Sen. Terrell McKinney’s LB 855 proposes trauma-informed early support teams in schools

Sen. Terrell McKinney introduced LB 855, the Youth Early Intervention and Support Act, saying the bill aims to identify students showing early warning signs—chronic absenteeism, slipping grades and behavioral changes—and connect them to services through youth support coordination teams rather than waiting for deeper system involvement.

McKinney told the Education Committee the proposal is a prevention‑focused, trauma‑informed framework that uses existing school data and community partners to respond early. "The goal is early compassionate support that keeps students engaged, stable and moving forward," he said.

The bill would direct the Nebraska Department of Education, in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services, to develop a statewide model that local districts could adopt. Supporters say the model emphasizes coordination among educators, counselors, health professionals and community providers and includes privacy safeguards. McKinney and several witnesses told the committee that students could not be referred to law enforcement or child‑welfare solely because of early warning indicators, except where there is an imminent legal risk.

Testimony in favor came from the Children’s Commission, the Nebraska Commission on African American Affairs, Stanford Schools, Voices for Children, and community providers. Chloe Fowler of the Children’s Commission said chronic absenteeism and adverse childhood experiences are strong predictors of later academic failure and system involvement and described LB 855 as a nonpunitive early‑support approach. Connor Herbert with the Commission on African American Affairs cited state data showing racial disproportionality in juvenile arrests and filings and urged earlier interventions to reduce later system contact.

Community providers also testified that coordinated early supports can keep youth in their communities and reduce reliance on expensive juvenile justice or child‑welfare responses. Chris Jones, speaking for Radius, described a residential and community program that provides intervention services aligned with the bill’s prevention goals.

During Q&A, committee members asked whether the program would duplicate counselor duties and whether family participation is optional. McKinney said the intent is to work with families and community partners and to provide supports, not punishment, noting that many districts have counselor shortages and that the proposal seeks local flexibility in implementation.

McKinney said he filed an amendment after discussions with advocates to make clear parental and student protections and to reduce the risk of unintended system involvement. Chair Dave Mermin reported online submissions for LB 855 included 15 proponents, 46 opponents and 2 neutrals. The committee closed the hearing without a recorded vote.

Next steps: The committee concluded the hearing and did not take an on‑record vote during this session; bill status will depend on internal committee action following testimony.