Nebraska State Senator John Cavanaugh has introduced Legislative Bill 407, a proposal that addresses the growing debate about how to handle minors involved in serious crimes.
The bill would lower the age at which a youth can face adult penalties for felony charges to 13, but with a key distinction: youths aged 13 to 15 accused of major crimes would first go through juvenile court, which focuses on rehabilitation. If they fail to complete the juvenile court program, they could be transferred to adult court for adult penalties.
Cavanaugh emphasized the bill as a compromise between those advocating for adult consequences for younger offenders and those who favor a rehabilitative approach.
He likened it to a carrot and stick method, offering minors the opportunity for rehabilitation with the threat of adult punishment if they fail to take advantage of it.
In contrast, Governor Jim Pillen is pushing for a separate proposal that would lower the age at which minors could be detained for crimes from 13 to 11. It would also drop the age for charging minors as adults for the most serious felonies from 14 to 12. This proposal, which will be introduced by State Senator Merv Riepe, is supported by law enforcement officials in the Omaha area, including Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine.
Cavanaugh has voiced concerns about the Pillen-backed proposal, warning that it could be “dangerous” to lock up very young children for life, given the underdeveloped nature of their brains. He advocates for helping youths understand the consequences of their actions, rather than resorting to harsh penalties at an early age.