LINCOLN- LB1288, a bill introduced by Sen. Jane Raybould that would require law enforcement and hospitals to recognize and honor tribal courts' emergency protective custody agreements, narrowly advanced last Thursday after several hours of debate. LB1288 now faces two more possible rounds of debate.

Sen. Raybould said she was grateful to her colleagues for their support, and even thanked Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Heavican for his assistance in locating a solution to this issue. "Passing this legislation will allow an individual at risk of harming themselves or others to receive the timely care they need," said Raybould, "It is a bill that will save lives."

Sen. Joni Albrecht, whose district includes the Winnebago and Omaha Tribes of Nebraska, opposed the bill, arguing that Thurston County has fewer sheriff's deputies compared to other parts of the state, potentially complicating transportation needs. "I think it would be easier to bring the doctors in than to have to transport out," said Albrecht, "I'm in support of an answer, but I don't think this is the answer for us."

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