Steve Lathrop - Justice

Justice

Senator Lathrop has introduced and passed legislation related to the juvenile justice and criminal justice systems during his time in the Nebraska Legislature. He has also served as a key member of the Judiciary Committee and has sought to find common ground on difficult issues facing the Committee.

One of these difficult issues was found in LB 606 in 2008. Although he did not introduce this bill, Senator Lathrop was recognized as a key negotiator in finding a compromise between the medical research community and pro-life groups. As a result, LB 606 was passed and effectively banned the practice of creating and destroying human embryos in the state of Nebraska. It also established a grant system to provide researchers with incentives to pursue new and more effective methods of performing this research.

Another problematic bill that Senator Lathrop assisted with was LB 573 in 2007. LB 573 eventually was passed to make adults who knowingly provide alcohol to a minor responsible for any injuries or damages to third parties caused by the negligence of the intoxicated minor.

Another bill that was before the Judiciary Committee in 2007 involved the issue of recreational liability. After much discussion and work, LB 564 was passed to place some limits on the liability of political subdivisions (such as cities) that allow recreational activities on public land after a court ruling changed the previous protection. As result of the court ruling, many cities were concerned about their ability to operate various recreational activities, including skate parks. The passage of LB 564 alleviated those concerns.

There were also other justice-related bills that were introduced by Senator Lathrop and eventually passed, including LBs 179, 237, 238, and 292 during the 2009-10 legislative session.

LB 179 requires the electronic recording of interrogations in investigations of violent felonies. This practice insures more complete and accurate justice when dealing with our worst offenders and provides protections for law enforcement officials.

LB 237 adopted the Interstate Compact for Juveniles and the Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children. These Compacts are interstate agreements that provide for the uniform tracking, placement, and supervision of juveniles and children that move across state lines. This will apply when juveniles on probation move to another state or children who are in foster care or are awaiting adoption move to another state.

LB 238 created new criminal offenses for those who intentionally damage certain equipment or structures of public power suppliers. This bill was introduced in response to the recent increase in copper thefts that have contributed to numerous instances where criminals have broken into a power facility to steal wire or other materials.

LB 292 provided for uniform registration, certification, and background checks of sports agents seeking to represent student athletes who are or may be eligible to participate in intercollegiate sports. The bill was supported by the University of Nebraska and Husker Athletic Director Tom Osborne testified in favor of the bill.

During the 2011-12 legislative session Senator Lathrop introduced and passed additional justice related legislation.

LB 398 was introduced at the request of Secretary of State John Gale and made improvements to the notary public process.

LB 479 changed state law so that a victim of sexual or domestic assault who is at least 18 years of age can be examined and treated by a physician without the consent or notification of a parents or guardian.

LB 677 provided for enhanced penalties for assaults that take place against health care providers in health care settings as a reaction to violent assaults in Omaha area hospitals.

LB 899 increased the efficiency of courts and reduced costs for individuals by allowing final hearings to be waived in legal separation cases.

In 2013, Senator Lathrop introduced various legislative bills that make changes to Nebraska's justice system.