What’s Happening
A new bill in Nevada wants to close family court hearings from the public. Senate Bill 432 would let judges decide when to make these hearings private. The bill says this is to protect people’s privacy in divorce, child custody, and other family matters.
Why This Matters to Conservatives
For folks who believe in limited government, this bill raises red flags. When courts operate behind closed doors, it becomes harder to keep an eye on what government officials are doing.
“The public has an interest in the operation of all of our courts, including family court,” says Alex Falconi, who runs an organization that watches Nevada judges.
Remember, family court judges in Nevada are elected officials. Just like any other government worker, they should be accountable to the people who put them in office. This bill could make it harder for voters to see how these judges are doing their jobs.
The Government’s Reasoning
Supporters of the bill say privacy in family matters is a basic right. Nevada family law attorney Marshal Willick argued at a hearing that privacy in family court:
“has been woven into Nevada law since the founding of this state.”
The bill would make records of private hearings secret unless a judge decides the public’s interest is more important than privacy. Anyone who shares these records could face serious punishment – up to four years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Why Limited Government Fans Should Worry
For conservatives who want less government power, not more, this bill is troubling for several reasons:
First, it gives judges more power to hide what happens in their courtrooms. Critics call the bill a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” because judges already have ways to protect truly private information.
Second, it creates new crimes with harsh punishments for sharing information about what government officials are doing.
Third, it makes it harder for people who can’t afford lawyers to understand the system. Unlike in criminal court, you don’t get a free lawyer in family court.
Real-World Impact
Beth Smith, president of a school board in Washoe County, supports the bill. After her family court case was open to the public following a 2024 Nevada Supreme Court decision, she felt violated.
“It was absolutely devastating. It was a huge violation,” Smith told the Review-Journal. She believes the public has no business seeing her family’s private matters.
But opponents worry the bill could shield bad behavior. Tia Smith from the ACLU of Nevada warns the bill gives “broad discretion to close proceedings” based on things like emotional discomfort, which “could be misused to shield misconduct or unfair outcomes from public scrutiny.”
What Happens Next?
If you believe in keeping government open and accountable, this bill deserves your attention. It’s still being considered by Nevada lawmakers.
Conservatives who value transparency might want to:
- Contact their state representatives to share concerns
- Attend public hearings on the bill
- Support organizations like the Nevada Open Government Coalition, and Our Nevada Judges, Inc. that fight for transparency
The battle between privacy and transparency is a tough one. But for those who believe government power should be limited and watched carefully, any move to close courtroom doors should be approached with caution.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
