Nevada Proposes Comprehensive Crime Bill Targeting Repeat Offenders, Fentanyl Traffickers

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has introduced a comprehensive crime bill aimed at increasing penalties for repeat offenders and addressing issues related to DUI and drug trafficking. Senate Bill 457 proposes lowering the threshold for fentanyl trafficking charges from 28 grams to 4 grams, while also increasing penalties for DUI offenses, including potential second-degree murder charges for DUI drivers who cause fatalities. The bill includes provisions to redefine habitual criminals, lowering the prior felony count from five to two necessary for harsher sentencing. Additionally, a separate bill, Senate Bill 309, seeks to expand DUI laws by including more substances like fentanyl and increasing penalties for offenses. Critics of the proposed legislation express concerns about the potential for over-incarceration and the financial burden on the state's budget, estimating costs could reach $42 million per budget cycle. As these proposals move forward, they highlight the state's ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and accountability within the criminal justice system.