Nebraska legislature addresses safety concerns

Two new bills regarding safety concerns have been introduced to Nebraska’s legislature.

LB 929, introduced by State Senator John Fredrickson of Omaha, involves the 911 service system, for emergency dispatch, and 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, for mental health crisis response. The legislation would allow operators to transfer calls between the two systems. They are currently administered by different government offices: the Nebraska Public Service Commission and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The bill would require coordination between the two offices.

Supporters of the bill argue that the 911 system receives many calls for mental health crises, which are more suitable for the 988 lifeline. Frederickson stated that the change could help alleviate stress on law enforcement officers who otherwise would have responded to these crises. 911 already directs individuals to services like 988, but this requires the individual to hang up and call the new number. Under this bill, callers would be immediately connected with the service.

During his testimony, Matthew Har well, the public safety dispatch supervisor at the Lincoln Emergency Communications Center, stated that 911 dispatchers are not equipped to help callers experiencing a mental health crisis, so collaborating with the 988 line can connect them to the appropriate services.

The Public Service Commision supports the coordination between the systems, though technical challenges will have to be overcome. Currently, automatic direct transfer of callers is not possible due to current differences between the systems. The bill aims for operational dual capacity by Jan. 1, 2025.

Another public safety bill, LB 1033, has been introduced by Senator Loren Lippincott. The new legislation would change texting while driving from a secondary to primary offense. As a secondary offense, a motorist can be fined only if they are stopped for another traffic violation.

The Legislature’s Transportation and Telecommunications Committee heard testimonies for the bill on Jan 23. Supporters, including a Douglas County Sheriff lieutenant and highway safety advocates, argued that similar legislation has successfully changed driver behavior.

By Aubrey Benton