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Bail reform hearing is part policy debate, part fear-mongering
Like many other states, Nevada is entering a lengthy discussion about whether there should be an overhaul to the current bail system and, if so, how to implement changes. Earlier this week, Assemblyman Ozzie Fumo introduced Assembly Bill 325 to require judges to look at conditions other than cash bail when considering releasing someone from […]
Old pot conviction messing with your life? There’s a bill for that.
Legal recreational marijuana in Nevada has created a new class of people with marijuana convictions who have difficulties finding work because of criminal records. Right now, they can attend workshops put on by legal aid groups hoping to receive free assistance with sealing their records, but the process is lengthy, costly and difficult, according to Bailey […]
Groups rally to overhaul cash bail system as lawmakers unveil reforms
Rev. Raymond Giddens, the senior pastor of Unity Baptist Church, has had congregants who have been arrested and couldn’t afford to make bail. Just recently, an 80-year-old member had trouble securing the $3,000 bond that came with his charge. “The church had to come to his rescue to bail him out,” Giddens said. Activists estimate […]
Time to stop jailing people for traffic tickets, lawmakers say
In Nevada, people can still go to jail for speeding tickets, running a red light, driving with a broken tail light or even parking tickets. Lawmakers are working on a two-track process to redress the grievance. One track would put an end to it outright. But warning that idea may not fly in Carson City, […]
Democrats snub Neal
Clark County commissioners surprised many observers Friday when they rejected Democratic Assemblywoman Dina Neal to fill the vacant state Senate seat left by Kelvin Atkinson, who resigned from the Legislature March 5. Instead, commissioners unanimously voted for Marcia Washington, who was backed by the Senate Democratic Caucus and the Culinary Union. “I know there are […]
Assemblyman resigns amid allegations of sexual harassment
Assemblyman Mike Sprinkle, D-Washoe, resigned Wednesday amid allegations of sexual harassment. In a statement, Sprinkle didn’t directly own up to any claims, but only said he was “so sorry that anyone ever felt harassed or threatened by me,” and “truly disappointed in myself for anything that I have done to discredit the legislature or the […]
Onerous fees, “antiquated” data system gum up juvenile justice, child welfare
Nevada could do more when it comes to child welfare and juvenile justice, whether providing resources that stop youth from entering the system altogether, or halting the school-to-prison pipeline. For a start, the Children’s Advocacy Alliance is pushing for a bill that would eliminate fees paid by youths and their families who get caught up […]
Clark County taking applications for Atkinson’s seat
Clark County is accepting applications to fill the empty seat in state Senate District 4 following Kelvin Atkinson’s resignation Tuesday. Applicants have until noon Monday to apply, and the Clark County Commission will hold a public meeting March 15 to select a final candidate. The vacancy opened after Atkinson, who served in the legislator since […]
Nevadans spar over same-day voter registration
Proposed legislation to allow voters to register on Election Day received mixed reactions during its first hearing Wednesday. Supporters of Senate Bill 123 hope implementing the system will prevent voter disenfranchisement and help more people access the ballot box, while opponents fear the estimated fiscal costs as well as a rise of undocumented immigrants voting. […]
Nevada judge’s ruling targets online news sites
A Nevada judge says online new sites not recognized by the Nevada Press Association can’t rely on state shield laws, which protect journalists from revealing their sources. Sam Toll, the editor of the online news site the Storey Teller, was sued for defamation in 2017 by brothel owner Lance Gilman for a series of articles […]
Atkinson resigns in disgrace, Democrats “disappointed”
Nevada Democrats expressed “disappointment,” but for the most part remained silent following federal charges against Democratic Senate Majority Leader Kelvin Atkinson, who resigned Tuesday. First reported in The Nevada Independent Tuesday, Atkinson will plead guilty to federal charges of misappropriation of hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign funds for personal use. While condemning his […]
Graduating while homeless: Nevada rethinks outdated policies
Sarah Robbins moved 25 times while she was a student in the Nye County School District. She was young when she came to the understanding she would always be homeless or, at the very least, always at-risk of becoming homeless, while in school. “I would be living in cars without heat in the dead of […]