LINCOLN- The age at which a Nebraska child could be detained for an alleged crime would be lowered, from 13 to 11, under a new bill expected to be in front of state lawmakers this year at the urging of Gov. Jim Pillen. State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston said he plans to introduce the measure, which also would drop the age, from 14 to 12, at which a minor can be charged as an adult for the “most serious” felonies.

The legislation was briefly outlined in Pillen’s proposed budget distributed Wednesday to lawmakers. Riepe said he plans soon to formally introduce the legislation, which is being refined. The proposed legislation calls for a court hearing and a judge’s review to determine juvenile placement unless waived by both parties.

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