Bill > LB206

This bill introduces enhanced criminal penalties for specific offenses committed during disaster areas and emergency periods. The bill defines a "covered offense" as including serious crimes like assault, robbery, arson, burglary, theft, criminal mischief, and criminal trespass, as well as attempts or accessories to such crimes. A "disaster area" is broadly defined to include areas under emergency proclamations by the Governor, local emergency declarations, federal disaster declarations, or mandatory evacuation orders. The "emergency period" is the timeframe these declarations are in effect, with a default duration of 30 days if no specific end date is provided. Under the new provisions, anyone committing a covered offense in a disaster area during an emergency period will be punished by being moved up to the next higher penalty classification. For offenses currently classified as a Class I misdemeanor, the enhanced penalty would be a Class IV felony. The prosecuting attorney must prove these enhanced allegations beyond a reasonable doubt during the trial. The bill aims to deter opportunistic criminal behavior during times of vulnerability and crisis by imposing more severe legal consequences.

Justice

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58809