Bill

LR 207

Interim study to examine Nebraska's protection order statutes

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Carolyn Bosn

Nebraska will study and evaluate protection order statutes, including whether orders can or should apply to juveniles, and report findings and recommendations.

Referred to Judiciary Committee

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Bill Summary · LR 207

Summary: LR 207 – Interim study to examine Nebraska's protection order statutes

Overview

Legislative Resolution (LR) 207 proposes an interim study by the Nebraska Legislature to examine the state's protection order statutes. The study aims to review the history and current use of protection orders and evaluate whether such orders can or should be issued for or against juveniles. The resolution specifies gathering data, considering stakeholder testimony, and making findings and recommendations.

Purpose and Scope

Primary goal: Assess Nebraska’s protection order statutes, including their development history and how they are being utilized.
Juvenile consideration: Evaluate whether protection orders issued under statute can or should be issued for the benefit of or against juveniles in Nebraska.
Data and input: Consider data and statistics on protection order filings, the type and number of requests for protection orders, and obtain testimony from individuals with experience navigating or administering the protection order process.

Key Provisions

Designation of a lead committee: The Judiciary Committee shall conduct the interim study.
Study objectives:
- Review historical development of protection order statutes.
- Analyze current usage and applications of protection orders.
- Explore the potential for juvenile-focused protection orders (benefitting or impacting juveniles).
Data collection and input: The study should gather data on filings, request types and volumes, and may include testimony from relevant reformers, practitioners, or administrators.

Output

Reporting requirement: Upon conclusion of the study, the Judiciary Committee must prepare a report detailing findings and recommendations and submit it to the Legislative Council or Legislature.

Procedural Status and Timeline

Introduced: May 15, 2025.
Initial referrals:
- Referred to Executive Board (May 15, 2025).
- Referred to Judiciary Committee (May 19, 2025).
Nature of measure: Non-binding resolution seeking to initiate an interim study during the legislative interim period.
Reporting timeline: The resolution requires a final report with findings and recommendations, but no specific deadline is provided in the text.

Potential Impact

While LR 207 does not itself change law, it creates a formal process to scrutinize protection order statutes and their applicability, including juvenile considerations. Depending on the study’s findings, it could influence future legislative changes to protection order statutes or policy recommendations aimed at administration, implementation, or juvenile protections.

Who is Affected

Individuals and entities involved with protection orders (petitioners, respondents, courts, law enforcement, and protective-order administrators) in Nebraska.
Stakeholders with experience navigating or administering protection orders, including juvenile justice and social services professionals.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.