This bill amends various sections of Nebraska law to enhance the treatment and rights of juveniles and young adults within the legal system. It primarily focuses on maintaining the confidentiality of criminal prosecutions for minors tried as adults and extends the jurisdiction of the Nebraska Juvenile Code to individuals up to twenty-six years of age. Key provisions include the requirement for confidentiality regarding the identity of defendants under eighteen during criminal proceedings, specific requirements for custodial interrogations of young adults aged eighteen to twenty-two, and the prohibition of using certain statements made during these interrogations in court. The bill also establishes guidelines for sentencing individuals under twenty-two years of age, emphasizing the consideration of mitigating factors related to the offender's age and circumstances.

Additionally, the bill clarifies definitions and procedures related to juveniles in custody, including the definition of "juvenile" to encompass individuals under eighteen and those under twenty-six adjudicated for specific felonies. It mandates that law enforcement inform juveniles of their rights during interrogations and specifies that statements made in violation of these rights will not be admissible in court. The bill also outlines procedures for law enforcement when taking juveniles into temporary custody, requiring notification of the juvenile's parent or guardian and emphasizing the selection of the least restrictive alternatives for detention. Significant insertions include the requirement for the Department of Health and Human Services to supervise placements and consent to necessary medical treatments, as well as confidentiality measures for juvenile proceedings to protect their identities.

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