It’s that time again when I travel to Carson City and lobby on your behalf to ensure that we have a voice in the legislative process. By the time you read this, the 2025 Nevada legislative session will be in full swing. Below are a few of the bills I am tracking that already have bill language attached. There are many bill drafts related to law enforcement that do not yet have language, which I will update you on at a later date. I do suspect there will be a few law enforcement “accountability” bills that will pop up related to officer discipline files and officers on disciplinary administrative leave, so stay tuned for my weekly updates. I have had discussions with legislative leadership about last session’s DROP bill, but look for PERS to lobby heavily against it if I find a bill sponsor. I have also lobbied very diligently for legislators to press PERS on their hefty PERS increase for police and fire pensions. Again, please look for my weekly updates once the legislative session kicks off. Between now and then, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. You can also refer to our legislative bill tracker on the LVPPA website to see what bills we are monitoring (lvppa.com/legislative/legislative-bill-tracker).

Here are a few bills related to law enforcement in the upcoming legislative session, based on the latest information:

AB55: Tracking Impairment Deaths 

This legislation would require coroners to conduct blood tests for impairment in cases of traffic-related deaths. The data would be collected in a database accessible to law enforcement and other appropriate entities.

Analysis: This bill aims to enhance traffic safety by collecting comprehensive data on impairment-related deaths. It would allow law enforcement to develop more targeted prevention strategies, improve prosecution in DUI cases and provide a clearer picture of the scale and nature of the problem. However, it raises privacy concerns regarding the posthumous testing of individuals and the use of this data. 

SB50: Tougher Property Crimes 

This legislation would amend the law to make theft an offense where restitution requirements are mandatory, particularly when targeting older victims. It also stipulates that parole or probation cannot be considered until 80% of the restitution has been paid.

Analysis: Aimed at protecting the elderly from property crimes, this bill introduces stricter penalties with a focus on restitution. It could deter crime but might also create challenges for those offenders unable to pay restitution, potentially leading to longer incarceration periods. This could strain resources for both law enforcement and the judicial system due to longer case resolutions and parole considerations.

SB59: Suspending a Teacher’s License 

This legislation would add “sexual impropriety with, or grooming, certain pupils” to the conditions that warrant the suspension of a teacher’s license. It also restricts teachers with suspended licenses from employment in other school districts.

Analysis: While primarily focused on educational governance, this bill indirectly impacts law enforcement by setting clear legal repercussions for educators, potentially reducing the need for law enforcement in these cases if schools can act swiftly. It also aims to prevent teacher mobility to avoid accountability, which might reduce the burden on law enforcement to track and prosecute such cases across different jurisdictions.

Overall Analysis 

Public safety and accountability: These bills collectively reflect a legislative push toward better public safety, particularly in areas where the public is more vulnerable (traffic safety, crimes against the elderly and student protection).

Data-driven policing: AB55 specifically promotes a data-driven approach to law enforcement, which could lead to more effective resource allocation for traffic enforcement.

Legal and ethical considerations: Each bill brings forward considerations of civil rights, privacy and the implications of law enforcement’s expanded role in data collection, and ensuring compliance with new legal standards.

Resource implications: Implementation of these bills might require additional training for law enforcement or changes in operational procedures, potentially increasing costs or workload.

The effectiveness and impact of these bills will largely depend on their implementation, how they’re enforced and any amendments made during the legislative process. They also raise questions about balancing enforcement with rights and privacy, which will be key discussion points as these bills move through the session.