Nevada Legislature: GPS tracking of parolees approved by Senate

The Nevada Senate on Wednesday unanimously approved SB37 allowing the use of Global Positioning System devices to track parolees, probationers and other offenders under state supervision.

Testimony in committee indicated GPS technology was several technological leaps ahead of the current ankle bracelets. The current tracking devices can only tell when a parolee is within a certain distance of his or her home.

Lawmakers were told GPS devices would allow monitoring of whether a parolee or probationer was in an area where they are prohibited such as a crime scene, a bar, casino or, in cases involving certain sex offenders, near a school.

In addition, Senators approved SB136, which extends the diversion program allowing probation violators to get alcohol and drug abuse treatment or mental health help instead of being revoked and sent back to jail or prison.

SB136 was also passed 20-0 with Sen. Debbie Smith, D-Sparks, absent.