Criminal Justice

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.

LB 322 increases penalties for assaulting specific professionals while they are working. It makes assault on pharmacists, healthcare workers (including hospital/clinic staff), and emergency responders a higher felony classification when committed during their duties at pharmacies, hospitals, or clinics. The bill defines "pharmacist" as a state-licensed pharmacy practitioner and "health care professional" to include all employees at healthcare facilities. This amendment enhances existing assault penalties for these targeted groups without creating new prohibitions. The bill is currently postponed indefinitely in Nebraska's legislative process.

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.

This Nebraska bill (LB 559) makes it illegal to install unauthorized skimmer devices on ATMs, point-of-sale terminals, or fuel pumps to steal card information or PINs. It specifically prohibits devices that capture, record, or transmit data from financial transaction devices, with penalties for offenders. The law also strengthens provisions against organized financial crime networks involving such theft. It directly affects criminals using skimmers and protects consumers, businesses, and financial institutions from fraud.

This bill creates Nebraska's "Protection Orders Act," strengthening legal safeguards for domestic violence victims. It extends the duration of protection orders, allows victims to request immediate lock changes or lease modifications from landlords, and requires reporting child abuse/neglect involving military families to relevant military installations. Key provisions include court-ordered removal of abusers from shared homes, temporary custody of children, and specific protections for household pets during domestic violence cases. The law directly affects domestic violence victims, their children, military families, and landlords navigating tenant safety concerns.