Bill
LR 246
LR 246 directs an interim study to assess how Nebraska uses juvenile restrictive housing, its effects on youth, and options to reduce confinement with evidence-based alternatives.
Overview
- Bill number: LR 246
- Title: Interim study to examine the use of juvenile restrictive housing and room confinement in Nebraska
- Type: Legislative Resolution (interim study)
- Legislature: One Hundred Ninth Legislature, First Session
- Sponsor: Spivey (primary)
- Introduced: May 15, 2025
- Status: Notice of hearing scheduled for October 17, 2025
- Current action: Referred through committees; initial referrals occurred in May 2025
Purpose
- To designate an interim study by the Judiciary Committee to examine how juvenile restrictive housing and room confinement are used in Nebraska, with a focus on frequency, impact, and alignment with state law and evidence-based best practices.
- The study aims to inform policy by evaluating current practices and identifying improved approaches for safeguarding youth welfare.
Key provisions and study scope
The resolution directs the interim study to include, at a minimum, the following areas:
1) Legal and administrative framework
- Review Nebraska statutes, regulations, and departmental policies governing the use and oversight of juvenile restrictive housing and room confinement.
2) Trends and operational challenges
- Examine trends and challenges highlighted in recent annual reports from the Office of Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare.
3) Impacts on youth
- Research psychological and developmental effects of confinement on youth, with particular attention to vulnerable groups (e.g., youth with mental health needs or prior trauma).
4) Alternatives to confinement
- Assess evidence-based behavioral interventions, mental health supports, and less restrictive options as alternatives to confinement.
5) External practices and oversight
- Analyze best practices and oversight models from other states that have successfully reduced reliance on restrictive housing.
6) Data collection and reporting
- Review data collection practices and structures across youth detention centers and youth rehabilitation/treatment centers regarding room confinement and restrictive housing.
Process and collaboration
- The Legislature may confer with the Judiciary Committee, service agencies, detention facility administrators, state agencies, system-impacted youth, and other partners to ensure Nebraska policies align with the best interests of involved youth.
Output and reporting
- Upon completion, the Judiciary Committee shall prepare a report detailing findings and recommendations to be submitted to the Legislative Council or Legislature.
Procedural timeline and actions
- May 15, 2025: Introduced and referred to Executive Board.
- May 19, 2025: Referred to the Judiciary Committee.
- September 23, 2025: Notice of hearing issued for October 17, 2025.
- October 17, 2025: Hearing date set (interim study to be diskut ed).
- Final report expected to accompany recommendations to the Legislative Council or Legislature after the study.
Stakeholders and potential impact
- Affected parties include youth in Nebraska’s juvenile justice system, their families, detention facilities, juvenile service agencies, and state policymakers.
- While LR 246 does not enact policy itself, it could shape future legislation or administrative reforms aimed at reducing reliance on restrictive housing and improving youth outcomes.
Notes
- LR 246 is framed as a nonbinding interim study intended to inform policy decisions and improve alignment with evidence-based practices and youth welfare priorities.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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