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ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH LEGISLATURE
FIRST SESSION
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION 100
Introduced by DeBoer, 10.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this resolution is to propose an interim study to
examine future needs of Nebraska's correctional system and potential opportunities arising from decommissioning the Nebraska State Penitentiary.
The Department of Correctional Services has determined that the penitentiary is close to exceeding its useful life and could be decommissioned if replaced with a new prison facility. However, the department has stated that it has no long-term plans for the site of the penitentiary. Additionally,
staffing shortages and physical space limitations remain long-term areas of
concern for Nebraska's correctional facilities. These issues impact public safety and the provision of medical and behavioral health treatment for residents of the penitentiary.
This interim study shall examine possible uses for the penitentiary site and other state-owned sites occupied by the Department of Correctional Services. This study shall also include, but not be limited to:
(1) An examination of current facilities occupied by the Department of
Correctional Services, including correctional institutions and administrative offices, and the department's 2022 Master Plan;
(2) A gathering of community input regarding potential uses for the site of the Nebraska State Penitentiary, such as:
(a) Alternative uses by state or local government agencies;
(b) Private development of all or part of the site; and
(c) Public-private partnerships;
(3) A collection of information on areas of unmet need, including shortages of medical, mental, and behavioral health providers; and
(4) A determination of potential uses for the site of the Nebraska State
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Penitentiary and other sites utilized by the department which would maximize the benefits of the sites to the people of Nebraska.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH
LEGISLATURE OF NEBRASKA, FIRST SESSION:
1. That the Judiciary Committee of the Legislature shall be designated to
conduct an interim study to carry out the purposes of this resolution.
2. That the committee shall upon the conclusion of its study make a report of its findings, together with its recommendations, to the Legislative Council or Legislature.
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