RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – Governor Lombardo’s Crime Bill will soon be law. That’s after a Special Session of the Nevada Legislature passed the bill last week.
“I was very optimistic that it would make it through this time,” said Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks. “It almost made it through in the regular session. It was just some procedural hurdles at the last minute that caused it not to pass. I was optimistic and hopeful that it would pass this Special Session.”
Hicks, who has served as Washoe County’s DA for over a decade, helped Governor Lombardo develop the crime bill and testified in front of lawmakers in favor of the crime bill during the regular session. “It represents common sense criminal justice reform. It’s reasonable, and it targets areas that our state needs some help. I think that balanced-approach really reflects the values of all Nevadans. We all want safer streets, safer neighborhoods, safe schools and safer communities. This bill is a very positive step.”
Governor Lombardo believes the crime bill will roll back criminal justice reforms passed by the Legislature in 2019.
The bill expands the list of crimes that qualify as felony Domestic Violence offenses. Including kidnapping, attempts to kidnap and solicitation. “If someone was convicted of kidnapping, a domestic violence form of kidnapping, and then a few years later arrested for a different domestic offense. We can use the previous domestic to enhance the sentence,” said the DA.
The Governor’s bill cracks down on retail theft by decreasing the felony theft threshold from $1200 to $750. This targets “smash and grab” crimes that damage businesses.
“Under this new law, assuming the Governor signs it, you would be able to take the value of the merchandise stolen and the value of the cost it takes to fix that glass,” said Hicks. “If it exceeds $750, which is far below the current felony theft threshold, they can be prosecuted for a Category C Felony.”
Lombardo’s crime bill also covers stalking, a resort corridor court and increases the penalties for DUI-related deaths. Hicks says the crime bill improves public safety, accountability and aids victims of crimes. “It recognizes the severe loss when somebody is killed by a drunk driver. It allows for a larger sentence, up to 25 years in prison, if you are driving drunk and kill somebody.”
In the final days of the special session, lawmakers attached an immigration amendment to the bill before its final approval. The amendment prohibits police or ICE from accessing school grounds without a lawful order or warrant. It also requires detention centers to maintain a list of detainees.
The bill still needs Governor Lombardo’s signature before going into effect on January 1, 2026.
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