A Nebraska lawmaker is pushing to allow families to sue schools for child sexual assaults after a previous bill was vetoed
Lincoln: A state lawmaker is back at it, trying to revive a bill that would let families sue schools for child sexual assaults. This comes after a previous proposal was vetoed last year.
State Sen. Danielle Conrad introduced a new bill, Legislative Bill 156, which is a more focused version of the earlier one. It specifically targets sexual assaults that happen in school settings.
Conrad’s push is in response to recent court decisions that have made it tough for families to hold schools accountable for negligence in abuse cases. She believes that when the government harms a citizen, they should have a way to seek justice.
The new bill would allow lawsuits for assaults that happen on school grounds, in school vehicles, or during school events. It’s a step towards giving families a fighting chance.
Previously, the vetoed bill would have allowed lawsuits even if the school wasn’t directly involved, but this one is more limited. Private schools already face lawsuits in these situations, so this is about leveling the playing field for public schools.
The governor had vetoed the earlier bill, saying it was too broad and could undermine protections for the government. He argued that there are already enough laws to hold perpetrators accountable without opening the door to too many lawsuits.
Conrad is determined to keep fighting for families like the Woods, who have been affected by these issues. Loree Woods has shared her daughter Taylor’s story, highlighting the trauma they’ve faced since a sexual assault in 2016.
Conrad wants to honor the Woods family and ensure that children are protected. She believes that the new bill is a step in the right direction, giving families a chance to seek justice and support.
