Legislative oversight measure clears first round

Lawmakers amended and advanced a cleanup proposal March 4 related to legislative oversight.

LB1155, introduced by Adams Sen. Myron Dorn, would update and clarify legislative oversight changes that were enacted last session with passage of a bill that created the Legislative Oversight Committee.

Dorn said the proposal would make the process of legislative oversight more efficient and effective.

Among other provisions, the measure would:
• change provisions related to accessing juvenile probation records and timelines for requested information;
• modify due dates for annual reports;
• authorize secure remote access for audit purposes; and
• establish increased accountability for room confinement in juvenile facilities of longer than one hour in a 24-hour period.

An Executive Board amendment, adopted 36-0, would expand documentation requirements for room confinements longer than one hour to specify the duration of the confinement, facility staffing levels at the time and any incidents of self-harm or suicide committed by a juvenile while isolated.

The amendment also would require the Division of Legislative Oversight to review collected data, assess room confinement use and prepare an annual report of findings to be delivered to the Legislature.

Omaha Sen. Ashlei Spivey supported the amendment, saying the state needs to do more to gather data on the use of restrictive and juvenile room confinement, given the mental health implications of the practice.

LB1155 advanced to select file on a 41-0 vote.