This bill amends various sections of the Nebraska Revised Statutes to enhance the juvenile justice system, particularly regarding the jurisdiction of adult and juvenile courts, definitions of detention, and case transfer procedures. A significant change is the reduction of the age threshold for certain offenses from fourteen to twelve years, allowing juveniles aged twelve and older to be arraigned in county or district court for serious felonies. The bill also clarifies the definition of "detention" under the Nebraska Juvenile Code, specifying it as the temporary care of a juvenile in a facility designed to control their movement. Additionally, it establishes a structured process for transferring cases from adult courts to juvenile courts, mandating timely hearings and decisions while emphasizing the importance of legal representation for the accused.

Further amendments focus on the treatment and detention of juveniles, stipulating that those charged with felonies as adults may be held in adult facilities under certain conditions, while juveniles under sixteen or status offenders cannot be placed in secure adult areas. The bill introduces new procedures for probation officers regarding juvenile detention, requiring recommendations for detention or release based on a standardized screening instrument. It emphasizes that detention should only occur under specific circumstances, prioritizing community safety and the juvenile's protection. The bill also ensures that no juvenile is confined in adult correctional facilities and that alternatives to detention are the least restrictive possible, ultimately aiming to enhance the legal framework governing juvenile detention and safeguard the rights and welfare of young individuals in the justice system.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 29-1816, 43-245, 43-246.01, 43-250, 43-251.01, 43-253, 43-260.01