Legislative Watchlist

First Five Nebraska serves as a trusted resource for policymakers and constituents, providing clear insights that inform practical solutions for early childhood policy. By translating research and community input into actionable strategies, we help shape legislative and administrative decisions that are both results-oriented and responsive to the needs of young children and their families.

We also monitor a broad array of legislative issues that have both direct and indirect impacts on the well-being and healthy development of our youngest Nebraskans. Bills from the 2025 legislative session related to early childhood issues are detailed below on First Five Nebraska’s Legislative Watchlist. The second session of the 109th Nebraska Legislature will begin in January 2026.

Featured
Increase access to prenatal screenings

LB41 updates Nebraska’s existing statute for prenatal screens for syphilis from one screening in the first trimester, to the best practice of two additional screenings (at the third trimester and at delivery) to address Nebraska’s 1,100% increase in rates of congenital syphilis, or babies being born with syphilis.

LB13 | Require Department of Health and Human Services to file a state plan amendment relating to child care

LB13 adjusts the reimbursement for services provided by the Child Care Subsidy program to pay providers based on enrollment instead of attendance.

LB22 | Allow Medicaid billing for evidence-based nurse home visiting services

LB22 calls on Nebraska DHHS to submit a state plan amendment to CMS for targeted case management for evidence-based nurse home visiting for new mothers. This would allow programs like Lincoln’s Family Connects program to bill Medicaid and offer 3-4 visits with a nurse in the home at discharge from labor and delivery.