Criminal Justice Reform Bill On Its Way to Final Round
by Jasmine Harris, MPH, CHES, Director of Public Policy & Advocacy
What a week at the Nebraska Unicameral! LB50 was debated on select file for four hours on Wednesday and survived a cloture vote, where at least 33 senators had to decide if the bill received a full and fair debate. It was then advanced to the final round of debate with a vote of 30-7.
This last round of debate was centered mainly on the section of the proposed policy that would expand parole eligibility. It was filled with many questions about what is considered releasing individuals early, how is good time applied to a sentence, and how does parole fit into the public safety conversation.
Whether being directly impacted by or working close to the criminal justice system, we sometimes forget that everyone does not know how the different parts of the system work. Until the final round of debate is scheduled, we’ll be working to educate our senators about reentry and the parole process.
LB50 will be scheduled for its final round of debate next week as early as Wednesday, May 31st.
We’re asking that you contact your senator’s office to thank them for advancing this important legislation and urge them to vote FOR LB50 in the final debate. Also share with them stories of people who have navigated their reentry and the importance of preparation and support in that journey.
You can call your senator and leave a message, send an email or speak with their staff (who will be back in the office on Tuesday). Visit our Advocacy Tips & Tools page if you need any help crafting your message.
