LB 150 creates a pilot program where mental health professionals assist police during mental health emergencies, directly affecting law enforcement agencies and individuals in crisis. It eliminates the Division of Parole Supervision and its director position, transferring those responsibilities to the Department of Correctional Services. The bill also updates legal definitions (like changing "school employee" to "school worker" for sexual abuse offenses), removes minimum post-release supervision for certain felonies, and modifies debt collection rules. It makes numerous other technical changes across Nebraska law, including updating veterans' justice program provisions and mental health commitment act procedures.
LB 530 amends penalties for several offenses, changing violations of specific sections to Class I misdemeanors. It directly affects individuals convicted of motor vehicle homicide (including cases involving unborn children), tampering with electronic monitoring devices, certain controlled substances violations, and improper passing of stopped vehicles or vulnerable road users. The bill modifies existing law by specifying that these offenses will now carry the penalty classification of a Class I misdemeanor, rather than a higher or unspecified level. This change affects sentencing outcomes for these specific violations, without altering the underlying prohibitions or creating new offenses.
Nebraska's LB 65 exempts individuals under 19 from paying court fees, costs, and probation fees in juvenile court proceedings and for certain criminal offenses committed as minors. The bill directly affects minors (under 19) and their parents/guardians, who will no longer be liable for these costs in juvenile cases. Key provisions include presuming minors indigent for discovery costs, banning fines in juvenile proceedings, and prohibiting recovery of fees from juveniles or their families. The bill also updates juvenile code provisions related to diversion programs, appointed counsel, and DNA testing costs.
LB 358 requires Nebraska's Department of Correctional Services to allow inmates to access their personal individual files upon written request to the facility director. The files include admission summaries, presentence reports, disciplinary records, parole plans, and other relevant case information. However, the bill specifically permits the department to withhold medical and mental health records at its discretion. This applies to all inmates in Nebraska state correctional facilities and amends Section 83-178 of Nebraska law.
LB 700 protects the privacy of minors in court by requiring all criminal cases involving people under 18 to keep identities confidential throughout proceedings. It extends Nebraska's juvenile court jurisdiction to cover individuals up to age 26 and changes sentencing for those convicted of crimes committed before age 22, setting maximum sentences (e.g., 80 years for serious felonies). The bill also creates new rules for questioning minors during investigations, bars courts from using certain statements, and establishes state-funded reporting centers for juveniles. It prohibits sending minors out of state for court proceedings and updates confidentiality rules for agencies like child welfare and probation.
This bill appropriates $122,000 from the General Fund for fiscal year 2025-26 and $125,966 for 2026-27 to the Nebraska Board of Parole for Program 358. The funds are specifically designated to support implementation of Legislative Bill 215, which is referenced in this appropriation. The bill also sets spending limits, capping total salary and per diem expenses at $85,400 for 2025-26 and $88,015 for 2026-27. It directly affects the Board of Parole's operations by providing dedicated funding for Program 358. This is a standard funding measure to enable the execution of another legislative bill, not a standalone policy change.
Nebraska's LB 404 allows courts to extend a person's probation term when both the probation officer and the probationer jointly request it. This change modifies existing law to formally permit extensions within the original time limits (up to five years for felonies, two years for misdemeanors). The bill does not create new conditions or obligations but provides a clear process for extending probation when both parties agree. It directly affects individuals serving probation for felony or misdemeanor convictions in Nebraska.
Nebraska's LB 24 establishes standardized fees for people on probation and participants in non-probation programs using probation resources. It requires a $30 one-time enrollment fee and monthly fees of $25 (standard probation) or $35 (intensive supervision), payable until probation ends. The bill mandates courts to waive these fees for individuals previously found indigent or facing undue financial hardship after a hearing. Crucially, it prohibits revoking probation solely for nonpayment if the person demonstrates financial inability through court procedures.
This bill removes the minimum nine-month requirement for post-release supervision for individuals convicted of Class III and IIIA felonies who receive prison sentences. Previously, such offenders had to serve at least nine months under supervision after prison. The change eliminates this mandatory minimum period, allowing courts to determine supervision terms without that fixed requirement. It directly affects people convicted of these specific felony classes who are sentenced to prison. The bill amends Nebraska's sentencing statute to remove this specific provision.
LR 244 is a legislative resolution proposing an interim study focused on housing challenges for people returning to Omaha after incarceration. The study, led by the Urban Affairs Committee, will examine Nebraska laws, rental practices, housing options, and successful models from other areas to understand how housing affects reoffending and successful community reintegration. It will review local zoning, parole restrictions, and housing provider policies specifically impacting formerly incarcerated individuals in Omaha. This study does not create new laws but aims to gather data to inform future policy decisions about housing for returning citizens. The committee will report findings and recommendations to the Legislature after completing the review.
