New Nevada Laws 2024: Addressing Housing, Family Welfare, Corrections, and Healthcare Access

Legislative Reforms Enacted to Tackle Societal Challenges and Expand Support Systems Statewide

In a significant stride towards addressing societal challenges, Nevada welcomed the new year with a series of impactful laws, embodying the state’s commitment to housing accessibility, family welfare, corrections reform, and enhanced healthcare access. These laws, enacted during the 2023 Legislative Session, came into effect on January 1, 2024, offering a promising outlook for citizens across various sectors.

Assembly Bill 310 emerged as a beacon of hope for individuals experiencing homelessness or facing the looming threat of losing shelter. Spearheaded by Democratic Assemblywoman Daniele Monroe-Moreno, this legislation led to the creation of a supportive housing grant fund by the Nevada Housing Division. The fund, bolstered by a $30 million allocation over the biennium, aims to develop housing with wrap-around social services. This initiative strives to break down barriers to housing retention caused by rental history, criminal records, or income constraints, providing a stable living environment for those in need.

Complementing this effort, Assembly Bill 213, known as the Housing Modernization Act and championed by Democratic Assembly Majority Leader Sandra Jauregui, empowered local governments to approve increased housing density or multi-story developments. By maximizing available space and leveraging infill opportunities, this legislation seeks to augment the state’s affordable housing inventory, a critical step in addressing Nevada’s housing challenges.

Family welfare received a boost through Assembly Bill 386, granting state employees up to eight weeks of paid family leave. This leave extends support for individuals during childbirth, adoption, or when caring for a family member dealing with a severe illness. However, the compensation stands at 50% of the employee’s regular wage, and any accrued sick leave exceeding 40 hours must be utilized before accessing paid family leave benefits.

The corrections landscape underwent significant reforms with the implementation of Senate Bill 307. This legislation mandated restrictions on solitary confinement within the Nevada Department of Corrections, capping its duration at 15 consecutive days. Furthermore, it necessitates a comprehensive multidisciplinary review before determining an inmate’s placement. Assembly Bill 452 complemented these reforms by establishing an independent ombudsman to oversee the prison system, enhancing transparency and safeguards, including stricter visitation protocols.

Healthcare access expanded through a series of measures, including Senate Bill 232’s extension of Nevada Medicaid’s postpartum coverage from 60 days to one year following childbirth. Senate Bill 241 directed Nevada Medicaid to cover hospital expenses for outpatient services and facilitated administrative flexibility for Critical Access Hospitals. Senate Bill 280 mandated hospitals to stock intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) and ensured coverage for immediate post-birth IUD insertion, promoting contraceptive access and empowering women’s healthcare choices.

Augmenting these changes were Assembly Bill 289, authorizing the regulation of “natural organic reduction” by the Nevada Funeral and Cemetery Services Board, and Senate Bill 211, streamlining the process for individuals who have legally changed their names to update their marriage certificates accordingly.

The implementation of these laws underscores Nevada’s proactive approach in confronting societal challenges, fostering equitable opportunities, and ensuring enhanced welfare and access to essential services for its residents.