This bill amends section 43-2404.02 of the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024, to enhance the Community-based Juvenile Services Aid Program by providing for the distribution of state aid to community-based organizations. Key changes include the establishment of a common data set for evaluating the program's effectiveness, with ten percent of the annual General Fund appropriation allocated for this purpose. Additionally, the bill introduces a provision for grants to community-based organizations located in qualified census tracts, which have an annual budget of no more than one million dollars, aimed at preventing juvenile crime before involvement with the criminal justice system.

The bill also outlines the criteria for fund distribution, emphasizing the importance of programs that divert juveniles from the justice system and reduce detention populations. It mandates that aid recipients prioritize evidence-based practices and report on their program outcomes. Furthermore, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Juvenile Justice Institute, is tasked with assisting in the development of evaluation measurements and logic models for community-based organizations. The commission is required to report annually to the Governor and Legislature on the use of funds and program effectiveness, ensuring transparency and accountability in the distribution of aid.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 43-2404.02