2502.02.
Legislative findings.
The Legislature further finds that: (1) Many state initiatives for improving or reforming the current service delivery systems for children and their families have been identified and are currently underway within Nebraska; (2) there is a need to facilitate coordination and promote communication across these efforts to identify common visions and approaches and to establish linkages across health, social services, family support services, mental health, and education initiatives at the state and community levels; and (3) these initiatives need continued support and nurturing in order to empower communities and families and to provide and promote an integrated service delivery system.
Source
Laws 1993, LB 520, § 3.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2502.03 - Legislative declarations.

43-2502.03.
Legislative declarations.
The Legislature declares that it shall be the policy of the State of Nebraska to promote the development of a statewide system of comprehensive, coordinated, family-centered, community-based, and culturally competent services for children and their families to assure that services help build strong families and provide appropriate environments prenatally and for children from birth through their early years in programs and services which are:
(1) Family-centered, recognizing that parents have the primary responsibility for their children's development and learning and that programs must recognize and support the role of parents through family-friendly criteria in planning their structure, services, staffing, and delivery;
(2) Comprehensive, recognizing that services must include attention to all aspects of the child and family and address needed health and nutrition, education, family support, and social services. Such a service system should allow families to choose the services they need with minimal costs and requirements;
(3) Coordinated, recognizing that collaboration among the state agencies and variety of private and community programs and services is required to assure that comprehensive child and family needs are met and that the most efficient use is made of public resources, community services, and informal support systems of families;
(4) Quality, recognizing that outcomes for children in the early years are strengthened when programs and services display indicators of quality, including developmentally appropriate practices, extensive family involvement, trained staff, and culturally responsive approaches;
(5) Inclusive, recognizing that all children benefit when they have optimum opportunities to interact with peer groups of children with diverse backgrounds and characteristics; and
(6) Equitable, recognizing that program practices strive for potential achievement of all children including children from minority groups, with disabilities, from less advantaged backgrounds, and from less populated geographic areas.
Source
Laws 1993, LB 520, § 4.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2502.04 - Declaration of policy.

43-2502.04.
Declaration of policy.
The Legislature further declares that it shall be the policy of the State of Nebraska, through the implementation of the Early Intervention Act, to promote, facilitate, and support:
(1) Healthy families, enhancing the well-being of each family member as well as that of the family as a unit and encouraging family independence and decisionmaking about the future of their children;
(2) Service systems which are responsive, flexible, integrated, and accessible to children and their families;
(3) Community ownership, recognizing that families live and children grow up in communities, that programs are implemented in communities, and that all families need supportive communities; and
(4) Maximum impact of prevention and early intervention, encouraging and supporting active parent and family partnership in all programs and services.
Source
Laws 1993, LB 520, § 5.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2503 - Purposes of act.

43-2503.
Purposes of act.
The purposes of the Early Intervention Act shall be to:
(1) Develop and implement a statewide system of comprehensive, coordinated, family-centered, community-based, and culturally competent early intervention services for infants or toddlers with disabilities and their families through the collaboration of the Department of Health and Human Services, the State Department of Education, and all other relevant agencies or organizations at the state, regional, and local levels;
(2) Establish and implement a billing system for accessing federal medicaid funds;
(3) Establish and implement services coordination through a community team approach;
(4) Facilitate the coordination of payment for early intervention services from federal, state, local, and private sources including public and private insurance coverage; and
(5) Enhance Nebraska's capacity to provide quality early intervention services and expand and improve existing early intervention services being provided to eligible infants or toddlers with disabilities and their families.
Source
Laws 1991, LB 701, § 3;
Laws 1993, LB 520, § 7;
Laws 1996, LB 1044, § 210;
Laws 2007, LB296, § 139.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2505 - Terms, defined.

43-2505.
Terms, defined.
For purposes of the Early Intervention Act:
(1) Collaborating agencies means the Department of Health and Human Services and the State Department of Education;
(2) Developmental delay has the definition found in section 79-1118.01;
(3) Early intervention services may include services which:
(a) Are designed to meet the developmental needs of each eligible infant or toddler with disabilities and the needs of the family related to enhancing the development of their infant or toddler;
(b) Are selected in collaboration with the parent or guardian;
(c) Are provided in accordance with an individualized family service plan;
(d) Meet all applicable federal and state standards; and
(e) Are provided, to the maximum extent appropriate, in natural environments including the home and community settings in which infants and toddlers without disabilities participate;
(4) Eligible infant or toddler with disabilities means a child who needs early intervention services and is two years of age or younger, except that toddlers who reach age three during the school year shall remain eligible throughout that school year. The need for early intervention services is established when the infant or toddler experiences developmental delays or any of the other disabilities described in the Special Education Act;
(5) Federal early intervention program means the federal early intervention program for infants and toddlers with disabilities, 20 U.S.C. 1471 to 1485;
(6) Individualized family service plan means the process, periodically documented in writing, of determining appropriate early intervention services for an eligible infant or toddler with disabilities and his or her family;
(7) Interagency planning team means an organized group of interdisciplinary, interagency representatives, community leaders, and family members in each local community or region;
(8) Lead agency or agencies means the Department of Health and Human Services, the State Department of Education, and any other agencies designated by the Governor for general administration, supervision, and monitoring of programs and activities receiving federal funds under the federal early intervention program and state funds appropriated for early intervention services under the Early Intervention Act; and
(9) Services coordination means a flexible process of interaction facilitated by a services coordinator to assist the family of an eligible infant or toddler with disabilities within a community to identify and meet their needs pursuant to the act. Services coordination under the act shall not duplicate any case management services which an eligible infant or toddler with disabilities and his or her family are already receiving or eligible to receive from other sources.
Source
Laws 1991, LB 701, § 4;
Laws 1993, LB 520, § 8;
Laws 1996, LB 900, § 1048;
Laws 1996, LB 1044, § 211;
Laws 1997, LB 346, § 1;
Laws 1999, LB 813, § 2;
Laws 2000, LB 1135, § 9;
Laws 2006, LB 994, § 56;
Laws 2007, LB296, § 140.
Cross References
Special Education Act, see section 79-1110.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2507.01 - Eligible infants and toddlers with disabilities; entitlements.

43-2507.01.
Eligible infants and toddlers with disabilities; entitlements.
(1) Infants or toddlers who are referred because of possible disabilities shall be entitled, at no cost to their families, to early identification of eligible infants or toddlers, evaluation and assessment in order to determine eligibility under the Special Education Act, and procedural safeguards.
(2) By June 1, 1995, eligible infants or toddlers with disabilities shall also be entitled, at no cost to their families, to services coordination and development of the individualized family service plan.
(3) For other early intervention services not mandated under the Special Education Act and not paid through any other source, including, but not limited to, insurance, medicaid, or other third-party payor, payment for such services shall be the responsibility of the parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the eligible infant or toddler.
(4) Except for services coordination, the Early Intervention Act shall not be construed to create new early intervention or family services or establish an entitlement to such new services.
Source
Laws 1993, LB 520, § 11.
Cross References
Special Education Act, see section 79-1110.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2507.02 - State Department of Education; duties.

43-2507.02.
State Department of Education; duties.
The State Department of Education shall maintain its responsibility under the Special Education Act regarding special education and related services and may adopt and promulgate rules and regulations pursuant to section 43-2516 that meet the requirements of subchapter III of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. 1431 to 1445, as such act and sections existed on January 1, 2013, and the regulations adopted thereunder. The department shall provide grants for the costs of such programs to the school district of residence as provided in section 79-1132.
Source
Laws 1993, LB 520, § 12;
Laws 1996, LB 900, § 1049;
Laws 2013, LB410, § 1.
Cross References
Special Education Act, see section 79-1110.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2508 - Department of Health and Human Services; duties.

43-2508.
Department of Health and Human Services; duties.
(1) The Department of Health and Human Services shall be responsible for providing or contracting for services.
(2) Whenever possible, the medical assistance program prescribed in the Medical Assistance Act shall be used for payment of services coordination.
(3) It is the intent of this section that the department shall apply for and implement a Title XIX medicaid waiver as a way to assist in the provision of services coordination to eligible infants or toddlers with disabilities and their families.
Source
Laws 1991, LB 701, § 7;
Laws 1993, LB 520, § 13;
Laws 1996, LB 1044, § 213;
Laws 2006, LB 994, § 58;
Laws 2006, LB 1248, § 55;
Laws 2007, LB296, § 142.
Cross References
Medical Assistance Act, see section 68-901.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2509 - Department of Health and Human Services; duties.

43-2509.
Department of Health and Human Services; duties.
The Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for incorporating components required under the federal early intervention program into the state plans developed for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, the maternal and child health program, and the developmental disabilities program. The department shall provide technical assistance, planning, and coordination related to the incorporation of such components.
Source
Laws 1991, LB 701, § 8;
Laws 1993, LB 520, § 14;
Laws 1996, LB 1044, § 214;
Laws 2006, LB 994, § 59;
Laws 2007, LB296, § 143.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2510 - Department of Health and Human Services; duties.

43-2510.
Department of Health and Human Services; duties.
The Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for incorporating components required under the federal early intervention program into the mental health and developmental disabilities planning responsibilities of the department. The department shall provide technical assistance, planning, and coordination related to the incorporation of such components.
Source
Laws 1991, LB 701, § 9;
Laws 1993, LB 520, § 15;
Laws 1996, LB 1044, § 215;
Laws 2006, LB 994, § 60;
Laws 2007, LB296, § 144.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2511 - Statewide billing system; establishment; participation required; implementation and administrative costs; how treated.

43-2511.
Statewide billing system; establishment; participation required; implementation and administrative costs; how treated.
There is hereby established a statewide billing system for accessing federal medicaid funds for special education and related services provided by school districts. The system shall apply to all students verified with disabilities from date of diagnosis to twenty-one years of age as allowed under the federal Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act of 1988. The system shall be developed, implemented, and administered jointly by the Department of Health and Human Services and the State Department of Education. On or before October 1, 2015, the Department of Health and Human Services and the State Department of Education shall jointly revise the statewide billing system to streamline and simplify the claims process, to update reimbursement rates, and to incorporate services included in the state plan amendment submitted pursuant to subsection (4) of section 68-911. After the reimbursement rates have been updated pursuant to this section, such rates shall be reviewed at least once every five years. School districts, educational service units, or approved cooperatives providing special education and related services shall be required to participate in the statewide billing system. Eleven and fifty-four hundredths percent of federal medicaid funds received by school districts pursuant to such billing system shall be considered reimbursement for the costs to school districts associated with the implementation and administration of such a system, and such costs shall be included in the medicaid reimbursement rates to be established for each service. From the amount provided pursuant to section 43-2515 to aid in carrying out the Early Intervention Act, the Department of Health and Human Services shall retain, for the purposes of implementing and administering the statewide billing system and early intervention services coordination services, an amount equal to the lesser of the actual cost of implementing and administering the statewide billing system and early intervention services coordination services or (1) for fiscal year 2014-15, two hundred forty-two thousand dollars, (2) for fiscal year 2015-16, three hundred thousand dollars, or (3) for fiscal year 2016-17 and each fiscal year thereafter, the amount retained for such purposes for the prior year increased by five percent.
Source
Laws 1991, LB 701, § 10;
Laws 1993, LB 520, § 16;
Laws 1996, LB 1044, § 216;
Laws 2007, LB296, § 145;
Laws 2014, LB276, § 1.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2511.01 - Statewide services coordination system; development; implementation.

43-2511.01.
Statewide services coordination system; development; implementation.
The lead agencies shall develop and implement a statewide services coordination system for eligible infants or toddlers with disabilities and their families pursuant to the Early Intervention Act. The amount and duration of services coordination shall be based on need, as specified on the individualized family service plan. Services coordination under the act shall not duplicate any case management services which an eligible infant or toddler with disabilities and his or her family are already receiving or eligible to receive from whatever source.
Source
Laws 1993, LB 520, § 17.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2512 - Interagency planning team; members; duties; Department of Health and Human Services; provide services coordination.

43-2512.
Interagency planning team; members; duties; Department of Health and Human Services; provide services coordination.
Each region established pursuant to section 79-1135 shall establish an interagency planning team, which planning team shall include representatives from school districts, social services, health and medical services, parents, and mental health, developmental disabilities, Head Start, and other relevant agencies or persons serving children from birth to age five and their families and parents or guardians. Each interagency planning team shall be responsible for assisting in the planning and implementation of the Early Intervention Act in each local community or region. The Department of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with each regional interagency planning team, shall provide or contract for services coordination.
Source
Laws 1991, LB 701, § 11;
Laws 1993, LB 520, § 18;
Laws 1996, LB 900, § 1050;
Laws 1996, LB 1044, § 217;
Laws 2006, LB 994, § 61;
Laws 2007, LB296, § 146.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2513 - Special grant funds; designation.

43-2513.
Special grant funds; designation.
For purposes of the general fund budget of expenditures as defined in section 79-1003, funds received to carry out the services coordination functions or designated as reimbursement for costs associated with the implementation and administration of the billing system pursuant to section 43-2511 shall be considered special grant funds.
Source
Laws 1991, LB 701, § 12;
Laws 1993, LB 520, § 19;
Laws 1994, LB 1290, § 1;
Laws 1995, LB 840, § 1;
Laws 1996, LB 900, § 1051;
Laws 2014, LB276, § 2.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2515 - Federal medicaid funds; certification; appropriations; legislative intent.

43-2515.
Federal medicaid funds; certification; appropriations; legislative intent.
For years 1993 through 2015, on or before October 1, the Department of Health and Human Services and the State Department of Education shall jointly certify to the budget administrator of the budget division of the Department of Administrative Services the amount of federal medicaid funds paid to school districts pursuant to the Early Intervention Act for special education services for children five years of age and older for the immediately preceding fiscal year. The General Fund appropriation to the State Department of Education for state special education aid for the then-current fiscal year shall be decreased by an amount equal to the amount that would have been reimbursed with state general funds to the school districts through the special education reimbursement process for special education services for children five years of age and older that was paid to school districts or approved cooperatives with federal medicaid funds.
For fiscal years through fiscal year 2015-16, it is the intent of the Legislature that an amount equal to the amount that would have been reimbursed with state general funds to the school districts, certified to the budget administrator, be appropriated from the General Fund to aid in carrying out the provisions of the Early Intervention Act and other related early intervention services.
For 2015 and each year thereafter, on or before December 1, the Department of Health and Human Services and the State Department of Education shall jointly certify to the budget administrator of the budget division of the Department of Administrative Services the aggregate amount to be included in the local system formula resources pursuant to subdivision (15) of section 79-1018.01 for all local systems for aid to be calculated pursuant to the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act for the next school fiscal year.
For fiscal year 2016-17 and each fiscal year thereafter, it is the intent of the Legislature that, in addition to other state and federal funds used to carry out the Early Intervention Act, funds equal to the lesser of the amount certified to the budget administrator or the amount appropriated or transferred for such purposes pursuant to this section for the immediately preceding fiscal year increased by five percent be appropriated from the General Fund to aid in carrying out the provisions of the Early Intervention Act and other related early intervention services.
Source
Laws 1993, LB 520, § 20;
Laws 1996, LB 1044, § 218;
Laws 1998, Spec. Sess., LB 1, § 4;
Laws 2007, LB296, § 147;
Laws 2014, LB276, § 3;
Laws 2016, LB1067, § 6.
Cross References
Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act, see section 79-1001.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2601 - Act, how cited.

43-2601.
Act, how cited.
Sections 43-2601 to 43-2625 shall be known and may be cited as the Quality Child Care Act.
Source
Laws 1991, LB 836, § 1;
Laws 1995, LB 401, § 2.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2602 - Legislative intent.

43-2602.
Legislative intent.
It is the intent of the Legislature to promote the growth and development of a comprehensive child care system which meets the needs of families in Nebraska by encouraging high-quality, affordable, and accessible child care services that are educationally and developmentally appropriate. The Legislature finds that existing child care resources are inadequate to meet the need for services and that high-quality services can substantially increase the well-being of children and families.
Source
Laws 1991, LB 836, § 2.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2603 - Legislative declarations.

43-2603.
Legislative declarations.
The Legislature declares that it shall be the policy of the State of Nebraska to:
(1) Recognize the family as the most important social and economic unit of society and support the central role parents play in raising children. All parents are encouraged to care for and nurture their children through the traditional methods of parental care at home. However, to the extent early childhood care and education and school-age-care programs are used, parents are encouraged to participate fully in the effort to improve the quality of such programs;
(2) Promote a variety of culturally and developmentally appropriate child care programs of high quality;
(3) Promote the growth, development, and safety of children by working with community groups and agencies, including providers and parents, to establish standards for high-quality programs, training of providers, fair and equitable monitoring, and salary levels commensurate with provider responsibilities and support services;
(4) Promote equal access to high-quality, affordable, and socioeconomically integrated programs for all children and families; and
(5) Facilitate broad community and private sector involvement in the provision of high-quality programs to foster economic development and assist business.
The Legislature supports the full integration of children with special needs into the same child care environments serving children with no identified handicapping conditions.
The Legislature also finds that family child care homes should be the primary focus in upgrading child care programs in Nebraska at this time. There is a need for a larger, more visible, and better trained supply of family child care homes.
Source
Laws 1991, LB 836, § 3;
Laws 1995, LB 401, § 3.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2604 - Legislative findings and priorities.

43-2604.
Legislative findings and priorities.
The Legislature finds that since the majority of children of prekindergarten age will continue to be served in private child care settings and programs, an investment of public resources in upgrading the training levels of staff will be an investment in all the children of the state. Coordination of existing training opportunities offered by agencies would greatly enhance the ability of providers in local communities to gain access to relevant training and would also enhance efforts to provide training which is sensitive to local needs. The Legislature also finds that training which brings together staff from various programs can provide a setting in which to initiate and promote collaborative efforts at the local level.
The Legislature finds that the highest priority need for training is for family child care home providers.
The Legislature further finds that the funding provided by the federal Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 will provide significant new funding to improve child care and early childhood education and school-age care in Nebraska.
Source
Laws 1991, LB 836, § 4;
Laws 1995, LB 401, § 4.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2605 - Terms, defined.

43-2605.
Terms, defined.
For purposes of the Quality Child Care Act:
(1) Child care shall mean the care and supervision of children in lieu of parental care and supervision and shall include programs; and
(2) Programs shall mean the programs listed in subdivision (2) of section 71-1910.
Source
Laws 1991, LB 836, § 5;
Laws 1995, LB 401, § 5;
Laws 2007, LB296, § 148.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2606 - Providers of child care and school-age-care programs; training requirements; use of Nebraska Early Childhood Professional Record System.

43-2606.
Providers of child care and school-age-care programs; training requirements; use of Nebraska Early Childhood Professional Record System.
(1) The Department of Health and Human Services shall adopt and promulgate rules and regulations for mandatory training requirements for providers of child care and school-age-care programs. Such requirements shall include preservice orientation and at least four hours of annual inservice training. All child care programs required to be licensed under section 71-1911 shall show completion of a preservice orientation approved or delivered by the department prior to receiving a provisional license.
(2) Beginning January 1, 2020, for programs that report to the Nebraska Early Childhood Professional Record System created under section 71-1962, the department shall use the Nebraska Early Childhood Professional Record System to (a) document the training levels of staff in specific child care settings to assist parents in selecting optimal care settings and (b) verify minimum training requirements of employees of such programs.
(3) The training requirements shall be designed to meet the health, safety, and developmental needs of children and shall be tailored to the needs of licensed providers of child care programs. Preservice orientation and the training requirements for providers of child care programs shall include, but not be limited to, information on sudden unexpected infant death syndrome, abusive head trauma in infants and children, crying plans, and child abuse.
(4) The department shall provide or arrange for training opportunities throughout the state and shall provide information regarding training opportunities to all providers of child care programs at the time of registration or licensure, when renewing a registration, or on a yearly basis following licensure.
(5) Each provider of child care and school-age-care programs receiving orientation or training shall provide his or her social security number to the department.
(6) The department shall review and provide recommendations to the Governor for updating rules and regulations adopted and promulgated under this section at least every five years.
Source
Laws 1991, LB 836, § 6;
Laws 1995, LB 401, § 6;
Laws 1996, LB 1044, § 219;
Laws 1997, LB 307, § 89;
Laws 1997, LB 310, § 2;
Laws 1997, LB 752, § 106;
Laws 1999, LB 594, § 22;
Laws 1999, LB 828, § 4;
Laws 2006, LB 994, § 62;
Laws 2007, LB296, § 149;
Laws 2018, LB717, § 1;
Laws 2019, LB60, § 1;
Laws 2019, LB590, § 1.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2607 - Early Childhood Program Training Fund; created; use; investment; contracts authorized.

43-2607.
Early Childhood Program Training Fund; created; use; investment; contracts authorized.
There is hereby created the Early Childhood Program Training Fund. The fund shall be administered by the State Department of Education and shall be used to enhance, provide, and coordinate training for providers of programs. Emphasis shall be placed on the coordination of and dissemination of information about existing training opportunities. Such training may include:
(1) Programs targeted to parents needing or using child care to assist them in selecting optimum child care settings;
(2) Specialized training regarding the care of children with special needs; and
(3) Programs concerning health, safety, or developmental needs of children.
The department may contract with any public or private entity to provide such training. Any money in the fund available for investment shall be invested by the state investment officer pursuant to the Nebraska Capital Expansion Act and the Nebraska State Funds Investment Act.
Source
Laws 1991, LB 836, § 7;
Laws 1994, LB 1066, § 28;
Laws 1995, LB 401, § 7.
Cross References
Nebraska Capital Expansion Act, see section 72-1269.
Nebraska State Funds Investment Act, see section 72-1260.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2608 - Toll-free hotline for providers; established.

43-2608.
Toll-free hotline for providers; established.
The Department of Health and Human Services shall establish a statewide toll-free hotline to provide immediate responses to the needs of providers of programs. Such hotline may be operated by the department, or the department may contract with a state agency or with any other public or private entity capable of providing such service to operate the hotline.
Source
Laws 1991, LB 836, § 8;
Laws 1995, LB 401, § 8;
Laws 1996, LB 1044, § 220;
Laws 1997, LB 307, § 90.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2609 - Family child care homes; voluntary registration; department; powers and duties; payments; restricted.

43-2609.
Family child care homes; voluntary registration; department; powers and duties; payments; restricted.
(1) The Legislature finds that a system of voluntary registration would provide a mechanism for participation in the food programs offered by the United States Department of Agriculture, for eligibility to receive funds under the federal Child Care Subsidy program, for support and assistance to unlicensed family child care home providers, and for voluntary participation in training.
(2) The Department of Health and Human Services shall institute a system of voluntary registration for family child care homes not required to be licensed under section 71-1911. The department shall promulgate standards for such voluntary registration. The application for registration shall include the applicant's social security number. The department shall not make payments for child care, from any state or federal funds, to any family child care home provider not voluntarily registered under this section.
(3) The department shall issue a certificate of registration to any family child care home provider registered pursuant to this section.
(4) For purposes of implementing voluntary registration, the department may contract with family child care home associations or full-service community-based agencies to carry out such voluntary registration procedures for the department.
Source
Laws 1991, LB 836, § 9;
Laws 1995, LB 401, § 9;
Laws 1996, LB 1044, § 221;
Laws 1997, LB 307, § 91;
Laws 1997, LB 752, § 107.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2616 - Family child care home; location.

43-2616.
Family child care home; location.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including section 71-1914, family child care homes licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to section 71-1911 or by a city, village, or county pursuant to subsection (2) of section 71-1914 may be established and operated in any residential zone within the exercised zoning jurisdiction of any city or village.
Source
Laws 1991, LB 836, § 16;
Laws 1995, LB 401, § 16;
Laws 1996, LB 1044, § 227;
Laws 1997, LB 307, § 97;
Laws 1999, LB 594, § 25;
Laws 2007, LB296, § 150.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2617 - Program provider; communicable disease; notice to parents.

43-2617.
Program provider; communicable disease; notice to parents.
A provider of a program shall notify the parents of enrolled children of the outbreak of any communicable disease in any child in the program on the same day the provider is informed of or observes the outbreak. The Department of Health and Human Services shall develop appropriate procedures to carry out this section.
Source
Laws 1991, LB 836, § 17;
Laws 1995, LB 401, § 17;
Laws 1996, LB 1044, § 228;
Laws 1997, LB 307, § 98;
Laws 2007, LB296, § 151.
2023 Nebraska Revised Statutes › Chapter 43 - Infants and Juveniles › 43-2618 - Family child care homes; inspections.

43-2618.
Family child care homes; inspections.
All family child care homes which are registered pursuant to section 43-2609 shall be inspected within sixty days of registration. All family child care homes registered under section 43-2609 shall be inspected at least every two years after the initial inspection. It is the intent of the Legislature that registered family child care homes be inspected annually if sufficient funds are made available under the federal Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 for such purposes.
Source
Laws 1991, LB 836, § 18;
Laws 1995, LB 401, § 18;
Laws 1997, LB 310, § 3;
Laws 2014, LB1050, § 1.