This bill seeks to strengthen protections against sexual abuse by law enforcement officers in Nebraska by introducing new legal definitions and prohibitions. It specifically makes it illegal for law enforcement officers to engage in sexual contact or penetration with minors, categorizing these actions as sexual abuse by a law enforcement officer with varying degrees of felony severity. The bill also mandates that these offenses be registered under the Sex Offender Registration Act and expands the definition of sexual assault to include sexual abuse by law enforcement officers. Additionally, it amends several sections of the Revised Statutes to clarify the admissibility of evidence in sexual assault cases and removes outdated provisions related to prior sexual assault offenses.

Moreover, the legislation emphasizes victim protections by ensuring confidentiality of victims' identities in sexual assault and trafficking cases, while detailing exceptions to this confidentiality. It mandates timely notifications to victims regarding the status of convicted individuals, including parole eligibility and changes in status, while safeguarding their personal information from public disclosure. The bill also introduces new criteria for the placement of felony offenders in incarceration work camps, making those convicted of serious offenses ineligible for such programs. Overall, the bill aims to enhance accountability for law enforcement personnel and improve the legal framework surrounding sexual offenses and victim rights.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26-102, 27-404, 27-413, 28-101, 28-318, 28-712.01, 28-1701, 29-4003, 29-4309, 29-4316, 81-1850, 84-941.01