Legislative Bill 13 seeks to improve accountability and transparency in law enforcement by prohibiting officers on duty from wearing facial coverings or personal disguises. It requires officers to display appropriate identification, including their name, badge number, and agency name or initials. The bill defines terms such as "facial covering," "personal disguise," and "covert operation," and allows for exceptions to the identification requirement during covert operations or for health and safety reasons. Violations of these requirements would be classified as a Class III misdemeanor unless the officer's agency has a compliant policy. Additionally, any evidence collected in violation of these identification requirements would be inadmissible in civil or criminal proceedings, with certain exceptions for due process.

The bill also amends the Political Subdivisions Tort Claims Act and the State Tort Claims Act to include provisions for claims against law enforcement officers who violate the identification requirements. It clarifies various types of claims exempt from state liability, such as those related to property inspections, permit issuance, and natural conditions like snow or ice on highways. The bill introduces definitions for terms like "recreational activities," "inherent risk," and "gross negligence," and emphasizes the state's immunity for claims related to highway and bridge design and construction. Furthermore, it repeals original sections 13-910 and 81-8,219 of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, reflecting a significant update to the legal framework governing state liability.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13-910