18-year-olds in Nebraska closer to being considered adults under law _ like in most states

18-year-olds closer to being adults in Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. — Eighteen-year-olds still won’t be full adults under Nebraska law, but will be closer to it under a bill making its way through the state Legislature.

Lawmakers gave first-round approval Wednesday to a measure that would allow 18-year-olds to enter into contracts for things like rental houses and receive medical care without parental consent. Parents would have to sign legal agreements delegating medical authority to 18-year-olds, though.

The age of majority would remain 19 for many things, including leaving foster care and having child support paid by parents.

Nebraska is one of just a handful of states where the age of majority is not 18. And while you can marry at 17 in Nebraska, the drinking age is still 21.

On the Net:

Nebraska Legislature: www.nebraskalegislature.gov