Problem-solving courts could be used in more cases under a bill advanced by lawmakers March 1.<\/p>\n
Problem-solving court programs accommodate offenders already in the criminal justice system who have specific problems\u2014including drug abuse and domestic violence\u2014that cannot be addressed adequately in a traditional court setting.<\/p>\n
LB919, introduced by Gothenburg\u00a0Sen. Matt Williams, would allow new categories of problem-solving courts to address problems related to veterans, mental health, driving under the influence and reentry.<\/p>\n
Williams said problem-solving courts not only save taxpayers\u2019 money but also provide better outcomes for nonviolent offenders.<\/p>\n
\u201cRather than take these low-level offenders and put them in prison, we have the ability to take them through a process that works out very well,\u201d he said. \u201cThese courts work, cost less money and [offenders] have a much better chance of returning to a normal, productive life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sen. Bob Krist of Omaha spoke in support of LB919. He said problem-solving courts help certain populations like veterans to help themselves.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a group of people who come back from service and find themselves with PTSD or any number of issues at a point where their life is out of control,\u201d Krist said. \u201cBesides the fact that [problem-solving courts] are saving us money, they\u2019re helping return veterans to [stability].\u201d<\/p>\n
Crete Sen. Laura Ebke also supported the bill. Observing a problem-solving court helped her to see just how beneficial the program is to everyone involved, she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a whole, it seems to me that these problem-solving courts are better for the offenders who are then held accountable, it\u2019s better for taxpayers who will be saved from paying for extended incarceration and it\u2019s better for society in the long run,\u201d Ebke said.<\/p>\n
Following the adoption of a technical amendment, the bill advanced to select file on a 35-0 vote.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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