Gov. Joe Lombardo signed 13 bills into law on Monday following last month’s special session of the Nevada Legislature, his office announced this morning.
The measures “focused on strengthening public safety, expanding health care access, modernizing cybersecurity, improving school zone safety, supporting vulnerable Nevadans, and ensuring responsible state operations,” his office said in a news release.
Public safety reform
Assembly Bill 4, known as the “Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act,” represents one of the most significant updates to Nevada’s public safety laws in recent years, Lombardo’s office said.
The legislation increases penalties for smash-and-grab robberies, assault and battery against hospitality employees and DUIs involving a death. It also strengthens laws around stalking, domestic violence and child pornography.
The legislation revives a court program that handled criminal cases originating on the Las Vegas Strip and coincided with orders banning people from the corridor for a year.
In a statement Lombardo, a Republican, said: “I’m particularly proud of the historic public safety reforms passed this session, which will strengthen safety on the Las Vegas Strip, crack down on DUI offenders, and restore safety and security in our communities. I appreciate the Legislature’s bipartisan cooperation, and I’m proud that together we passed meaningful, responsible reforms that will make Nevada stronger and safer for years to come.”
Emergency aid
Senate Bill 3 establishes the Silver State General Assistance Program to support Nevadans during federal aid disruptions and modernizes statewide emergency support services.
The bill was in response to the federal shutdown halting payments to residents relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Cybersecurity and infrastructure
Assembly Bill 1 creates a centralized Security Operations Center under the Office of the Chief Information Officer and establishes the Cybersecurity Talent Pipeline Program. The legislation requires annual reporting and authorizes school districts to use state cyber services.
Senate Bill 4 provides critical state appropriations supporting indigent defense compliance, jail-based behavioral health programs and state emergency and contingency fund replenishment.
The bill funds UNR’s State Medical Lab equipment, NDOC portable medical stations, SNAP error-rate reduction technology and education initiatives. It also funds construction of UNLV’s new Lee Business School and UNR’s Life Sciences Building and enhances Medicaid enrollment outreach and statewide agency operations.
Health care and housing
Senate Bill 5 creates the Statewide Health Care Access and Recruitment Program account and requires a statewide needs assessment. The legislation encourages private-sector investment and job creation in Nevada’s healthcare industry and supports long-term growth in Nevada’s physician, nursing, behavioral health, and specialty workforces. It establishes competitive grants to expand clinical services and provider capacity with oversight and accountability for funded projects.
Senate Bill 6 supports families affected by structural and environmental issues in Windsor Park, funding relocation assistance with quarterly reporting to the Interim Finance Committee.
Additional measures
SB 1: Requires rental car companies to verify renter insurance coverage before releasing vehicles.
AB 3: Allows public officers to use campaign funds for personal security and expands confidentiality protections.
AB 6: Expands local authority over school zone design and increases penalties for violations.