Efforts to do away with mandatory minimum sentences for some crimes and end the death penalty in Nebraska are being met with criticism.
Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert and Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts joined law enforcement officials Thursday morning to urge lawmakers to reject those bills.
One measure would end mandatory minimum sentences for some felony crimes, including robbery and assault on a police officer. It also seeks to limit the “habitual criminal” designation. Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer says he’s troubled by that legislation.
Nebraska lawmakers also advanced a bill Thursday that would do away with the state’s death penalty. Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine says the death penalty option is needed in certain criminal cases. Kleine says the bills put people’s safety in jeopardy.
Supporters of the bills say they’re a solution to Nebraska’s prison overcrowding problem.