Governor signs disclosure law

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – A new state law allows the Department of Health and Human Services to disclose additional information about child abuse or neglect cases in certain situations. LB 782 was sponsored by Senator Gwen Howard, who says she's pleased with the law.

Information can be released only in cases where charges have been filed against the alleged abuser; public disclosure was already made; the child was killed, injured, or is missing from their foster care placement; or if clarification is needed on information that's already public knowledge.

If releasing the information is not in the child's best interest, or if doing so could interfere with an ongoing investigation, it won't be made public.