LINCOLN—Nebraska lawmakers are considering whether to further restrict the use of shackles on juveniles involved in the justice system. During an interim Judiciary Committee hearing led by State Sen. Victor Rountree of Bellevue, youth advocates and people who experienced the juvenile system argued that restraints should be used only in extreme circumstances.

Advocates said juveniles are frequently shackled while being transported to medical appointments, community programs and treatment facilities even when they are compliant and do not present a known safety or flight risk. They called for individualized risk assessments before restraints are used, along with documentation explaining why shackling was necessary. Rountree previously introduced legislation to prohibit or further restrict juvenile shackling, but the bill was indefinitely postponed. Following the interim study and hearing, the Judiciary Committee is expected to prepare a report outlining its findings and recommendations, which could inform future legislation addressing when restraints can be used and who should make that determination.

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