Judges could have more authority over juvenile probation terms

Senators advanced a bill from general file May 17 that would give the Juvenile Court more authority over a juvenile’s probation conditions.

LB670, introduced by Norfolk Sen. Mike Flood, would allow the Juvenile Court to order a juvenile placed on probation to:
• obtain employment, attend school or pursue a prescribed course of study and obey the rules where such education is provided;
• complete any problem-solving court program, including any sanctions imposed;
• refrain from using alcohol or drugs and submit to testing for the presence of alcohol or drugs;
• participate in any evaluations, offender assessment screens and rehabilitative treatment;
• perform community service under the direction of his or her probation officer;
• be placed on house arrest or curfew monitored by tracker or electronic surveillance device and, if the juvenile has the financial ability, pay the cost of the device;
• pay for all costs imposed by the court if the juvenile has the financial ability;
• comply with any sanctions imposed by the court which are to take effect upon the violation of a condition of probation by the juvenile;
• pay restitution for any property stolen or damaged or for any medical expenses incurred if the juvenile has the financial ability; and
• remain within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, report to the court or probation officer as directed, notify the court or probation officer of any change in address, employment or school program, permit a probation or law enforcement officer to visit the home, school or place of employment, submit to any searches requested by a law enforcement or probation officer and agree to waive extradition if found in another jurisdiction.

Flood said the bill would allow the Juvenile Court to order a more meaningful probation to ensure a juvenile will lead a law-abiding life.

A Judiciary Committee amendment, adopted 36-0, eliminated the provision that would have allowed the court to order juveniles on probation to attend or reside in instruction, recreation or staff secure detention institutions or facilities.

Lincoln Sen. Colby Coash supported the amendment, saying it could prevent an additional demand on the state’s better established detention facilities.

The bill advanced from general file on a 37-0 vote.