Law Enforcement Protection Act expected to be introduced to Nebraska Legislature

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Law Enforcement Protection Act in Nebraska has been announced and is expect to be introduced into the Nebraska Legislature when it returns to session.

On Oct. 29, the act was introduced by Chairman Tom Brewer and Vice-Chairman Andrew La Grone of the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee and US Congressman Don Bacon.

They outlined the provisions of the act and discussed the importance of supporting officers.

They said the act would defund criminals and not the police.

The act would prevent a person convicted of participating in a violent or disorderly assembly from receiving state benefits or be eligible for employment by or contracts with the state or a political subdivision.

To reduce appropriations for a local law enforcement agency to 90 percent or less of the amount allocated in the previous budget, these measures would be required:

1. A separate budget hearing
2. separate vote on any county or municipal budget proposal
3. or amendment to that proposal

(Exclude appropriations from one-time grants or other external funding sources.)

The act would prohibit the abolition of a county or municipal law enforcement agency other than in a merger/interlocal agreement that still provides for law enforcement services.

The act would add criminal penalties to combat rioting, looting and violence.

If this act is introduced, it would make it a Class IIIA felony when six or more people assemble and cause serious property damage or any bodily injury to another person.

It would prohibit Unlawful Obstruction of Roadways or other Unlawful Confinement by Violent Assembly.

• It would make it a Class IIIA felony to obstruct traffic during an unpermitted protest, demonstration or violent or disorderly assembly
• It would make it a Class III felony if obstruction prevents movement of ambulance, fire crew, or other emergency responders charged with preservation of life

The act would make add a mandatory minimum sentence for mob violence against police.

This would include the offense of unlawfully striking a law enforcement officer (including with a projectile) during a violent or disorderly assembly. It would carry a mandatory minimum sentence of confinement.

It would also include offense and/or sentence enhancements for:

• Conspiracy to organize — including funding — a violent assembly resulting in property damage or bodily injury.
• Assault of a law enforcement officer, emergency responder, or healthcare worker during a violent or disorderly assembly