This bill amends section 83-107.01 of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, specifically regarding the operation and designation of youth rehabilitation and treatment centers under the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill removes the Hastings Regional Center from the list of state institutions and retains only the Beatrice State Developmental Center, Lincoln Regional Center, and Norfolk Regional Center, while also specifying that the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center-Kearney will serve as a single-sex treatment center for either boys or girls, but not both simultaneously. The Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center-Geneva will continue to be designated for the treatment of girls only.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for ensuring safe and appropriate gender separation in any facility operated as a youth rehabilitation and treatment center. In emergencies, the department may utilize the Kearney and Geneva centers or other compliant facilities for the treatment of both genders for up to seven days, while still ensuring gender separation. The bill clarifies that emergencies do not include inadequate staffing and emphasizes the importance of timely treatment for juveniles under the jurisdiction of a juvenile court. The original section 83-107.01 is repealed as part of this legislative update.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 83-107.01