LINCOLN- Attorney General Mike Hilgers is challenging more than one effort to reduce the state’s chronic prison overcrowding. And his efforts are sparking the ire of leading state senators. Sen. Wayne said that it appears to be an effort to account for building a new state prison, a $366 million project. “I believe in the (state) constitution,” the senator said.

While in the Legislature, Hilgers voted with to pass one of the laws he is challenging, LB686, which allows a “deferred judgment” by a judge. The other law he is legally attacking, LB 50, was a much-compromised measure that his AG’s office helped negotiate so it could pass in 2023. Wayne said if the “deferred judgment” law is ruled unconstitutional, problem-solving courts would also be in question.

Hilger's office declined to respond citing they couldn’t comment on a pending legal appeal. This led to criticism from Sen. Conrad who claimed, “That’s politics at its worst". She added that it “challenges the credibility” of the attorney general’s office when it is involved in negotiating legislation.

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