Inspector General Doug Coburnick testifies on drug testing accuracy in Nebraska prisons

The Nebraska Judiciary Committee convened on February 28, 2025, to discuss several legislative bills, including LB 519, which focuses on drug testing protocols within the state's correctional system. The meeting began with a review of the agenda, highlighting the importance of ensuring fair disciplinary processes for inmates.

The first significant discussion centered on LB 519, introduced to address concerns regarding the accuracy of drug tests used by the Nebraska Department of Corrections. Doug Coburnick, the Inspector General of Corrections, provided neutral testimony, referencing a report released in 2024 that investigated allegations of inaccurate field drug tests. Coburnick emphasized the need for confirmatory testing, similar to existing protocols for urine tests, to ensure that inmates are not unfairly disciplined based on potentially erroneous results.

Coburnick noted that while drug tests can be useful, they sometimes yield inaccurate results, leading to disciplinary actions against inmates. He recommended that the department revise its regulations to allow for confirmatory testing of suspected drug contraband. This change would align the treatment of drug possession cases with that of drug use cases, where inmates currently have the option to request secondary testing.

Senator Debord raised questions about the turnaround time for confirmatory tests, which Coburnick estimated could take three to four weeks, depending on the lab used. Concerns were expressed regarding the potential lag between the occurrence of an incident and the receipt of test results, which could complicate disciplinary actions. However, Coburnick indicated that similar delays have not posed significant issues in the past.

Senator Juarez also contributed to the discussion, highlighting the need for a consistent disciplinary process for all inmates, regardless of the circumstances. She pointed out that the current system could lead to unfair treatment, particularly for inmates who are not given the same opportunities for confirmatory testing as those suspected of being under the influence of drugs.

The meeting concluded with a transition to the next agenda item, LB 530, as the committee continued its work on legislative matters affecting the state's correctional system. Overall, the discussions underscored the ongoing challenges within Nebraska's correctional facilities regarding drug testing and the importance of ensuring fair treatment for inmates. The committee's deliberations on LB 519 will likely influence future policies and practices in the state's correctional system.