DHHS fee increases advanced

Senators advanced a bill March 25 that would increase the fees that the state Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) may charge to issue certified copies or abstracts of marriage and for searches of death certificates.

Under LB994, introduced by the Health and Human Services Committee, the fee to issue a certified copy or abstract of marriage would increase from $11 to $16. The current cap of $2 on the fee for a search of death certificates would increase to $3.

Lincoln Sen. Kathy Campbell, chairperson of the committee, said fees have not been increased in many years and currently do not cover the cost of services.

“Historically, vital records has been funded solely by fees,” she said.

DHHS submitted a $600,000 request during the last budget cycle to cover the shortfall, Campbell said, adding that the $5 increase for a marriage certificate was expected to generate $690,000 in revenue.

The bill advanced to select file on a 25-0 vote.