This bill amends various sections of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, primarily targeting the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Key provisions include the establishment of new rules for special needs trusts that align with federal standards, modifications to fingerprinting requirements under the Uniform Credentialing Act, and updates to the responsibilities of the Title IV-D Customer Service Unit. The bill also allows child care grants to exceed appropriations if federal funds are available, revises eligibility criteria for the bridge to independence program for young adults, and eliminates outdated provisions regarding spousal assets under the Medical Assistance Act. Significant deletions include the removal of specific asset designation provisions for medical support and the repeal of obsolete sections related to health and human services.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the recovery of medical assistance debts owed to DHHS after the death of recipients, particularly for those aged fifty-five or older or institutionalized. It establishes that such debts can only be recovered under certain conditions, including the absence of surviving children under twenty-one or disabled. The bill also modifies the definition of a recipient's estate and allows the department to waive or compromise claims if enforcing them is not in the state's best interest. Furthermore, it outlines the responsibilities of various divisions within DHHS and repeals multiple outdated statutes, aiming to streamline processes and modernize the legal framework governing health and human services in Nebraska.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 28-705, 28-706, 38-131, 43-2624, 43-3342.04, 43-4504, 68-150, 68-716, 68-916, 68-919, 68-1006, 68-1007, 68-1509, 71-2226, 71-7450, 81-3116