LB 448 Legislature · 109th Legislature (2025-2026)

Provide for postconviction relief for a claim of actual innocence, change provisions relating to time limitations, required disclosures, and procedural defaults, and name the Postconviction Relief Act

LB 448 establishes the "Postconviction Relief Act" in Nebraska, creating a new legal pathway for prisoners to seek relief based on a claim of actual innocence - not just constitutional violations. It requires prisoners to present new evidence (like DNA results or evidence implicating another suspect) proving by clear and convincing evidence that a different trial outcome was likely. The bill adjusts time limits for filing claims and allows courts to excuse procedural defaults or missed deadlines to prevent "manifest injustice" when a prisoner makes a credible innocence claim. This law directly affects incarcerated individuals, courts, prosecutors, and law enforcement by modifying procedures under sections 29-3001 to 29-3004 of Nebraska’s statutes.
Bill status died 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 21, 2025 Last action Apr 17, 2026
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
0
Committee
2
Apr 17, 2026
Committee
Indefinitely postponed
legislature
Jan 23, 2025
Committee
Referred to Judiciary Committee
legislature
Jan 21, 2025
Introduced
Date of introduction
legislature
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors