Prison, parole evaluations expanded

Nebraska’s prison and parole programs will undergo regular evaluation under a bill passed April 13.

LB896, introduced by Omaha Sen. Steve Lathrop, requires the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services and the Division of Parole Supervision to use an independent contractor or a Nebraska academic institution to evaluate programs funded by the department.

Under the bill, nonclinical treatment and structured programs will be evaluated every eight years and clinical treatment programs will be evaluated every three years. Evaluations will rate program effectiveness in reducing recidivism rates and include recommendations regarding the availability, timeliness and therapeutic environment of programs.

If applicable, a cost-benefit analysis also will be included. Evaluation results will be sent to the inspector general of corrections and the evaluated entities.

The bill passed on a vote of 46-0.