Criminal Justice

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 700: Provide for confidentiality of prosecutions and adjudications of minors, extend jurisdiction under the Nebraska Juvenile Code, provide requirements for custodial interrogations of juveniles and young adults, prohibit use of certain statements, prohibit sending juveniles out of state, and provide for use and reimbursement of reporting centers

LB 700 protects the privacy of minors in court by requiring all criminal cases involving people under 18 to keep identities confidential throughout proceedings. It extends Nebraska's juvenile court jurisdiction to cover individuals up to age 26 and changes sentencing for those convicted of crimes committed before age 22, setting maximum sentences (e.g., 80 years for serious felonies). The bill also creates new rules for questioning minors during investigations, bars courts from using certain statements, and establishes state-funded reporting centers for juveniles. It prohibits sending minors out of state for court proceedings and updates confidentiality rules for agencies like child welfare and probation.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExtends juvenile jurisdiction to age 26, protects minors' privacy in court, sets maximum sentences for young offenders, and creates interrogation safeguards - aligning with criminal justice reform goals to reduce recidivism and protect youth rights.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice Probation & Parole Sentencing

Track

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 492: Change juvenile court jurisdiction relating to habitual truancy and provisions relating to compulsory school attendance

This bill redefines "habitually truancy" for students aged 13-17 as 20+ unexcused absences in a school year plus documented learning loss. It adds a defense against juvenile court adjudication for these cases, shifting focus from automatic court referrals to restorative justice approaches like truancy mediation. The bill also updates compulsory school attendance rules to align with these new procedures. Currently pending before Nebraska's Judiciary Committee with a hearing scheduled for March 27, 2025.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeShifts juvenile truancy handling from automatic court referrals to restorative justice, reducing unnecessary criminal justice system involvement - aligns with reform principles.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationShifts from punitive court referrals to restorative justice for truancy, addressing learning loss and improving student engagement in education access85% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice

Track

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 9, 2025

LB 148A: Appropriation Bill

This bill appropriates specific funds to the Nebraska State Patrol for Program 100 to support the implementation of Legislative Bill 148. It allocates $29,629 from the General Fund and $28,236 from the Nebraska State Patrol Cash Fund for fiscal year 2025-26, and $30,921 from the General Fund and $28,236 from the State Patrol Cash Fund for 2026-27. The funding is restricted to permanent/temporary salaries and per diems, with annual spending limits of $33,856 (2025-26) and $34,872 (2026-27). It directly affects the Nebraska State Patrol by providing targeted financial resources for a specific program.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates specific funds ($29k-$30k annually) to State Patrol for program implementation, directly advancing budgetary appropriations without tax changes or restrictions.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds Nebraska State Patrol for law enforcement operations, directly supporting criminal justice system's law enforcement aspect through budget allocation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget

Track

signed · Nebraska · Legislature Feb 25, 2026

LB 103: Change provisions relating to admissibility of evidence of past sexual assaults and the procedure for taking depositions of certain witnesses

LB 103 amends Nebraska's evidence rules to prohibit asking victims about their past sexual behavior or sexual assault history during pretrial proceedings, such as hearings or depositions. This directly affects victims in criminal or civil cases involving alleged sexual misconduct, preventing attorneys from using such questions to challenge their credibility before trial. The bill allows limited exceptions in criminal cases (e.g., to establish the source of physical evidence) and in civil cases only if the court determines the evidence's value outweighs potential harm. It also requires written motions and private court hearings before admitting such evidence. The change aims to reduce trauma for victims during legal processes while maintaining specific legal safeguards.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits use of victim's past sexual history to challenge credibility in sexual misconduct cases, aligning with victim protection and criminal justice reform principles.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Violent Crime

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 215A: Appropriation Bill

This bill appropriates $122,000 from the General Fund for fiscal year 2025-26 and $125,966 for 2026-27 to the Nebraska Board of Parole for Program 358. The funds are specifically designated to support implementation of Legislative Bill 215, which is referenced in this appropriation. The bill also sets spending limits, capping total salary and per diem expenses at $85,400 for 2025-26 and $88,015 for 2026-27. It directly affects the Board of Parole's operations by providing dedicated funding for Program 358. This is a standard funding measure to enable the execution of another legislative bill, not a standalone policy change.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides dedicated General Fund appropriation for Board of Parole operations with spending caps, directly advancing fiscal management and program funding within budget framework.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds Nebraska Board of Parole (corrections agency) for Program 358 implementation, directly supporting criminal justice corrections operations.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Probation & Parole

Track

in committee · Nebraska · Legislature May 19, 2025

LR 164: Interim study to examine to what extent inmates between five and twenty-one years of age, under the care of the Department of Correctional Services, are being provided educational services

This legislative resolution (LR 164) proposes an investigation into educational services for incarcerated youth in Nebraska. It directs the Education Committee to study how many children aged 5-21 under the Department of Correctional Services receive educational programs, including high school equivalency (GED) courses and partnerships with institutions like Southeast Community College. The study will assess current service levels and identify potential legal or regulatory changes needed to improve access. As a procedural resolution, it does not enact new policy but aims to inform future legislative action based on findings. The committee must report results to the Legislature or Legislative Council upon completion.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeStudy aims to improve educational services for incarcerated youth, supporting rehabilitation efforts within criminal justice reform.85% confidence

Track

died · Nebraska · Legislature Jun 6, 2025

LB 404: Authorize the court to extend the term of probation on joint application of the probation officer and the probationer

Nebraska's LB 404 allows courts to extend a person's probation term when both the probation officer and the probationer jointly request it. This change modifies existing law to formally permit extensions within the original time limits (up to five years for felonies, two years for misdemeanors). The bill does not create new conditions or obligations but provides a clear process for extending probation when both parties agree. It directly affects individuals serving probation for felony or misdemeanor convictions in Nebraska.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFormalizes probation extensions with mutual agreement, supporting rehabilitation flexibility without increasing penalties or restricting rights.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

Track

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 24: Change provisions relating to probation and waiver of probation fees

Nebraska's LB 24 establishes standardized fees for people on probation and participants in non-probation programs using probation resources. It requires a $30 one-time enrollment fee and monthly fees of $25 (standard probation) or $35 (intensive supervision), payable until probation ends. The bill mandates courts to waive these fees for individuals previously found indigent or facing undue financial hardship after a hearing. Crucially, it prohibits revoking probation solely for nonpayment if the person demonstrates financial inability through court procedures.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates fee waivers for indigent individuals and prohibits probation revocation for nonpayment, reducing financial barriers and aligning with criminal justice reform principles.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

Track

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 219: Remove a requirement for a minimum term of post-release supervision for Class III and IIIA felonies

This bill removes the minimum nine-month requirement for post-release supervision for individuals convicted of Class III and IIIA felonies who receive prison sentences. Previously, such offenders had to serve at least nine months under supervision after prison. The change eliminates this mandatory minimum period, allowing courts to determine supervision terms without that fixed requirement. It directly affects people convicted of these specific felony classes who are sentenced to prison. The bill amends Nebraska's sentencing statute to remove this specific provision.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves mandatory post-release supervision minimum, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to reduce rigid sentencing requirements and promote judicial discretion in supervision terms.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Sentencing

Track

died · Nebraska · Legislature Jun 6, 2025

LB 6: Provide for a penalty enhancement for a controlled substances violation resulting in serious bodily injury or death

LB 6 would increase penalties for individuals convicted of drug offenses that cause serious injury or death under Nebraska's controlled substances law. Currently, penalties depend on the drug type and quantity, but this bill adds a mandatory enhancement when a violation results in serious bodily injury or death. The change would apply to offenses involving distribution, possession, or other violations listed in the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. This affects anyone convicted of a drug-related crime that directly causes harm to another person.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory penalties for drug offenses causing injury/death, directly aligning with 'oppose' indicators of harsher sentencing and expanded criminalization.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

Track