The proposed bill seeks to improve Nebraska's mental health system by establishing the Regional Mental Health Expansion Pilot Program Act, which aims to address the shortage of mental health care professionals and the accessibility of care. It provides funding to county law enforcement agencies to expand mental health beds and enhance inter-agency cooperation. Key provisions include the authorization of videoconferencing for hearings and mental health evaluations, as well as the modification of existing laws to allow for the detention of individuals in jails equipped with mental health beds under the pilot program. The bill emphasizes that the initiative is not intended to criminalize mental health issues but to expand services for individuals in temporary custody.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws related to the treatment of dangerous sex offenders, establishing a structured hearing process for determining an individual's status as a dangerous sex offender. It allows the county attorney to dismiss petitions before hearings and mandates that the mental health board ensures subjects understand their rights and allegations. The bill also outlines procedures for handling individuals absent without authorization from treatment facilities, requiring immediate notification to law enforcement and the issuance of arrest warrants. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the legal framework for mental health commitments and the treatment of individuals with mental health issues or dangerous behaviors while safeguarding their rights during legal proceedings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 71-901, 71-903, 71-904, 71-915, 71-919, 71-920, 71-922, 71-924, 71-926, 71-939, 71-941, 71-951, 71-952, 71-954, 71-958, 71-1203, 71-1204, 71-1206, 71-1208, 71-1223