This bill amends various sections of the Nebraska Revised Statutes to improve the juvenile justice system, particularly for juveniles charged with felonies after unsuccessful rehabilitation efforts. Key changes include raising the age for arraignment in county or district court from fourteen to sixteen years for specific felony charges and allowing the transfer of cases involving juveniles aged thirteen and older to juvenile court under certain conditions. The bill also establishes that any admission or statement made by a juvenile to a mental health professional for the purpose of a transfer motion is inadmissible in other proceedings, with specific exceptions outlined. Additionally, it introduces provisions for expedited appeals regarding case transfers and emphasizes the importance of considering the best interests of the juvenile and public safety in legal decisions.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the adjudication and disposition processes for juveniles, allowing courts to designate the appropriate subdivision under section 43-247 and mandating reasonable preparation time before inquiries into a juvenile's disposition. It details conditions for probation, procedures for commitment motions, and the responsibilities of the Office of Juvenile Services. Significant new provisions include the ability for county attorneys to file motions to dismiss juvenile petitions and refile charges as criminal proceedings, along with a structured hearing process for these motions. The bill also emphasizes assessing a juvenile's amenability to rehabilitation and allows for hearings to inform future legal decisions, while repealing several existing statutes to streamline the juvenile justice process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 29-1816, 43-246.01, 43-251.01, 43-252, 43-276, 43-279, 43-286, 43-424