Three investigative committees reauthorized

Senators passed three resolutions Feb. 27 that continue the work of three special investigative committees. The resolutions were introduced by Omaha Sen. Bob Krist, chairperson of the Executive Board.

LR32 provides 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 oversight of the special investigative committee needs to continue because the decree has not been lifted,” he said.

Senators adopted the resolution on a 38-0 vote.

LR33 provides 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 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 will authorize continuation of the committee’s oversight of the ACCESSNebraska system.

The resolution was adopted on a 33-0 vote.

Finally, LR34 provides for the 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 will allow for further study and oversight of the department, he said, including whether an office of inspector general for the correctional system is warranted.

Senators adopted the resolution on a 35-0 vote.