Reauthorization recommended for investigative committees

The Executive Board heard testimony Feb. 6 on resolutions that would continue the work of three special investigative committees. The resolutions were introduced by Omaha Sen. Bob Krist, chairperson of the Executive Board.

LR32 would provide for continuation of the Developmental Disabilities Special Investigative Committee. The committee has been providing ongoing oversight of the placement and care of the developmentally disabled in Nebraska since 2008.

Krist said continuation of the committee is needed to ensure compliance with the terms of a U.S. Department of Justice consent decree regarding care at the Beatrice State Developmental Center and to implement recommendations from the committee’s most recent report.

“The special committee would continue its work until the start of 2017,” he said.

Michael Chittenden of the Arc of Nebraska testified in support of the resolution, saying the Legislature needs to make sure that taxpayer dollars are being well spent in caring for one of the state’s most vulnerable populations.

“We would like to see the special investigative committee continue to ensure accountability and transparency,” Chittenden said.

LR33 would provide for continuation of the ACCESSNebraska Special Investigative Committee. ACCESSNebraska is an online and call center system developed and implemented by the state Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to determine public benefit eligibility and deliver benefits to clients.

The committee originally was established in 2014 to investigate an array of problems including long wait times for callers, high worker turnover and lost paperwork. The resolution would authorize continuation of the committee’s oversight of the ACCESSNebraska system.

Katie Pitts of Nebraska Appleseed testified in support of the measure, saying the system continues to need improvement with management and technology issues.

“Since its inception, ACCESSNebraska has had serious problems,” Pitts said.

Finally, LR34 would provide for continuation of the Department of Correctional Services Special Investigative Committee. The committee was established in 2014 and was authorized to study the administration of good time laws, policies relating to inmate segregation and the availability of rehabilitative and mental health programs.

In its report to the Legislature, Krist said the committee identified additional problems within the state Department of Correctional Services. Continuation of the committee would allow for further study and oversight of the department, he said, including whether an office of inspector general for the correctional system is warranted.

Brad Meurrens of Disability Rights Nebraska supported the measure. Meurrens said the organization has particular concerns about the impact of segregation on inmates with mental health issues and the availability of transition services for mentally ill inmates returning to their communities.

“The vast majority of persons incarcerated in U.S. prisons and jails will eventually be released,” he said.

No opposition testimony was given and the committee took no immediate action on the resolutions.