LINCOLN (AP) — People convicted of smuggling smokes, money or cellphones to Nebraska inmates would find themselves behind bars for up to a year, under a bill approved Tuesday by the Nebraska Legislature.
Lawmakers also gave final approval for a compromise measure that settles a three-year fight among the state's community colleges over state aid.
Both measures were given final-round approval on 46-0 votes.
The smuggling bill defines jailhouse contraband and sets penalties for those who bring unlawful items into jails.
State Sen. Norm Wallman of Cortland, the bill's sponsor, said the definition of contraband currently differs from place to place. Under his bill, the Nebraska Sheriffs' Association would create a list of unlawful items to be used by all city and county jails.
The Community College Aid Act, or Legislative Bill 946, dictates that the first $87.9 million in state aid will be distributed to the six colleges under the existing formula.
But if state aid increases above that amount, part of the money will be distributed using a new formula based on enrollment, faculty growth, course selection and other factors. That change was supported by Omaha-based Metro Community College, which had complained about the current aid formula.
Both bills now await the signature of Gov. Dave Heineman to become law.
World-Herald staff writer Paul Hammel contributed to this report.
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