The bill establishes the Protection Orders Act, amending various sections of Nebraska law to enhance protections for victims of domestic abuse, harassment, and sexual assault. It introduces new definitions for terms such as "abuse," "course of conduct," and "household pet," while extending the initial period for protection orders to a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years. The bill outlines the process for filing petitions, conditions for issuing or renewing orders, and penalties for violations, including the ability to issue protection orders ex parte in cases of immediate danger. It also clarifies the responsibilities of courts and law enforcement, allowing victims to seek temporary custody of household pets and streamlining the evidence admission process during hearings.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws to include provisions for military families, requiring notification to military installations upon reports of child abuse or neglect involving military members. It updates definitions related to child abuse and neglect, enhances penalties for stalking violations, and clarifies the classification of offenses related to the use of deadly weapons. The legislation also mandates law enforcement training on domestic abuse issues and provides support services for victims, including emergency services and counseling. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen legal protections for vulnerable populations and improve the response to domestic violence and related offenses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 42-924, 42-925, 42-926, 42-924.01, 42-924.03, 42-928, 42-929, 42-924.02, 42-931, 28-311.12, 25-2740, 28-311.02, 28-311.04, 28-311.05, 28-358.01, 28-1205, 28-1206, 29-404.02, 29-422, 29-2292, 42-901, 42-903, 42-905, 42-927, 43-1609, 43-1611, 60-3209
Final Reading: 42-924, 42-925, 42-926, 42-924.01, 42-924.03, 42-928, 42-929, 42-924.02, 42-931, 28-311.12, 25-2740, 28-311.02, 28-311.04, 28-311.05, 28-358.01, 28-710, 28-713.01, 28-1205, 28-1206, 29-404.02, 29-422, 29-2292, 42-901, 42-903, 42-905, 42-927, 43-1609, 43-1611, 60-3209, 76-1401
Slip Law: 42-924, 42-925, 42-926, 42-924.01, 42-924.03, 42-928, 42-929, 42-924.02, 42-931, 28-311.12, 25-2740, 28-311.02, 28-311.04, 28-311.05, 28-358.01, 28-710, 28-713.01, 28-1205, 28-1206, 29-404.02, 29-422, 29-2292, 42-901, 42-903, 42-905, 42-927, 43-1609, 43-1611, 60-3209, 76-1401