Nevada 2023 Regular Session

Nevada Senate Bill SB351

Introduced
3/22/23  
Refer
3/22/23  
Report Pass
4/3/23  
Engrossed
4/11/23  
Refer
4/11/23  
Report Pass
5/19/23  
Enrolled
5/26/23  
Chaptered
5/31/23  

Caption

Revises provisions relating to communications with offenders. (BDR 16-659)

Impact

A key component of SB351 is that it prohibits imposing stricter requirements on visitors who have felony convictions compared to those who do not, unless there are extenuating circumstances deemed necessary by a warden or manager. This provision seeks to address some of the barriers that formerly incarcerated individuals face when attempting to maintain relationships with incarcerated family members or friends, potentially easing the reintegration process into society after serving their sentences.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 351 is legislation aimed at reforming the regulations surrounding visits and correspondence from offenders in correctional facilities in Nevada. The bill explicitly requires the Director of the Department of Corrections to establish guidelines that govern these interactions, which must be approved by the Board of State Prison Commissioners. This change addresses the need for a more standardized approach to handling visits from friends and family members of offenders, with the intent of promoting rehabilitation and maintaining familial connections during incarceration.

Contention

Discussions around SB351 may have raised concerns regarding the appropriate balance between security and rehabilitation. Some lawmakers and advocates might question whether such regulations adequately protect the safety of correctional facilities while also supporting the goal of reducing recidivism. The requirement for wardens to provide written notifications of any denials to potential visitors brings transparency to the process, but could also lead to scrutiny over the decisions being made on visitor approvals. Critics may argue that this legislative change could lead to inconsistency in how regulations are implemented across different facilities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NV AB452

Revises provisions relating to offenders. (BDR 16-315)

NV AB292

Revises provisions governing offenders. (BDR 16-252)

NV AB35

Revises provisions governing the access of offenders to telecommunications devices. (BDR 16-261)

NV AB25

Revises provisions relating to offenders. (BDR 16-296)

NV AB321

Revises provisions relating to offenders. (BDR 16-1015)

NV SB93

Revises provisions relating to offenders. (BDR 16-27)

NV SB234

Revises provisions governing communications with offenders. (BDR S-810)

NV AB246

Revises provisions relating to offenders. (BDR 16-686)

NV SB323

Revises provisions relating to offenders. (BDR 16-709)

NV AB542

Revises provisions relating to offenders. (BDR S-1132)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.