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
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
35 provisions identified: 22 benefits, 2 costs, 11 mixed.
Paternity actions easier and faster
A man who believes he is the father can file during pregnancy or within four years after birth. He may file to join a juvenile case with a sworn affidavit, and no filing fee is charged for that filing. Courts can order DNA testing and decide who pays the test cost—the man, the county, or the state. These rules also apply to cases already pending.
Fairer rules for community supervision
Before release, the Department must give you written notice and a certificate that lists your community supervision rules at least 30 days before your sentence ends. It must use a validated risk tool and set the least restrictive conditions that still protect public safety. Each year, the Department must review your conditions, let you submit written information, and remove or ease rules that are no longer needed. You can appeal your conditions in your county’s district court. If you are indigent, the court must appoint a lawyer. You must show by clear and convincing evidence that a condition is unnecessary or too strict and that a less‑restrictive option works.
Shorter post‑release time for some felonies
For Class III and Class IIIA felonies, the nine‑month minimum for post‑release supervision is removed. Judges no longer must set a minimum term for that supervision.
Stronger reentry help and parole oversight
The law improves reentry planning and parole support. Officers must help with housing, jobs, job training, mental health care, and health coverage applications. People with mental illness get community‑standard, evidence‑based care and a pre‑release evaluation. When you serve 80% of your sentence, your release or reentry plan must be nearly complete. The Board uses a validated risk‑and‑needs tool, and officer caseloads must stay manageable. The state sets staff performance metrics and creates a Reentry Continuity Advisory Board to review data and report each October 1 starting in 2025. The law also defines restrictive housing and solitary confinement to make conditions clearer.
No bias against veterans in services
Private nonprofit hospitals and social service groups in Nebraska cannot deny care or help because of your military or veteran status. Homeless shelter grant recipients also must not discriminate, but they can still run programs designed to help veterans. The state’s medical debt relief work must give veterans equal access. The law defines who counts as having military or veteran status, including certain dependents.
Fair housing rules protect veterans
Housing providers and real estate pros cannot discriminate because of military or veteran status. Mobile home parks cannot deny rentals for that reason. The commission collects and publishes fair-housing data, and some narrow exemptions still apply. The housing authority cannot use military status when deciding who counts as low- or moderate-income. Real estate licensees face discipline if they refuse to show, sell, or rent based on veteran status.
Stronger job and UI protections for veterans
Employers cannot discriminate because of your military or veteran status. You can seek hiring, reinstatement, or other relief, with backpay for up to two years minus interim earnings. If you file in district court and tell the commission, the commission stops its case. If you quit due to unlawful discrimination or harassment for your military status, you may qualify for unemployment benefits. County civil service systems also cannot block exams, promotions, or jobs because you are a veteran.
Stronger parole training and pay parity
The department must use a validated risk‑and‑needs test at parole start and every six months, and re‑validate it at least every five years. Parole officers must complete training within one year of hire or by September 1, 2024, whichever is later; chiefs are trained to train others. Officers supervising lifetime community supervision have defined duties, including setting conditions, helping compliance, and arresting when needed. Field parole officers and support staff must be paid salaries substantially equal to similar state jobs.
Stronger gun background checks and penalties
Court clerks must send records to state agencies within 30 days so the state can keep a list of people barred from buying or owning guns or explosives. The database is kept up to date by the Department of Health and Human Services and the State Patrol. It is a Class II misdemeanor to intentionally trigger a State Patrol background‑check request without a reasonable basis.
School worker sexual abuse protections
“School worker” now includes school employees and contract workers age 19 or older assigned to a school. It protects students ages 16 to 19 from sexual abuse by those workers. The law clarifies that certain touching counts as sexual contact and adds these offenses to protection‑order eligibility.
Graduated responses to parole violations
The Department must use a rewards‑and‑sanctions matrix for technical and substance violations. The harshest response is up to 30 days in custody instead of full revocation. A parole officer can use administrative sanctions if you admit the violation in writing, or ask the Board for a custodial sanction if you do not. The state also runs a therapeutic housing pilot for technical violators, with counseling, programs, community service, and drug and alcohol testing. Failing to follow community supervision conditions is a Class IV felony the first time and a Class III felony after that.
Mental health custody and hearing updates
Emergency protective custody evaluations must happen within 36 hours and can be by video if everyone agrees and the professional approves. Mental health board hearings, including dangerous sex offender hearings, can be by videoconference when all parties agree. People in emergency custody who are not convicted sex offenders must go to a medical facility, or to a pilot‑program mental health bed in a jail only until a medical bed opens. Convicted sex offenders in emergency custody must go to a jail or corrections facility, except for true medical or psychiatric emergencies. Jails can be listed as holding locations, and who counts as a facility “administrator” is broadened. The Department of Correctional Services may access confidential records for people under lifetime community supervision. People under 18 are excluded from the Sex Offender Commitment Act unless emancipated. Qualified mental health professionals may treat people in custody, but not in ways before hearings that impair their ability to help their defense.
Faster emergency custody and tribal rules
Police can take or keep someone in emergency custody if there is probable cause they are mentally ill and dangerous or a dangerous sex offender. County attorneys must file for mental health board action as soon as reasonably practicable. Dangerous sex offenders cannot be placed in a medical facility unless a real medical or psychiatric emergency requires care not available in jail or prison. For people domiciled in Indian country when custody starts under tribal law, the tribe must arrange and pay for proper placement.
Lifetime supervision for some sex offenders
People convicted on or after July 14, 2006 of certain repeat or serious sex crimes are supervised by the Department of Correctional Services for life after release. Agencies must give the department at least 60 days’ notice before release. The department uses a risk test to set conditions, which can include treatment, polygraphs, reporting rules, drug or alcohol testing, and electronic monitoring. If someone violates conditions, the department can change the rules, ask prosecutors to file charges, or recommend civil commitment.
Parole and reentry now run by Corrections
Parole services move from the old parole division to the Department of Correctional Services. Within 30 days after parole, the department must approve a case plan and offer programs to help you follow it. Intentionally breaking the plan can cost up to three months of good time in that year. If a parolee is arrested, they are held in a local or department facility while the Board reviews the case. The department and Board can write rules for work‑release and reentry centers, and oversight offices get direct computer access to parole records, with medical records only by the parolee’s consent.
Easier entry to veterans justice programs
If you are an eligible veteran, the law presumes you can join a veteran justice program. A judge can deny this only after an individualized review. The presumption does not apply for repeat DUI‑type charges or offenses that caused serious bodily injury.
Fair credit for veterans
Lenders covered by the Nebraska Installment Loan and Sales Act cannot refuse a loan or give worse terms because you are a veteran or servicemember. You must be compared to similar borrowers on regular terms.
Pilot adds regional mental‑health beds
The state funds one county law‑enforcement agency to add mental‑health beds and work with nearby counties. The agency must show it can add beds, has a record of teamwork, and sign agreements so the region benefits. The state also runs a pilot to seek federal money for teams that pair officers with mental‑health pros.
Remote options for commitment hearings
The law defines videoconferencing and allows commitment hearings by videoconference when all parties agree. You can appear, testify, and present witnesses and evidence by video. This improves access, especially for people far from the courthouse.
Fair hiring rules for veterans
Employers who make military materials for the state or federal government cannot refuse to hire or treat you worse because you are a veteran or service member. Job ads also cannot prefer or exclude people based on military or veteran status. Exceptions apply only if the status is a real job requirement or another law allows a veterans preference.
Private colleges: no bias against veterans
Private nonprofit colleges in Nebraska cannot use military or veteran status to deny admission. Schools must follow state and federal anti‑discrimination laws.
Habitual sex offender rule removed
The special 3‑to‑20‑year mandatory sentencing range for a narrow group of repeat sexual offenses is repealed. Those cases now use the general habitual‑offender sentencing rules.
Ongoing sharing of new criminal evidence
In criminal cases, if either side finds new evidence that was requested or ordered, they must promptly tell the other side or the court. This duty applies before and during trial. It helps make trials fair and timely.
Overdose death reviews share more records
Local overdose review teams can include the Department of Correctional Services. Lead groups can get non‑privileged health, treatment, and government records, including from Corrections. HIPAA and federal drug‑treatment privacy rules still apply, and some protected files do not have to be shared.
Prison staff abuse: who is covered
The law spells out who counts as a covered “person” in inmate and parolee sexual‑abuse crimes. It includes Department of Correctional Services staff and contractors, city and county jail staff and contractors, and certain probation employees working in those facilities.
Tougher penalties for utility tampering
It is a Class III felony to intentionally tamper with rail lines, telecom or broadband, or water, gas, or power and cause a big interruption. Money‑loss felony rules still apply. This better protects essential services.
Veterans can serve on juries, elections
You cannot be kept off jury duty or blocked from serving as an election judge, clerk, or inspector because of military or veteran status. People may still be excused for ill health or another good reason. One section also bars election‑officer exclusion based on economic status.
Veterans protected in jobs and services
State and local contracts must require contractors and subs not to discriminate because of military or veteran status. Public libraries funded by local taxes must give basic services without denying service for military or veteran status. The Equal Opportunity Commission must report on veteran‑status discrimination complaints and outcomes. The law keeps other state and local veteran‑protection laws in force and allows veteran‑only benefits and preference programs. It does not replace federal USERRA rules.
Monthly $25 fee for parolees
If you are on parole, you must pay a $25 programming fee each month. It starts in your second month and is due by the 10th. You can get a waiver, a reduction, or do approved community service at $5 per hour if you show undue hardship. The money goes into the Parole Program Cash Fund, which the state invests and uses for parole programs.
Definition change for sex‑offender commitments
The Mental Health Commitment Act now uses the existing legal meaning of “dangerous sex offender.” This change affects who can be treated as a dangerous sex offender for commitment and custody.
Public places and rides cannot discriminate
Public places cannot treat you worse because of military or veteran status. Clubs may offer veteran‑only entry or discounts if the policy is otherwise fair. Ride apps must enforce anti‑discrimination rules and file their policy with the state. To appear on tourist road signs, a business must follow anti‑discrimination laws or lose eligibility. Usual license and hours rules still apply (open at least 8 hours a day, 5 days a week; wineries at least 20 hours a week).
Tighter rules for handgun sales
You must get a certificate before buying, leasing, renting, or getting a handgun, with listed exceptions like some family transfers and valid concealed‑handgun permit holders. Lying or using false ID in a handgun deal is a Class IV felony. The State Patrol tells local police only whether an applicant is disqualified, not extra background details. The law also defines what counts as a handgun.
Veterans justice program starts in 2027
Veteran justice program rules apply on and after July 1, 2027. If any part of an offense happened before that date, it counts as before the program start. The first required program report is due by July 1, 2028, then every July 1 after.
Who counts as a police officer
The law updates who is a "law enforcement officer." It excludes certain Corrections employees, probation officers, parole officers appointed by the Director, and some tax staff. It includes people who finish entry‑level certification, work over 100 hours a year, and have arrest power. Most officers must hold a valid certificate or diploma, except noncertified conditional officers.
Clearer rules to serve banks and companies
Banks that take deposits in Nebraska must name an in‑state office or agent to receive legal papers; the state posts the list online. Service at a bank’s designated place or agent is effective for assets held in Nebraska. If served at another branch, the bank can accept it or file a notice saying service must go to the designated address. For companies, garnishment notices must go to the registered agent; other service rules apply if that fails. The banking department and its staff are immune from suits tied to posting or managing these designations.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Carolyn Bosn
Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
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: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 3
legislature vote • 5/20/2025
Vote
Yes: 44 • No: 0 • Other: 5
legislature vote • 5/20/2025
Vote
Yes: 41 • No: 0 • Other: 8
legislature vote • 5/20/2025
Vote
Yes: 40 • No: 0 • Other: 9
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 • Unknown
Vote
Yes: 40 • No: 0 • Other: 9
legislature vote • Unknown
Vote
Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 3
legislature vote • Unknown
Vote
Yes: 39 • No: 0 • Other: 10
legislature vote • Unknown
Vote
Yes: 41 • No: 0 • Other: 8
legislature vote • Unknown
Vote
Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 7
legislature vote • Unknown
Vote
Yes: 44 • No: 0 • Other: 5
Actions Timeline
Provisions/portions of LB694 amended into LB150 by AM1491
6/6/2025legislatureProvisions/portions of LB606 amended into LB150 by AM1370
6/6/2025legislatureProvisions/portions of LB539 amended into LB150 by AM1370
6/6/2025legislatureProvisions/portions of LB412 amended into LB150 by AM1370
6/6/2025legislatureProvisions/portions of LB386 amended into LB150 by AM1370
6/6/2025legislatureProvisions/portions of LB329 amended into LB150 by AM1370
6/6/2025legislatureProvisions/portions of LB271 amended into LB150 by AM1370
6/6/2025legislatureProvisions/portions of LB219 amended into LB150 by AM1370
6/6/2025legislatureProvisions/portions of LB136 amended into LB150 by AM1421
6/6/2025legislatureProvisions/portions of LB93 amended into LB150 by AM1617
6/6/2025legislatureApproved by Governor on June 4, 2025
6/4/2025legislaturePresented to Governor on May 30, 2025
5/30/2025legislaturePresident/Speaker signed
5/30/2025legislaturePassed on Final Reading with Emergency Clause 43-5-1
5/30/2025legislatureDispensing of reading at large approved
5/30/2025legislatureCavanaugh, M. MO304 withdrawn
5/30/2025legislatureEnrollment and Review ST45 recorded
5/28/2025legislatureEnrollment and Review ST45 filed
5/28/2025legislaturePlaced on Final Reading with ST45
5/28/2025legislatureAdvanced to Enrollment and Review for Engrossment
5/28/2025legislatureBosn AM1617 adopted
5/28/2025legislatureBosn AM1617 filed
5/28/2025legislatureHallstrom AM1569 withdrawn
5/28/2025legislatureClements AM1422 withdrawn
5/28/2025legislatureBosn FA188 withdrawn
5/28/2025legislature
Bill Text
Introduced
1/13/2025
Enrolled / Slip Law
Final / Enacted
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