Judiciary Committee
January 21, 2026
Committee Chair: Sen. Carolyn Bosn | Bills Heard: 6 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB751: Study on Missing Black Women and Children
Introduced by: Sen. Ashlei Spivey | Testimony: 6 proponents, 1 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nebraska advances study on missing Black women and children, modeled on successful Indigenous persons legislation. Sen. Ashlei Spivey's LB751 commissions a one-year study to improve reporting and investigation of missing Black women and children—a population disproportionately underrepresented in missing persons cases. In 2023, 885 of 1,028 missing persons reported in Nebraska were Black girls and women, despite Black women comprising only 14% of the female population nationally.
Why it matters: Witness testimony revealed that Black women experience intimate partner violence at higher rates than all but Native American women, and approximately 40% of identified trafficking victims are Black women and girls. The study aims to identify systemic barriers to reporting and improve coordination between law enforcement and community organizations without mandating prioritization over other missing persons.
What they're saying: - Proponents: "This bill is a step in living up to that commitment" to protecting women and children (Joy Kathurima, I Be Black Girl). Dr. Eboni Caridine of the African American Commission emphasized that "missing black women and children deserve the same urgency and care as any other missing person." - Opponents: One opponent raised concerns about JAG Grant misuse and due process, though testimony was largely incoherent.
By the numbers: 36% of missing women nationally are Black despite comprising 14% of female population; 885 of 1,028 missing persons in Nebraska in 2023 were Black girls and women; study modeled on LB154 (2019) which had no fiscal impact.
What's next: No vote was taken. The bill received 6 proponents, 1 opponent, and 0 neutral testifiers. Committee members expressed support; Senator Bosn confirmed the study has a one-year stop date and will involve the Nebraska Commission on African American Affairs.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Bob Hallstrom, Sen. Victor Rountree, Sen. Carolyn Bosn
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB741: Commission Representation on Racial Profiling and Children's Commissions
Introduced by: Sen. Terrell McKinney | Testimony: 3 proponents, 0 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Judiciary Committee hears bill to add African American representation to two state commissions, following precedent set for Indigenous and Latino communities. Sen. Terrell McKinney's LB741 would add a representative from the Nebraska Commission on African American Affairs to the Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Commission's Racial Profiling Committee and the Nebraska Children's Commission—aligning with existing representation already granted to the Commission on Indian Affairs and Commission on Latino American Affairs.
Why it matters: Black children are disproportionately represented in Nebraska's child welfare and juvenile justice systems. The bill ensures that communities most impacted by these systems have a voice at the decision-making table, following the legislative precedent of LB269 (2013), which added Indian Affairs representation to the Children's Commission.
What they're saying: - Proponents: "These seats are not symbolic. They are where data is reviewed, accountability discussed, and improvements designed" (Tim Clark, African American Affairs Commission). Chloe Fowler of the Children's Commission called it "well overdue." - Neutral: Scott Thomas raised concerns about whether selecting members based on race constitutes racial profiling itself, questioning the logic of the Racial Profiling Committee's selection process.
By the numbers: 3 proponents, 0 opponents, 1 neutral testifier.
What's next: No vote was taken. Committee members expressed support, with Senator Storer calling it "commonsense" and noting the bill aligns with existing practice for other commissions.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Tanya Storer, Sen. Carolyn Bosn Unclear: Sen. Bob Hallstrom
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB753: Military Protective Orders as Evidence
Introduced by: Sen. Victor Rountree | Testimony: 2 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Judiciary Committee advances bill to recognize military protective orders in Nebraska courts, bridging gap between military and civilian law enforcement. Sen. Victor Rountree's LB753 allows military protective orders (MPOs) issued by commanding officers to be admissible as evidence in civil court and enhances information sharing between military and civilian law enforcement. The bill addresses a jurisdictional gap affecting Nebraska's 15,000+ active duty, National Guard, and reserve military members and nearly 7,000 military spouses.
Why it matters: Military protective orders currently cannot be enforced by civilian law enforcement. Victims of domestic violence in military families often need protection both on and off base. The bill enables victims to obtain both military and civilian protection orders simultaneously, ensuring comprehensive protection and allowing law enforcement to notify the military chain of command when a service member is arrested.
What they're saying: - Proponents: "This bill would have saved her" (Melanie Kirk, Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, referencing a domestic violence victim). Robert Ford, retired Army colonel, testified that the bill "aligns Nebraska's legal framework with federal requirements for military protective orders."
By the numbers: 2 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral testifiers. Over 15,000 military members and nearly 7,000 military spouses in Nebraska.
What's next: No vote was taken. Senator Rountree, a 30-year Air Force veteran, asked that the bill advance to the floor for debate and passage.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Terrell McKinney, Sen. Bob Hallstrom, Sen. Victor Rountree
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB876: Immediate Protective Orders Issued by Law Enforcement
Introduced by: Sen. Bob Hallstrom | Testimony: 4 proponents, 3 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Law enforcement would gain new tool to protect domestic violence victims under Hallstrom bill, but legal experts raise separation of powers concerns. Sen. Bob Hallstrom's LB876 would authorize trained law enforcement officers to issue immediate protective orders lasting 72 hours to victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault, providing temporary protection during the most dangerous period immediately following an incident. The bill also includes a cleanup fix to LB80 regarding notice requirements for protection orders.
Why it matters: Research shows the period immediately after an abusive incident is extremely dangerous for victims. In 2025, Nebraska experienced 30 domestic violence homicides. Victims often face barriers to obtaining court-ordered protection promptly, and abusers frequently contact victims from jail to dissuade prosecution. The 72-hour window allows victims time to seek longer-term protection, develop safety plans, and access resources.
What they're saying: - Proponents: "This gives the victim the ability to have a 72-hour period to either move forward with getting a protection order" (Patrick Dempsey, Omaha Police). Matt Barrall, 27-year law enforcement veteran, testified California's emergency protective order system "was an extremely good tool." - Opponents: "An officer believing they have probable cause is not the same thing as probable cause. Probable cause is determined by a judge" (Spike Eickholt, Criminal Defense Attorneys Association). Tim Hruza (State Bar) noted other states require judge approval, suggesting an on-call judge process.
By the numbers: 4 proponents, 3 opponents, 1 neutral testifier. 2024: 3 DV homicides in Omaha; 2025: 6 (100% increase). 2025: 30 DV homicides statewide.
What's next: No vote was taken. Senator Hallstrom indicated willingness to work with opponents on language addressing separation of powers concerns.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Terrell McKinney, Sen. Victor Rountree, Sen. Tanya Storer, Sen. Bob Hallstrom
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB818: Domestic Assault Penalties Enhancement
Introduced by: Sen. Tanya Storer | Testimony: 4 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Judiciary Committee hears bill to align domestic assault penalties with regular assault, closing gap that makes violence against strangers more serious than violence against intimate partners. Sen. Tanya Storer's LB818 increases penalties for first- and second-degree domestic assault to match comparable straight assault offenses and explicitly includes reckless conduct resulting in bodily injury. The bill also allows prior domestic assault and strangulation convictions from other states and federal court to enhance current sentences.
Why it matters: Nebraska currently punishes assault with a weapon more severely when committed against a stranger than against an intimate partner. For example, assault 2nd degree with a weapon carries 0-20 years for non-domestic assault but only 0-3 years for domestic assault—despite the intimate relationship context creating unique risks of coercion, escalation, and repeat harm. In 2025, Nebraska experienced 30 domestic violence homicides.
What they're saying: - Proponents: "The difference between non-DV and DV assault penalties have been astounding in the sense that when I go to charge something, I often have to drop the DV tag just so that I can have a higher penalty" (Jennifer Meckna, Douglas County Attorney). Melanie Kirk noted that "violence against a spouse is OK the first time" under current law—"a message that is problematic."
By the numbers: 4 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral testifiers. 2025: 30 DV homicides in Nebraska. Strangulation is among strongest indicators of future serious injury or homicide.
What's next: No vote was taken. An amendment addressing tribal, state, and federal court convictions was distributed and resolved opposition from the Criminal Defense Attorneys Association. Committee members expressed support for advancing the bill.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Bob Hallstrom, Sen. Tanya Storer, Sen. Carolyn Bosn, Sen. Holdcroft, Sen. Victor Rountree
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB789: Forfeiture by Wrongdoing Hearsay Exception
Introduced by: Sen. Carolyn Bosn | Testimony: 3 proponents, 2 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Judiciary Committee hears bill to prevent defendants from silencing witnesses through intimidation, modeled on federal rule used in majority of states. Sen. Carolyn Bosn's LB789 codifies the forfeiture by wrongdoing hearsay exception, allowing courts to admit prior statements of unavailable witnesses when a defendant intentionally caused or acquiesced in causing the witness's unavailability to prevent testimony. The bill includes safeguards requiring judicial determination and evidentiary hearings.
Why it matters: In domestic violence and human trafficking cases, perpetrators routinely use intimidation, manipulation, and coercion to prevent victims from testifying. Victims may withdraw due to threats, promises, or financial inducements. Without this rule, defendants can exploit victim silence to avoid accountability. The doctrine is already established in federal courts and adopted by a majority of states.
What they're saying: - Proponents: "Nobody should be permitted to benefit from their own misconduct" (Emily Medcalf, Douglas County Attorney). Melanie Kirk testified that wrongful acts include "threats, assault, intimidation, inducements, promises to marry you if you drop these, declarations of love, expressions of remorse, offers of financial benefit." - Opponents: "This introduces civil standards in criminal process" (Scott Thomas, Village in Progress). Spike Eickholt raised concerns about scope of language and whether bill adequately specifies how defendant's wrongdoing will be proven.
By the numbers: 3 proponents, 2 opponents, 0 neutral testifiers.
What's next: No vote was taken. Senator Bosn indicated willingness to work with opponents on language, particularly regarding "wrongfully caused or acquiesced" language and how defendant's wrongdoing will be proven.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Terrell McKinney, Sen. Bob Hallstrom, Sen. Victor Rountree, Sen. Carolyn Bosn
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
The committee also heard three gubernatorial appointments: Christon MacTaggart (Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence), Kendra Bryant (Victim Reparations Committee), Mark Langan (Nebraska Board of Parole reappointment), and Janee M. Pannkuk (Nebraska Board of Parole). No votes were taken on any of the bills heard. Committee Chair Bosn noted that Vice Chair DeBoer was absent. Senator Holdcroft served as Vice-Vice Chair for the final bill (LB789). The hearing lasted approximately 6 hours and covered 6 bills plus 4 gubernatorial appointments.
Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.