This bill amends section 83-178 of the Nebraska Treatment and Corrections Act to provide committed offenders with access to their individual files maintained by the department. The term "person" is replaced with "offender" throughout the section to clarify that the provisions apply specifically to individuals who have been committed. The bill establishes that committed offenders can request access to their own files, which include various records such as admission summaries, classification reports, and disciplinary infractions. However, the content of these files remains confidential and is not subject to public inspection unless ordered by a court for good cause.

Additionally, the bill allows committed offenders to access their medical records through a request to the provider, while the department retains the authority to withhold mental health and psychological records when appropriate. The Public Counsel's access to these records is also addressed, ensuring that consent from the committed offender is required before any medical or mental health records can be disclosed. The original section 83-178 is repealed, and the new provisions aim to enhance transparency and the rights of committed offenders regarding their records.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 83-178