LINCOLN - The Nebraska Department of Corrections is telling employees it will soon issue a policy that will outline how they can communicate with state senators and their staffs, in meetings or hearings.

Some Corrections staff have already been contacted by lawmakers since the session started last week, an email from Corrections Chief of Staff Laura Strimple said. They want information from employees related to legislative initiatives, or they may be asking them to testify at upcoming hearings that begin next week.

The department's policy is still being developed, but Strimple said that going forward, any requests from senators or their staff should be authorized by Corrections Department administration before employees respond to lawmakers. "In addition, permission must be provided by Director (Scott) Frakes before any staff member testifies on behalf of NDCS," the email said.

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