Senators add private civil remedy for victims of online child exploitation

Lawmakers on the floor adopted AM 29‑30, the portion of the judiciary committee package authored by Senator Stohr (LB 9‑78), creating a narrow private right of action for victims of child sexual‑exploitation material posted on internet platforms. The amendment, adopted 46–0, allows victims (or their parents) to sue platforms that "knowingly and intentionally" host prohibited content and recover damages, attorney's fees and litigation costs; the attorney general would also have injunctive authority.

Senator Stohr said the measure "strengthens civil enforcement against entities that knowingly publish or distribute material that is already illegal under Nebraska law," adding that victims currently lack a meaningful avenue to force removal of such content. The committee amendment included an explicit exemption for internet service providers, search engines and cloud providers that do not themselves create or develop the prohibited content.

Supporters described the change as targeted: it addresses commercial platforms that profit from illegal content while protecting ordinary internet infrastructure and speech. The amendment passed without recorded opposition and was incorporated into the divided LB 935 package.

What’s next: The Stohr section will remain part of the LB 935 committee package as the bill proceeds; sponsors said they will work on technical clarifications for implementation and to ensure exemptions operate as intended.

Quote: "Victims can sue those who intentionally create or distribute this content and recover damages, attorney's fees, and litigation cost," Senator Stohr said during her opening remarks.