The bill amends various sections of the Revised Statutes Supplement, 2025, to strengthen legislative oversight of juvenile probation records and the operations of the Office of Inspector General for Nebraska Child Welfare and the Nebraska Correctional System. Key provisions include a five-day timeline for the Inspector General to access juvenile probation records upon court order and a requirement for the Inspector General to obtain certification as a Certified Inspector General within two years of appointment. The bill also emphasizes confidentiality in handling juvenile records and outlines the conditions for the public release of investigation summaries, ensuring that any disclosures are in the public's best interest and that the identities of sources remain protected.

Additionally, the bill introduces stricter guidelines for the confidentiality of tax return information and oversight of room confinement for juveniles in facilities. Unauthorized disclosure of tax return information is classified as a Class IV felony, and the Auditor of Public Accounts must notify the Tax Commissioner before conducting audits. For juvenile facilities, new documentation requirements for room confinement are established, including the need for written approval for confinements longer than one hour and quarterly reporting to the Division of Legislative Oversight. The Inspector General or the Legislative Audit Office is tasked with reviewing this data and preparing an annual report to assess the use of room confinement, aiming to identify policy changes to reduce such practices.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 50-1205, 50-1803, 50-1805, 50-1812, 50-1912, 50-1918, 77-2711
Final Reading: 50-1205, 50-1803, 50-1805, 50-1812, 50-1912, 50-1918, 77-2711