Nebraska Legislature considers bill to try children as adults
The Nebraska Legislature is currently discussing a bill, LB556, that would allow children as young as 12 years old to be prosecuted as adults and children as young as 11 years old to be held in juvenile detention facilities. The bill was introduced by Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston at the request of Gov. Jim Pillen and supported by Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson. While proponents of the bill believe it will combat juvenile crime, opponents argue it will only make the issue worse.
Critics of the bill, including the ACLU of Nebraska and Voices for Children in Nebraska, are concerned that trying younger children as adults will disproportionately impact minority children, particularly black boys. They also question the validity of claims of a significant increase in repeat juvenile offenders. The bill’s supporters, on the other hand, argue that it will enhance public safety by addressing the rise in juvenile crime rates.
The debate over LB556 is ongoing, with advocates and opponents both pushing for their perspectives to be considered in the final decision.
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