This bill proposes comprehensive reforms to Nebraska's laws concerning solicitation of prostitution, rebranding it as "commercial sexual exploitation" and establishing new penalties. First-time offenders soliciting adults will face a Class I misdemeanor and a $1,000 fine, while those soliciting minors or repeat offenders will incur a Class IV felony and a $5,000 fine, along with mandatory registration under the Sex Offender Registration Act. The bill also allows for the expungement of certain first offense violations and requires the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice to create educational programs about the negative impacts of prostitution. Additionally, it includes provisions for the forfeiture of property used in violations of the Child Pornography Prevention Act and mandates outreach campaigns by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Moreover, the bill amends existing laws related to trafficking offenses, establishing an affirmative defense for victims of trafficking and allowing individuals to file motions to set aside convictions for specific offenses after completing their sentences. It clarifies definitions related to trafficking, modifies penalties, and introduces specific time limitations for prosecuting various offenses, particularly those against minors. The bill also expands the eligibility for sealing criminal records and establishes a grant program to support law enforcement in enforcing new laws related to prostitution and trafficking. It enhances the Sex Offender Registration Act by broadening the categories of offenses requiring registration and mandates written notifications regarding registration duties. The act is set to become operative on January 1, 2026, and repeals several original sections of the Revised Statutes of Nebraska.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 28-101, 28-801.01, 28-830, 28-831, 28-1354, 29-110, 29-3005, 29-3523, 29-4001, 29-4001.01, 29-4003, 29-4007, 29-4802, 76-1410, 84-941.01