This bill amends section 81-1403 of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska to enhance the collaboration between law enforcement and Adult Protective Services (APS) social workers in responding to incidents involving individuals with mental health concerns. It introduces definitions for key terms such as "APS social worker," "crisis intervention," and "trauma-informed care," and mandates that APS social workers accompany law enforcement officers during such calls, provided it is safe to do so. The bill outlines the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies, including the requirement to screen calls for mental health issues and to flag them as "Mental Health Priority." It also establishes a framework for the Department of Health and Human Services to approve social workers as APS social workers and to ensure they receive ongoing training.

Additionally, the bill imposes sanctions on law enforcement agencies that fail to comply with the new requirements, including ineligibility for grants or funds administered by the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. It also adds a new provision to the disciplinary actions that can be taken against law enforcement officers for willful failure to comply with the act. The original section 81-1403 is repealed, and the bill emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed care and de-escalation techniques in interactions with individuals experiencing mental health crises.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 81-1403