LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Child advocates say Nebraska is locking up more teenagers than necessary and failing to track how often they place them in solitary confinement.
The Legislature's Judiciary Committee heard testimony Wednesday on two measures that would reform the way the state handles juveniles in custody.
One measure by Senator Patty Pansing Brooks of Lincoln would create a standard for reporting solitary confinement for juveniles. Advocates say it's essential the state adopts consistent policies in order to limit the practice.
The second bill by Senator Bob Krist of Omaha would allow a juvenile to be placed in a locked detention facility only as a last resort.
Neither bill drew opposition.
The bills are LB 675 and LB 845.
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