This bill amends various sections of Nebraska law to strengthen the legal framework surrounding child pornography and related offenses. It introduces key definitions, including "child pornography," which now encompasses both visual depictions of sexually explicit conduct involving a child and computer-generated representations. The legislation establishes enhanced penalties for violations, particularly for repeat offenders, and outlines affirmative defenses for individuals under nineteen years of age charged under these new provisions. Additionally, the bill clarifies the handling of evidence related to child pornography, ensuring that such materials remain under the control of law enforcement or the court, while prohibiting defendants from requesting possession or reproduction of these materials.

Furthermore, the bill addresses the forfeiture of property related to covered offenses, requiring courts to make specific findings regarding the connection of property to such offenses. It also provides protections for individuals who report or assist in the investigation of sexual assaults, ensuring they are not prosecuted for certain alcohol or drug offenses that may arise from their cooperation. The legislation clarifies the statute of limitations for serious offenses, including sexual assault and trafficking, and emphasizes the confidentiality of victims' identities during investigations. Overall, the bill aims to enhance protections for victims of sexual crimes and streamline legal processes related to the prosecution of these offenses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 28-1463.04, 28-1463.02, 28-813.01, 28-1463.05, 28-1463.03, 28-1463.06, 27-1301, 28-116, 28-320.02, 28-813.02, 28-833, 28-1601, 28-1602, 28-1701, 29-110, 29-119, 29-4003, 29-4309, 29-4316, 83-174.02, 84-205, 87-302