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ONE HUNDRED NINTH LEGISLATURE
SECOND SESSION
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION 381
Introduced by Fredrickson, 20.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this resolution is to propose an interim study to
examine the feasibility, effectiveness, and safeguards associated with
implementing universal youth mental health screenings in public schools.
Students continue to experience rising rates of anxiety, depression, and
behavioral health challenges, and early identification may improve access to
timely intervention and support. Implementation of screenings must address
workforce capacity, parental consent, student privacy, referral systems, and
equitable access to follow-up services.
Universal youth mental health screenings may offer opportunities to
identify concerns before they escalate into crisis situations, improve academic
engagement, and reduce disciplinary involvement. Ensuring that any screening
framework is evidence-based, transparent, and appropriately resourced is
critical to protecting students and maximizing positive outcomes.
This study shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1) Assessment of the current landscape of youth mental health supports
within Nebraska schools, including the availability of counselors, school
psychologists, social workers, and partnerships with community behavioral
health providers;
(2) Evaluation of evidence-based mental health screening models, including
universal and targeted approaches, and their documented outcomes in comparable
states;
(3) Analysis of workforce capacity across urban and rural school
districts, including staffing ratios, training needs, and shortages that may
impact implementation;
(4) Examination of parental consent procedures, student assent practices,
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and compliance with state and federal student privacy laws, including
protections under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act;
(5) Review of referral pathways and follow-up services to determine
whether adequate community-based treatment capacity exists to support students
who screen positive for mental health needs;
(6) Evaluation of potential disparities in access, outcomes, and
discipline-related consequences to ensure equitable implementation across race,
disability status, and geographic region;
(7) Estimation of fiscal impacts, including costs associated with
screening tools, training, staffing, data systems, and potential funding
sources such as Medicaid reimbursement or state grant programs; and
(8) Identification of best practices, implementation safeguards, and
policy options, including pilot programs or voluntary statewide guidelines.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE ONE HUNDRED NINTH
LEGISLATURE OF NEBRASKA, SECOND SESSION:
1. That the Health and Human Services Committee of the Legislature shall
be designated to conduct an interim study to carry out the purposes of this
resolution.
2. That the committee shall upon the conclusion of its study make a report
of its findings, together with its recommendations, to the Legislative Council
or Legislature.
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