Yesterday, ✅ LB1032, which recognizes tribal customary adoptions in Nebraska state law, was approved by the Governor – officially becoming state law!
LB1032, introduced by Senator Wendy DeBoer and prioritized by the State-Tribal Relations Committee, is a major step forward in honoring the values, traditions, and beliefs of Native families across Nebraska.
Tribal customary adoptions (“TCAs”) are adoptions of Native American children wherein their relationship with their biological family does not have to be severed for them to be adopted. TCAs allow them to stay connected to their community, culture, and tribal rights and are more respectful of many tribes’ longstanding beliefs about family structures and responsibilities.
While practiced by many tribes, Nebraska state law does not recognize TCAs as legal adoptions or families, causing confusion, practical challenges, and barriers to accessing vital financial adoption supports.
LB1032 changes that – recognizing TCAs as a viable, legal, and supported permanency option, and that a child’s “family” is not just one or two parents, but a community of people, helping them grow and thrive.
We are so grateful to Senator DeBoer, the State-Tribal Relations Committee, and all of the advocates who’ve worked so hard for this change across many years. So many shared their stories and expertise, making a major impact.