A bill making its way through the Nevada Legislature could help solve the state’s foster home shortage by letting more folks step up to care for kids in need. Assembly Bill 107 (AB107) would allow people with old marijuana possession convictions to become foster parents.
What’s This Bill All About?
Think of it like this: Right now in Nevada, if you got caught with some marijuana years ago, you can’t be a foster parent. Ever. Even if it was just for personal use and happened decades ago.
AB107 would change that rule.
According to the bill text:
“This bill exempts from those provisions certain violations relating to the possession of controlled substances that involve the unlawful possession of marijuana for a purpose other than sale if the violation did not occur within the immediately preceding 5 years.”
“This just means they can now apply,” explains Republican Assemblyman Ken Gray, who is asking for help supporting the bill. “This could possibly provide hundreds of placements for foster youth into homes.”
Why This Matters to Conservatives
For those who believe in limited government, this bill checks several important boxes:
- It reduces unnecessary government barriers that prevent good people from helping children in need.
- It recognizes that people can change and shouldn’t face lifetime bans for non-violent offenses.
- It puts more power in the hands of families rather than government institutions to care for vulnerable children.
- It potentially reduces the size and cost of the foster care system by increasing the number of available homes.
The fact that this bill passed the Assembly unanimously shows it has appeal across political lines. Conservatives can appreciate that it doesn’t lower safety standards – background checks and other screening measures remain in place.
What Critics Might Say
Some might worry this change could put foster children at risk. Child safety advocates sometimes argue that any drug conviction should disqualify potential foster parents.
However, the bill maintains strict standards – it only exempts personal marijuana possession from over five years ago, not selling or other drug offenses. And all other background checks and home studies would still apply.
The Foster Care Crisis in Numbers
The need for more foster homes is real. More than 391,000 children are currently in foster care across America, with 117,000 waiting to be adopted. In Nevada, all counties report shortages of foster homes.
When children don’t have foster homes available, they often end up in group homes or facilities that cost taxpayers more money and typically provide less stable environments for kids.
What Happens Next and What You Can Do
The bill has already passed the Assembly and could be voted on in the Senate very soon.
If you believe in this cause, here’s how you can help, as requested by Assemblyman Gray:
Contact Senate Leadership:
- Senator Cannizzaro, Senate Majority Leader: (775) 684-1475
- Senator Schieble, Chief Majority Whip: (775) 684-1421
- Senator Titus, Republican Minority Leader: (775) 901-3844
- Senator Stone, Assistant Minority Leader: (775) 684-1481
Submit Your Opinion Online: You can officially register your support at the Nevada Legislature website by visiting: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/83rd2025/Bill/12002/Overview and clicking the “Opinion” button in the upper right-hand corner.
A simple message like “Please support AB107 which will allow more people to apply to become foster parents” is effective, though personal messages often carry more weight.
This common-sense reform could help address Nevada’s foster home shortage while maintaining high standards for child safety. It’s a win for limited government, personal responsibility, and most importantly, for children who need stable homes.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
