Earlier parole eligibility approved

A bill that seeks to address the overcrowding crisis in Nebraska’s correctional system was passed by lawmakers Aug. 13.

Under LB1004, sponsored by Omaha Sen. Steve Lathrop, a committed offender automatically is eligible for parole within two years of their mandatory discharge date, unless they are eligible for parole at an earlier date.

The director of the division of parole supervision will establish caseload standards for parole service and provide annual caseload reports to the Legislature beginning in January 2021.

The parole provisions contained within LB1004 will not apply retroactively.

The bill includes provisions of LB1036, originally introduced by Lincoln Sen. Adam Morfeld, that change the age of consent for health care decisions from 19 to 18. It also allows a person under 19 who is in the custody of the correctional system to consent to medical and mental health care decisions.

Lawmakers passed LB1004 on a 29-11 vote.