Nebraska Lawmakers Propose Stricter Domestic Violence Protections

Bills would increase penalties for repeat protection order violations and require firearm surrender after convictions.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Nebraska state lawmakers are considering several bills this legislative session aimed at imposing harsher punishments for domestic violence offenders. One bill, LB 1000, would make a third violation of a protection order a felony instead of a misdemeanor. Another, LB 1088, would require people convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors or subject to protection orders to surrender their firearms within two days. Supporters say the bills would help break the cycle of repeat offenses and better protect victims, while some have raised concerns about constitutional rights.

Why it matters

Domestic violence remains a persistent issue in Nebraska, with advocates and law enforcement pushing for stronger legal tools to hold offenders accountable and safeguard victims. These proposed bills reflect a bipartisan effort to address gaps in the current system and strengthen the consequences for repeat violations of protection orders.

The details

One key bill, LB 1000, would increase the penalty for a third violation of a protection order from a misdemeanor to a felony. Currently, the average sentence for protection order violations in Lancaster County is 124 days. Supporters argue this change is needed to "break the cycle of repeat violations" and reassure victims that the system will protect them. Another measure, LB 1088, would require people convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors or subject to protection orders to surrender their firearms within two days, though concerns have been raised about how the firearm storage would be handled.

  • The Nebraska state legislature is currently in session and considering these domestic violence-related bills.
  • A public hearing on the proposed legislation was held on February 7, 2026.

The players

Belinda Hagen

A woman who lost her stepdaughter Jamie to domestic violence a year ago and has been advocating for stronger protections.

Chief Michon Morrow

A representative of the Lincoln Police Department who testified in support of the bills, stating they would "strengthen the confidence for victims that the system will protect them."

Spike Eickholt

Appeared on behalf of the ACLU of Nebraska and expressed concerns about the current language around violating protection orders.

Jane Raybould

The introducer of LB 1088, which would require firearm surrender, and is working to address concerns over how the firearms would be stored.

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What they’re saying

“I do not feel like a lot of the headlines that have come out this year have been forgotten. I think that there were individuals here that have never testified in front of a legislative committee before today, and they were empowered and they had a voice.”

— Belinda Hagen (1011now.com)

“This helps break the cycle of repeat violations and strengthens the confidence for victims that the system will protect them. Protection orders are meant to safeguard lives.”

— Chief Michon Morrow, with the Lincoln Police Department (1011now.com)

“For county court cases in Lancaster County, the average sentence for protection of violations is 124 days. Admittedly, those could be reduced down from a prior. I don't know. It's consequential.”

— Spike Eickholt, on behalf of the ACLU of Nebraska (1011now.com)

What’s next

The Nebraska state legislature will continue to debate and consider the proposed domestic violence-related bills, with the potential for them to advance to the governor's desk for final approval.

The takeaway

These legislative efforts in Nebraska reflect a growing recognition of the need for stronger legal protections and accountability measures to address the persistent problem of domestic violence. If enacted, the proposed bills could serve as a model for other states seeking to enhance safeguards for victims and break the cycle of repeat offenses.