Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo hosted a signing ceremony for expansive crime bill passed during special session | Local Nevada

Gov. Joe Lombardo led a ceremonial signing of an expansive crime bill he advocated for during November’s special session during a Friday morning event attended by lawmakers and law enforcement officials and officers.

“Public safety is the foundation of strong communities,” Lombardo said at the event at the state’s government offices in Las Vegas. “Nevadans deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods and in their schools, at work and when they visit or travel to our state today.”

Assembly Bill 4 increased protections for stalking and domestic violence victims and strengthened punishment for crimes against children and seniors.

It also enhanced penalties for DUI and assaults on hospitality workers, and marked the return of a Las Vegas court program that can ban repeat offenders from the Strip, among other provisions.

The bill, also known as the Nevada Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act, went into effect on Jan. 1.

Lombardo said that the bill ultimately ensures that repeat and violent offenders face serious consequences for their actions.

“This law is guided by a simple principle,” he said. “We must put victims first and give law enforcement the tools they need to protect the people they serve.”

Nevada State Police Director George Togliatti noted increased punishment for fatal DUIs.

“Dangerous behavior behind the wheel has real consequences and Nevada remains committed to protecting everyone who travels on our roadways,” he said.

Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill highlighted protections for victims who are children, seniors and those afflicted by domestic violence and stalking.

“Today is about protecting people: victims, families, workers and kids, and making sure our neighborhoods and streets are safer across Las Vegas and Clark County,” he said. “This bill closes dangerous gaps that law enforcement sees and has to work through every single day.”

McMahill added: “This legislation also helps keep our schools safer, protects hospitality workers and visitors in our resort corridor,” he said. “And it gives law enforcement stronger tools to stop repeat offenders before they can continue to do harm.”

Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks echoed his fellow law enforcement officials.

“This act strengthens protections for victims, closes gaps that offenders have exploited, and gives our justice system the tools it needs to respond effectively and responsibly,” he said.

Contact Ricardo Torres-Cortez at rtorres@reviewjournal.com.