Bill > LB215

This bill adopts the Clean Slate Act and establishes a second chance relief program for criminal offenders in Nebraska. The Clean Slate Act provides an automatic and petition-based process for sealing certain criminal records after specified waiting periods, depending on the severity of the offense. Specifically, misdemeanors can be automatically sealed after 5-10 years without additional convictions, and individuals can petition to seal more serious offenses after similar waiting periods. The bill defines "qualified offenses" extensively, excluding many serious crimes like sexual offenses, violent crimes, and offenses involving serious bodily injury. When a record is sealed, criminal justice agencies must respond to public inquiries as if the offense never occurred, though certain exceptions exist for specific types of background checks and government agencies. The bill also creates a "second chance relief" program for long-term and life-sentenced inmates, allowing them to seek sentence commutations after serving 25-30 years, depending on their age at the time of the offense. This program involves comprehensive evaluation by the Board of Parole, including risk assessments and community stakeholder input, and provides detailed reentry support for those granted commutation, including job placement, housing support, mentorship, and ongoing monitoring. The ultimate goal is to support rehabilitation, reduce recidivism, and help reformed offenders successfully reintegrate into their communities.

Justice

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58775