LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – Gov. Dave Heineman has signed five Nebraska child welfare bills into law, calling the measures an important step forward in the state’s effort to improve services.
The governor signed three measures Wednesday that would increase payments for foster care providers, create a state children’s commission, and establish a plan for a web-based child welfare information system.
He signed two other measures last week that would lower caseloads for child service providers and require the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a plan to better serve children.
Heineman praised Speaker of the Legislature Mike Flood and Lincoln Sen. Kathy Campbell for their work with the Department of Health and Human Services. Campbell heads the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee.