Nebraska Legislature Bill LB99

Nebraska 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/25
• Refer: 1/14/25

Caption

Limit use of restrictive housing and solitary confinement

Impact

If passed, LB99 would significantly impact state laws related to incarceration by placing restrictions on how solitary confinement can be implemented. The bill would mandate that correctional facilities adhere to new standards when isolating inmates, including more extensive evaluations and monitoring of mental health conditions. By applying these standards, the legislation aims to address broader systemic issues in the criminal justice system, making it more aligned with contemporary approaches to inmate care and rehabilitation.

Summary

LB99 aims to limit the use of restrictive housing and solitary confinement practices within correctional facilities. The legislation seeks to establish guidelines that prioritize rehabilitation and the mental health of inmates, rather than subjecting them to potential psychological harm through prolonged isolation. Proponents of the bill argue that reducing solitary confinement is essential for improving inmate outcomes and ensuring a more humane approach to incarceration. Through this bill, the state intends to promote a correctional environment focused on treatment and rehabilitation rather than punishment alone.

Contention

Discussions surrounding LB99 highlighted a divide between lawmakers advocating for reform and those concerned about potential implications for prison safety and inmate management. Supporters emphasized the benefits of reducing solitary confinement as a means to support mental health, while critics argued that limiting such practices might hinder correctional facilities' ability to maintain order and manage inmates effectively. Furthermore, the bill could face opposition from law enforcement groups and some legislators who fear that it may place additional burdens on personnel responsible for ensuring the safety of both staff and inmates.