Criminal Justice

LB 640 modifies Nebraska's law (section 47-502) governing sentence reductions for good behavior in city or county jails. It changes how the reduction applies by allowing inmates to earn one day off their total remaining sentence - covering all consecutive sentences - for each day they maintain good conduct after the first 15 days of confinement. This directly affects individuals incarcerated in local jails, including those serving sentences for parole or probation violations. The bill repeals the original section and clarifies that the reduction applies to the "aggregate of [the inmate's] remaining term" rather than individual sentences.

LR 247 is a legislative resolution (not a law) proposing an interim study by Nebraska's Judiciary Committee. It directs the committee to examine current practices of restrictive housing and solitary confinement in state prisons, with specific focus on how vulnerable populations (like those with mental health needs) are affected. The study will review existing laws, assess compliance with past reforms, and evaluate evidence-based alternatives to improve safety and align with best practices. This resolution does not change any laws but aims to inform future policy decisions through a review of current conditions and recommendations.