Forfeiture right to counsel bill indefinitely postponed
During the 2024 legislative session, the Nebraska legislature introduced LB 916, a bill that would have provided a right to counsel to certain defendants in civil asset forfeiture matters. Specifically, a defendant represented by appointed counsel in a criminal matter would have been entitled to representation in any related forfeiture case.
The bill also would have permitted the court to appoint counsel for indigent innocent owners or secured interest holders who file a motion to intervene. The bill died in chamber, indefinitely postponed in April at the end of the state’s legislative session; it will not carry over to 2025.
Last action (on 04/18/2024): Indefinitely postponed
In February 2024, the NCCRC submitted testimony in support of the bill to the Nebraska Judiciary Committee.