Criminal Justice (Violent Crime)

LB 206 increases penalties for specific crimes committed in declared disaster areas during emergency periods. It applies to offenses like assault, robbery, arson, burglary, theft, and criminal trespass when they occur in areas under a Governor's emergency proclamation, local declaration, federal disaster declaration, or mandatory evacuation order. If convicted, offenders face the next higher penalty classification (e.g., a Class I misdemeanor becomes a Class IV felony). The bill requires prosecutors to prove the enhanced penalty in court, and the "emergency period" lasts until the declaration ends or 30 days after issuance.

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.