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AB 118

Revises provisions relating to domestic relations. (BDR 11-182)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Heidi Kasama

Restricts courts from ordering children into family reunification programs that could force separation or custody change; requires ongoing judge training and annual reporting.

(Pursuant to Joint Standing Rule No. 14.3.1, no further action allowed.)
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Bill Summary · AB 118

AB 118 (BDR 11‑182) — Summary: Revisions to domestic relations law

Sponsored by Assemblymember Kasama. Prefiled January 24, 2025. Chaptered as Chapter 7, Statutes of 2025. Effective date: July 1, 2025.

Purpose / intent

AB 118 (BDR 11‑182) limits when a court may order a child to enroll in “family reunification” treatments or programs and directs the Court Administrator to provide targeted training to judges and court‑affiliated personnel who handle child custody and domestic violence cases. The bill is intended to protect children from potentially harmful reunification practices and to improve judicial decision‑making through specialized training consistent with federal requirements.

Key provisions

  1. Definition

    • “Family reunification treatment, program or service” is defined broadly to include services intended to facilitate or encourage a relationship between a child and an estranged or rejected parent or other immediate family member (e.g., camps, workshops, therapeutic vacations, educational programs).

  2. Prohibition on court‑ordered child participation

    • A court shall not order a child to enroll in or participate in any family reunification program if, as a condition of enrollment or participation, it would result in any of the following:
      • issuance of an order prohibiting contact between the child and an immediate family member;
      • the child staying overnight somewhere other than home or leaving Nevada;
      • transfer of legal or physical custody of the child;
      • use or threatened use of force, physical obstruction, intimidation, coercion, or verbal abuse; or
      • isolation of the child from family or community.

  3. Training requirement (Court Administrator)

    • The Court Administrator must arrange for instruction (at the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges in Reno or elsewhere) in courses designed to:
      • help courts recognize and respond to child abuse, domestic violence, and trauma in culturally sensitive ways; and
      • assist courts in making custody decisions that prioritize child safety and well‑being.
    • Training must be available to judges and personnel who routinely interact with parties in custody or domestic violence proceedings (e.g., guardians ad litem, mediators, court employees).
    • Instruction must comply with applicable requirements of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022.

  4. Annual reporting

    • By January 1 each year, the Court Administrator must report to the Legislature (or the Joint Interim Standing Committee on the Judiciary if Legislature is not in session) describing:
      • titles of qualifying courses offered in the previous year; and
      • the number of attendees for each course.
    • The bill exempts this reporting requirement from the restriction in NRS 218D.380(1) (procedural limitation on adding reporting requirements).

Who is affected

  • Directly: district court judges and other judicial officers, Court Administrator, guardians ad litem, mediators, court staff, and providers of reunification programs.
  • Indirectly: children and families involved in child custody or domestic violence proceedings.
  • Fiscal impact: the bill states “Effect on Local Government: No. Effect on the State: Yes.” (per the fiscal note).

Timeline / procedural notes

  • Became law: approved by the Governor June 27, 2025; effective July 1, 2025.
  • Annual report due each January 1 thereafter.
  • Training to be arranged by the Court Administrator going forward, with courses allowed to be provided in Reno or elsewhere.

Practical effect

  • AB 118 narrows courts’ authority to compel children into reunification programs that impose custody changes, separation, coercion, or isolation, while institutionalizing judicial training and transparency intended to improve safety‑focused custody decisions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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