Nebraska lawmakers seek to allow charging children as young as 12 as adults

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Gov. Jim Pillen, Sen. Merv Riepe and several law enforcement officials gathered Thursday to push for lowering the age limits in the juvenile system.

They said their aim is to keep the community safe.

They want to lower the age at which minors can be detained from 13 to 11 and also to lower the age when they can be tried as an adult from 14 to 12.

“The hardcore reality is there is extraordinarily dangerous crimes and deadly crimes that are being committed by kids that are 11 or 12 years old,” Pillen said.

Law enforcement officials said this bill is geared toward the victims.

“Ultimately what I see this legislation being, is balance,” said Aaron Hanson, Douglas County sheriff. “We’re bringing balance and common sense back into the equation.”

Before the governor spoke, several opponents took the stand to stress their concerns, including senators and activist groups.

“This bill is very disappointing, and I’m disappointed in my colleagues and our executive leadership that think this is the right solution to address the experience and trajectory of children,” said Sen. Ashley Spivey of Omaha.

A member of the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska wants to protect young people at all costs.

“Let us be clear: Nebraska should not throw away children,” policy fellow Jason Witmer said. “No matter how terrible they act, or no matter how bad the action they committed.”

There’s about a dozen states in the U.S. where the age limit for charging a child as an adult is younger than 14. And in a couple states, there’s no minimum age.

No hearings have been scheduled yet on the proposal.