The Nevada Governor's Mansion in Carson City
Gov. Steve Sisolak on Tuesday signed two bills aimed at reining in potential abuses by law enforcement.
The signing came on the first anniversary of the death of George Floyd.
AB50 and AB58 were both requested by Attorney General Aaron Ford, who said the issue in both measures is justice.
Among other things, AB50 makes it much tougher for police to get a no-knock warrant. They would be required to explain to a judge if there is imminent public danger, why the warrant can’t be served during the day, certify whether the alleged felon is violent and why a less intrusive process isn’t possible.
Officers would also have to reassess at the scene whether there is still a need for a no-knock warrant.
AB58 gives the office of the Attorney General the power to investigate whether any governmental authority has engaged in patterns and practices that deprive a person of their rights, privileges or immunities.
Ford said the U.S. Department of Justice has that authority but ceased doing any such investigations in 2017. He said AB58 gives the state that power whether the federal government is willing to do so.
“Justice must always be pursued consciously and continuously and, with these bills, we are taking one more step toward justice,” Ford said.
Sisolak said Nevadans deserve to feel safe in their own homes and communities.
“It’s critical that they trust that those charged with protecting them do so with integrity,” he said.
