Judiciary

This legislative resolution directs the Judiciary Committee to conduct an interim study on the use of shackling on juveniles in Nebraska. The study will examine when shackling should be allowed or prohibited, how to draft clear rules for agencies and staff, and what other states have done regarding juvenile restraint policies. The committee will report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature after completing the review. This measure focuses on gathering information rather than enacting immediate changes to current practices.

Nebraska bill LB 223 amends the state's Fair Housing Act to prohibit housing discrimination based on a person's lawful source of income. It specifically protects tenants and buyers who receive government assistance like Social Security, child support, housing vouchers (e.g., Section 8), or public housing benefits. The bill adds "lawful source of income" to existing protected categories (such as race or disability) under Section 20-318, making it illegal for landlords to refuse housing or impose different terms solely because of these income sources. This change directly affects housing providers and renters relying on public assistance programs.

LB 578 requires city and county jails and Nebraska's Department of Correctional Services to pay incarcerated individuals the state minimum wage for work performed in correctional facilities. It mandates that administrators establish bank accounts for inmates to receive their wages, replaces outdated wage distribution rules, and ensures inmate labor complies with federal workplace safety standards. The bill also clarifies that inmates' wages cannot displace existing workers or violate local pay standards for similar work. These changes apply to all inmates working in jails or state correctional facilities, directly affecting their compensation and financial management.

LB 545 provides legal protection from civil or criminal liability for individuals, manufacturers, distributors, and nonprofits that donate menstrual products (like tampons, pads, or cups) in good faith to those in need. It shields these groups from responsibility for injuries or deaths caused by the product's age, packaging, or condition - provided the item appears usable and meets basic quality standards under federal or state law. This immunity does not apply if gross negligence or intentional misconduct causes harm. The bill directly affects organizations distributing free menstrual products and the donors who provide them, ensuring they face no legal risk for minor product issues like expired packaging.

LB 600 amends Nebraska's traffic laws to update speed limits (e.g., 75 mph on most interstates, 65 mph in Douglas County), define "speed control enforcement systems" (like radar cameras), and require drivers to stop near stopped vehicles. It clarifies when police or the Department of Transportation can remove obstructing vehicles from highways without liability. The bill also adjusts rules for license plate reader use under privacy law and specifies penalties for hit-and-run incidents (up to Class I misdemeanor). This affects all drivers, law enforcement, and the Nebraska Department of Transportation. Note: As of June 6, 2025, provisions were amended into LB530.