With the ending of the second session of the 108^th Legislative Session on May 18^th, 2024, three new laws have impacted Nebraska Courts and Adult Probation practices.

Restoration of Voting Rights

LB20 reduced the restoration of voting rights for satisfactory completion of an adult felony probation or post-release supervision from two years to upon completion.  In response, the Adult Probation Services Division has developed new early and successful felony probation and post-release supervision discharge orders, available on the Probation Intranet.  The new law applies to all successful discharges after July 19, 2024.  *Note, this new process could be affected following action of the Secretary of State and subsequent ACLU lawsuit.

Veteran Justice Program

With the passing of LB253, the Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation (AOCP) is required to establish a Veteran Justice Program (VJP) in every district and county court. The program, currently in process of being developed utilizing implementation science, will be available to active-duty military personnel and veterans who have committed a qualifying offense and request the court defer entry of judgment of conviction pending completion of a term of probation (deferred judgment probation).  The program will be available and applies to crimes committed after July 1, 2025. The new law also prohibits the program from interfering with the operation of any existing problem-solving court.  The AOCP is currently identifying subcommittees and workgroups to begin the exploration and planning phase.  The AOCP will utilize a wide range of subject experts within probation and problem-solving courts and collaborate with important stakeholders to ensure the program is successful and most effective for our justice-involved veterans.

Community Work Release and Reentry Center Act

LB631 created the Community Work Release and Reentry Center’s Act and provides the Nebraska Department of Corrections with more options for placement of inmates, parolees, and post-release supervision individuals into reentry and work release centers.  The definition of community work release and reentry centers includes residential homes, halfway houses, or other facilities operated by private providers and offers more therapy, programming, treatment, and vocational training.  By July 1, 2026, the Nebraska Department of Corrections is required to develop a strategic plan and procedures to allow private providers to bid on agreements to establish work release and reentry centers.  LB631 also creates the Reentry Continuity Advisory Board and includes the Probation Administrator or designee.  The purpose of the Reentry Continuity Advisory Board is to improve agency collaboration, provide advice and assistance to the Department of Corrections regarding Community Work Release and Reentry Centers, and provide input for oversight and evaluation of quality assurance. 

For more information or questions, please contact Bob Denton, Deputy Probation Administrator for Adult Probation Services Division at bob.denton@nejudicial.gov.