The legislative bidding over what age limit should be added to Nebraska's open-ended safe-haven law will start at 30 days.

A committee of lawmakers advanced a bill Monday that calls for a 30-day age limit after child welfare experts and others told them 3-days was not old enough.

The Legislature will begin debating the bill on Tuesday and could amend it so it has an age limit other than 30 days. Already, an amendment has been introduced with a 1-year age cap.

The safe haven law now has no age limit, leading to the drop-off of 34 children as old as 17 at hospitals.

Lawmakers heard testimony from state officials, healthcare providers, and concerned citizens. They offered ideas on an age limit for the safe haven law. A 3-day limit was proposed by Gov. Dave Heineman, but many favor including children up to a year old.

Gov. Heineman said Monday he could accept an age limit up to 30 days.

The committee also heard concerns about what some consider the larger issue; how the state handles children with emotional and behavioral problems. That issue is expected to be addressed in the next regular legislative session which starts in January.

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