This bill amends various sections of Nebraska law to exempt individuals under nineteen years of age from certain court fees, costs, probation fees, and DNA collection and testing costs. It establishes a presumption of indigence for these individuals concerning fees related to criminal discovery and prohibits the recovery of costs and fees from juveniles and their parents or guardians in proceedings under the Nebraska Juvenile Code. The bill also modifies provisions related to juvenile pretrial diversion programs, ensuring that no fines or fees are imposed for participation, and clarifies that fees associated with filing juvenile court petitions will not be charged to juveniles or their guardians.

Additionally, the bill introduces new legal language that specifies court costs and fees will not be assessed against juveniles or their guardians in certain proceedings, while also making adjustments to the Nebraska Retirement Fund for Judges. It outlines the procedures for the preparation of transcribed court proceedings and the payment of witness fees, ensuring that individuals deemed indigent or those described in the act will not be required to pay certain costs or fees. The bill aims to streamline financial responsibilities within the criminal justice system, enhance fairness and accessibility in juvenile justice, and ensure that financial barriers do not impede access to justice for vulnerable populations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 24-703, 25-1140.09, 25-1914, 25-3010, 29-1903, 29-1920, 29-2207, 29-2262, 29-2262.04, 29-2262.06, 29-2704, 29-4106, 29-4121, 33-103, 33-106, 33-107.01, 33-107.03, 33-124, 33-126.05, 33-154, 33-155, 33-156, 33-157, 43-254, 43-260.04, 43-261, 43-272, 43-290, 47-633, 81-1429