The Neighborhood Development Act, proposed by Senator Heath Mello and prioritized by Senator Tom White, both of Omaha, would provide grants to neighborhood associations for significant community improvement projects that focus on enhancing the quality of life.

The Attorney General’s office worked directly with members of the Legislature to pass LB 97, a comprehensive package that modernizes Nebraska’s laws dealing with sex offenders. Technological advances such as instant messaging, social networking websites, and cell phones have made it easier for sex offenders to solicit victims as well as collect, transmit, and store illegal materials. Sex offenders have also found ways to use technology to contact children and potential victims.

LB 63 is a much-needed modernization of our violent crime statutes. It stiffens penalties for existing violent crimes and creates new offenses for gang-related activities that are known to create and encourage violence. The bill was made stronger by the inclusion of the anti-graffiti measures Senator Nordquist introduced earlier this session.