This bill amends section 29-1401 of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska to establish new procedures for grand jury investigations in cases where a death occurs during the apprehension or custody of law enforcement. It mandates the appointment of a special prosecutor with at least five years of experience in criminal litigation, who will oversee the investigation and select a team of three peace officers trained in homicide investigations. The bill also stipulates that law enforcement personnel involved in the death must not return to duty until the grand jury proceedings are complete.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that a grand jury must be convened within thirty days of a death certification by a county coroner, unless an extension is warranted. It allows for exceptions where a special prosecutor is not required if the death is certified as natural by a licensed physician. The original language regarding the appointment of a county attorney as the prosecuting attorney and the selection of investigators from the same agency has been deleted, reflecting a shift towards greater independence in the investigation process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 29-1401