Veterans Justice Program

“People who have served this nation in our armed forces have sacrificed to protect all of us,” Hagel said. “This law recognizes that sacrifice by ensuring that our veterans are not lost in our prisons and jails but instead receive interventions that can help them resume their responsibilities to their families, their communities, and their country.” - former U.S. Senator and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel

Overview

In 2024, Governor Jim Pillen signed legislation creating an alternative to prosecution and incarceration for Justice involved veterans in Nebraska. The legislation established the Veterans Justice Program in Nebraska effective July 1, 2025. In 2025, Governor Pillen signed LB150 establishing July 1, 2027, as the new effective date of the Veteran Justice Program. The governor’s action makes Nebraska the first state to adopt legislation based on a policy framework from the Veterans Justice Commission, a national panel led by former U.S. Defense Secretaries Chuck Hagel and Leon Panetta.

Under the new law, eligible veterans may request participation in the Veterans Justice Program. If approved, the veteran is placed on a term or probation with sentencing being deferred pending completion of the program. Upon successful completion, the veteran or prosecutor may request to withdraw their previously entered plea, and their charges may be dismissed, and the record is sealed.

Nebraska Veteran Justice Program

Supervision of veterans in the Veterans Justice Programs will be under the authority of the Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation. In collaboration with local and national partners, Nebraska has developed veteran specific trainings and case management strategies. Individualized supervision plans will be created by supervision officers in collaboration with the veteran. Supervision plans are designed to meet the individualized needs of the veterans while still holding them accountable to court ordered conditions. A key to veteran supervision will be connecting veterans with local and national resources to improve long-term success.

Measuring Success

The Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation will track data on the number of veterans receiving, successfully completing, declining, and denied participation in a veteran justice program. In addition, The Administrative Office of the Courts will monitor outcomes among veterans who participate in a veteran justice program, including completion status, recidivism, and housing and employment status.