Nevada Assembly Bill AB328

Nevada 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/17/23
• Refer: 3/17/23
• Report Pass: 5/29/23
• Engrossed: 5/31/23
• Refer: 5/31/23
• Report Pass: 6/4/23
• Enrolled: 6/9/23
• Chaptered: 6/16/23
• Passed: 6/16/23

Caption

Makes an appropriation to the Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic at the William S. Boyd School of Law of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. (BDR S-1058)

Impact

The bill, if enacted, will have significant implications for state laws surrounding legal service provisions. By financially supporting the Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic, AB328 contributes to broader efforts to improve access to justice in Nevada. It recognizes the need for community-oriented legal services and underscores the importance of educational institutions in providing such services. The financial backing from the state will also help establish a model for similar initiatives across other educational institutions focused on legal training and community service.

Summary

Assembly Bill No. 328 (AB328) aims to allocate funding to the Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic at the William S. Boyd School of Law in Las Vegas. The bill stipulates an appropriation of $500,000 for each of the fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. The purpose of this funding is to support the provision of pro bono legal services, which are intended to enhance access to legal representation for communities that might otherwise be unable to afford these services. This initiative underscores the importance of providing legal assistance to vulnerable populations and aims to strengthen the legal framework supporting pro bono work in the state of Nevada.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding AB328 appears to be largely positive, with support from various stakeholders who recognize the importance of access to legal services for all communities. Legislators and advocacy groups advocating for legal rights, social equity, and education have expressed approval for the bill. It is seen as a critical step towards ensuring that disenfranchised individuals can receive necessary legal assistance without the burden of high costs, promoting social justice and equity in legal representation.

Contention

While the bill enjoys broad support, there may be potential points of contention regarding the allocation of state funds and the effectiveness of using these funds for legal services. Critics could argue that funding should prioritize other areas or question how efficiently the Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic can use these funds to maximize their impact. Furthermore, discussion around prioritizing pro bono services raises questions about the sustainability of funding models and whether they address the root causes of legal access issues.