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Advocacy Update: Momentum at the Capitol
The 2026 Legislative Session is already winding down. The last day of the session is currently scheduled to end on April 16, but with very few working days left for policymakers to finish for the year. CRCC's advocacy work is culminating in really positive ways. Our legislative priorities are on track to become law this year, and we continue to build working relationships with lawmakers present and future.
LB304 is the legislation that will preserve Nebraska's Childcare Subsidy Program. Thanks to hard work by advocates across the state, the majority of the Legislature and the Governor agreed to maintain current eligibility and benefit levels for this program that helps working families keep their kids in quality, safe, and stable childcare. The bill is currently being on the last round of debate.
For years, childcare employers and their new staff have struggled to get new hires working while we wait for fingerprints and background checks to wind through a painfully slow process. CRCC advocated for a provisional childcare license that allows new hires to begin supervised work and training while waiting for background checks to be completed. This policy is poised to pass as part of a Health and Human Services Committee priority bill.
If Senators can work efficiently together through the remaining issues, then these two important pieces of legislation can pass this year.
Legislation to regulate Applied Behavioral Analysis is not likely to pass this year. If future attempts to regulate concerns with potential bad actors, then CRCC will be ready to stand as an example of best practice. If future attempts to reduce ABA therapy to reduce cost to the state, then CRCC will continue to stand up as a supporter of this transformational care.
While we focus on passing legislation that supports our mission and staff, CRCC also builds relationships with future state and federal lawmakers. CRCC leaders are meeting with candidates for office to show the incredible results of your care, our inspirational success, and the experience our staff have across multiple areas like mental health care in schools, developmental disability service stability, and the burden of regulations on childcare. When candidates see our amazing facilities and the work you are doing they are inspired to ask important questions and take our story forward with them into public office.
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