Criminal Justice (Drug Policy)

signed · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 965: Prohibit sexual abuse of a probationer or problem solving court participant and sexual abuse by a conservator, guardian, guardian ad litem, or child welfare service provider; change provisions relating to protection orders, certain offenses, attorney's fees, and victim notification requirements; and provide requirements for immunity for probation employees, Brady-Giglio disclosures, confidentiality for certain officers, registration under the Sex Offender Registration Act, county conflict counsel, and determinations of the best interest of the child

LB 965 prohibits sexual abuse of probationers, problem-solving court participants, and individuals under guardianship or child welfare services. It creates new legal protections for these vulnerable groups by defining and prohibiting such abuse by specific professionals like conservators, guardians, and child welfare providers. The bill also grants immunity to probation employees who administer naloxone for opioid overdoses and requires sex offender registration for violations related to these new prohibitions. These changes update Nebraska's criminal code to address gaps in protecting individuals under court supervision or care.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill prohibits sexual abuse by criminal justice professionals (probation, courts) and grants naloxone immunity to probation staff, enhancing protections for vulnerable individuals within the system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Probation & Parole

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 817: Enhance penalties for certain controlled substance offenses involving fentanyl

LB 817 increases penalties for certain drug offenses involving fentanyl by amending Nebraska's controlled substances laws. It enhances penalties for individuals convicted of distributing or possessing fentanyl, raising the felony classification for these offenses beyond standard penalties. This directly affects people convicted of fentanyl-related drug crimes in Nebraska, particularly those involving distribution near schools or to minors. The bill harmonizes existing penalties and specifically targets fentanyl offenses by applying stricter sentencing under sections 28-416, 28-1354, and 28-1701. The key change is a mandatory penalty enhancement when fentanyl is the controlled substance involved in the offense.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for fentanyl offenses by raising felony classifications, directly aligning with 'increases mandatory sentences' indicator for opposition to criminal justice reform.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Sentencing

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signed · Nebraska · Legislature Mar 3, 2026

LB 877: Designate certain substances as controlled substances under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act

LB 877 amends Nebraska's Uniform Controlled Substances Act to add specific substances to the list of controlled drugs and correct spelling errors in the existing schedule. This change will subject these substances to the same legal restrictions as other controlled drugs under state law, affecting law enforcement, healthcare providers, and individuals who possess or distribute them. The bill updates the law's definitions and schedules to include these new substances. The exact list of substances designated is not provided in the bill text excerpt.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeAdds substances to controlled list, expanding criminalization and enforcement scope without reform indicators90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Law Enforcement

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 876: Adopt the Immediate Protection from Abuse Act and change notice requirements under the Protection Orders Act

Nebraska's LB 876 creates the "Immediate Protection from Abuse Act," allowing law enforcement officers to issue protective orders immediately after arresting someone for domestic or sexual assault if they believe the restrained person poses an immediate threat. These orders prohibit contact, threats, firearm possession, and require the restrained person to stay away from the victim's residence or specified locations, including protections for household pets. The orders expire at 11:59 p.m. on the third day after issuance (or next court day if non-business day), and the bill eliminates the need for additional service of the order after the respondent's presence at a hearing. This directly affects victims of domestic/sexual assault and individuals arrested for such offenses.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates immediate protective orders for domestic/sexual assault victims, strengthening victim safety and streamlining court processes within criminal justice system.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Drug Policy

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 866: Change distribution of the Nebraska Opioid Recovery Trust Fund, create a fund, and provide for drug detection activities

Nebraska's LB 866 amends the state's opioid recovery fund to redirect specific annual transfers to address the opioid crisis. It allocates $1.125 million to first responder behavioral health training, $400,000 to overdose review teams, and $3 million to opioid prevention and treatment programs. The bill also creates a new Drug Detection and Prevention Cash Fund (administered by the Attorney General) to support law enforcement efforts targeting fentanyl, including detection technology, task forces, and public education. Funds must be used strictly for these purposes, with 25% going to prevention/treatment and 75% to infrastructure. The bill directly affects first responders, health services, law enforcement, and public safety initiatives across Nebraska.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects existing opioid fund allocations to fund opioid prevention/treatment ($3M), first responder training ($1.125M), and overdose teams ($400K), strengthening public health program funding within state budget.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds opioid prevention/treatment programs and behavioral health training, aligning with criminal justice reform by reducing substance abuse through health-focused solutions rather than punitive measures.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates $1.125M for behavioral health training, $400K for overdose teams, and $3M for opioid treatment/prevention programs - directly advancing public health and mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Law Enforcement Mental Health Substance Abuse

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 705: Change provisions of the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act and the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act, provide for regulation of medical cannabis, and adopt the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Justice Act and the Cannabis Conviction Clean Slate Act

LB 705 updates Nebraska's medical cannabis laws by expanding patient access, regulating the industry, and addressing past convictions. It allows qualified patients to possess up to five ounces of cannabis, defines key terms (like "caregiver" and "cannabis product"), and imposes a special sales tax on medical cannabis sales - revenue from which will fund specific programs. The bill also prohibits open cannabis containers in vehicles, removes medical cannabis from marijuana tax categories, and adopts the Cannabis Conviction Clean Slate Act to expunge eligible past cannabis convictions. These changes directly affect medical cannabis patients, caregivers, dispensaries, and individuals with prior cannabis-related criminal records.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes special sales tax on medical cannabis with revenue funding specific programs, directly supporting budget allocation and fiscal management.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeIncludes Cannabis Conviction Clean Slate Act to expunge past cannabis convictions, reducing barriers for affected individuals and advancing criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands medical cannabis patient access (up to 5oz), regulates industry, and funds programs via sales tax - directly advancing healthcare access and patient rights under medical treatment framework.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Drug Policy

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 172: Prohibit conduct involving computer-generated child pornography

LB 172 prohibits the creation, possession, and receipt of computer-generated child pornography in Nebraska. It defines this as digital images created using AI or computer programs to depict minors in sexually explicit situations, appearing indistinguishable from real children. The bill amends Nebraska statutes (sections 28-1463.02 and 28-813.01) to explicitly ban such material, treating it as a Class IIA felony for those 19+ to possess or receive, with lower penalties for minors under specific conditions. It updates existing child pornography laws to address AI-generated content while eliminating obsolete provisions. The law directly affects anyone producing, sharing, or accessing these digital depictions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates new felony for AI-generated child porn, expanding criminalization under criminal justice statutes.90% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill explicitly prohibits AI/computer-generated child pornography, restricting a specific harmful technology application. This aligns with 'oppose' as it limits technology use for illegal purposes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Artificial Intelligence

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signed · Nebraska · Legislature Feb 26, 2025

LB 72: Change provisions relating to controlled substances schedules under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act

Nebraska's LB 72 updates the state's list of Schedule I controlled substances under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act by adding 106 specific fentanyl-related compounds, including analogs like U-47700, Alpha-methylfentanyl, and various "fentanyl" derivatives. The bill directly affects individuals, healthcare providers, and law enforcement handling these substances, as they are now classified as Schedule I drugs with strict legal restrictions. Key provisions replace the existing schedule with this detailed list to harmonize state law with federal classifications and prevent legal loopholes around new synthetic opioids. The bill does not change penalties or enforcement but clarifies which substances are prohibited under Nebraska law.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeAdds fentanyl analogs to Schedule I, expanding criminalization of drug possession/distribution under controlled substances laws, increasing penalties rather than reforming justice system.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 431: Prohibit kratom as a controlled substance

Nebraska's LB 431 would add kratom to the state's list of controlled substances under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. This amendment would define kratom as a controlled substance in Section 28-401, prohibiting its possession, sale, or distribution within Nebraska. The bill directly affects residents who currently use or sell kratom, as it would make these activities illegal under state law. The key mechanism is amending the legal definition of "controlled substance" to explicitly include kratom, aligning it with other prohibited substances under Nebraska's drug regulations.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by adding kratom to controlled substances, increasing penalties without reform measures, aligning with 'expands criminalization' indicator.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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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

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