All Roll Calls
Yes: 624 • No: 7
NebraskaLB150109th Legislature 1st and 2nd SessionslegislatureWALLET
Adopt the Regional Mental Health Expansion Pilot Program Act, provide for a pilot program related to mental health, prohibit discrimination based on military or veteran status, and change and eliminate provisions relating to garnishment, liens, post-release supervision, sexual abuse by school workers, criminal mischief, discovery in criminal cases, habitual sentencing enhancements, veterans justice programs, paternity proceedings, handgun purchase requirements, correctional system overcrowding emergencies, the Division of Parole Services, the Nebraska Mental Health Commitment Act, and the Sex Offender Commitment Act
Sponsored By: Carolyn Bosn
Signed by Governor
Judiciary Committee
Your PRIA Score
Score Hidden
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
37 provisions identified: 24 benefits, 1 costs, 12 mixed.
Lifetime supervision for certain sex offenses
If you were convicted on or after July 14, 2006, of the listed sex offenses, you are supervised for life after prison or civil commitment. The Division of Parole Supervision manages this supervision. At sentencing, the court gives you written notice, explains possible violations and reviews, and has you sign an acknowledgment. You can challenge conditions and seek periodic review.
Stronger reentry planning and oversight
When you serve at least 80% of your sentence, the Department must have a near‑complete reentry plan that covers housing, medical or mental care, transport, and jobs. Probation and the Department prepare a post‑release plan for the court using your prison records. When you finish your sentence, you get written notice that your voting rights are restored and how to seek a pardon. Oversight officials get direct computer access to parole records; your medical or mental‑health files need your consent. Agencies set clear performance measures for reentry work, and the law clarifies who the supervision director is.
More reentry help and mental care
Parole officers must help with housing, jobs, job training, and mental health care as you return home. They help you apply for health coverage and enroll in medical assistance close to your release. People with mental illness in custody get community‑standard, evidence‑based care. Before release, they must be evaluated to plan community treatment or start a commitment case if needed.
Stronger housing protections for veterans
Real estate pros cannot refuse to show, sell, or rent to you because of military or veteran status. Mobile home park owners cannot deny you a rental for that reason. State housing finance decisions about low‑ or moderate‑income status must ignore military or veteran status. Homeless Shelter Assistance grants cannot discriminate against veterans, but veteran‑only programs are still allowed if they are otherwise fair.
Unemployment help after military discrimination
If you quit your job because of unlawful discrimination or harassment based on military or veteran status, you have good cause. You can be eligible for unemployment benefits. You must show that you left because of that discrimination.
Faster reporting to gun background checks
Court clerks must send orders to DHHS and the State Patrol within 30 days. DHHS keeps a database of people disqualified from buying or holding handguns and updates removals. The agencies publish reports twice a year. Good‑faith reporters are protected. Intentionally causing a false request for information is a Class II misdemeanor.
Harsher penalties for school worker abuse
Sexual abuse by a school worker now falls under sexual‑assault rules. The law defines covered school workers and students age 16 to 19. It creates three felonies: first‑degree (penetration), second‑degree (contact), and third‑degree (pattern). Consent by the student is not a defense.
New protections against bias for veterans
The law bans discrimination based on military or veteran status. Employers cannot refuse to hire or treat you unfairly for being a veteran. The Equal Opportunity Commission takes and can remedy these complaints. Cities and counties can pass and enforce local protections. Clubs can lose liquor licenses for discriminatory service, while veteran-only benefits are still allowed. Jurors cannot be excluded for being veterans, and private social service groups must not discriminate. The law defines who counts as military or veteran for these protections.
New standards for reentry centers
Centers must have a director, be staffed 24/7, and assign each person a counselor. Each person gets an individualized release plan made with a district parole officer. Centers must keep records, send reports, and may see needed agency records (not presentence reports). Reentry housing must allow inspections; fire marshal and local inspection fees may apply, with a fast appeal process. By July 1, 2026, the state plans a bid process for private providers, and the Legislature states intent to add $1,000,000. Agencies and private partners must fully cooperate with the Inspector General without retaliation.
Pilot to expand mental health crisis response
The state launches a pilot to seek federal funds for joint emergency responses by police and mental‑health professionals. The Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice must coordinate with the Attorney General. The pilot aims to improve crisis response and public safety if outside funding is secured. It does not add new state eligibility rules or set state funding amounts.
New reentry centers and housing support
Parole and corrections can contract with private providers to open work‑release and reentry centers across Nebraska. Parole‑eligible people and those within three years of release with post‑release supervision can be placed there. The agencies may use legislative funds in these contracts. The Department must build a statewide reentry‑housing program, set minimum housing standards, monitor results, track costs and outcomes, and report each year. A Reentry Continuity Advisory Board advises and reports beginning October 1, 2025.
Job protections for veterans statewide
Employers, labor groups, and agencies cannot discriminate because of military or veteran status. This covers hiring, firing, pay, job terms, referrals, and apprenticeships. It does not change veteran preference rules in law. County job rules also cannot disqualify you just for being a service member or veteran, except as allowed by the referenced section.
Fairer parole rules and appeal rights
Parole now uses a validated risk-and-needs test at the start and every six months, and the tool is rechecked at least every five years. Before release, you get a written certificate with the least‑restrictive rules at least 30 days before your sentence ends. Your rules are reviewed yearly, and you can appeal to the district court; a lawyer is appointed if you are indigent and ask. Officers may use electronic monitoring, and violations get graded responses, with up to 30 days in custody instead of revocation; intentionally ignoring your case plan can cost up to three months of good time for that year. A small residential pilot offers treatment housing for technical violations.
Monthly $25 parole fee and fund
If you are on parole, you pay $25 each month for programming starting in your second month, due by the 10th. The Board can waive the fee for undue hardship after a hearing, and you may do community service at $5 per hour if waived. The money goes into a Parole Program Cash Fund. The Director can use the fund for staff, training, equipment, job and education programs, and mental‑health and substance‑use treatment and supports.
Pilot expands crisis beds and timelines
The state runs a pilot to add mental health beds and improve regional help during crises. One county agency is chosen by the commission and funded through grants. If you are in emergency protective custody and not a convicted sex offender, you may be held in a jail or other facility with a mental health bed until a medical facility is ready. A mental health professional must evaluate you within 36 hours, and the evaluator cannot be the person who caused your custody or be on the board hearing your case. Hearings and evaluations can be by video when the evaluator says it is appropriate and everyone agrees. Counties must arrange placements and pay the costs for residents in emergency protective custody.
When these changes take effect
Some parts start on October 9, 2025 (sections 50 and 161). Many sections start three calendar months after the legislative session adjourns. Remaining sections take effect immediately upon approval because the act declares an emergency.
Stronger parole staffing, training, pay
The parole service must keep caseloads manageable so supervision and investigations are adequate. Parole officers get training on risk tools, supervision skills, and sanctions, finished within one year of hire or by September 1, 2024, whichever is later. The division trains chief parole officers to become in‑state trainers. Field parole officers and support staff must be paid salaries close to those of similar state jobs. Parole can access mental‑health commitment records for people under lifetime community supervision to improve oversight.
More handgun sales without certificate
A handgun certificate is not needed for certain transfers. Exemptions include licensed dealer sales, antique handguns, authorized law‑enforcement acquisitions, and temporary transfers when you stay in the transferor’s line of sight or are at a shooting range. Family transfers among close relatives, valid concealed handgun permit holders, and peace officers are also exempt.
Paternity cases cover all under 18
For paternity cases, a "child" is anyone under 18, whether or not born in marriage. This rule applies to current cases and future filings.
Veteran deferred judgment option statewide
Beginning July 1, 2027, every district and county court offers a veteran justice program using deferred judgments. Eligible veterans can ask the court to defer judgment and be placed on probation. Courts must notify victims and consider set factors and community resources, with a presumption favoring eligible veterans when appropriate. The Supreme Court’s rules guide how the program runs.
Fair access to loans, rides, college
Installment lenders cannot deny you or charge worse terms because of military or veteran status, or because you get public assistance, Social Security, or a pension. Ride‑share companies must file anti‑bias policies that ban drivers from discriminating against veterans. Private colleges must not discriminate against veterans in admissions. Businesses seeking tourist sign panels must follow nondiscrimination laws, including for military or veteran status.
Fair medical access and debt relief
The medical‑debt relief coordinator must buy and clear debt fairly across places and protected groups, including veterans, and notify people when debts are cleared. To count as a private health care institution under state law, a provider must follow laws that ban discrimination against veterans.
Stronger tribal mental health rules
For people living in Indian country, tribes can use their own emergency custody and commitment rules. Tribes arrange and pay for treatment in tribal cases. Police use tribal forms and send copies to tribal prosecutors. If a person under a tribal court order leaves a facility without permission, the facility must notify the Nebraska State Patrol and the tribal prosecutor right away, and the tribal official can issue a warrant.
Clear arrest-and-hold duty for officers
Sheriffs, deputies, marshals, police, and security guards must arrest and detain people who break the law until a warrant is ready. Juvenile cases follow special juvenile rules. Courts must notify parents before accepting certain juvenile pleas.
Custody rule for convicted sex offenders
If a person in emergency protective custody has a listed prior sex‑offense conviction, they must be admitted to jail or a state corrections facility. A medical or psychiatric emergency allows admission to a medical facility until the emergency ends, then transfer to jail or corrections. This sets a clear placement rule for public safety.
Felony for tampering with vital services
It is a Class III felony to intentionally tamper with or damage property to cause a major interruption to rail, telecom or broadband, water, gas, or power. This gives prosecutors a stronger charge for those harms.
More accountability for abuse in custody
Probation employees who work inside prisons or jails are covered by inmate and parolee sexual‑abuse laws. They face the same accountability as other correctional staff. This helps protect people in custody.
More evidence access in criminal cases
A defendant’s statements now include written or recorded statements and summaries of oral statements. Law enforcement must share reports directly tied to the case. The duty to disclose continues, and courts still manage timing and safety concerns.
Parole steps for warrants and overcrowding
If prisons exceed 140% of design capacity, the director must certify an overcrowding emergency within 30 days. The Parole Board must quickly review eligible people and usually release them unless specific safety or treatment reasons apply. Before parole eligibility, the director checks with any authority holding a warrant or detainer and gives notice of release. The Board may parole a person to a warrant or detainer and can require return if charges are cleared early.
Stronger protections for veterans and servicemembers
The law bars discrimination based on military or veteran status in state contract jobs, public library services, and picking election workers. It confirms state civil‑rights laws cover military and veteran status and keeps veterans’ preference programs and special veteran benefits. It does not replace federal USERRA rights.
Some corrections staff not law enforcement
Employees of the Department of Correctional Services, probation officers, and certain parole officers are not treated as "law enforcement officers" under this statute. This narrows who holds those legal authorities or protections.
New handgun background checks and penalties
Dealers must get your signed consent, check your photo ID, and request a records check from the Nebraska State Patrol. The dealer must receive a unique approval number before finishing the handgun transfer. The consent form includes basic personal details; noncitizens must list place of birth and an alien or admission number. Knowingly giving false information or false ID in a handgun deal is a Class IV felony.
Better parole and corrections records
The Director keeps full electronic records for each committed person, including programs, housing time, and medical and mental health records. Parole decisions rely on a confidential file; people can request their medical records from the provider. The Board sends each supervisee’s name, officer, and parole conditions to the state criminal database for law enforcement access. The Department keeps all Board of Parole records. The Parole Division must respond to written overdose review team requests within privacy laws.
Clear maximums for lower felonies
Class III felonies carry up to 4 years in prison and 2 years post‑release supervision or a fine up to $25,000. Class IIIA carries up to 3 years and 18 months supervision or a fine up to $10,000. Class IV carries up to 2 years and 12 months supervision or a fine up to $10,000. Other sentencing rules, like habitual‑offender laws, still apply when specified.
Outdated statutes removed from state law
The act repeals many listed sections of Nebraska law. Those specific sections no longer apply.
Overdose review teams: new members, unpaid
Local overdose fatality review teams may include parole, probation, and corrections representatives. Members of these local teams do not get paid for their service.
Clearer bank and corporate garnishment rules
To garnish a corporation, you must serve its registered agent at the listed Nebraska address or use the alternate service law. A corporation is not liable as a garnishee unless service follows these rules. Banks must name one Nebraska office or agent for garnishment papers, and the state posts and updates the list. A 30‑day reliance rule applies when a designation changes. Banks can accept papers at other branches or file a notice that a summons was not processed.
Free Policy Watch
You just read the policy. Now see what it costs you.
Pick a topic. PRIA runs your household against live legislation and sends you a free personalized readout.
Pick a topic to get started
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Carolyn Bosn
legislature
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
legislature vote • 4/24/2026
Vote
Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 7
legislature vote • 4/24/2026
Vote
Yes: 39 • No: 0 • Other: 10
legislature vote • 4/24/2026
Vote
Yes: 44 • No: 0 • Other: 5
legislature vote • 4/24/2026
Vote
Yes: 40 • No: 0 • Other: 9
legislature vote • 4/24/2026
Vote
Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 3
legislature vote • 4/24/2026
Vote
Yes: 41 • No: 0 • Other: 8
legislature vote • 5/30/2025
Final Reading
Yes: 43 • No: 5 • Other: 1
legislature vote • 5/28/2025
Vote
Yes: 39 • No: 0 • Other: 10
legislature vote • 5/28/2025
Vote
Yes: 37 • No: 0 • Other: 12
legislature vote • 5/20/2025
Vote
Yes: 41 • No: 0 • Other: 8
legislature vote • 5/20/2025
Vote
Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 3
legislature vote • 5/20/2025
Vote
Yes: 44 • No: 0 • Other: 5
legislature vote • 5/20/2025
Vote
Yes: 40 • No: 2 • Other: 7
legislature vote • 5/20/2025
Vote
Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 7
legislature vote • 5/20/2025
Vote
Yes: 40 • No: 0 • Other: 9
Actions Timeline
Approved by Governor on June 4, 2025
6/6/2025legislatureProvisions/portions of LB93 amended into LB150 by AM1617
6/6/2025legislatureProvisions/portions of LB136 amended into LB150 by AM1421
6/6/2025legislatureProvisions/portions of LB219 amended into LB150 by AM1370
6/6/2025legislatureProvisions/portions of LB271 amended into LB150 by AM1370
6/6/2025legislatureProvisions/portions of LB329 amended into LB150 by AM1370
6/6/2025legislatureProvisions/portions of LB386 amended into LB150 by AM1370
6/6/2025legislatureProvisions/portions of LB412 amended into LB150 by AM1370
6/6/2025legislatureProvisions/portions of LB539 amended into LB150 by AM1370
6/6/2025legislatureProvisions/portions of LB606 amended into LB150 by AM1370
6/6/2025legislatureProvisions/portions of LB694 amended into LB150 by AM1491
6/6/2025legislatureCavanaugh, M. MO304 withdrawn
5/30/2025legislatureDispensing of reading at large approved
5/30/2025legislaturePassed on Final Reading with Emergency Clause 43-5-1
5/30/2025legislaturePresident/Speaker signed
5/30/2025legislaturePresented to Governor on May 30, 2025
5/30/2025legislatureEnrollment and Review ER90 adopted
5/28/2025legislatureCavanaugh, M. MO302 withdrawn
5/28/2025legislatureCavanaugh, M. MO303 withdrawn
5/28/2025legislatureBosn FA188 withdrawn
5/28/2025legislatureClements AM1422 withdrawn
5/28/2025legislatureHallstrom AM1569 withdrawn
5/28/2025legislatureBosn AM1617 filed
5/28/2025legislatureBosn AM1617 adopted
5/28/2025legislatureAdvanced to Enrollment and Review for Engrossment
5/28/2025legislature
Bill Text
Introduced
6/6/2025
Enrolled / Slip Law
Final / Enacted
Related Bills
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Take the PRIA Score to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in