Case transfer protections for juveniles approved

Certain statements made by juvenile defendants will no longer be allowed to be used against them in other proceedings under a bill passed by lawmakers Feb. 29.

LB184, introduced by Omaha Sen. John Cavanaugh, prevents statements made by child defendants to a mental health professional during the hearing process for a motion to transfer a case from county or district court to juvenile court from being used against them in other civil or criminal proceedings.

The bill allows such statements to be used as evidence in certain other circumstances, including transfer proceedings, for impeachment purposes or in certain presentence investigation reports.

Senators passed LB184 on a 42-0 vote.