Judiciary Committee
February 26, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Carolyn Bosn | Bills Heard: 4 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB601: Reorganization of Nebraska Revised Statute 29-2101 (criminal shell bill)
Introduced by: Sen. Wendy DeBoer | Testimony: 0 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Shell bill for criminal justice matters advances without debate. LB601 reorganizes a criminal statute without substantive changes, introduced as a placeholder after a Supreme Court case resolved the underlying issue. Why it matters: Shell bills allow committees to have legislative vehicles ready for potential amendments or future use. What they're saying: Sen. DeBoer noted the bill is no longer necessary given the court's decision but remains available if needed. What's next: No vote was taken. The bill was noted for the record with 2 proponent comments, no opponents, and no neutral comments submitted.
LB215: Clean Slate Act and Second Chance Relief for incarcerated individuals
Introduced by: Sen. Rick Holdcroft | Testimony: 24 proponents, 2 opponents, 3 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Sweeping criminal justice reform bill draws passionate testimony but constitutional questions. LB215 would allow model lifers to seek early release after 25-30 years and automatically seal records for certain offenses—but the Board of Pardons warns the Legislature may lack authority to compel its actions. Why it matters: Nebraska has roughly 140 inmates serving life sentences; the bill could affect 141 individuals. Recidivism rates for those serving 25+ years drop below 3%. But the state's archaic JUSTICE computer system would cost millions to reprogram, and victims' advocates worry about losing access to criminal records. What they're saying: Proponents—including a retired corrections deputy warden, prison volunteers, and family members—testified that decades-long incarcerated individuals have transformed through education and mentorship. "You are not the worst thing you have ever done," one testifier quoted. Opponents argued automatic sealing undermines public safety and removes judicial discretion. The State Court Administrator warned the fiscal note is substantial due to system limitations. By the numbers: 24 proponents, 2 opponents, 3 neutral testifiers. 60 written proponent comments, 3 opponent, 5 neutral. What's next: No vote taken. Committee members raised constitutional concerns and suggested amendments, including converting mandatory language to permissive and delaying Clean Slate implementation until the JUSTICE system is replaced.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Holdcroft, Sen. Rountree, Sen. McKinney, Sen. DeBoer Skeptical: Sen. Bosn, Sen. Hallstrom Unclear: Sen. Storer
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB226: Cause of action for unlawful release of sealed criminal records and expungement of concealed weapons convictions
Introduced by: Sen. Margo Juarez | Testimony: 1 proponents, 1 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Bill would create damages remedy for unlawful release of sealed records. LB226 addresses a 2022 Supreme Court ruling that left Nebraskans without legal recourse when government agencies illegally disclose sealed criminal histories. The bill also allows expungement of concealed weapons convictions made obsolete by 2023's permitless carry law. Why it matters: The bill's sponsor, Rory Laughlin, had his sealed record illegally released by the State Patrol after obtaining a pardon, leaving him without remedy under current law. Expanding expungement could help individuals move forward after conviction under outdated law. What they're saying: Laughlin testified extensively about his case, providing documentation of the State Patrol's actions and arguing the state should not have immunity for intentional wrongdoing. The County Attorneys Association opposed automatic expungement of firearm convictions, arguing it removes law enforcement's ability to track repeat offenders and weakens public safety. By the numbers: 5 proponent comments, 8 opponent comments, no neutral comments submitted. What's next: No vote taken. Sen. Juarez indicated willingness to amend the bill to preserve judicial discretion if that would help advance it.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Juarez Unclear: Sen. McKinney, Sen. Storer
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB704: Child support modification for incarcerated parents
Introduced by: Sen. Terrell McKinney | Testimony: 1 proponents, 0 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Bill would automatically review child support for incarcerated parents to prevent debt spiral. LB704 shifts from requiring incarcerated parents to request modification to having the state automatically review and adjust orders when someone is locked up for more than 180 days. Why it matters: Incarcerated parents accumulate massive child support debt they cannot pay, then leave prison with six-figure obligations that prevent them from obtaining driver's licenses, passports, and stable employment—making reintegration nearly impossible. One example cited: $900 annual child support obligation but $2,000 annual interest. What they're saying: Sen. McKinney argued the bill prevents debt accumulation without reducing actual payments, since incarcerated parents aren't paying anyway. "You can't get blood out of a turnip," he said. Opponents raised concerns about custodial parents and children losing income during incarceration, though Sen. McKinney noted most incarcerated parents are already not paying. By the numbers: 5 proponent comments, no opponent comments, 1 neutral comment. What's next: No vote taken. Committee members raised questions about DHHS authority, timeline feasibility, and whether modifications should be limited to incarceration period. Sen. McKinney indicated flexibility on details.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. McKinney, Sen. Bosn, Sen. DeBoer Skeptical: Sen. Storer, Sen. Hallstrom Unclear: Sen. Rountree
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
The committee heard four bills. LB601 was a shell bill with no substantive changes and no testimony. LB215 generated extensive testimony (24 proponents, 2 opponents, 3 neutral) on criminal justice reform, with significant discussion of constitutional concerns regarding the Board of Pardons' independence. LB226 addressed sovereign immunity for unlawful release of sealed records and concealed weapons expungement, with minimal testimony. LB704 on child support modification for incarcerated parents had limited testimony but substantial committee discussion about implementation details. Committee Chair Bosn expressed frustration with the outdated JUSTICE computer system limiting the Legislature's ability to pass and implement laws. The hearing lasted approximately 6 hours.
Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.