A group of Nebraska state senators is pushing a package of bills to ease prison overcrowding.

Senator Kate Bolz of Lincoln acknowledges past legislation to reduce the Nebraska prison population hasn’t had the intended effect.

Bills this session call on Corrections to develop a parole review plan to respond to any overcrowding emergency as well as to conduct a system-wide staffing analysis.

Senator Patty Pansing Brooks of Lincoln calls for additional programming for prisoners.

The ACLU has filed a lawsuit claiming prison overcrowding violates the constitutional rights of inmates.