ACLU of Nevada Calls for Public Input,Rejection of Governor‘s Crime Bill
LAS VEGAS – The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Nevada is urging state legislators to reject Governor Sisolak’s proposed crime bill and instead prioritize measures that safeguard due process and constitutional rights for all Nevadans. The ACLU also strongly condemns the Nevada Assembly’s decision to abruptly eliminate phone testimony during the Special Session, calling it a “non-transparent and unprofessional” move that silences public voices.
The ACLU points out that phone testimony has been routinely used and even encouraged by legislative leadership in recent sessions. The sudden cutoff, notably with expedited hearings scheduled for controversial bills like the Governor’s crime bill and a debated film tax credit, effectively disenfranchises many Nevadans – especially those in rural areas, individuals with disabilities, and working families – who cannot easily attend hearings in person.
Specifically, the ACLU is critical of the governor’s crime bill, which proposes a Resort Corridor Court and “Order Out Provisions.” The association argues this would allow large resort corporations to unfairly influence court outcomes and exacerbate the state’s already strained prison budget.
Moreover, the ACLU is challenging Legislative Democrats to demonstrate the commitment to due process and constitutional rights they campaigned on. They are urging lawmakers to consider amendments that would:
* Require law enforcement to investigate reports of individuals impersonating ICE agents as kidnappings.
* Prevent the expansion of detention centers without explicit legislative approval.
“Legislative leadership’s decision to block phone testimony is an outrageous barrier to public participation that erodes public confidence,” said Athar Haseebullah, executive Director of the ACLU of Nevada. ”Cutting off access for rural residents, disabled Nevadans, and working families, with only hours’ notice, is unacceptable. True inclusivity demands that all voices be heard, especially when controversial bills are being rushed through.”
Haseebullah continued, ”this needless special session feels more like a campaign tool than a response to a genuine emergency. If Democratic legislators once again prioritize the Governor’s bill over the needs of impacted communities – particularly immigrant communities facing harassment from ICE impersonators and the threat of expanded detention facilities – it will demonstrate a lack of courage and a betrayal of the values they claim to uphold.”
The ACLU believes its proposed amendments are directly relevant to the Governor’s bill and deserve full consideration by lawmakers. They are calling on legislators to prioritize the protection of Nevadans’ rights and ensure a transparent and accessible legislative process.
