Nebraska State Capitol looking east. (Jeff Motz/KFOR News)LINCOLN–(KFOR Jan. 24)–The concept of keeping juveniles who commit a violent crime and the community safe is part of a bill introduced at a news conference Thursday. LB 556 is aimed to do so and right now, Nebraska law says a juvenile can be charged as an adult for a violent crime if they are between the ages of 14-18. This new bill from Ralston Senator Merv Riepe, if passed, would lower that age to 12. “This bill is not about punishment,” Sen. Riepe said. “It’s about protection. Protection of our communities, our families and most importantly, for the juveniles themselves.” Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hansen said since 2017, there has been an over 1500% increase in repeat, felonious juvenile crimes. As it stands now, in order to be detained for a crime like murder, robbery, or sexual assault, the juvenile must be 13 or older. LB 556 would allow authorities to hold 11-or-12-year-olds in a secure facility while the courts sort out next steps. Under the current law, that’s not possible. Opponents to the bill, like Voices for Children in Nebraska, say the focus should be on rehabilitative-minded reform. “We’re talking about young kids,” said former Lincoln State Senator Patty Pansing Brooks. “This legislation walks back years of efforts to ensure our system has a right-sized, evidence-based and effective response to our Nebraska children.” LB 566 is expected to go before the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee in the weeks to come.