This legislative bill seeks to amend various sections of the Nebraska Revised Statutes, primarily focusing on the repeal of the Nebraska Potato Development Act and associated provisions, including the Nebraska Potato Development Committee, the Nebraska Potato Development Fund, and the Division of Potato Development in the Department of Agriculture. The bill also proposes changes to several boards and committees, such as the Climate Assessment Response Committee and the Nebraska Aquaculture Board, while harmonizing existing laws and eliminating obsolete provisions. Notably, it redefines terms related to potato inspection and grading services and updates the composition and naming of boards, particularly in mental health and substance abuse counseling, transitioning the Board of Alcohol and Drug Counseling to the Board of Mental Health Practice effective July 1, 2026.

Additionally, the bill introduces significant changes to the structure and responsibilities of various state committees, particularly those related to child welfare and mental health services. It dissolves the Foster Care Reimbursement Rate Committee and the Bridge to Independence Advisory Committee, transferring their duties to the Nebraska Children's Commission, which will now oversee these functions. The bill mandates the Division of Children and Family Services to implement additional statewide tiers of foster care reimbursements and emphasizes the need for consistency in caregiving. Furthermore, it establishes a State Advisory Committee on Mental Health Services and modifies provisions regarding drinking water standards and the management of state-owned properties. Overall, the bill aims to streamline state operations, enhance governance, and ensure that the interests of Nebraska's communities are prioritized.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2-1814, 2-1816, 38-167, 38-204, 38-308, 38-315, 38-317, 38-605, 38-703, 38-904, 38-2120, 38-2213, 38-2214, 38-2216, 38-2306, 39-2106, 39-2108, 39-2301.01, 39-2310, 43-4203, 43-4215, 43-4217, 43-4513, 49-1499.02, 71-814, 71-5310, 71-7010, 71-7013, 71-7107, 71-7108, 71-7109, 71-7110, 72-811, 72-813, 72-814, 72-815, 72-816, 72-818, 81-1108.41, 81-1117, 81-1120.17, 81-1430, 81-1431, 85-1002, 85-1005, 85-1643, 86-515, 86-516, 86-522, 86-523, 86-572, 90-203