Specialty courts funded for this budget cycle

Nevada Appeal Capitol Bureau

The Nevada Supreme Court’s Judicial Council has approved funding for 21 specialty courts this budget cycle.

Justice Michael Douglas, who chairs the specialty courts committee, said the courts are funded by a special General Fund appropriation of $3 million a year and the renewed ongoing funding of $1.4 million.

“This gives courts seed money to begin helping people and bolsters those programs already providing services,” said Douglas.

Specialty courts are designed as diversion programs to help those with drug, mental health and other issues.

The money will create four new DUI courts in Elko, Las Vegas, Winnemucca and a circuit court to serve individuals living in Fallon, Yerington and northern Mineral County. New drug, habitual offender and veterans’ courts will be established in Boulder City, Carson City, East Fork, Henderson, Laughlin, Las Vegas, Mesquite, North Las Vegas, Reno, Sparks and Winnemucca.

“The additional funding expands our specialty courts throughout Nevada and extends an opportunity for individuals with drug, alcohol or mental health issues to change their lifestyle,” he said.