State of Nebraska Archives: on Crime
ACLU:
Death penalty is a broken process; abolish it nationwide
Nebraska carried out its first execution in more than two decades with the lethal injection of four drugs in a combination never tried before. The Nebraska ACLU released the following statement:The 38-year-long journey to this execution further
proves what we've been saying all along: The ACLU believes the death penalty in America is a broken process from start to finish and should be abolished nationwide. Governor Ricketts has carried out a lethal injection shrouded in secrecy.
This execution of Carey Dean Moore does not comport with Nebraska's proud tradition of open government. Today stands as the most recent dark chapter in Nebraska's troubled history with the death penalty.
Nebraskans of goodwill have different beliefs about the death penalty, but it is troubling and curious why Governor Ricketts made the death penalty his signature issue. More states are turning away from capital punishment.
Source: KHGI nebraska.tv on 2018 Nebraska gubernatorial race
Aug 14, 2018
Ben Sasse:
Rip up Epstein plea deal; pursue co-conspirators
Sasse wrote a letter urging Attorney General William Barr to "rip up" Jeffrey Epstein's 2008 sweetheart plea agreement, saying that even after his death, the disgraced billionaire's non-prosecution agreement still effectively shielded his
co-conspirators from prosecution [for repeated sex offenses]. "Too many of Epstein's secrets have gone to the grave with him, and the Department must not allow his death to be one last sweetheart deal for his co-conspirators," Sasse wrote.
Source: LawAndCrime.com on 2020 Nebraska Senate race
Aug 13, 2019
Bob Krist:
Fix the prison system; stop the talking about it
I understand the problems with our Department of Corrections. During my time in the Legislature, I've served in numerous leadership positions relating to our prison system. I've repeatedly encouraged the Governor to understand the urgency of
finding lasting solutions to fix the prison system. I understand the overtime issue, I understand the overcrowding issue, and I understand that the time for talk is over. The Governor needs to act now and declare an emergency.
Source: 2018 Nebraska Gubernatorial website KristForNebraska.com
Dec 12, 2017
Bob Krist:
Repeal death penalty, might make exception for treason
What mattered to him were his core values, he said, including being pro-life, from conception to natural death. He voted to repeal Nebraska's death penalty in 2015, but because of his military background he admits to
wrestling with his beliefs about an exception for a death sentence in federal cases for treason against the United States. He knows about the serious consequences of treasonous activity, he said.
Source: The Lincoln Journal-Star on 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial race
Oct 27, 2018
Bob Krist:
For setting aside of conviction after sentence served
LB350: Provide for setting aside certain misdemeanor and felony convictions.Legislative Summary: LB 350 would have allowed individuals convicted of a misdemeanor or felony and sentenced to a punishment such as jail or prison, to
petition the court to set aside their conviction once the sentence is completed. When a criminal conviction is set aside, the person is considered not to have been previously convicted.
Veto message: LB350 weakens confidence in the
criminal justice system by dramatically liberalizing the ability of serious felonies like murder, arson, human trafficking, armed robbery, drug manufacturing, drug distribution, and assault on a police officer or emergency responder to be set aside.
This bill sends the wrong message to victims of crime and to society. It represents poor public policy.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 30-11-8 on Mar/15/18; Senator Bob Krist voted YES; Vetoed by Gov. Ricketts on Mar/21/18.
Source: Nebraska Legislature voting records LB350
Mar 15, 2018
Brett Lindstrom:
Don't coddle criminals who harm our most innocent
Children are society's most precious resource. Brett passed legislation toughening laws against child abusers as well as guardians who don't report the abuse they witness to authorities.
As Governor, Brett will continue his record of supporting law enforcement and being tough and smart on crime - not coddling criminals who harm our most innocent. This includes pushing back on any attempt that would defund our police.
Source: 2022 Nebraska Governor campaign website VoteLindstrom.com
Jun 24, 2022
Carol Blood:
We need a prison system that helps reform individuals
Nebraska has been debating funding a new prison. Blood previously worked in the prison system, in a maximum security men's institution for six years. "Until we have a prison system that really does help to reform these individuals that will one day be
your neighbor, it is not going to change anything building a new facility." She said lawmakers must address the staffing issues, training issues and the lack of rehabilitative services.
Source: The Gateway (UNO) on 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial race
Sep 23, 2021
Carol Blood:
For setting aside of conviction after sentence served
LB350: Provide for setting aside certain misdemeanor and felony convictions.Legislative Summary: LB 350 would have allowed individuals convicted of a misdemeanor or felony and sentenced to a punishment such as jail or prison, to
petition the court to set aside their conviction once the sentence is completed. When a criminal conviction is set aside, the person is considered not to have been previously convicted.
Veto message: LB350 weakens confidence in the
criminal justice system by dramatically liberalizing the ability of serious felonies like murder, arson, human trafficking, armed robbery, drug manufacturing, drug distribution, and assault on a police officer or emergency responder to be set aside.
This bill sends the wrong message to victims of crime and to society. It represents poor public policy.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 30-11-8 on Mar/15/18; Senator Carol Blood voted YES; Vetoed by Gov. Ricketts on Mar/21/18.
Source: Nebraska Legislature voting records LB350
Mar 15, 2018
Chuck Herbster:
Contributed to a pro-death penalty initiative
In an interview, Herbster insisted that he had no animosity toward Ricketts and said he was baffled by the governor's decision to come out against him. He said he voted for Ricketts in both of his general elections, contributed to his
first campaign and donated to his 2015 inaugural. Herbster recalled that shortly after taking office, Ricketts invited him to breakfast and asked for a contribution to a pro-death penalty initiative, which Herbster agreed to.
Source: Politico.com on 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial race
Nov 2, 2021
Dave Domina:
Defended and exonerated death row inmates
In his opening, Domina said he's represented people on death row, and every time he "volunteered to put myself between a Nebraskan and the electric chair" the inmate went home.
And when one man he got exonerated didn't have a home to return to, he stayed with Domina, just down the hall from his children.
Source: WatchDog.org on 2014 Nebraska Senate debate
Jun 2, 2014
Dave Heineman:
Don't reduce sentences automatically for "good time"
An important issue that needs to be addressed is Nebraska's approach to crime and punishment. There are short term and long term components to this issue. Allowing the most violent criminals to enter into our state's prison system and have their
judge-imposed sentences automatically reduced by 1/2 through the use of the current "good time" program is not sound public policy. As you know, the current law allows violent criminals to automatically receive "good time" the moment they enter a
Nebraska correctional facility. The public safety of our citizens should be priority #1 and that should start with violent criminals being required to earn "good time." I have done all that I can administratively by approving
a change to our rules and regulations that allows the Department of Correctional Services to take away twice as much "good time" when a prisoner assaults a corrections official or another inmate.
Source: 2014 State of the State Address to Nebraska legislature
Jan 15, 2014
Don Stenberg:
Supports "stand-your-ground" self-defense laws
The candidates all declared their support for such conservative platforms as federal spending reductions and repeal of the national health care reform law. They also all stated support for stand-your-ground self-defense
laws, which give people latitude to use deadly force rather than retreat from danger. That type of law has been much discussed following the February fatal shooting of an unarmed teenager by a neighborhood watch volunteer in Florida.
Source: Lincoln Journal Star on 2012 Nebraska Senate Debates
Apr 13, 2012
Jim Pillen:
Calls to defund the police are reckless and dangerous
I will stand with law enforcement and safeguard our communities. Calls to defund the police are reckless and dangerous.
Police officers, Sheriffs, the State Patrol, firefighters, and first responders put their lives on the line for us everyday and they deserve our respect and support.
Source: 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial campaign website JimPillen.com
May 12, 2022
Jim Pillen:
Enhance criminal penalties for looting, resisting arrest
In 2020, "Black Lives Matter" protesters looted and rioted in major cities nationwide, as well as here in Nebraska. My administration will show no hesitation in working with local law enforcement to crack down if protests become destructive and violent.
I'll ask the Legislature to enhance criminal penalties for looting, resisting arrest, disobeying lawful orders to disperse, assaulting first responders, and destroying public property.
Source: 2022 Nebraska website JimPillen.com "The Pillen Playbook"
May 12, 2022
Jon Bruning:
Supports death penalty by lethal injection in Nebraska
Bruning supports the following principles to address crime:- Support the use of the death penalty in Nebraska.
- Implement lethal injection as Nebraska's method of execution.
-
Support contracting with private sector firms to build and/or manage state prisons.
- Ban the use of racial profiling by law enforcement officers.
Source: Nebraska State 2000 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2000
Jon Bruning:
End parole for repeat violent offenders
Bruning supports the following principles to address crime:- End parole for repeat violent offenders.
- Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
- Inform communities when a convicted sex offender moves into
the community.
- Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational & job-related skills.
- Increase penalties for crimes committed on school grounds.
- Support programs that provide job training and placement services for at-risk youth.
Source: Nebraska State 2000 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2000
Jon Bruning:
Supports "stand-your-ground" self-defense laws
The candidates all declared their support for such conservative platforms as federal spending reductions and repeal of the national health care reform law. They also all stated support for stand-your-ground self-defense
laws, which give people latitude to use deadly force rather than retreat from danger. That type of law has been much discussed following the February fatal shooting of an unarmed teenager by a neighborhood watch volunteer in Florida.
Source: Lincoln Journal Star on 2012 Nebraska Senate Debates
Apr 12, 2012
Mike Flood:
Ensure our police officers are defended not defunded
Helped lead Nebraska's transition to lethal injection for the most heinous murders in our state: I'll work with law enforcement agencies to ensure our police officers are defended, not defunded. We must provide the tools needed to combat rising crime
rates, fight human trafficking and opioid abuse, and keep our communities safe. Police officers, not Washington bureaucrats, know how best to do their jobs and hold criminals accountable. We must make it easier, not harder, for them to do their work.
Source: 2022 NE-1 House campaign website MikeFloodForNebraska.com
Jul 19, 2022
Mike Johanns:
Juvenile justice package: more funding; more coordination
I propose a comprehensive juvenile justice reform package that addresses priority needs. - Enact a "gatekeeper" structure to coordinate juveniles' entry into the State system.
- Fund an initiative that will expand the array of services available
within the State juvenile system. This measure will alleviate overcrowding by doubling the number of substance abuse treatment beds for juveniles and allow the development of mental health programming and aftercare services.
- Create a new aid formula
to provide funds directly to counties for development of community-based programs for juvenile delinquents.
- Funding to replace expired federal grant dollars so that current substance abuse treatment programs at both Kearney and Geneva can be
sustained.
- Transfer the existing Department of Correctional Services facility to the Office of Juvenile Services for use as both a Level 5 secure youth treatment facility and as a site for development of a sex offender treatment program.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Nebraska Legislature
Jan 11, 2001
Mike Johanns:
Supports death penalty for federal crimes
Johanns supports the following principles regarding crime: - Support the use of the death penalty for federal crimes.
-
Support strict penalties for internet crime (e.g. hacking, identity theft, worms/viruses).
Source: Nebraska Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Jun 3, 2008
Pat Flynn:
Supports "stand-your-ground" self-defense laws
The candidates all declared their support for such conservative platforms as federal spending reductions and repeal of the national health care reform law. They also all stated support for stand-your-ground self-defense
laws, which give people latitude to use deadly force rather than retreat from danger. That type of law has been much discussed following the February fatal shooting of an unarmed teenager by a neighborhood watch volunteer in Florida.
Source: Lincoln Journal Star on 2012 Nebraska Senate Debates
Apr 14, 2012
Peter Ricketts:
Automated sentence calculation for Department of Corrections
[Regarding] the Department of Corrections, we made significant progress in an agency that had been neglected for years. In addition to providing for the basic needs of more than 5,300 inmates,
Corrections successfully launched an automated sentence calculation program, implemented the first-ever risks/needs assessment tool, reformed restrictive housing, completed a culture study and staffing analysis, expanded mental health and
cognitive behavioral programming, created mission specific housing, and developed an inmate health plan while addressing pay and quality of life issues for Corrections officers.
With this budget proposal, we will reduce protective services vacancy rates, upgrade technology, and improve the Lincoln Correctional Center.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Nebraska Legislature
Jan 12, 2017
Peter Ricketts:
First NE execution in 20 years, with new drug combination
Nebraska carried out its first execution in more than two decades with the lethal injection of four drugs in a combination never tried before, including the powerful opioid fentanyl.The execution comes a little more than three years after Nebraska
lawmakers abolished the death penalty, only to have it reinstated the following year through a citizen ballot drive partially financed by Gov. Pete Ricketts. The governor has said he was fulfilling the wishes of voters in the conservative state.
The Nebraska drug protocol called for an initial IV dose of diazepam, to render the inmate unconscious; the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl; cisatracurium besylate to induce paralysis and stop the inmate from breathing; and potassium chloride
to stop the heart. After each injection, prison officials sent saline through the IV to flush out any residue and ensure all the drugs had entered the inmate's system. Diazepam, fentanyl and cisatracurium had never been used in executions before.
Source: KHGI nebraska.tv on 2018 Nebraska gubernatorial race
Aug 14, 2018
Peter Ricketts:
Build a new, modern correctional facility
By 2025, Nebraska's corrections system is forecasted to house over 6,400 inmates. Today, we have an operational capacity of over 5,300 inmates, and the Nebraska State Penitentiary is decaying. To help protect public safety and to replace the
State Penitentiary, I am proposing that we build a new, modern correctional facility. This facility will require an initial investment of $115 million in this budget for a total of $230 million by the time it is completed and operational in 2025.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Nebraska legislature
Jan 14, 2021
Peter Ricketts:
Fully fund replacement of Nebraska State Penitentiary
We must fully fund the replacement of the Nebraska State Penitentiary. The existing penitentiary was built over 150 years ago. Its walls are crumbling, and its infrastructure is aged beyond simple repair. For those wishing to pursue criminal justice
reform, this should be a no-brainer. A modern facility will give our inmates a better quality of life. Modernizing our State Penitentiary will allow us to offer enhanced services and programming to prepare these men for life after time served.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Nebraska legislature
Jan 13, 2022
Peter Ricketts:
Vetoed setting aside of conviction after sentence served
LB350: Provide for setting aside certain misdemeanor and felony convictions.Legislative Summary: LB 350 would have allowed individuals convicted of a misdemeanor or felony and sentenced to a punishment such as jail or prison, to
petition the court to set aside their conviction once the sentence is completed. When a criminal conviction is set aside, the person is considered not to have been previously convicted.
Veto message: LB350 weakens confidence in the
criminal justice system by dramatically liberalizing the ability of serious felonies like murder, arson, human trafficking, armed robbery, drug manufacturing, drug distribution, and assault on a police officer or emergency responder to be set aside.
This bill sends the wrong message to victims of crime and to society. It represents poor public policy.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 30-11-8 on Mar/15/18; Vetoed by Governor Pete Ricketts on Mar/21/18.
Source: Nebraska Legislature voting records LB350
Mar 21, 2018
Steven Larrick:
Eliminate the federal death penalty
Larrick supports the following principles regarding crime:- Eliminate the use of the death penalty for federal crimes.
-
Support programs to provide prison inmates with drug and alcohol addiction treatment.
- Require that crimes based on sexual orientation be prosecuted as federal hate crimes.
Source: Nebraska Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Jun 25, 2008
Steven Larrick:
Prevent criminal behavior rather than focus on punishment
Larrick supports the following principles regarding crime:- Reduce prison sentences for those who commit non-violent crimes.
- Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills
and job-placement assistance when released.
- Larrick adds, "To avoid criminal behavior, we need to support the positive development of our people."
Source: Nebraska Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Jun 25, 2008
Theresa Thibodeau:
Police have been turned into public enemies as crime spikes
Our first responders have been a lifeline to all of us for as long as any of us can remember, and yet, over the last couple of years, violent criminals have become victims and our police have been turned into public enemies. Crime statistics have
spiked, cities have been burned and thieves have openly emptied retail stores without consequences. We the People can stem this tide of insanity, but we have to do it now. For the sake of our children, we have no choice but to stand our ground.
Source: 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial website TheresaForGovernor.com
Feb 27, 2022
Theresa Thibodeau:
Oppose setting aside of conviction after sentence served
LB350: Provide for setting aside certain misdemeanor and felony convictions.Legislative Summary: LB 350 would have allowed individuals convicted of a misdemeanor or felony and sentenced to a punishment such as jail or prison, to
petition the court to set aside their conviction once the sentence is completed. When a criminal conviction is set aside, the person is considered not to have been previously convicted.
Veto message: LB350 weakens confidence in the
criminal justice system by dramatically liberalizing the ability of serious felonies like murder, arson, human trafficking, armed robbery, drug manufacturing, drug distribution, and assault on a police officer or emergency responder to be set aside.
This bill sends the wrong message to victims of crime and to society. It represents poor public policy.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 30-11-8 on Mar/15/18; Senator Thibodeau voted NO; Vetoed by Gov. Ricketts on Mar/21/18.
Source: Nebraska Legislature voting records LB350
Mar 15, 2018
Jim Pillen:
Meet programming needs of inmates to reduce recidivism
I am recommending finalizing the last phase of funding to replace the Nebraska State Penitentiary, which this body has approved. The facility was designed more than a century ago. It can't meet the programming needs
of our inmates to reduce recidivism and get people back to work after they pay their dues to society for their transgressions. A new facility, with additional space for programming, will help more people to become productive, law-abiding citizens.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Nebraska legislature
Jan 25, 2023
Peter Ricketts:
Fought for ballot initiative to restore death penalty
As governor, Ricketts used his status as a multi-millionaire to buck up his policies and punish those who crossed him. His most successful endeavor was pushing for the state to bring back the death penalty after the Nebraska legislature overrode
Ricketts' veto to end the death penalty. BuzzFeed estimated that Ricketts and his family spent over $400,000 on a ballot initiative to restore the death penalty that was ultimately successful.
Source: Business Insider on 2024 Nebraska Senate race
Jan 12, 2023
Preston Love:
Advocated for fairer application of criminal justice
Love is a mainstay of Democratic politics in Omaha and much of the state. He has worked to organize voters in communities of color and has sought investment in historic neighborhoods.
He has also advocated for fairer application of criminal justice, including prison reforms and other programs for people leaving prison, aimed at job training and life skills.
Source: Nebraska Examiner on 2024 Nebraska Senate race
Jan 11, 2024
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026