Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 83-4,122

Current with changes through the 2024 First Special Legislative Session

Section 83-4,122 - Disciplinary procedures; director establish; principles

In disciplinary cases which may involve the imposition of disciplinary isolation or the loss of good-time credit, the director shall establish disciplinary procedures consistent with the following principles:

(1) Any person or persons who initiate a disciplinary charge against an inmate shall not determine the disposition of the charge. The director may establish one or more disciplinary boards to hear and determine charges. To the extent possible, a person representing the treatment or counseling staff of the institution or facility shall participate in determining the disposition of the disciplinary case;

(2) An inmate charged with a violation of department rules of behavior shall be given notice of the charge including a statement of the misconduct alleged and of the rules such conduct is alleged to violate. Such notice shall be given at least twenty-four hours before a hearing on the matter is held;

(3) An inmate charged with a violation of rules shall be entitled to a hearing on that charge at which time he or she shall have an opportunity to appear before and address the person or persons deciding the charge. The individual bringing the charge shall also appear at such hearing;

(4) The person or persons determining the disposition of the charge may also summon to testify any witnesses or other persons with relevant knowledge of the incident. The inmate charged shall be permitted to question any person so summoned and shall be allowed to call witnesses and present documentary evidence in his or her defense when permitting him or her to do so will not be unduly hazardous to institutional safety or correctional goals. The person or persons determining the disposition of charges shall state his, her, or their reasons in writing for refusing to call a witness;

(5) If the charge is sustained, the inmate charged shall be entitled to a written statement of the decision by the persons determining the disposition of the charge, which statement shall include the basis for the decision and the disciplinary action, if any, to be imposed;

(6) A change in work, education, or other program assignment shall not be used for disciplinary purposes;

(7) The inmate charged shall be entitled to an adequate opportunity to prepare a defense. Such opportunity shall include the right to assistance and advice in preparing and presenting a defense from any inmate in general population or staff member at the institution where the hearing is held. Such inmate or staff member may serve in such an advisory capacity for the inmate so charged;

(8) Any hearing conducted pursuant to this section shall be tape recorded, and such recording shall be preserved for a period of six months; and

(9) The standard of proof to sustain the charge shall be substantial evidence.

Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 83-4,122

Laws 1976, LB 275, § 14; Laws 1988, LB 673, § 1; Laws 1993, LB 31, § 58; Laws 1993, LB 455, § 1.