Rep. Melissa Hardy

Maddy summaryAB 381 updates Nevada's animal cruelty laws to better address neglect and abuse. It revises definitions to include passive inaction (like failing to stop abuse when aware) as cruelty, and removes the exception that previously exempted agricultural land from cruelty investigations. The bill increases penalties for cruelty, raising police animal assault to a category B felony if the animal is disabled or killed, and changes procedures for impounded animals during arrests by requiring forfeiture to local governments instead of auction. These changes directly affect animal owners, law enforcement, courts, and shelters handling cruelty cases.

Maddy summarySB 263 expands Nevada's laws against child pornography to explicitly include computer-generated images and videos depicting minors in sexual situations. It makes creating, distributing, or possessing such computer-generated content a felony, with stricter penalties for repeat offenses (minimum 10-year prison term for second offenses). The bill also clarifies that possessing the same material cannot be charged under both this law and the existing possession statute, and requires anyone convicted under these provisions to register as a sex offender. The law, approved by the Governor on June 6, 2025, applies directly to individuals who produce, share, or keep such digital content.

Maddy summaryAB 418 requires Nevada counties and incorporated cities to adopt ordinances mandating that kennel owners, animal rescue organizations, and businesses handling animals (like breeders, pet groomers, or retailers) complete annual animal handling training. These businesses must renew the training every two years. Exceptions include equine-only businesses, veterinarians, and animal shelters. The law aims to standardize handling practices for animals in commercial settings, with local governments setting the specific training requirements.

Maddy summaryAB 216 requires peace officers investigating domestic violence to conduct a "lethality assessment" when they have probable cause to believe the suspect is a spouse, ex-spouse, dating partner, or co-parent. The assessment uses an 8-question form (e.g., about weapon use, threats, choking, gun access) to evaluate immediate danger. Officers must submit results to the Department of Public Safety and include them in written reports. Courts may consider these results when reviewing custody cases. The bill directly affects domestic violence victims, law enforcement officers, and judicial proceedings involving custody.

Maddy summaryAB 272 shifts responsibility for covering forensic medical exam costs from counties to Nevada's Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It requires hospitals to provide these exams for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, strangulation, or human trafficking without charging the victim directly, and establishes a process for facilities to seek reimbursement from HHS within 60 days. The bill repeals prior laws mandating county payment for such exams and expands coverage to include strangulation and human trafficking cases. Key provisions include documentation requirements for reimbursement applications and annual review of reimbursement amounts by HHS. The law ensures victims cannot be billed for these exams, regardless of whether a law enforcement report was filed.

Maddy summaryAB 159 establishes the Hope Card Program, providing domestic violence victims with an extended protection order a wallet-sized physical or digital card proving their legal protection. The card, issued by Nevada's Attorney General within 10 business days of an order's approval (at no cost), includes the victim's name, order details, and expiration date. It prohibits using fraudulent or expired cards to falsely claim protection, with violations classified as misdemeanors. The program directly affects individuals granted extended domestic violence protection orders under Nevada law.

Maddy summaryAB 274 requires Nevada's Secretary of State to waive the standard $200-$500 fee for state business licenses for three groups: (1) eligible veterans, (2) gold star family members (relatives of fallen veterans), or (3) businesses where at least 51% is owned by veterans or gold star family members. The waiver applies to licenses issued on or after July 1, 2025, and covers the initial license fee only (not local permits). This policy directly affects veterans, their families, and veteran-owned businesses seeking state-level licensing. The bill amends Nevada Revised Statute 76.100 to implement this fee exemption.

Maddy summaryAB 383 requires the State Board of Education to establish evidence-based regulations for tutoring vendors working with school districts and charter schools. The regulations must cover key elements like tutor-pupil interaction frequency, student selection criteria, tutoring methods (including pupil-tutor ratios), tutor qualifications, instructional materials, progress tracking, and data privacy compliance with laws like FERPA. This directly affects school districts, charter schools, and tutoring vendors seeking contracts to provide high-impact tutoring programs. The rules will ensure tutoring programs meet specific quality standards before contracting with schools, with implementation starting July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 435 requires manufacturers of vapor products containing nicotine to submit certifications to Nevada's Attorney General proving compliance with federal marketing rules. The Attorney General must create and maintain a public directory of approved products, making it unlawful to sell any vapor product not listed in this directory after its publication. Retailers, distributors, and wholesalers of these products will face annual unannounced inspections, and violations carry civil penalties. The bill directly affects nicotine product manufacturers, retailers, and distributors operating in Nevada.

Maddy summaryAB 193 requires Nevada law enforcement agencies to provide free, complete copies of all domestic violence incident reports to victims within one month of a written request, expanding an existing rule that already applies to sexual assault survivors. Agencies may still redact personal identifying information, as permitted under current law. This directly affects victims of domestic violence who have reported incidents to police, ensuring they can access all related police reports regardless of whether the case was closed. The bill modifies existing provisions (NRS 178A.280) to extend this access to domestic violence cases.