Governor Joe Lombardo is taking a direct approach to crime in Nevada — one he says is long overdue.
His new proposal, Senate Bill 457, would toughen penalties for repeat offenders, close loopholes in pretrial release, and crack down on crimes like fentanyl trafficking, burglary, and retail theft.
“We’ve got laws on the books that aren’t doing enough to stop crime,” Lombardo said. “This bill is about giving law enforcement and the courts the tools they need to hold people accountable.”
The bill doesn’t just target one issue — it takes a broad look at how to better protect public safety in Nevada.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the key parts.
Harsher Penalties for Repeat Offenders
Under current law, someone must have five prior felonies to be considered a “habitual criminal.”
SB457 lowers that threshold to two or three prior convictions, depending on the severity.
That change could lead to more consistent sentences for repeat offenders, especially those with long criminal records.
The bill also adds a new penalty for people who commit another felony while out on bail for a different felony.
They could face an additional 1 to 20 years in prison — on top of the penalty for the new crime.
Judges would have to consider factors like the person’s criminal history and the impact on the victim.
Lowering the Bar on Retail Theft and Fraud
Retail theft and property crimes have been rising across Nevada, and SB457 aims to address that by lowering the felony theft threshold from $1,200 to $750.
That puts Nevada more in line with neighboring states and could make it easier for prosecutors to go after repeat offenders.
The bill also makes it a felony if someone with two or more prior property crime convictions commits another theft — even if the amount is small.
If they’re caught again after that, the charge becomes even more serious.
Targeting Fentanyl Trafficking
Fentanyl has been one of the most dangerous drugs in recent years, and Nevada law currently treats trafficking at a high threshold — 28 grams or more.
SB457 lowers that to 4 grams, with new classifications for “mid-level” and “high-level” trafficking.
That change reflects the potency of fentanyl, where even small amounts can lead to overdose deaths.
Law enforcement officials across the country have pushed for lower thresholds like this to get dealers off the streets faster.
Stronger DUI and Substance Abuse Laws
The bill increases penalties for fatal DUI crashes, raising the prison term to up to 25 years, and in some cases allowing charges to rise to second-degree murder.
It also adds penalties for anyone who drives drunk while already in a court-ordered treatment program.
But SB457 isn’t all punishment — it also encourages medically assisted treatment programs for inmates with substance use disorders, especially those involving opioids.
These programs would depend on available funding and coordination with the state’s health department.
Protecting Victims and Vulnerable Communities
The bill expands the law around stalking and cyberstalking, making it clear that stalking includes electronic communication — like text messages, emails, or social media posts — that cause fear or intimidation.
It also specifically adds dating partners to the list of potential victims under the law.
In addition, SB457 makes each image or video of child pornography count as a separate offense, allowing for stiffer penalties for offenders.
It also removes options for court diversion programs for those convicted of child or elder abuse.
In schools, if a student is accused of violence against a teacher or staff member, the bill requires a mental health evaluation within two weeks of a detention hearing.
The goal is to make sure serious incidents are properly addressed while ensuring the student gets evaluated.
The Nevada Department of Corrections estimates the bill could cost over $42 million in the coming years due to longer sentences and more incarcerations. Critics worry that expanding the prison population could strain state resources.
Supporters argue that investing in public safety now may prevent bigger costs down the road — like rising crime rates, overburdened police departments, and damage to businesses and communities.
Senate Bill 457 is one of the most sweeping public safety proposals Nevada has seen in years.
It’s not just about being “tough on crime” — it’s about addressing the gaps in the current system that let serious offenders fall through the cracks.
The bill still needs to make its way through the state legislature, and there may be changes along the way.
But for now, it’s a clear sign that Governor Lombardo wants to make public safety a priority — and he’s not afraid to back it up with bold reforms.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
