Sex offenders could face felonies for hurting workers

A strong message is being sent to Nebraska’s convicted sex offenders. The bill from Speaker Mike Flood of Norfolk would make felony charges possible for sex offenders housed at the state’s regional centers. Flood says staff at the centers have been forced into closets and assaulted, punched, tripped, or attacked in other ways. The original bill, included penalties for those housed at youth centers attacking staff, but that was removed and will likely come up next year. Flood says those working at the state’s regional centers should not have to worry about being attacked when they go to work. He adds, the offenders should not only face a misdemeanor for the attacks, but a felony.