NE LB995

Requires mandatory appointment of counsel for juveniles in all counties when petitions allege jurisdiction under subdivisions (1), (2), (3)(b), or (4) of section 43-247, eliminating the previous distinction between counties with populations above or below 150,000 inhabitants

Mandates juvenile courts provide written materials explaining the right to counsel to juveniles and their parents/guardians, with materials written at an understandable level using best practices to ensure juvenile comprehension

Prohibits waiver of the right to counsel in specific circumstances: juveniles under age 14, detention hearings, dispositional hearings seeking out-of-home placement, and motions to transfer cases from juvenile court to county or district court

Strengthens waiver requirements by adding that courts cannot accept a waiver unless the juvenile has been provided the required written materials about the right to counsel

Amends sections 43-272, 43-279, and 43-3102 of the Nebraska Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024