Change provisions relating to grand juries in cases of death during apprehension or custody

LB 277 requires Nebraska counties to appoint a special prosecutor with at least five years of criminal litigation experience whenever a person dies during law enforcement apprehension or custody. It mandates that a team of three homicide-trained investigators (with at least two from outside the local jurisdiction) examine the case, and prohibits involved officers or detention staff from returning to duty until the grand jury investigation concludes. The bill applies directly to law enforcement agencies, county attorneys, and coroners, and requires grand jury proceedings to begin within 30 days of the coroner’s certification. Exceptions apply only if a physician certifies the death resulted from natural causes.