90.3 KRNU Newscast 12/3/2025

Nebraska officials are working to improve legal processes for defendants with severe mental health issues through Legislative Bill 350 (LB 350). Introduced by Senator John Cavanaugh, the bill aims to shorten the timeline for mental competency court hearings from 60 days to just 5, ensuring quicker evaluations and reducing delays in the legal system. Criminal defense attorney Spike Eickholt supports the bill, noting its importance in helping individuals who are unable to understand or participate in legal proceedings due to mental health conditions. LB 350 was recommended by the 2022 Mental Health Care Capacity Strategic Planning Committee. The Nebraska Legislature has yet to decide on its passage.

Nebraska lawmakers are working to improve legal procedures for defendants with severe mental health issues through Legislative Bill 350. Introduced by Senator John Cavanaugh, the bill aims to speed up the process of determining a defendant’s mental competency by reducing the time for related court hearings from 60 days to just 5. It also mandates that reports be filed directly with the court to improve communication and efficiency. Criminal defense attorney Spike Eickholt supports the bill, noting it will help prevent mentally unfit defendants from being stuck in the legal system without receiving needed care. LB 350 stems from recommendations by the 2022 Mental Health Care Capacity Strategic Planning Committee. The bill is still awaiting a decision from the legislature.

Nebraska State Senator Rick Holdcroft introduced a bill on March 12 aimed at combating human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. The bill proposed requiring sex offender registration for those convicted of sex trafficking or profiting from it in Nebraska, including retroactive cases. Supporters, like Pamela Mock, a street outreach specialist, emphasized the importance of protecting survivors. Opponents, such as defense attorney Spike Eickel, argued that lifetime registration requirements are unfair to those who have already served their sentences. Ultimately, the bill (LB511) did not pass through the Judiciary Committee and did not become law.

Nebraska’s Legislative Bill 411 aims to combat the state’s teacher shortage by offering annual financial incentives. It builds on a previous law by expanding $2,500 bonuses for teachers in their first six years, increasing to $3,000 annually from years seven through fifteen, and $4,000 annually afterward. Introduced by Senator George Dungan, the bill is backed by the Nebraska State Education Association, whose president, Tim Royers, emphasized the need to remove bureaucratic hurdles from incentive programs. Teachers testified about frustration over low compensation and lack of support, highlighting the profession’s retention crisis. No opposition was voiced at the hearing, and LB 411 passed the same day, also establishing a $5,000 bonus for teachers certified in high-need areas.

On April 10, the state of Nebraska, Food Bank of Lincoln, and Food Bank of the Heartland hosted a “Stuff the Truck” event at the state capitol. This year marks the fortieth anniversary of the state's annual campaign against hunger, and this event concludes the ten-day drive.

As part of the campaign, monetary and non-perishable food donations have been accepted from April 1 to 11 to benefit southeast Nebraska food banks. Those who are not able to contribute during the ten-day drive can still donate to the food bank year-round.

A new bill by Nebraska Senator Rick Holdcroft would plan on allowing for baby boxes to be safe haven drop off locations. This would include any hospital, police station, or fire station staffed 24/7 and would be an expansion from last session's bill on the safe haven law, also proposed by Holdcroft.

The Bugeaters Vintage Market has something for everyone, whether it's wool knit sweaters from the seventies or Husker gear from the National Championship days.

Dawson Coudret, owner of local business Single Stitch LNK, has been the organizer of the market since its debut in April last year. The market itself has grown in popularity.

There's a reason that many prefer going the vintage route.