A Common Sense Saftey Measure
A bill introduced by Nevada Senator Julie Pazina (D) aims to protect apartment residents through targeted safety measures. Senate Bill 114 requires landlords operating more than 200 units in a single property to implement three common-sense security protocols.
First, they must conduct criminal background checks for employees with access to dwelling unit keys. Second, they must develop clear written policies about key storage and security. Third, they must keep logs tracking key movements.
“All Nevadans should feel safe in their homes,” said Senator Pazina, who sees the bill as addressing a specific safety concern without creating bureaucratic bloat.
Why Conservatives Can Support This Bill
This legislation represents the kind of narrow, problem-solving approach that aligns with limited government principles. Instead of creating sweeping regulations affecting all housing, it targets only the largest apartment complexes where security breaches would affect hundreds of families.
The bill doesn’t create new government agencies, expensive programs, or burdensome reporting requirements. It simply establishes baseline security practices that many responsible property managers already follow voluntarily.
For conservatives who believe government’s proper role includes protecting public safety without unnecessary interference in markets, SB 114 strikes the right balance. It focuses on preventing specific, documented harms rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all regulatory framework.
The Real-Life Tragedy Behind The Bill
The legislation was inspired by the murder of 19-year-old Miya Marcano in Florida. A maintenance worker used his master key to enter her apartment without permission before killing her in 2021. This tragedy highlighted a specific security vulnerability in large apartment complexes where a single bad actor with universal access can threaten hundreds of families.
“No parent should ever have to endure the pain of losing a child in a place where they should feel safest—their own home,” said Miya’s mother, Yma Scarbriel, who has become an advocate for apartment safety reforms.
What’s At Stake For Nevada Families
For the hundreds of thousands of Nevadans who live in apartments, this bill addresses a fundamental concern: Can I trust that my landlord has taken reasonable steps to protect my family’s safety?
By requiring background checks for employees with key access, the bill helps ensure that individuals with concerning criminal histories don’t gain unfettered access to hundreds of homes. By mandating key tracking systems, it creates accountability for how and when master keys are used.
The Bottom Line
For conservatives who value limited but effective government, SB 114 represents legislation worth supporting. The bill hearing on Monday featured testimony from Miya’s family alongside property managers and safety advocates.
Senate Bill 114 shows how government can fulfill its proper role in protecting public safety without creating bureaucratic excess. It stands as an example of thoughtful, targeted legislation that addresses real problems while respecting conservative principles.
Conservatives have long championed the sanctity of home and family. This bill directly supports those values by ensuring basic safety measures in the places where many Nevada families live. These common-sense measures create peace of mind for families without imposing undue burdens on property owners or creating expansive government oversight.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
