Bill would lower age at which juveniles can be charged, detained

By Brian Beach , Reporter Nebraska Public Media

March 13, 2025, 7 p.m. ·

Sen. Merv Riepe introduces LB556 — Sen. Merv Riepe introduces his bill lowering the age at which juveniles can be detained and charged as an adult to the Legislature's Judiciary Committee. (Photo by Brian Beach/Nebraska Public Media News)

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A bill lowering the age at which juveniles can be detained and charged as adults in Nebraska drew intense debate during a Judiciary Committee hearing Thursday afternoon.

LB556, introduced by Sen. Merv Riepe at the request of Gov. Jim Pillen, would enable law enforcement to detain juveniles as young as 11 years old and allow juveniles to be charged as adults for serious felonies as young as 12. That's two years younger than the current law.

Riepe said he introduced the legislation to address a rise in juvenile crime, particularly in Omaha.

“My intent with LB556, is not punitive, but interventional, to protect youth and to promote community safety while ensuring our juvenile justice system functions as it should," he said.

Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson testified in favor of the bill. He said the bill would add an additional 'tool in the toolbox' for law enforcement.

"I think it's fair to say that there is going to be nobody that relishes the thought of a 12 year old being charged with a serious felony, up to and including homicide, nor relishes the thought of detaining an 11 year old," Hanson said. "But I can tell you, almost unanimously, what people don't relish more is the thought of 11 year-olds and 12 year-olds committing homicides or very serious heinous felonies."

A long line of opponents argued that the bill would target minority youth and harm children whose brains haven't fully developed.

Olivia Cribbs, who was tried and convicted as an adult for accessory to first degree murder at 15 years old, said incarceration does nothing to promote rehabilitation.

"Trying and convicting an 11 year old as an adult disregards their capabilities for growth and rehabilitation. Children are still learning and developing emotionally and mentally, and they deserve equal opportunities for guidance and support, rather than harsh punishments," she said.

The Judiciary Committee will determine whether it advances to the floor for further debate.