Procedures for juvenile offenders passed

Lawmakers passed a bill April 23 relating to the treatment of juveniles charged with certain crimes.

Under LB482, introduced by Omaha Sen. Bob Krist, juveniles charged with running away or being uncontrollable or truant could not be fingerprinted or placed in a juvenile detention facility or out-of-home care unless certain factors exist. County attorneys must make reasonable efforts to refer juveniles and family to community-based resources.

The measure prohibits juveniles from being restrained during court proceedings, unless certain conditions exist, and outlines the conditions necessary for restraints to be used on a juvenile appearing in court. These include situations in which a juvenile presents a substantial risk of flight from the courtroom or has a history of disruptive courtroom behavior that has placed others in potentially harmful positions.

Senators passed the bill on a 44-2 vote.