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AB 321

Revises provisions relating to offenders. (BDR 16-1015)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Reuben D'Silva and 6 co-sponsors

Provides transitional housing, training, and a state firefighting job pathway for formerly incarcerated conservation-camp firefighters to aid reentry and workforce entry.

Approved by the Governor. Chapter 137.
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Bill Summary · AB 321

AB 321 — Revises provisions relating to offenders (BDR 16-1015) — Chapter 137 (2025)

Status: Approved by the Governor; chaptered as Chapter 137. Introduced: Jan 24, 2025.

Purpose / Intent

AB 321 creates pathways for incarcerated individuals who served in conservation‑camp firefighting programs to receive training, transitional housing, and consideration for state firefighting employment after release. The stated goals are workforce development for wildland firefighting, smoother reentry for eligible offenders, and reduced barriers to parole when lack of housing is the only impediment.

Key provisions

  • Transitional housing and training (NRS 209 — new Sec. 4.5)

    • Authorizes the Director of the Department of Corrections (NDOC), in coordination with the Division of Forestry (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources), to establish a transitional housing program that provides training in forestry management and conservation.
    • Eligibility: offenders who (1) are committed to NDOC custody and eligible for assignment to a minimum‑security institution/facility (per NRS 209.481) and (2) were previously denied parole solely because no transitional housing was available.

  • Hiring pathway for former conservation‑camp firefighters (Chapter 472 — new Sec. 5)

    • Requires the State Forester Firewarden to establish a hiring program that provides a pathway to firefighting positions with the Division of Forestry.
    • A former offender may be appointed to a classified firefighter position if they:
    • Were assigned to conservation camps (NRS 209.457) and performed firefighting work;
    • Successfully completed the relevant conservation‑camp firefighting training;
    • Have obtained any certifications required for Division employment; and
    • Meet any other qualifications set by the State Forester Firewarden.
    • The Firewarden may adopt regulations to implement the program.

  • Regulatory authority: permits the State Forester Firewarden and NDOC to adopt implementing regulations and enter into contracts as needed.

What changed from earlier drafts

Early versions of AB 321 included a broader “certificate of second chance” and more expansive record‑set‑aside/licensing provisions. Those sections were removed in committee amendments; the enacted bill focuses on transitional housing, training, and a hiring pathway for conservation‑camp firefighters.

Who is affected

  • Eligible offenders (NDOC custody; minimum‑security‑eligible; conservation‑camp experience; previously parole‑denied due to housing).
  • Nevada Department of Corrections and Division of Forestry (program administration, training, housing).
  • State Forester Firewarden (program design, hiring pathway, rulemaking).
  • Potential fiscal impact on state agencies and local governments for program operation.

Procedural / timeline highlights

  • Introduced Jan 24, 2025.
  • Committee amendments adopted Apr 21–22, 2025 (struck earlier “certificate” provisions; clarified transitional housing and hiring program).
  • Passed the Legislature and approved by the Governor; chaptered as Chapter 137 (2025).

Potential impacts (summary)

  • Workforce: may increase qualified applicant pool for wildland firefighter positions.
  • Reentry/recidivism: transitional housing plus training may facilitate parole and employment, potentially reducing recidivism.
  • Fiscal: program setup and ongoing costs (housing, training, oversight) may have state and local budget implications; bill notes potential fiscal impacts.

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

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