This bill amends section 43-274 of the Nebraska Juvenile Code to enhance the provisions related to expedited appeals in juvenile cases. It allows county or city attorneys to offer pretrial diversion and utilize restorative justice practices for juveniles who meet specific criteria. The bill emphasizes the voluntary nature of victim participation in restorative justice processes and establishes that victims will not be charged fees, while juveniles may incur fees based on a sliding scale. Additionally, it outlines the responsibilities of restorative justice facilitators, including the creation of reparation plans and the communication of compliance to the referring attorney.

Significantly, the bill introduces a timeline for the Court of Appeals to expedite the review of appeals related to the transfer of cases from juvenile court to county or district court, mandating that judgments be rendered within ninety days of the appeal being perfected. It also clarifies the inadmissibility of certain statements made by juveniles during mental health evaluations in criminal or civil proceedings, while allowing for their use in specific contexts related to the transfer motion. The original section 43-274 is repealed, consolidating the updated provisions into the law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 43-274