Nebraska LB50 Becomes Law
By Jasmine Harris, MPH, CHES
RISE Director of Public Policy & Advocacy
End of Summer Updates
As we find the end of summer drawing near, this means the interim session is upon us and the next legislative session is quickly approaching; just like the change in the seasons. With the change of the legislative sessions, we'll start to look for the implementation of the laws passed at the end of the 108th Legislative 1st session.
What Changes Are In-Store?
Understanding LB50 A Little Better
LB50 was passed to improve public safety in Nebraska by focusing on reducing recidivism through five main strategy areas:
Incentivizing participation in programming for and treatment for early parole release.
Focusing corrections resources on individuals convicted of violent offenses.
Providing additional support and interventions for those on community supervision.
Improving statewide behavioral health supports.
Creating ongoing opportunities to assess the need for reform in the state.
The policy changes were set to go into effect on September 1st. As we wait for the procedural updates to be implemented by the administration departments, what we can do is become familiar with what each strategy was created to do and take note if things are going as it was intended.
For your reference, a summary of the policies in each strategy area can be found here. You can also find a version of the approved law here.
What's Happening In The Meantime?
During the session, senators introduce topics that they would like to explore and gather more information about when the regular legislative session ends. These are called interim studies and happen during the interim session which occurs during late summer and fall. Interim studies can be achieved through activities like listening sessions in communities, research/data collection, and committee hearings. The chair of the committee of the study was referenced to decide if the study receives a committee hearing and the date.
We are monitoring and will participate in a few of the interim studies that include the collateral consequences of incarceration, mental health and addiction issues in Nebraska's juvenile and criminal justice systems, and transitional housing for justice-involved individuals. For up-to-date information about interim studies and statuses that we're following, click here.
We Need Your Input - Public Participation in Law-Making
One of the things that we try to ensure is that your voices are included in the law-making process. I am a firm believer that those closest to the problem are closest to the solution.
Speaker Arch has introduced LR179 to review the laws, processes and procedures related to the public's participation in the legislative process. RISE has been invited to participate in the first part of the study by asking our members:
"What are your top areas of concern when it comes to the public's ability to participate in the law making process?"
We ask that you take 2 minutes to fill out this survey to let us know your top concerns.
The survey will close Friday, September 15th.
We want to hear from our participants, volunteers and advocates alike. All of your voices are important in this process.
As always, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out.
The one thing that is constant is change. Whether we go with the change or not is up to us. The outcome is our doing.
Here's to change!
In Solidarity,
Jasmine L. Harris, MPH, CHES
Director of Public Policy & Advocacy
