Defense of temporary insanity from intoxication ends

Lawmakers passed a bill April 8 that eliminates the defense of temporary insanity for crimes committed while the offender is voluntarily under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Under LB100, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Colby Coash, defendants charged with committing crimes while intoxicated may no longer use intoxication as a defense, unless they can prove by clear and convincing evidence that they did not know that a substance was a toxicant when they used it.

LB100 was approved on 42-2 vote.