Nebraska LR381: Interim study to examine the feasibility, effectiveness, and safeguards associated with implementing universal youth mental health screenings in public schools

What the bill says

From the introduced text:

LR381 LR381 2026 2026 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 …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• John Fredrickson (NP, 20) · primary sponsor

Latest actions

1. March 30, 2026: Referred to Health and Human Services Committee
2. March 20, 2026: Referred to Executive Board
3. March 20, 2026: Date of introduction

Common questions

What is LR381?

LR381 is a bill in the Nebraska Legislature (109th Legislature): Interim study to examine the feasibility, effectiveness, and safeguards associated with implementing universal youth mental health screenings in public schools.

What is the status of LR381?

In committee as of March 30, 2026. Latest action: Referred to Health and Human Services Committee (March 30, 2026).

Who sponsored LR381?

John Fredrickson (NP, 20).

Where is the official record for LR381?

On the Nebraska Legislature website: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=65150