This legislative bill amends various sections of Nebraska law to strengthen protections against domestic and sexual abuse, particularly by reclassifying penalties for violations of protection orders. Under the new provisions, a first offense related to domestic abuse protection orders is classified as a Class I misdemeanor, escalating to a Class IV felony for a second offense, a Class IIIA felony for a third, and a Class IIA felony for any fourth or subsequent offenses. The bill also introduces definitions that prohibit sexual abuse by conservators, guardians, or child welfare service providers, and establishes immunity for probation employees administering opioid overdose reversal medication. Additionally, it modifies penalties for assault by strangulation or suffocation, mandates registration under the Sex Offender Registration Act, and requires courts to appoint county conflict counsel when public defenders are unavailable.

Furthermore, the bill enhances legal protections for individuals reporting sexual assaults, ensuring they are not prosecuted for certain offenses if they cooperate with law enforcement. It also revises the process for Brady-Giglio disclosures regarding law enforcement officers, establishing an advisory committee for counties with populations over 100,000 and allowing officers to appeal decisions related to their credibility. The bill expands the definition of registrable offenses under the Sex Offender Registration Act and clarifies the roles of appointed counsel for indigent defendants, particularly juveniles. Overall, the bill aims to improve the legal framework surrounding domestic and sexual violence, enhance victim protections, and ensure a more equitable judicial process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 27-404, 27-413, 28-101, 28-115, 28-318, 28-322, 28-322.01, 28-322.02, 28-322.03, 28-470, 28-703, 28-712.01, 28-1701, 29-4003, 29-4309, 29-4316, 81-1850, 84-941.01
Final Reading: 26-118, 27-404, 27-413, 28-101, 28-115, 28-310.01, 28-318, 28-322, 28-322.01, 28-322.02, 28-322.03, 28-323, 28-470, 28-508, 28-610, 28-703, 28-712.01, 28-1205, 28-1701, 29-4003, 29-3901, 29-3903, 29-3904, 29-3905, 29-3918, 29-3922, 29-4309, 29-4316, 43-272, 43-273, 43-2923, 71-946, 71-947, 71-948, 81-1850, 84-941.01
Slip Law: 26-118, 27-404, 27-413, 28-101, 28-115, 28-310.01, 28-318, 28-322, 28-322.01, 28-322.02, 28-322.03, 28-323, 28-470, 28-508, 28-610, 28-703, 28-712.01, 28-1205, 28-1701, 29-4003, 29-3901, 29-3903, 29-3904, 29-3905, 29-3918, 29-3922, 29-4309, 29-4316, 43-272, 43-273, 43-2923, 71-946, 71-947, 71-948, 81-1850, 84-941.01