This bill amends various sections of Nebraska law to enhance the treatment and legal protections of juveniles and young adults within the criminal justice system, particularly focusing on individuals under the age of twenty-two. Key provisions include extending the jurisdiction of the Nebraska Juvenile Code to individuals up to twenty-six years of age, ensuring confidentiality in criminal prosecutions of minors tried as adults, and establishing specific requirements for custodial interrogations. The bill also raises the age threshold for certain penalties, eliminating the death penalty and life imprisonment for those under twenty-two, and modifies sentencing guidelines for Class IA and IB felonies committed by this age group.

Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions and requirements for law enforcement interactions with young adults, emphasizing their rights to legal counsel and parental presence during interrogations. It mandates that any statements made in violation of these rights are inadmissible in court. The legislation also outlines the responsibilities of peace officers when taking juveniles into custody, including the requirement to deliver them to their enrolled school or the Department of Health and Human Services for temporary placement. Significant insertions include new confidentiality measures for juvenile proceedings, ensuring the protection of a juvenile's identity throughout the process while allowing for necessary communication with relevant parties. Overall, the bill aims to modernize the juvenile justice framework in Nebraska, enhancing the rights and treatment of juveniles in custody.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 28-105.01, 28-105.02, 29-401, 29-2204, 43-245, 43-248.01, 43-249, 43-250, 43-253