Bill
LB 327
LB327 shifts probation office salaries, space, tech, and related costs from counties to the state (Supreme Court/State Court Administrator), starting July 2026–July 2027, with a phased transition.
LB327 – Summary
Purpose and intent
- LB327 seeks to shift the financial responsibility for probation-related expenses from counties to the state. Specifically, it would require the state to pay the salaries, travel, and a broad set of operational costs associated with probation services, with implementation overseen by the State Court Administrator and the Nebraska Supreme Court.
Key provisions and changes
- Fiscal shift:
- Beginning on an implementation date chosen between July 1, 2026 and July 1, 2027, the state would pay:
- Salaries and travel expenses of probation staff.
- Expenses for providing probation office space and necessary facilities.
- Costs associated with the procurement, provision, management, security, and support for technology and equipment used by probation services (e.g., scanners, telephones, mobile devices, software licensing, network management, internet services, and related IT support).
- Other office-related expenses tied to probation services, excluding certain items that remain state-funded or are funded through other statutes (e.g., some hardware and software already on the state computer network as specified).
- The state would pay these costs using money appropriated to the Nebraska Supreme Court for that purpose.
- Transition and administration:
- Prior to the implementation date, counties would continue to pay the expenses for the maintenance and operation of probation offices within their districts. Counties would be reimbursed by other counties within the same district, as determined by the Nebraska Supreme Court, based on population or other fair/equitable methods.
- After implementation, counties would collaborate with the State Court Administrator to ensure a smooth transition of payment responsibilities.
- The Nebraska Supreme Court may adopt rules necessary to carry out the bill.
- Interpreter services:
- The state would continue to pay for interpreter services for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, and for interpreters to assist those who cannot communicate in English, as defined in existing statutes, funded through the Supreme Court or other available funds.
- Legislative changes:
- The bill would amend Section 29-2259 (and related statutes) to reflect the shift in responsibilities and to define relevant terms and procedures.
- It would repeal the original sections and enact revised language governing probation expenses, state payment, and administrative duties.
- Implementation timeline:
- The State Court Administrator is required to implement LB327 within the July 1, 2026 – July 1, 2027 window.
- The State Supreme Court may adopt rules to implement and carry out the provisions.
Who is affected
- Counties: Transition away from funding probation office salaries, space, and related operational costs after the implementation date; initially continue funding and then coordinate with the State Court Administrator during transition.
- State entities: Nebraska Supreme Court and State Court Administrator gain primary responsibility for funding and administering probation services and related technology, facilities, and staff costs.
- Probation staff and probation offices: Their salaries, travel, and equipment/space costs would be funded by the state after implementation.
- Interpreters: State-funded through the Supreme Court for probation-related interpreter services (and related language services) as per existing definitions.
Timelines and hearings
- Introduced: January 16, 2025.
- Committee: Judiciary.
- Hearing: February 19, 2025.
- Implementation window: July 1, 2026 → July 1, 2027 (date chosen by State Court Administrator).
Notes
- Principal Introducer: Senator Rick Holdcroft.
- The measure emphasizes a centralized state funding model for probation-related technology, space, and personnel costs, with a structured transition overseen by the State Court Administrator and the Supreme Court.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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