More than 30 bills have been signed into law by Gov. Jim Gibbons, including one to allow for specialized courts for military veterans charged with nonviolent crimes while struggling to readjust to civilian life.
Advocates of AB187, proposed by Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, say it would help veterans charged with crimes and who suffer from mental or substance abuse problems stemming from their military service.
Under the plan, such veterans could go through a treatment program and, if they complete the program, have their criminal files sealed. Buckley said the bill was the least that could be done for veterans who risk their lives to protect the nation.
Also signed were:
" AB253, which makes it a crime to take firearms from police while obstructing them in the course of their duties.
" AB105, which lets authorities get a DNA sample from anyone convicted of a felony without a court order. The bill's author, Assembly Minority Leader Heidi Gansert, R-Reno, said the 2007 murder of Reno teenager Brianna Denison showed the importance of DNA testing.
" AB322, which makes it easier to prosecute people under Nevada's anti-racketeering laws. The bill criminalizes racketeering schemes that steal small amounts of money from large numbers of people.
" AB93, which broadens the definition of assault to include "unlawfully attempting to use physical force against another person." The bill's proponents included Gayle Farley of Reno, whose daughter was murdered in October 1999. Farley said the bill would help to prevent what happened to her daughter from happening to others.
" AB163, which helps to promote plug-in hybrid cars by letting them use car pool highway lanes even if only one person is in the vehicle.
AB180, which gives the Ely-based Nevada Northern Railway's Engine No. 40 an "official locomotive" designation.
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